If you’re experiencing an MLB TV playback error, it’s likely that the stream isn’t loading or keeps stopping. You might see messages like “Playback failed” and “Network error.”
The game you are watching might also just freeze or buffer forever.
To resolve this issue, there are a few things you should check. They include your internet connection, the app version, and Wi-Fi signal strength.
You should also confirm whether a VPN is running and if your device has any temporary issues.
What to check when you have an MLB TV playback error
Here are the most common reasons your MLB TV stream stops working or shows a playback error, and how to check/fix them:
1. Weak or unstable internet connection
If your internet is too slow or keeps cutting out, MLB TV won’t be able to play the video you are streaming properly. It will buffer, freeze, drop in quality, or show an MLB TV playback error.
Even if your connection works for websites or other tasks, keep in mind that it might still not be strong enough for live video.
Your router could also be the culprit, as it may stop working properly after prolonged use. This affects all devices on your network and leads to slow or dropped video streams.
Solutions:
- Move closer to your Wi-Fi router if you’re using a wireless internet connection. Or move your router closer to your streaming gadget.
- Keep the router away from other electronic devices, such as microwaves, baby monitors, or speakers.
- Try to use a wired connection if you’re on a computer, streaming box, or a TV that has an Ethernet port.
- If your router and gadget support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz options, try the 5GHz one, since it’s faster but works best nearby.
- Run a speed test from fast.com or speedtest.net. You need at least 5 Mbps for smooth HD streaming. MLB TV recommends speeds of up to 25 Mbps for the highest HD quality live streams.
- Ask others in your home to pause video streaming or large downloads while you watch.
- If you’re using mobile data, check that your signal is strong. Ensure you are connected to a 4G or 5G network and have sufficient data bundles remaining on your plan.
- Restart your router by unplugging it from the power, then wait for about 30 seconds before connecting it again.
- As a last resort, reset your router to fix the MLB TV playback error.
Note: Do not reset your router before contacting your internet service provider. Some routers, especially fibre-optic ones, should not be reset without consulting your provider, as this could disrupt the admin settings.
Device glitches or temporary errors
Your phone, TV, or streaming device can develop minor issues after prolonged use. These glitches prevent apps from functioning properly and cause an MLB TV playback error. You might notice the screen freezing, no sound, or the app crashing.
Solutions:
- Close the MLB app completely and reopen it.
- Restart your device. Turn it off completely and unplug it from the power source. Wait for about 15 seconds, then turn it back on.
- Close other applications running in the background. If you have an optimization app or feature that clears background processes, use it to stop all non-essential services.
2. The app is out of date
An older version of the MLB TV app will not function properly on any newer operating system. It may crash, freeze, or display errors when you attempt to stream, as it is no longer supported.
Updates from the developer often include fixes for issues such as the MLB TV playback error.
Solutions:
- Go to the app store on your device. Depending on the device, this could be Google Play, Apple App Store, or your TV’s store.
- Search for MLB and check if there’s an update.
- If an update is available, download and install it.
- After updating, reopen the app and try streaming again.
3. VPN or proxy is on
Some VPNs or proxies are blocked from accessing MLB TV servers. These tools change your device’s location, and MLB TV has blackout rules for certain regions.
If they change your location to an unsupported region, playback will fail or display an MLB TV playback error.
Solutions:
- Check if you are using a VPN or proxy app from your internet settings or notifications.
- Turn off the app if you’re using one.
- If you’ve changed your device’s DNS or network settings, switch them back to automatic. You could also use Cloudflare DNS 1.0.0.1 or Google DNS 8.8.8.8.
- Once done with the settings, try streaming again without the VPN. If it works, then the VPN was the issue.
4. Too many devices are using the same account
MLB TV has a limit on how many devices can stream from one account at the same time. At any given time, only a maximum of five devices can access content from one account.
If you try to access with a sixth device, you’ll experience an MLB TV playback error.
Solutions:
- If your account is in use on many devices, log out of the app on the ones you’re not using.
- Try watching from only one device at a time.
- Do not share your password and username with anyone outside your family, as it is against MLB’s terms and conditions.
5. Corrupt cache or app data
Apps save small files on your device to help them run faster. However, sometimes those files become corrupted and cause issues. This can cause MLB TV to crash, freeze, or fail to load.
Solutions:
- On a phone or tablet:
- Go to Settings > Apps > MLB or MLB TV > Storage.
- Tap Clear Cache.
- If that doesn’t help, also tap Clear Data.
- On a computer browser:
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data.
- On a streaming device or smart TV, uninstall the MLB app, then reinstall it from your app store.
Note: After doing any of these changes, you will need to reopen the app and log in. Ensure you know your username and password before attempting to log in.
6. MLB TV servers might be down
Once in a while, the problem isn’t on your end. The provider’s servers may be too busy or temporarily offline. This typically occurs during major games or system updates, resulting in an MLB TV playback error.
Solutions:
- Visit MLB’s official X (Twitter) page or search “MLB TV down” online to see if others are reporting the same issue.
- If there’s a known outage, you’ll have to wait for MLB to fix it.
- Try streaming another game or channel to see if it’s only one stream affected by the MLB TV playback error.