Getting stuck on the loading screen is a common frustration that Amazon Prime Video users face. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide will help you quickly resolve loading issues so you can get back to streaming your favorite shows.
Why Does Amazon Prime Video Get Stuck on the Loading Screen?
There are a few core reasons why you may face endless loading screens on Amazon Prime Video:
- Poor Internet Connectivity – Slow/unstable connections prevent videos from buffering properly.
- Amazon Server Outages – Regional disruptions to Amazon’s services cause widespread issues.
- Software Bugs – Glitches in the app or TV firmware lead to malfunctions.
- Cache Build-up – Outdated app data gets corrupted and causes conflicts.
- Device Compatibility Errors – TVs with older software or low storage can face problems.
By identifying the specific reason behind the stuck loading screen on your TV and following suitable troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the problem quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Amazon Prime Video Loading Issues
Follow these 11 steps to troubleshoot and fix endless loading screens on Amazon Prime Video:
1. Check Your Internet Speed
Using a Speed Test site or app, test your internet connectivity. Prime Video recommends a minimum of:
- 3 Mbps for SD quality
- 5 Mbps for HD quality
- 15 Mbps for 4K/UHD quality
If your speed is lower, contact your ISP to improve bandwidth. Disconnect other devices using your Wi-Fi to allocate more speed for streaming.
2. Reset Your Wi-Fi Router and Modem
Rebooting these devices re-establishes internet connectivity. Unplug both power cords for 60 seconds before plugging back in.
3. Update Your TV and App Software
Outdated firmware causes compatibility issues.
On Smart TVs:
Go to Settings > System Update
For Mobile Apps:
Go to App Store/Play Store > Updates
Install any available updates.
4. Move Your TV Closer to the Wi-Fi Router
Proximity improves signal strength for better connectivity. Use an ethernet cable if possible for the most reliable connection.
5. Disable Any VPN/Proxy Servers
VPN/Proxy services can interfere with geo-restricted content creating conflicts. Temporarily disable them.
6. Delete and Re-install Amazon Prime Video App
Corrupted app data gets cleared with a fresh install. This resolves software bugs causing loading issues.
7. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies
If watching via browsers, clear stored browser data which may be outdated or broken.
8. Try a Different Web Browser
Switch to Chrome, Firefox or Edge. Some browsers have better compatibility than others.
9. Restart Your TV
A device reboot clears any temporary glitches quickly. Press Power button for 8-10 seconds till options appear.
Loading issues can occur on smart TVs from various brands. If you are facing problems getting Amazon Prime Video to work on your LG TV or Apple TV, additional troubleshooting steps may be needed.
10. Check if Amazon Prime Video is Having an Outage
Issues are typically reported on their Service Health dashboard. You can also check third-party sites like Downdetector. Wait for service to resume.
11. Contact Amazon Prime Video Customer Support
Explain your troubleshooting steps done. Support can run advanced diagnostics and resolve tricky hardware or network-level problems.
Besides loading screens, users also frequently report problems like black screens or difficulties with subtitles. If you face issues like Amazon Prime subtitles not turning off there are fixes for those as well.
Key Takeaways on Fixing Amazon Prime Video Loading Errors
- Slow internet speeds are the most common cause of endless loading screens. Run a speed test and upgrade connectivity if needed.
- Outages due to Amazon Web Services (AWS) disruptions can also lead to loading issues that get fixed when services resume.
- Resetting modems/routers, updating firmware, re-installing the app and switching browsers are quick ways to fix software problems.
- Clearing temporary cached files and cookies also helps resolve loading conflicts.
- For hardware-related troubleshooting, Amazon’s customer support can provide specialized assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why does my Amazon Prime Video get stuck buffering on my smart TV?
This is most often caused by slow/unstable internet connectivity preventing continuous video streaming. Check your network speeds using online speed test tools.
Q. Should I delete and reinstall the Amazon Prime Video app on my Samsung Smart TV?
Yes, reinstalling will clear any corrupted cached app data that could be preventing videos from loading. This fixes software bugs and glitches.
Q. Does using a VPN cause issues with watching Amazon Prime Video?
Yes, VPNs often conflict with region-based content licensing and geo-restrictions on streaming platforms. Temporarily disabling them is recommended.
Q. I see the loading symbol but videos never start playing on my Amazon FireStick. How to fix this?
If internet connectivity tests show adequate speeds, then restarting your FireStick clears temporary glitches. Also update the app and FireStick software to latest versions available.
Q. Who do I contact for assistance if Prime Video keeps buffering on my LG Smart TV?
You can contact Amazon Prime Video customer support by phone, chat or email. Their technical team can troubleshoot tricky device-specific loading failures.
The Bottom Line
Loading issues on Amazon Prime Video can be frustrating but are mostly fixable. Start troubleshooting by checking your internet speeds and router connectivity first. Reset modems, update firmware and reinstall apps to clear software bugs. For advanced fixes, get help from Amazon customer support.
With these troubleshooting steps, you’ll be streaming your favorite movies and shows seamlessly again in no time!
