Have you been struggling to stream Starz on your Samsung Smart TV? You’re not alone. Many users face streaming problems like app crashing, buffering, sign-in failures and more.
But don’t despair! In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, we’ll cover the most common Starz streaming problems on Samsung Smart TVs and how to fix them.
Overview of Starz and Samsung Smart TVs
First, let’s do a quick overview of Starz and Samsung Smart TVs:
Starz is a premium streaming service with popular original shows like Outlander, Power and American Gods. It has thousands of hit movies too.

Samsung Smart TVs are internet-connected TVs running Tizen OS. Popular models include The Frame, The Serif, Neo QLED 8K and 4K models.

Smart TVs face more streaming issues than streaming boxes since the hardware and software is less optimized for video streaming.
But with some targeted troubleshooting, you can get Starz working perfectly fine on your Samsung TV.
Troubleshooting Guide
Below we cover fixes for the most common Starz streaming problems on Samsung Smart TVs:
1. Starz App Crashing or Freezing
This is the most frustrating problem where the Starz app crashes while browsing or just freezes with the spinning wheel.
Quick Fixes:
- Restart your TV from the power button or settings menu. This clears any glitches.
- Check for app updates in the Samsung Content Store and update Starz to the latest version.
- Delete and reinstall the Starz app. This fixes corrupt app installs.

Advanced Fixes:
- Reset your TV to factory settings if crashes persist. Backup your apps first.
- Try a different HDMI port on TV. Some ports may be defective.
- Disable power saving mode which can disrupt streaming apps.

2. Constant Starz Buffering
Frequent buffering interrupts where shows get stuck loading content and you see the spinning wheel.
Quick Fixes:
- Check internet speeds on TV. Starz needs at least 3-5 Mbps speeds for HD streaming.
- Restart your Wi-Fi router if speeds are consistently low on all devices.
- Consider switching from Wi-Fi to Ethernet for faster, uninterrupted connectivity.

Advanced Fixes:
- Disable energy saving mode on TV which throttles streaming speeds.
- Get mesh Wi-Fi system if router doesn’t cover TV’s location well.

3. Starz Video Quality Issues
You may notice blurry, pixelated video quality or incorrect aspect ratio.
Quick Fixes:
- Pause and unpause to trigger refresh of video quality.
- Restart the Starz app and playback device.
Advanced Fixes:
- Check encoding settings on Starz and adjust to maximum available.
- Consider upgrading internet plan if video quality is always poor.
4. Sign-in Failures
You get error messages while signing in to Starz on your Samsung Smart TV.
Quick Fixes:
- Re-enter password carefully. Typos cause sign-in issues.
- Reset password if you forget it. Sign out completely before signing back in.
- Allow cookies on browser if you use TV browser version.
Advanced Fixes:
- Try sign-in through external device like Fire TV Stick.
- Delete and reinstall Starz app to renew auth tokens.

5. Starz Not Available in Your Region on Samsung Smart TV
Geo-blocking restrictions can prevent streaming Starz in your region.
Quick Fixes:
- Connect a supported VPN like ExpressVPN to virtually switch regions.
- Access Starz through a web browser with geo-spoofing extension enabled.

Advanced Fixes:
- Certain DNS services also help bypass regional blocks.
6. Other Starz Streaming Problems
For other playback issues on your Samsung Smart TV try:
- Updating TV and Starz app to latest software version in settings
- Testing different shows/movies to isolate issues
- Playing content on different device to confirm its not an account issue
- Resetting TV to factory settings to eliminate software glitches

And those are the most common Starz streaming problems and fixes for Samsung Smart TVs!
Other STARZ Guides
If you found this troubleshooting guide helpful, check out some of our other STARZ articles:
- STARZ on Sling TV – All You Need to Know
- How to Watch STARZ on Apple TV
- STARZ on DISH – Packages, Pricing & More
- STARZ on DIRECTV – Your Complete Guide
- Troubleshoot STARZ Not Working on Apple TV
- STARZ vs. STARZ Encore – What’s the Difference?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the Starz app crash on my Samsung Smart TV?
A: App crashing is often caused by corrupted app data or software conflicts. Try restarting your TV, updating the app, or deleting and reinstalling the Starz app to fix crashing issues. See our guide on activating STARZ for more info.
Q: How can I improve constant buffering on Starz?
A: Buffering is usually a network connectivity issue. Check your internet speeds, restart your router, connect via Ethernet, or upgrade your Wi-Fi system to improve buffering.
Q: Why is the Starz video quality so poor on my TV?
A: Low video quality can happen due to internet speeds not meeting minimum requirements. Pause/unpause playback, restart the app, upgrade your internet plan or adjust encoding settings.
Q: Why does Starz not work in my country on a Samsung TV?
A: Geo-blocking restrictions may prevent streaming Starz in your region. Use a VPN or DNS service to virtually access Starz content from blocked locations.
Q: What should I do if other Starz playback problems occur?
A: For other issues, try updating your TV software and the Starz app, testing different titles, playing content on alternate devices, or factory resetting as a last resort.
Q: How can I cancel my STARZ subscription?
A: The cancellation process depends on how you signed up for STARZ. If you subscribed directly, you can cancel on the STARZ website or contact their support. See our guide to cancelling STARZ for step-by-step instructions.
Feel free to check out our other articles comparing STARZ vs. Showtime, STARZ vs. Cinemax, and more.
This troubleshooting guide should help resolve a majority of the issues. But if problems still persist, contacting Samsung support is the next best step for further troubleshooting assistance tailored to your specific model.
Hope you found this guide helpful. Feel free to ask any other questions in the comments!