However, both of these services are accessible to their subscribers via the ESPN website or the ESPN app. ESPN+ is offered either as a standalone subscription or as part of a bundle with Disney+, Hulu, Xfinity, and others. The primary issue arises when a user cannot access ESPN+ content through the ESPN website or app on various platforms, such as mobiles, TVs, desktops, and laptops. This problem is not confined to any specific internet service provider (ISP). The main reasons why ESPN Plus might not work include:
1. Force Close the ESPN App and Relaunch It
An ESPN app with a temporary glitch may not display ESPN+ content correctly. Force closing and relaunching the app can resolve this issue. If this does not resolve the issue and you have a third-party subscription (e.g., through Hulu), verify that using ESPN+ through that service is functioning correctly. If not, check whether using the same credentials for ESPN+ with a third-party service resolves the problem.
2. Perform a Cold Restart of the Device and Networking Equipment
Temporary communication issues between the device (such as a TV) and ESPN+ servers can cause the ESPN+ working problem. Performing a cold restart of the device and networking equipment can potentially resolve this issue. If the issue persists, ensure that your device model is supported by the ESPN app.
3. Update the ESPN App to the Latest Build
A missing update for the ESPN app can cause compatibility issues with its servers. Consequently, essential app components might not function as expected, leading to ESPN+ not working. Updating the ESPN app to the latest build can resolve this issue.
4. Re-Login to the ESPN Website or App
A temporary disconnect between the ESPN app (or the loaded website on a user’s machine) and its servers might prevent ESPN Plus from functioning correctly, as it prevents the full execution of essential code. Re-logging into the ESPN website or app might fix the issue.
5. Clear the Cache and Data of the ESPN App
Corrupted cache and data of the ESPN app can lead to ESPN+ not working as the app might be accessing invalid data. Clearing the cache and data can resolve this issue.
6. Clear ESPN Cookies in the Browser Settings
Browser cookies are vital for server-client communication. Corrupted ESPN cookies can lead to ESPN+ not working, as they interfere with the communication needed to query the ESPN servers. Clearing the ESPN cookies in the web browser’s settings might resolve the problem.
7. Allow Pop-Ups from the ESPN Website
If the ESPN website cannot display pop-ups on the user’s browser, it may prevent access to ESPN+ content, as these pop-ups are crucial for the functionality of the ESPN website. Allowing pop-ups from the ESPN website may solve the issue.
8. Reinstall the ESPN App
If the ESPN app installation is corrupt, its modules may not perform as expected, causing ESPN+ to malfunction. Reinstalling the ESPN app could potentially fix this issue. If that does not work, try removing and re-adding the ESPN tile/channel from the home screen of a device like Roku (you may need to cancel the ESPN+subscription and subscribe again).
9. Reset Browser Settings to the Factory Defaults
Misconfigured browser settings (e.g., in Chrome) that interfere with the ESPN website’s functionality can cause issues. Resetting the browser settings to factory defaults might solve this problem.
10. Try Another Browser
Compatibility issues between a specific browser (such as Chrome) and the ESPN website can prevent ESPN+ from working due to failed loading of website modules. Using a different browser might resolve this issue. If ESPN+ is still not working, check its functionality on another device on the same network.
11. Try Another Network or Use a VPN
ISP issues could impede the proper flow of web traffic between the ESPN website (or app) and ESPN servers, causing functionality problems. If none of the aforementioned methods work, you may consider contacting ESPN support to troubleshoot your account or to clarify any related issues. Meanwhile, you might want to cast the screen from a working device (such as a phone) to your non-functioning device (such as a TV) by following the instructions found at this link.
