Fixing “Playback Could Not Be Started/Authorization Failed” Error on ESPN Apple TV

News: Are you an avid sports enthusiast who relishes watching live games and highlights on ESPN via your Apple TV? Regrettably, you might have come across a vexing error message stating, “playback could not be started/authorization failed.” This issue may arise due to various factors, including network connectivity problems or outdated software. In this guide, we will walk you through troubleshooting steps to assist you in resolving this problem and returning to the enjoyment of your preferred sports content.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

A reliable internet connection is crucial for seamless content streaming. Initially, confirm that your Apple TV is connected to the internet with a strong signal. You may consider restarting your router or enhancing connectivity by directly connecting your Apple TV to the internet using an Ethernet cable for increased reliability. Follow these steps to check your internet connection:

• 1. Power off your router or modem, wait for a few seconds, and then power it back on.

  2. If the issue persists, consider resetting your network settings on your Apple TV. Navigate to the network settings menu and find an option to reset or restart network settings.

  3. If you are currently using Wi-Fi, experiment with switching to a wired connection to eliminate potential wireless issues.

  4. Restart your router or modem to refresh the connection.

  2. Check ESPN and Apple TV Server Status

It’s essential to ascertain whether the issue lies on your end or if it’s a broader problem affecting ESPN or Apple TV services. Visit Downdetector’s ESPN status page or Apple’s System Status page to check for any reported issues. If a known problem is identified, it’s advisable to wait until the service providers address it before continuing with additional troubleshooting.

3. Restart Your Apple TV and ESPN App

An uncomplicated yet efficient remedy involves restarting both your Apple TV device and the ESPN app. This can effectively address temporary glitches that might be triggering the error. Follow these steps to restart your Apple TV and ESPN app:

1. Access the Settings app on your Apple TV, proceed to System, and choose Restart to initiate the device restart.

2. To restart the ESPN app, double-click the Home button on your Apple TV remote to bring up the app switcher. Swipe to locate the ESPN app and swipe up to close it. Subsequently, reopen the app from the Home screen.

4. Check for Updates

Maintaining the latest versions of both your ESPN app and Apple TV software is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and security. To update the ESPN app, access the App Store on your Apple TV, and check for any available updates specifically for the app. Additionally, for your Apple TV software, navigate to the Settings menu, select System, and then Software Updates to download and install any new updates. Keeping both the app and your device’s software up to date can frequently resolve unexpected errors and enhance your overall streaming experience.

5. Uninstall and Reinstall the App

If the previous steps proved ineffective, consider uninstalling the ESPN app from your Apple TV and then reinstalling it. This can occasionally resolve issues stemming from corrupted app data. Follow the steps below for uninstalling and reinstalling the app on your Apple TV:

1. Navigate to the Apple TV home screen.
2. Locate the ESPN app and press and hold the touch surface until the app icons start jiggling.
3. Select the ESPN app, then press the Play/Pause button and choose “Delete” or “Move to More Apps” to remove it.
4. Reinstall the app by going to the App Store, searching for ESPN, and selecting “Install” or “Download.”

This process may vary slightly depending on your Apple TV model and software version. Adjust the steps accordingly to uninstall and reinstall the ESPN app successfully.

For Android:

• Navigate to your device’s Settings and choose either “Apps” or “Application Manager.”
  Scroll through the list to locate the ESPN app.
  Tap on ESPN, then select “Uninstall.”
  Open the Google Play Store app.
  Search for the ESPN app.
  Choose “Install” to reinstall the app on your device.
• For iOS:

• Hold down the ESPN app icon on your home screen until it begins to jiggle.
  Tap the “X” on the app icon to uninstall it.
  Open the App Store.
  Search for the ESPN app.
  Tap the download icon to reinstall the app on your device.
• For Smart TV:
• Go to the Apps section on your Smart TV.
  Highlight the ESPN app.
  Depending on your TV model, choose the option to Delete or Uninstall the app. This can typically be done by pressing a button on the remote or selecting the option on the screen.
  Return to your Smart TV’s App Store or Google Play Store.
  Search for the ESPN app.
  Select Install to reinstall the app on your Smart TV.

6. Contact ESPN/ Apple TV Support

If the previously mentioned steps fail to resolve the issue, a more intricate problem might be at play. In such cases, it’s advisable to reach out to ESPN Support or Apple TV’s customer service for further assistance. They can offer more detailed troubleshooting steps or aid with any account-specific issues you may be encountering.

In summary, facing the “playback could not be started/authorization failed” error while attempting to watch ESPN on your Apple TV can be exasperating. Nevertheless, by diligently following the troubleshooting steps provided in this article, you can successfully address the issue and resume enjoying your sports content without interruptions. Be sure to assess your internet connection, confirm server status, restart devices, update the app and software, and contemplate reinstalling the app if needed. If these measures prove ineffective, do not hesitate to seek assistance from the appropriate support channels for further resolution.

FAQs

Q: What steps should I take if none of the troubleshooting measures prove effective?

A: If none of the troubleshooting steps successfully resolve the “playback could not be started/authorization failed” error on ESPN Apple TV, it is advisable to contact ESPN Support or Apple TV’s customer service for further assistance. They can offer more detailed troubleshooting guidance or aid with any account-specific issues you may be experiencing.

Q: What causes the “playback could not be started/authorization failed” error on ESPN Apple TV?

A: The occurrence of the “playback could not be started/authorization failed” error on ESPN Apple TV can stem from various issues, including network connectivity problems or outdated software. It is crucial to examine your internet connection, restart your devices, and ensure both the ESPN app and Apple TV software are up to date.

Q: How can I verify if there are any reported issues with ESPN or Apple TV services?

A: To check for any reported issues with ESPN or Apple TV services, visit Downdetector’s ESPN status page or Apple’s System Status page. This will help determine whether the problem is localized to your setup or if it’s a more widespread issue.