11 Quick Solutions to Fix Vudu Playback Errors on Any Device

Vudu playback errors are reported across all the platforms supported by the streaming service, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, various TVs, and others. The error message also appears in the web application accessed through a browser. Occasionally, an app, browser, or OS update triggers the issue.

The method for fixing a playback error on Vudu depends on the cause. It may be as simple as updating the app or drivers or clearing the device’s cache. For more complex cases, reinstalling the app/browser or resetting the device may be necessary.

Troubleshooting Prerequisites

• Check the Vudu Status.
• Relaunch the Vudu app or browser.
• Re-log into the Vudu app or website.
• Cold restart the device and router.
• Remove any external displays from the device.

1. Update Vudu, Drivers, and Related Services

Outdated versions of the Vudu app, browser, drivers, OS, and related services can cause compatibility issues and result in playback errors. Update these components to their latest versions to resolve such issues.

1. Open the respective store (e.g., Microsoft Store, Apple App Store, Google Play Store) and search for Vudu.

   

2. If an update is available, select Update. After updating, restart your device.
3. Open the Vudu app to check if the playback error has been resolved.

You can also try updating Android WebView (Android Only)

1. Access the Google Play Store and look up Android WebView.
2. Tap Update if a new version is available, then restart your phone.

   

3. Open the Vudu app to see if the problem has been fixed.

If you are on a Windows PC, try updating drivers.

1. Right-click on the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Monitors section and right-click on the current monitor.
3. Choose Update Driver and complete the process as guided.

   

4. Restart your computer and check if the Vudu playback issue has been resolved.
5. If not, download the latest drivers, including monitor and graphics drivers, from the manufacturer’s website, update your drivers, and restart your computer. Check if this resolves the issue.
6. If an OEM utility (e.g., HP Support Assistant) is installed on your system, use it to update the drivers.
7. Restart your computer and check if the playback error has been solved.

2. Clear the Cache of the Device

A corrupt device cache can hinder the Vudu app from correctly utilizing the stored temporary data for playback. Clearing the cache can solve this issue.

For PS5:

1. Hold the PS button on your controller and choose Turn Off PS5.
2. After all lights on the console have turned off, hold the console’s power button until you hear a second beep, which roughly takes 7 seconds.
3. Connect your controller to the PS5 and press the PS button.
4. Navigate to Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.
5. Select Clear System Software Cache and confirm with OK.

   

6. Once the console restarts, check if the playback error on Vudu has been fixed.

For Android devices, refer to the “How to clear Android cache?” guide.

3. Re-add the Devices to Your Vudu Account

Vudu accounts have an 8-device limit. Exceeding this limit can cause playback errors. Similarly, bugs that result in misidentification of device types within the Vudu system can also be problematic. Removing and re-adding the device to your Vudu account can resolve these issues.

1. Navigate to the Vudu website using a web browser.
2. Log in with your credentials and visit the My Devices section.
3. Deactivate any infrequently used devices and restart the device experiencing issues.

   

4. Run Vudu on the device and log in. Verify if the playback error has been addressed.

4. Change the Device Country or Region

Vudu may display a playback error if there’s a mismatch between the country settings on your device and the country on your Vudu profile. Changing the device country or region to match your Vudu profile can resolve this issue. The following example demonstrates the process on an LG TV; if you have a different TV, consult the manual for specific instructions.

Note: Do not change the region settings if they currently match your actual location, as this could violate Vudu’s terms of service and potentially result in your account being blocked.

1. Access the TV’s settings and go to General > Location > LG Services Country.
2. Adjust this to match your Vudu profile and save the changes.

   

3. After the TV restarts, launch Vudu and check whether the playback issue has been resolved.

5. Change the Network Settings of the Device

Suboptimal network settings could result in playback errors on Vudu. Adjusting the network settings to better align with Vudu’s requirements can solve these issues.

Incorrect DNS settings or problems with DNS servers could cause your device to fail to connect to Vudu’s service, leading to playback errors.

For Xbox:

1. Go to Xbox Settings and select System > Network Settings > [Network Type] > Configure Network > DNS Settings.
2. Choose Manual and set the DNS as follows:

   Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
   
   Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4

   

3. Save the changes and verify if Vudu’s playback issue has been resolved.

6. Try the 2.4 GHz Network Band

1. Log into your router’s settings and navigate to Wireless Settings.
2. Enable the 2.4 GHz band and disable the 5 GHz band, if applicable.

   

3. Apply the changes, restart the router, and connect the device to the 2.4 GHz network. Check if the issue is resolved.

7. Try the Other Network Type

1. Disconnect the device from its current network (e.g., Ethernet or mobile data) and connect to the other network type (e.g., Wi-Fi).

   

2. Reopen Vudu and see if the issue is resolved.

8. Try Another Network

1. Exit Vudu and disconnect the device from the current network.
2. Connect to a different network (e.g., phone’s hotspot) and reopen Vudu. Check if the playback error is fixed.

   

9. Enable Stereo in the Device Audio Settings

Incompatible audio settings may cause playback errors in Vudu. Enabling Stereo in your device audio settings can address these inconsistencies.

For Chromecast:

1. Open the Google Home app on a mobile device that uses the same Google account as the Chromecast.
2. Select your Chromecast device and access its Settings.

   

3. Proceed to Sound Settings and modify the Surround Sound option to Stereo Only.
4. Restart your device or TV, then run Vudu and check if the audio playback issue has been resolved.

10. Disable HDR in the Device Settings

Turning off HDR (High Dynamic Range) could help troubleshoot playback errors on Vudu, particularly where HDR content isn’t playing back correctly due to hardware limitations, software issues, or misinformation.

Disable HDR by following these general steps, noting that the specific process may vary depending on your device:

1. Press the Guide button, go to Profile & System > Settings > General > TV & Display Options > Video Mode.
2. Deselect Allow HDR10, then restart your device.

   

3. Launch Vudu and confirm if the playback error has been eliminated.

11. Change the Playback Settings of Vudu or the Device’s Resolution

If Vudu’s playback settings or your device’s resolution are not ideal for your setting, this could result in playback errors. Modify either Vudu’s playback settings or the device’s resolution to correct this.

Change the Playback Settings

1. Open the Vudu app and navigate to Settings > Playback Settings.
2. Adjust to UHD 1080 and check if this resolves the issue.
3. If not, change the playback quality to HDX to see if the problem is rectified.

   

4. Should this not work, set the quality to SD and verify the outcome.

Change the Device’s Resolution

For Firestick:

1. Exit the Vudu app and ensure it’s not running in the background.
2. Open Firestick Settings, go to Display & Sounds > Display > Video Resolution.
3. Choose 1080p 60Hz and apply the change.

   

4. Reopen the Vudu app and check if the error has been resolved.

12. Reinstall the Vudu App or Browser

A playback error may occur if the Vudu app’s core components are corrupted or when an update does not properly patch the existing installation. Reinstalling the app or browser can fix this issue.

For Android devices:

1. Access Settings and navigate to Application Manager > Vudu.
2. Force Stop the app, then visit Storage.
3. Clear the app’s cache and data to eliminate remnants from the previous installation.
4. Press the back button and select Uninstall.

   

5. Confirm the uninstallation, restart your phone, then reinstall and open Vudu. Check if the error has been eliminated.

Back up any important information before you proceed. To reinstall Chrome on a Windows PC:

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select Apps & Features.
2. Locate Chrome in the list and click on Uninstall.

   

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation, then restart your PC.
4. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, and navigate to the following location:

   \Program Files\Google

5. Delete the Chrome folder, then go to the following location:

   %localappdata%\Google

   

6. Delete the Chrome folder again and proceed to reinstall Chrome.
7. Open the Vudu website in Chrome and check if the playback error has been resolved.

13. Restore or Reset the Device to the Factory Defaults

A Vudu playback error might occur if the OS on your device has become corrupt or if a recent update wasn’t applied correctly. Restoring or resetting the device to factory defaults might help.

Be sure to back up any data on your device or ensure it is fully charged if it’s a portable device before attempting a reset. For Xbox:

1. Press the Xbox button to open the guide and navigate to Profile & System > Settings > System > Console Info > Reset Console.
2. Choose Reset and Keep My Games & Apps.

   

3. Confirm to initiate the reset, then reinstall Vudu after the process is complete.
4. Open Vudu to check if the issue is addressed.
5. If the problem persists, return to the Reset Console option and select Reset and Remove Everything.
6. Confirm the reset, then configure the console according to your preferences when the process is complete.
7. Reinstall Vudu, and the playback error should now be resolved.

14. Browser-Related Solutions Only

Here are some solutions if you encounter playback issues while using a browser:

Enable Desktop Mode on a Mobile Browser

On Chrome for mobile devices:

1. Open the Vudu website in Chrome.
2. Access the Chrome menu and activate Request Desktop Site.

   

3. Attempt to play the desired content on Vudu and see if the issue has been resolved.

Disable Hardware Acceleration

On Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and go to its settings.
2. Navigate to System.
3. Turn off Use Hardware Acceleration When Available and relaunch the browser.

   

4. Visit the Vudu website and check if the playback error persists.

Try Another Browser

1. Open another web browser (e.g., Firefox, Safari, Edge) and navigate to the Vudu website.
2. Log in with your Vudu credentials and check if the playback error has been rectified in the new browser.

Use the User Agent Switcher Extension

1. Install a User Agent Switch (or similar) extension in your preferred browser.
2. Activate the extension and select the user agent for Safari on Mac.

   

3. Delete Vudu’s cookies from the browser settings and return to the Vudu website.
4. Try playing the content again to check if changing the user agent resolved the error.

If you have tried all the above solutions and the playback error persists, consider reaching out to Vudu support for further assistance.