🎬 Video Won't Play or Buffers
Playback issues, buffering, stuttering, or “No streams available”
Stremio Troubleshooting Guide - Fix Common Problems (2025)
Start Here
Having problems with Stremio? This page will help you:
- Identify what kind of problem you have
- Find the right troubleshooting guide
- Fix the issue quickly
Tip
Pro tip: Use the Troubleshooting Decision Tree for a guided step-by-step flow.
How to Use This Troubleshooting Section
Quick Navigation for Different Users
🚨 Emergency Fix (2-5 minutes)
For: “Stremio won’t work at all right now”
Do this: Try the 4 “General Troubleshooting Steps” below first
Then: Use the Problem Identifier cards to find your specific issue
🔍 Specific Problem (5-15 minutes)
For: “I know exactly what’s wrong”
Do this: Click the matching card in “Quick Problem Identifier” below
Skip: General steps if you’ve already tried them
🔄 Methodical Approach (15-30 minutes)
For: “I want to try everything systematically”
Do this: Follow the Troubleshooting Decision Tree
Includes: All general fixes plus specific solutions
📞 Need More Help?
- Check the FAQ for common questions
- Search this site using the search bar above
- Each troubleshooting guide includes “When to Get Help” sections
Note
Time estimates are for reading and following the steps. Actual fixing time depends on your specific issue.
Quick Problem Identifier
Click the category that best describes your issue:
💬 Subtitles Not Working
Subtitles missing, out of sync, or wrong language
🔊 Audio Problems
No audio, audio out of sync with video, or wrong language
💥 App Crashes or Freezes
Stremio won’t open, crashes on startup, or freezes during use
🔑 Can't Log In or Sync
Login failures, sync not working, or account issues
📺 Android TV Performance
Slow interface, lag, or crashes on Android TV/Fire TV
🌐 Network Problems
Connection errors, “Network timeout,” or general connectivity issues
❓ Something Else
None of the above? Try the decision tree or FAQ
General Troubleshooting Steps
Before diving into specific guides, try these universal fixes:
1. Restart Stremio
- Close Stremio completely (don’t just minimize)
- Wait 10 seconds
- Reopen Stremio
Fixes: Many transient issues, memory leaks, temporary glitches.
2. Check Your Internet
- Test speed: Go to fast.com or speedtest.net
- Required: 5 Mbps for SD, 25 Mbps for HD, 50+ Mbps for 4K
- Restart your router if speed is slow
Fixes: Buffering, “No connection” errors, slow loading.
3. Clear Cache
- Go to Settings → Advanced
- Click “Clear Cache”
- Restart Stremio
Fixes: Playback errors, corrupted data, interface glitches.
4. Update Stremio
- Check if an update is available (Stremio notifies you)
- Download the latest version from stremio.com
- Install over your existing version
Fixes: Bugs fixed in newer versions, compatibility issues.
5. Check Firewall/Antivirus
- Ensure Stremio is allowed through your firewall
- Temporarily disable antivirus and test (if safe to do so)
- Add Stremio to exceptions if it was being blocked
Fixes: “Connection refused,” streaming failures.
Problem Categories Explained
Playback Issues
Symptoms:
- Video won’t start
- “No streams available”
- Infinite buffering
- Stuttering or freezing during playback
Common causes:
- Slow or unstable internet
- Add-on issues (broken or offline)
- Firewall blocking Stremio
- Insufficient bandwidth
Guide: Playback & Buffering
Subtitle Issues
Symptoms:
- Subtitles don’t appear
- Wrong language
- Out of sync with audio
- Subtitle add-on not working
Common causes:
- No subtitle add-on installed
- Subtitles not available for that title
- Language mismatch
- Timing issues
Guide: Subtitles Not Working
Audio/Video Sync Issues
Symptoms:
- Audio plays before or after video
- Audio track missing
- Wrong language audio
Common causes:
- Stream quality issues
- Device performance problems
- Player settings
Guide: Audio/Video Sync
App Stability Issues
Symptoms:
- Stremio won’t launch
- Crashes on startup
- Freezes during use
- “Not responding” errors
Common causes:
- Corrupted installation
- Insufficient device resources
- Conflicting software
- OS compatibility issues
Guide: App Crashes & Freezes
Login/Sync Issues
Symptoms:
- Can’t log in
- “Invalid credentials” error
- Library not syncing across devices
- Account settings not saving
Common causes:
- Wrong email/password
- Network issues
- Server problems (Stremio’s side)
- Cache corruption
Guide: Login & Sync Issues
Android TV Performance
Symptoms:
- Slow, laggy interface
- App crashes frequently on TV
- Remote control unresponsive
- Video stutters on TV but works on phone
Common causes:
- Underpowered TV device
- Too many apps running
- Insufficient storage
- Outdated TV OS
Guide: Android TV Performance
Network Problems
Symptoms:
- “Network timeout” errors
- “Connection refused”
- Can’t connect to add-ons
- Intermittent connectivity
Common causes:
- Router issues
- ISP problems
- DNS issues
- Firewall/proxy blocking
Guide: Network Checklist
When to Reinstall
Reinstalling should be a last resort, but it’s necessary if:
- Stremio won’t launch at all after trying everything
- Corruption is suspected (frequent crashes, data loss)
- You’ve exhausted all other troubleshooting steps
How to Reinstall Cleanly
- Uninstall Stremio (see your device-specific install guide)
- Delete user data folder:
- Windows:
%APPDATA%\Stremio - macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/Stremio - Linux:
~/.config/Stremio - Android: Clear app data in Settings → Apps → Stremio
- Windows:
- Restart your device
- Download fresh installer from stremio.com
- Install and set up from scratch
Warning
Warning: Deleting user data erases local settings and cache. Your library is safe if you have a Stremio account (cloud-synced).
Getting Help
If you can’t solve your problem:
1. Use the Decision Tree
The Troubleshooting Decision Tree guides you through a step-by-step diagnostic flow.
2. Check the FAQ
The FAQ has quick answers to 40+ common questions.
3. Search This Site
Use the search bar at the top to find relevant guides and tips.
4. Ask the Community
See Reporting Issues & Scams for how to get help from the official Stremio community.
Prevention Tips
Avoid future issues with these best practices:
✅ DO:
- Keep Stremio updated (install updates when notified)
- Use a stable internet connection (wired Ethernet is best)
- Audit add-ons regularly (remove broken or unused ones)
- Clear cache periodically (once a month if you use Stremio daily)
- Restart Stremio occasionally (don’t leave it running 24/7)
❌ DON’T:
- Install too many add-ons (more add-ons = more complexity)
- Ignore error messages (they often tell you what’s wrong)
- Modify advanced settings without understanding them
- Use Stremio on an overloaded/underpowered device