How To Fix Sony TV Apps Not Working
Is your Sony TV apps not working? There are various factors that can cause this issue such as a software glitch, poor internet connection, or even an outdated system software . To fix this you will need to perform several troubleshooting steps.
Sony is a Japanese company whose Sony Bravia line of TV models makes use of the latest technology to deliver an outstanding entertainment experience. This makes it the perfect choice for the discerning individual who wants to have the best home entertainment set up.
Why are my Sony Bravia TV apps not working?
One of the reasons people get a Sony TV is because of the numerous apps that are available on the device. Sometimes though, app issues will occur on the Android TV which can be a frustrating experience. You might experience streaming apps not working or opening at all.
Here’s what you need to do to fix Sony TV apps issues.
Solution 1: Power reset your TV
One of the common causes of a Sony Smart TV apps not working is a software glitch. A power reset or power cycle will usually fix issues caused by minor software glitches or bugs as it will remove any temporary corrupted data that could be causing the problem.
- Turn off the TV using the supplied remote control.
- Unplug the TV power cord from the power outlet and wait about 60 seconds.
- Reconnect the TV AC power cord to the electrical outlet then and make sure to turn on the Sony Android TV.
You can also perform a soft reset using the remote control.
- Point the remote control to the illumination LED or status LED and press and hold the POWER button of the remote control for about 5 seconds.
- Select Restart to restart.
- The TV should restart automatically. Wait for approximately one minute, and the TV will turn back on. If it does not reboot, press the POWER button on the remote control to turn on the TV.
Try checking if your Sony Smart TV apps are now working.
Solution 2: Adjust the date and time on the Sony TV
Your Sony TV automatically sets the correct time and date. However, there are instances when the setting is wrong. You need to make sure that your Sony TV has the correct date and time settings as this will affect the broadcast signals or internet connection.
Set date and time automatically
Open the Settings screen.
Depending on the Tv model you need to go to : Select System → Date & time → Automatic date & time.; Select Device Preferences → Date & time → Automatic date & time.; Select Date & time → Automatic date & time.
Set Automatic date & time to ON, Use broadcast time or Use network time (Use network-provided time).
Set date and time manually
Open the Settings screen.
Depending on the Tv model you need to go to: Select System → Date & time → Automatic date & time → Off.; Select Device Preferences → Date & time → Automatic date & time → Off.; Select Date & time → Automatic date & time → Off
To set the date and time manually select Set date and Set time, or Date and Time.
Solution 3: Perform a Network Diagnosis on your Sony TV
If you are having an issue with any streaming app installed in your TV then this might be caused by issues with the network. You can use the network diagnosis tool on your TV to find out if the problem is caused by your wifi network. Make sure that your TV is connected to the WiFi network before proceeding.
Network diagnosis
Open the Settings screen.
Select Network & Internet or Network.
Select Advanced settings.
Select Network status.
Select Check Connection.
At the Do you want to check the connection? screen, select YES.
The connection diagnosis will start.
The connection results will be displayed and the three items displayed in the connection results provide information about the network connection status.
Solution 4: Check your internet connection
Using certain streaming apps on your Sony TV requires an active internet connection. If your Sony TV is getting a slow internet speed then there’s a possibility that app will not work properly.
What you will want to do first is to check the internet connection speed that your Sony Smart TV is getting from your home network connection.
Checking your internet speed
- Open a browser on your Sony TV.
- Go to speedtest.net. This is an online speed test tool that is free to use.
- Click on Go. This will start the speed test.
Wait for the results of the speed test to finish. The important details you need to get are the download and upload speeds. Compare the results you get to the recommended speed of the following streaming platforms.
- Netflix: 3 Mbps for SD quality, 5 Mbps for HD quality and 25 Mbps for Ultra HD quality
- YouTube TV: 3 Mbps for SD quality, 7 Mbps for one HD stream and 13 Mbps for reliable HD streaming with multiple streams
- Hulu + Live TV: 8 Mbps or higher for a reliable, high-quality viewing experience; multiple concurrent streams may require higher bandwidth
- Disney+: 1.5 Mbps for library content, 5 Mbps for 4K content and 8 Mbps for live streams
- Amazon Prime Video: 1 Mbps for SD quality, 5 Mbps for HD quality and 25 Mbps for Ultra HD quality
In case you have a slow internet speed on your Wi fi network then you should consider calling your internet service provider for technical support.
Here’s what you can do to get a stable internet signal.
- Try to disconnect other devices connected to the Wi-Fi router while you watch streaming shows. This will allow the Sony TV to use the maximum internet bandwidth.
- Move the Sony TV closer to the router . This will allow the device to get a much stronger Wi-Fi signal strength.
- If you have a dual band router try to connect the Sony TV to the 5Ghz band instead of the 2.4.
Solution 5: Clear the cache and data of the specific app
If you are having an issue with one particular app only then you should try clearing the cache and data of this app.
- On the supplied remote control, press the HOME button.
- Select the Settings icon.
- Select Apps → See all apps → Show system apps.
- Select Apps.
- Under System apps, select the app.
- Select Clear cache, then select OK.
- Select Clear data, then select OK.
- If displayed, select CLEAR ALL DATA, and then select OK.
Try checking if this fixes the app issue.
Solution 6: Make sure your Sony Smart TV is running on the latest software version
You should make sure that your TV has the last software version installed as this will usually have several improvements as well as bug fixes that could fix any app issues you are experiencing.
Sony Google TV models
- On the supplied remote, press the Quick Settings button.
- Select the Settings icon.
- Select System → About → System software update.
- On the supplied remote, press the Quick Settings button.
- Select the Settings icon.
- Select System → About → System software update. If the Automatically check for update settings is turned off, check manually if there’s an update. To check manually, select System software update with the procedure above, and then select Software update.
Sony Android TV models
- On the supplied remote control, press the Help button (if available), otherwise press the Home button and then select Help.
- Select Status & Diagnostics, then select System software update.
- Check if the Automatically check for update or Automatic software download setting is set to ON. If this option is set to OFF, select Check for a system software update or Software update to manually check for an update.
Once the Sony TV is running on the latest version try checking if the issue still occurs.
Solution 7: Factory reset the Sony Smart TV
The factory reset will erase all user settings and resets the TV back to factory settings.
- On the supplied remote control, press the (Quick Settings) or HOME button depending on your TV.
- Select Settings.
Perform any of these three steps depending on your Smart TV model.
- Select System → About → Reset → Factory data reset → Erase everything → Yes.
- Select Device Preferences → Reset → Factory data reset → Erase everything → Yes.
- Select Storage & reset → Factory data reset → Erase everything → Yes.
Try checking if this fixes the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why am I getting an internet connection error on my Sony Google TV?
This could be due to an issue with your WiFi connection. Try to do a speed test. If the results are good then you should proceed with restarting the TV as this might just be caused by a temporary glitch.
Can I reset my TV to factory settings without using the remote control?
You can do a forced factory reset which allows you to reset the TV without using the remote.
Why is my Sony TV Wi-Fi network status showing disconnected?
It’s possible that this is caused by an issue with the router not having an internet connection thus the wireless network is not working. It could also be due to a setting problem of your TV. Try to delete the Wi-Fi network from your TV then connect to it again.
Why does all the apps keep buffering?
This is most likely caused by a slow internet connection. Try restarting the router and your TV then check if the issue still occurs. You should also check other streaming services on your TV if they also buffer. If the issue is the same then this is most likely caused by a slow internet.
How to set up a wired connection on Sony TVs?
Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the LAN port on your Sony Smart TV and the other end to your wireless router.
Press the Home button on your Sony remote control, then scroll to Settings.
Select Network and then Network Setup.
Choose Wired Setup and then Auto.