NOW Outage: Is NOW Down or Not Working Right Now?
If your NOW app has stopped playing, frozen on a loading screen, or won’t let you sign in, you’re probably wondering whether this is a wider NOW outage or a problem with your own connection. You’re in the right place. Above, you’ll find live reports from other NOW customers across the UK, which is the quickest way to see whether others are experiencing the same issue right now.
Below, we’ll walk you through what usually causes NOW to stop working, the quick checks you can run yourself, and when it’s worth getting in touch with customer service directly.
Is the NOW Outage Affecting Everyone or Just You?
Streaming problems generally fall into one of two camps: a widespread fault affecting NOW’s servers, or a local issue with your device, app or home broadband. Checking the outage reports at the top of this page gives you a real-time snapshot from other users, so you don’t have to guess.
If reports are spiking in your area or nationwide, it’s likely a genuine service problem on NOW’s side. If you’re the only one reporting an issue, the fault is more likely to sit with your device, app version or internet connection.
Common Causes of NOW Not Working
NOW runs on a huge range of devices, from smart TVs and games consoles to the NOW Smart Stick and mobile apps, which means faults can come from several different directions.
- Server or platform issues, often linked to peak viewing times such as major sport fixtures or new drama releases.
- Outdated apps that haven’t installed the latest update on your smart TV or streaming device.
- Weak or unstable Wi-Fi, particularly on older routers or during busy household internet use.
- Account or payment problems, such as an expired card or a lapsed membership.
- Device compatibility issues on older hardware that no longer fully supports the current app.
Quick Fixes to Try Before Contacting Support
Before you pick up the phone, a handful of simple checks resolve most NOW problems in a few minutes.
- Restart the NOW app fully, rather than just leaving it running in the background.
- Restart your streaming device, smart TV or Smart Stick by unplugging it for around 30 seconds.
- Check your broadband is working by loading a website or another streaming app.
- Confirm your NOW app is updated to the latest version available in your device’s app store.
- Sign out of your NOW account and sign back in to refresh your session.
- Test the service on a different device, such as your mobile phone, to rule out a single-device fault.
Frequent NOW Faults and How to Fix Them
| Fault | Likely Cause | Suggested Fix |
|---|---|---|
| App won’t open or crashes on launch | Outdated app version or corrupted cache | Update the app, then clear the app cache or reinstall it |
| Video keeps buffering | Slow or unstable Wi-Fi connection | Move closer to your router, or connect via an Ethernet cable where possible |
| Can’t sign in to account | Incorrect password or expired session | Reset your password using the official NOW website and sign in again |
| Sound but no picture, or vice versa | Device or HDMI connection issue | Check cable connections and try a different HDMI port on your TV |
| Membership shows as inactive | Failed payment or expired card | Update your payment details in your NOW account settings |
Common NOW Error Messages Explained
| Error Message | What It Usually Means | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| “Something went wrong, please try again” | Temporary connection or server issue | Refresh the app or restart your device, then try again shortly |
| “We’re having trouble playing this video” | Streaming or bandwidth interruption | Check your internet speed and switch to a lower video quality if prompted |
| “Sign-in failed” | Incorrect login details or account issue | Reset your password on the official NOW site and try again |
| “This content isn’t available on your device” | Compatibility or regional restriction issue | Try a different supported device or check your app is fully updated |
If you see an error message that isn’t listed here, it’s worth checking the official NOW help pages for the most current guidance, as messages can be updated over time.
When to Contact NOW Customer Service
If you’ve worked through the checks above and NOW is still not working, or if outage reports on this page suggest a wider problem, it’s time to contact NOW directly. This is especially true if the issue has lasted more than an hour or is affecting several devices in your household.
You can find live support options and further troubleshooting guidance on the official NOW help centre, where you can also check your account status and manage your membership.
A quick check of current reports, followed by a restart of your app and device, resolves the vast majority of NOW problems without needing to contact support at all.
Stay Ahead of the Next NOW Outage
Streaming faults happen to every provider from time to time, and NOW is no exception. Keeping an eye on this page gives you a fast, reliable way to tell a personal glitch from a genuine service-wide outage, so you’re never left guessing.
Bookmark this page and check back whenever NOW isn’t working as expected, so you can get back to watching with as little disruption as possible.
