If Haystack News is not playing or keeps buffering, follow these steps to resolve the issue.
Step 1: Identify the problem
Before troubleshooting, take note of:
What device you are using (TV brand, phone model, browser)
Whether it happens on Live content, VOD (on-demand videos), or both
Whether it always happens or only sometimes
Step 2: Basic troubleshooting
Restart the app — close it completely and reopen it.
Check your internet connection — try loading another app or website to confirm it is working.
Restart your device — turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on.
Uninstall and reinstall the app — this resolves most persistent playback issues.
Step 3: Platform-specific tips
Smart TV: Check for app updates in your TV app store.
Roku / Fire TV: Go to Settings > System > System restart to fully reboot.
Mobile (Android): Go to Settings > Apps > Haystack News > Storage > Clear Cache.
Web browser: Try a different browser or clear your browser cache and cookies.
If the issue continues
Contact our support team from this Help Center and include the following so we can investigate:
Device type and model
Operating system or TV platform
App version (found in Settings > About)
Type of content affected (Live or VOD)
How often it happens
Any error message shown on screen