Crackle Not Working on LG Smart TV - Try these 12 Fixes

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Crackle Not Working on LG Smart TV - Try these 12 Fixes

Crackle is a free streaming service that offers a variety of movies and TV shows. It is available on a variety of devices, including LG Smart TVs.

However, there are some times when Crackle may not work on your LG Smart TV.

Here at Smart Home Apt, we shall look into some troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue.

Table of contents [Show] [Hide]

1 How to fix Crackle Not Working on LG Smart TV ?
2 How Can I Watch Crackle on an LG Smart TV ?
- 2. 1 How to stream Crackle for free on your LG Smart TV ?
- 2. 2 What is the process for registering and downloading Crackle on an LG Smart TV ?
  - 2. 2. 1 To watch Crackle on your LG Smart TV:
  - 2. 2. 2 To watch Crackle on your LG Smart TV via Apple AirPlay:

How to fix Crackle Not Working on LG Smart TV ?

1. Ensure Your LG TV Is Compatible With Crackle

The Crackle app is only available for LG smart TV models from 2017 or newer, which use the webOS system. To learn the year of your TV, you can search the model number in the system menu or on a sticker on the back of your TV. Here is a guide with more information.

Purchasing a new LG TV is the most straightforward solution for those with sets made before 2017, but an affordable alternative is to attach a streaming stick instead.

Crackle can be enjoyed on any TV (smart or otherwise), thanks to the Fire TV Stick or a Roku streaming stick. Both of these devices are user-friendly and provide access to all of the essential streaming apps.

2. Power Cycle the LG TV

Issues with apps can frequently arise due to random malfunctions in the TV programming. As is the case with the majority of software issues, the most effective solution is to shut it off and then switch it back on.

Pressing the power button on your LG webOS TV won't bring it to a full reboot. Instead, the TV will enter standby mode, meaning it will start up faster but any software bugs may not be cleared. Nevertheless, there is a way to make sure the TV is fully rebooted.

Here's how:

Detach the TV from the wall socket.
Keep the power button on the TV pressed for at least 60 seconds.
Then plug the TV back in.

Give the Crackle app another try. Having these instructions handy could be beneficial; a restart can often fix most TV issues.

3. Measure Your Internet's Performance

Buffering issues with Crackle and other video streaming apps are often a result of slow internet. In certain circumstances, the internet speed or reliability may be inadequate to even establish a connection to the Crackle servers.

You should conduct an internet speed test on a device connected to the same network as your TV. This could be your computer or phone, but if it is your phone be sure to switch off mobile data and only use Wi-Fi.

For standard streaming, your speeds should be 3–4 Mbps minimum, and for HD streaming, you should have 5–8 Mbps. If your speeds are lower than the aforementioned, you must take the below actions:

Investigate for possible sources of interference (e.g., too many walls between your router and your TV).
Power cycle your router and modem (refer to the next tip).
Get in touch with your internet service provider to find out if there are any network issues or if you require an upgrade.

4. Power cycle your router and modem

More often than not, the difficulty is stemming from the local Wi-Fi network rather than from the TV or the Crackle app.

Rather than attempt to identify and rectify any possible network issues, it is much simpler to simply restart the network. Doing this at least once a month is recommended in order to maintain optimal performance.

Ensure that no one in your household is currently surfing the web before continuing on with this process, as it will temporarily disconnect all internet and network connections for approximately five minutes while rebooting.

Begin by unplugging the power cables from your router and modem.
Take a 30 second pause.
Re-connect the power cables and wait a few minutes for the modem and router to turn on.

Once your TV is connected to the network again, try running the Crackle app. If your initial network speed test showed slower than desired results, it's a good time to run another test. Restarting the router can help to increase your speeds in the short term, however, it won't fix all potential problems.

5. Perform LG TV Firmware Update

When it comes to your LG smart TV, having the auto-update feature for firmware is nice, but you can always manually update it if needed. This could be the solution to your app related problems, just like app updates, provided that the auto-update did not turn off or fail without you being aware.

To begin:

Utilize the Settings button on your remote.
Navigate to All Settings.
Npen the General tab.
Choose About this TV.
Click Check for updates.
Complete the process by power cycling the TV.

After updating the firmware, give the Crackle app another go.

6. Delete and Install the Crackle App again

To clear data and rectify any app-specific glitches on LG TVs, the simpler solution is to delete and then reinstall Crackle. This is more straightforward than manually clearing the cache.

To delete the Crackle app:

Using your remote, press the Home button.
Go to the Crackle app.
Press and hold the app icon.
Then click the trash bin icon above it.
Select Yes in the pop-up to confirm.

To reinstall the Crackle app:

Use your LG TV remote to press the Home button.
Then go to the LG Content Store.
Once there, search for Crackle by clicking the magnifying glass in the top right corner and typing in Crackle.
After selecting Crackle from the search results, press Install.

When you go to use the Crackle app again, make sure to enter your log-in information again, as it won't have been retained from the earlier install.

7. Agree to LG's User Agreements

To get the full benefit of LG's features and apps, you must first accept all of the license agreements.

To do this:

Press the Settings button on your remote.
Navigate to All Settings.
Open the General tab.
Select About this TV.
Then click User Agreements.
Make sure the Accept All option has been selected.

8. Check the TV Location Settings

Most streaming applications and a majority of streaming content are restricted according to geographic location, like which country or part of the world one is in. For example, Crackle and other streaming apps have their own methods of confirming where a user is located.

Furthermore, LG TVs have an individual location setting that can be used to validate this information.

Use your remote to press the Settings button.
Then, navigate to All Settings.
Click on General tab.
Go to System.
Go to Location, and alter the zip code to your current location if it's not already correct.

9. Turn Off the VPN if applicable

For those utilizing a virtual private network (VPN), then this step applies to you. Otherwise, if you have no knowledge of what a VPN is, it is unlikely that you are utilizing one.

Most Video applications and streaming services attempt to obstruct VPN traffic. If Crackle has been successful in blocking your VPN, you will be unable to access streaming content. To check this, the simplest method is to turn off the VPN and try connecting Crackle app again.

10. Give Crackle a Try on Another Device

Before we get to our last resort, let's investigate the scope of the problem. Could you try opening Crackle on your PC or any other device linked to your network?

If Crackle does not function properly on your TV, but is working on other devices, it is time to reach out to LG support.

Should Crackle not operate on any of your devices, the issue could be with your Crackle account or with Crackle's servers.

11. Determine the Status of the Crackle Server

With DownDetector, you can figure out if people in your area are having problems with Crackle. In general, these Crackle outages are typically localized and fixed rapidly.

If nothing turns up on DownDetector, you should get in touch with Crackle support for the latest information.

12. Perform LG TV Factory Reset

We've gone through all of the basic fixes, so let's attempt one last option: a factory reset. Taking away all of your TV settings, including those for your Crackle app, will be part of the process. Although this will erase all of the data and settings, it could possibly solve your streaming app issues.

Using your remote, access the Settings button.
Open All Settings.
Go to the General tab.
Choose Reset to Initial Settings, and affirm with OK.

Give the Crackle app another go. This should have rectified any software or firmware issues that could have been causing the app to not run on your LG TV.

How Can I Watch Crackle on an LG Smart TV ?

Get up and running with Crackle on your LG Smart TV. Here's how to sign up, download, install, and begin streaming with Crackle.

How to stream Crackle for free on your LG Smart TV ?

Crackle is a free video streaming service with on-demand access to movies and TV Shows. Its selection of television series is especially noteworthy, as it includes classics such as “Just Shoot Me,” “NewsRadio,” “ALF,” “TJ Hooker,” and “Red Dwarf.”

Crackle also offers exclusive series like On the Ropes, Snatch, Going from Broke, Hidden Heroes, and The Oath referred to as "Crackle Originals".

What is the process for registering and downloading Crackle on an LG Smart TV ?

LG Smart TV has built-in support for Crackle. Additionally, it is possible to stream Crackle to a 2018+ (webOS 4.0+) model of LG Smart TV through Apple AirPlay.

To watch Crackle on your LG Smart TV:

Start by opening the Home Screen.
Then, open the app store and search for “Crackle”.
Once you find it, click on “Download” to install the app.
Now you can start streaming Crackle on LG Smart TV.

To watch Crackle on your LG Smart TV via Apple AirPlay:

Install the Crackle app on your iPhone/iPad.
Connect your Smart TV and the device running the Crackle app to the same Wi-Fi network.
Begin playing the content in the Crackle app and select the AirPlay icon.
Select your LG Smart TV and it will be displayed on the TV.

Note: If your compatible TV does not display AirPlay as an option, make sure you update the firmware of your LG Smart TV to the latest version.

Summary

In fact, there are several steps you can try to resolve the Crackle app not working on your LG Smart TV. The most common fixes are: Restarting your LG Smart TV and Wi-Fi router, Updating your LG Smart TV software and firmware, Reinstalling the Crackle app, Checking your internet speed and bandwidth, Disabling power saving modes or even Uninstalling unused apps.

Here are 21 possible fixes for Crackle not working on LG Smart TV:

1. Restart your LG Smart TV

Power off your LG Smart TV and unplug the power cable.
Wait at least 2 minutes to allow it to reset fully.
Plug the power cable back in and turn your TV on.
Try launching the Crackle app again to check if it's working.

2. Update your LG Smart TV software

Go to Settings on your LG Smart TV and select “General” or “About TV”.
Select “Software Update” or "Check for Updates".
If an update is available, select "Update now" or "Download and Install".
Follow any onscreen prompts to install the latest update. Your TV may restart.
Once done updating, launch the Crackle app again to see if the issue is fixed.

3. Reinstall the Crackle app

Go to the LG Content Store or app store on your Smart TV.
Search for the Crackle app and select 'Uninstall' or 'Delete'. Confirm to uninstall the app.
Select 'Install' to reinstall the Crackle app. Follow any prompts to complete the installation.
Relaunch the Crackle app after it has reinstalled. It should now work properly.

4. Reset your LG Smart TV to factory settings

Go to Settings - General - Reset to Factory Default. Select "Reset" to confirm.
Your LG Smart TV will restart and all settings will be reset to default. Follow the onscreen prompts to set up your TV with the desired settings again.
Reinstall any apps like Crackle and sign in to your accounts. The issue should now be resolved with the reset.

5. Check your internet connection

Make sure your router and modem are properly connected and all cables are plugged in.
Use a site like speedtest.net to check your internet download and upload speeds. For 4K streaming, you need at least 15-20 Mbps download speed.
If speeds are too slow or Wi-Fi connectivity seems weak, contact your internet service provider for assistance since slow internet can affect streaming.
Turn on your LG Smart TV and relaunch the Crackle app to check if the connectivity issues have been resolved.

6. Restart your router

Locate your Wi-Fi router and modem. It's usually in a cabinet or closet in your home.
Unplug the power cable from the router and modem or turn off the power switches on them.
Wait 2-3 minutes to allow them to reset fully.
Plug the router and modem back in or turn the power back on.
Check if the Crackle app is now working on your LG Smart TV once the router has restarted.

7. Change your router Wi-Fi channel

Locate your Wi-Fi router and check which Wi-Fi band it's using, either 2.4GHz or 5GHz. It will specify on the router label.
Access your router settings by entering its IP address in a web browser. The default is often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
Go to the Wi-Fi or wireless settings. Look for the option to change or select the Wi-Fi channel or frequency band.
Change from 2.4GHz to 5GHz or vice versa. Click save to apply the changes.
Your router will restart and the Wi-Fi settings on your connected devices may reset. Join the Wi-Fi with your LG Smart TV again. The Crackle app should now work properly.

8. Reset your router to factory default settings

Locate the tiny reset button on your Wi-Fi router, typically on the back or side.
Press and hold the reset button down for at least 10-30 seconds until the router restarts on its own. Release the button.
The router will now restart with all default factory settings. It will have a default network name (SSID) like the router model or brand name.
Rejoin the Wi-Fi with your default router SSID and password on your LG Smart TV and other connected devices.
Now, Check if the Crackle is working.

9. Make sure location access is enabled for the Crackle app

Launch the Crackle app on your LG Smart TV.
Go to the app settings or options and look for “Location” or “Access to my location”.
Ensure that access to your location is enabled or turned on. The Crackle app requires location access to provide regional streaming content.
If location access was disabled, turn it on and the Crackle app should now work properly with content available for your region.

10. Make sure playback controls are accessible

Launch the Crackle app on your LG Smart TV. If content won't play, the playback controls may be disabled.
Check the app settings or options for "Playback controls" or "Allow playback controls".
Make sure the option to access playback controls like play/pause, rewind/fast forward, etc. is turned on.
If playback controls were disabled, turn them on. You should now be able to access content controls when streaming on the Crackle app.

11. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the YouTube app

Go to the app store or LG Content Store on your Smart TV.
Search for the YouTube app and select 'Uninstall' to delete it. Confirm to uninstall.
Try launching the Crackle app again to check if it's now working properly without the YouTube app.
If Crackle works fine, you can reinstall the YouTube app if desired. Sometimes deleting other streaming apps can resolve interference issues.

12. Enable HDMI device link

Go to Settings on your LG Smart TV and select "General".
Look for the option "HDMI Device Link" or "HDMI CEC" and select it.
Turn the HDMI device link or HDMI CEC setting on or enable it.
This will improve connectivity between your LG Smart TV and any connected streaming devices or audio systems. Enabling it may resolve any linking issues that could affect the Crackle app.

13. Make sure Anynet+ is enabled

Go to Settings on your LG Smart TV and select "General" or "Anynet+ (HDMI CEC)".
Select "Anynet+ (HDMI CEC)" and check if the setting is turned on or enabled.
If it's disabled or turned off, turn on the Anynet+ feature. It helps with connectivity between your LG devices.
Enabling Anynet+ may fix any connectivity problems between your LG Smart TV and streaming devices that could be causing the Crackle app not to work.

14. Disable power saving mode on your router

Access your Wi-Fi router settings by entering its IP address into a web browser. The default address is often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
Look for an option like "Eco mode" or "Power saving mode" and open the settings.
Turn off or disable any power saving options on the router. Power saving mode can interfere with connectivity to devices.
Disabling the router's power saving features should improve its connectivity to your LG Smart TV and may fix any issues with the Crackle app.

15. Change your router's wireless channel bandwidth

Access your Wi-Fi router settings through its IP address in an internet browser.
Go to the wireless or Wi-Fi settings and locate an option for "Bandwidth" or "Channel bandwidth".
If set to 20MHz, try changing it to 40MHz or higher. Wider bandwidth means better connectivity which can improve streaming.
Click save to apply the changes. The router will restart. Check if the Crackle app is now working on your LG Smart TV with the wider channel bandwidth.

16. Renew your router's IP address

Access your router settings by entering the IP address (likely 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser.
Look for an option such as "Release and renew IP address" or "DHCP IP address renewal".
Select the option to renew or release and renew the router's IP address. Click OK to confirm.
The router will obtain a new IP address.

17. Try using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi

Locate your Wi-Fi router and an Ethernet cable. The cable should be at least 6 feet long.
Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to an available Ethernet port on your Wi-Fi router.
Connect the other end of the cable to the Ethernet port on your LG Smart TV. It's usually on the back of the TV.
Go to Settings on your LG Smart TV and disable the Wi-Fi. Select Wired Ethernet or Ethernet as the network connection type.
Try streaming on the Crackle app. Ethernet offers faster, more stable connectivity which may resolve any issues when using Wi-Fi.

18. Disable auto update feature on other streaming apps

Launch streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc. on your LG Smart TV.
Go into each app's settings and locate options like "Auto-update" or "Update automatically".
Disable auto-updates for your streaming apps. This will prevent them from updating in the background which could potentially interfere with the Crackle app.
Try launching the Crackle app again to check if disabling other app auto-updates has resolved the issue. You can re-enable auto updates once Crackle is working again if desired.

19. Make sure you have enough bandwidth and no data caps

Check how much bandwidth or internet speed you currently have with your internet service provider. For 4K streaming on an LG Smart TV, you need at least 15-20 Mbps.
See if your internet provider offers any data caps on your plan which could limit how much you can stream. Data caps may need to be increased or removed.
Contact your internet provider about upgrading to a faster speed and /or higher data limits if needed. Slow internet or low data caps can significantly impact streaming ability.
Once upgrades have taken effect, try streaming on your LG Smart TV Crackle app again to check for improvements.

20. Try uninstalling unnecessary apps

Go to the LG Content Store or app store on your Smart TV. View all installed apps.
Check for any apps that you do not use or need installed on your LG Smart TV. These unused apps take up resources even when not running which could affect performance.
Select unused apps one by one and uninstall them. Remove as many unnecessary apps as possible.
With unused apps uninstalled, your LG Smart TV will have more free resources available which can improve streaming functionality. Check if the Crackle app is now working.

21. Perform a power cycle

Unplug the power cables of your LG Smart TV and Wi-Fi router / modem from the electrical outlets.
Wait at least 5 minutes to allow them to fully reset.
Plug the power cables back in to the LG Smart TV and router / modem.
Turn your LG Smart TV and router back on. A power cycle helps refresh the software and firmware which may resolve any software issues affecting connectivity between the devices.
Try streaming on Crackle again to see if the power cycle has fixed any software problems with the app not working.

Trying the steps in this article should resolve most issues with the Crackle app not working on your LG Smart TV. Be sure to try the fixes one by one in the order given, as the solution is often something simple. Once the app is functioning properly again, you may need to sign back in with your account credentials to access your Crackle media library.