How to Fix Amazon Prime Video App Error Code PLAYBACK_RENDERER_ERROR

Seeing an error when you try to stream or play something on Amazon Prime Video is annoying after looking forward to a weekend of binge-watching. But, like any other streaming service, Amazon Prime Video is also prone to technical issues. One example is the error code PLAYBACK_RENDERER_ERROR.

If you encounter this playback problem while playing and watching content on Prime Video, the app will stop working, and you will see the error message,

“Video Unavailable – we’re unable to play your video right now. Please try again in a few minutes or contact amazon customer service at https://www.amazon.com/ww-an-android-contactus. Error code: Playback_renderer_error”

The error code PLAYBACK_RENDERER_ERROR usually appears when users try to stream a TV show or movie using any of the Amazon Fire TV devices such as Fire TV Stick and Firestick 4K. Android mobile device users including phones and tablets, as well as people with Samsung smart TV also get the problem.

Manage-and-Control-Titles-on-your-Childs-Amazon-Fire-TV-Kids-Profile
Photo by JOHN LEE from Pixabay

The best thing you can do is to contact Amazon Prime customer service to further assist you in resolving this issue immediately. However, you can also try to do several solutions that may help you fix the problem without having to talk to an Amazon customer service representative or while waiting for them to respond. Let’s check them out below.

Fixing Error Code PLAYBACK_RENDERER_ERROR on Amazon Prime Video App for Fire TV Stick, Android or Samsung TV

There are general troubleshooting ways that you can do to try and resolve issues like Playback Renderer Error on the Amazon Prime Video app installed on your device. One of the basic things you can do is to exit the app and relaunch it. Doing so will help refresh your connection and app processes.

Power Cycle your Streaming and Network Devices

  • Turn off your streaming device and unplug it from your power outlet, including your router and modem.
  • Wait for a few minutes before plugging all your devices back in.
  • Turn on your streaming device and connect to the Internet.
  • Relaunch the Amazon Prime Video app.
Power-Cycle-Your-Device
Credit: Freepik

Lower the Video Resolution on Amazon Prime Video App

You can set a lower video resolution on your Amazon Prime Video account settings. To do it, go to the Settings menu of your Amazon Prime Video app and navigate to the Video or Display Settings. From there, choose a lower video resolution or video quality.

Disable Hardware Acceleration on the Streaming App

  • Launch the Settings menu of your Amazon Prime Video app.
  • Select My stuff.
  • Choose Stream & Download.
  • Look for Use hardware acceleration.
  • Disable the option.

Update your Streaming Device

Whether you are streaming from your smart TV, your mobile device, streaming player, or your computer, it is always ideal to run the latest device software or firmware to ensure the compatibility of your device to your Amazon Prime Video app.

Reinstall the Amazon Prime Video App

If nothing happens, you can try to install a new version of your Amazon Prime Video app. Uninstall the app based on the procedure of your streaming device. Then, look for Amazon Prime Video on your device’s app store option and install the app.

What else did you do to fix the Amazon Prime Video playback error? You can let us know in the comment section below.

Eddie Mendoza
Eddie Mendoza
With a Bachelor’s degree in IT, Eddie has a natural knack for troubleshooting gadget issues. With more than 10 years of blogging experience under his belt, writing and publishing articles for streaming and related services is one of his main act. When not on his computer, you can find him tinkering his guitars.

Comments

  1. It is now 3/22, and had this issue on multiple devices. The issue occurs when you turn on Hardware Acceleration for 4k on one device, and fails on other devices. The fix is to turn off the 4k via Hardware Acceleration.

    The minute I turn on Hardware Acceleration on a different device, all other devices seem to try to load incompatible settings from the initial device and the renderer errors out on the other devices.

    • This worked for me THANKS SO MUCH!. I have 3 tvs and 2 just started showing the error. I made the above change on my cell phone, unplugged the 2 tvs from the wall, waited a bit, plugged them back in and both showed amazon and hulu videos just fine again. I had problems with both those apps. I had done the power cycle directions above but that didn’t help. THANK YOU

  2. Just got the app ..
    Tried to login
    Inmediately it says
    ” no supported renderer schemes ”
    ( Not playback )
    I have a android tv box , not a phone

  3. Nothing is working to fix the problem.
    Was working 2 weeks ago for a full week and now both Prime Video and FreeVee freeze, won’t play and constant errors. Terrible customer service as all they do is tell you to clear cache and restart…..over and over and over. TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!

  4. nothing is working to fix the problem .
    I have done whatever customer service says
    but nothing got yet ,Terrible customer service .
    even if i watch any stream after 1,2 season it shows the error
    always whenever i suppose to watch the video it shows me the error there is no benefits to take the subscription of amazon prime we can also watch these on the other website atleast we can watch continuosly .
    i hate this app and i will also guide everyone ,not to take the subscription of this app.
    what a waste of money 😤
    TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!!😡😡🤬🤬😡😡

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