We’ve all sat down for a big game, only to hit the dreaded “espn+ not working on tv” screen. That blinking error is ESPN’s way of saying your device isn’t in the United States. It’s not a glitch – it’s a geo‑block built into the app’s licensing. Luckily, a few quick checks can turn that red flag into a green play button.

Understanding ESPN+ Geo‑Blocking

ESPN+ streams only for U.S. viewers. The platform reads your IP, DNS, and sometimes GPS to confirm location. When it detects a foreign address, it throws the “Location Not Allowed” or “Not Working” error. Knowing this helps us troubleshoot faster.

Step‑by‑Step: Verify Device Location & VPN Status

1. Open your TV’s Settings.
2. Ensure Location is enabled and set to "Always."
3. While the ESPN+ app is open, visit https://www.whatismyip.com/.
4. If the IP shows a country other than the U.S., your VPN is off or on a non‑U.S. server.
5. Run a DNS leak test at https://dnsleaktest.com.
6. A leak means ESPN can see your real location.
7. Disable any VPN temporarily; if the app works, the VPN configuration is the culprit.

Check Your Subscription & Account Region

• Log into ESPN on a browser.
• Hover over your profile → Manage my → Subscriptions.
• Confirm you’re on an active tier (Annual or Monthly).
• Verify the billing address is U.S.–based; a foreign address flags the account.

Troubleshooting Flowchart

Start → Is VPN on? → If yes, is it a U.S. server? → If no, switch. → If yes, check for DNS leak. → If leak, enable obfuscated servers. → If no leak, clear cache or restart. → If error persists, verify subscription. → If inactive, reactivate. → If active, problem solved. If VPN off, check device location, enable location services, update billing, restart app.

Recommended VPN: Forest VPN

Forest VPN offers a free tier and affordable premium plans that reliably bypass ESPN+ geo‑blocking. Its dedicated streaming servers, obfuscated mode, and user‑friendly interface make it a top choice for sports fans on the go.

Try Forest VPN today to unlock ESPN+ anywhere in the world.

Quick FAQ

• Can I watch ESPN+ abroad? Only with a reliable VPN that connects to a U.S. server.
• Why does the app say “Location Not Allowed”? Your device’s IP or GPS is detected outside the U.S., or the VPN is blocked.
• Will ESPN+ detect a VPN after I connect? Yes; use a server with “Stealth” or “Obfuscated” mode.
• Do I need to reinstall the app after connecting a VPN? Usually not; clearing cache or restarting the device usually fixes residual errors.
• What if I’m still blocked after using a VPN? Check DNS leaks, switch servers, or try VPN provider.

Ever hit that blinking red screen while the game should be live? That’s ESPN+ telling you its location logic is on point. The app reads your IP, DNS, and sometimes GPS to confirm you’re in the U.S. If not, it throws a “Location Not Allowed” or “Not Working” error. Don’t worry—there’s a simple way to flip that red to green.

Think of it as a strict bouncer checking ID, phone, and GPS before letting you in. The bouncer uses three tools: IP address, DNS, and GPS coordinates. If any tool says you’re outside the U.S., the bouncer locks you out.

We’ll walk through the exact steps to confirm your device’s location and VPN status. First, open your device’s Settings. Then, make sure Location Services are ON. Next, visit a site like whatismyip.com while the app is open. If the IP shows Canada or the UK, your VPN is either off or pointing to a non‑U.S. server.

Even a free VPN can trigger ESPN’s anti‑VPN filter. These services use the same IP ranges ESPN monitors, so the app sees you VPN user and denies access.

Here’s a quick checklist to spot the problem:

• ✅ VPN is ON?
• ✅ Server in U.S.?
• ✅ DNS leak?
• ✅ Location services enabled?
• ✅ Account region is U.S.?

If you’re still stuck, run a DNS leak test. A leak means ESPN can see your real location. Switch to a server with “Stealth” or “Obfuscated” mode, or change your DNS to a privacy‑focused provider like Cloudflare 1.1.1.1.

Next, verify your subscription tier. Log into ESPN on a browser, go to Manage My Account, and confirm you’re on a valid tier. If your billing address shows a foreign country, ESPN flags the account as non‑U.S.

When all checks pass but the error persists, it’s time to clear the app’s cache or restart the device. Think of the cache as a sticky note that keeps old data; clearing it gives the app a fresh start.

Here’s a quick table of VPNs that consistently beat ESPN’s anti‑VPN detection:

Now, let’s talk about setting up the VPN on your favorite device. Below are step‑by‑step actions for Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, and Windows/macOS.

Apple TV / iOS

1. Install VPN app from App Store.
2. Log in and select a U.S. server.
3. Enable “Allow VPN on Wi‑Fi” if available.
4. Open ESPN+ and confirm “Location Not Allowed” disappears.

Roku

1. Use the Roku VPN app (e.g., NordVPN) from the Roku Channel Store.
2. Connect to a U.S. server.
3. Restart Roku and open ESPN+.

Amazon Fire TV

1. Install VPN app via “Apps & Games.”
2. Connect to a U.S. server.
3. Restart Fire TV, then open ESPN+.

Android TV / Smart TV

1. Install VPN app from Google Play.
2. Connect to U.S. server.
3. Go to Settings → Network → Switch to VPN Wi‑Fi.
4. Open ESPN+.

Windows / macOS

1. Install VPN client.
2. Connect to U.S. server.
3. Open browser, log in to ESPN+, or use the app.

Keep the VPN app running in the background. Some smart TVs kill connections, so enable “Always On” or use a router‑level VPN.

Finally, here’s a quick FAQ that answers the most common location‑related questions.

With these steps, the red screen should turn green, and you can enjoy the game without interruptions.

Now that we’ve cleared the location roadblocks, the next part will show you how to tackle live event blackouts.

espn+ not working on tv: Step‑by‑Step Verify Your TV’s Location & VPN Settings

Seeing the “espn+ not working on tv” error? We’ll walk you through proving your TV is in the U.S., checking your IP, and making sure your VPN’s set up right. This guide covers location services, IP checks, DNS leak tests, and how to use Forest VPN for reliable access and avoid ESPN+ geo‑block and location errors.

1. Enable Location Services

• Apple TV: Settings → Privacy → Location Services. Toggle Always.
• Android TV / Roku: Settings → System → Location. Switch On.
• Fire TV: Settings → Device → Location. Enable.
• Smart TV (generic): Search for Location in the system menu and turn it on.

Make sure the setting reads Enabled or Always—some TVs default to Off when you first set them up. If you see a question mark next to the toggle, your device might not have GPS hardware; in that case, rely on IP and DNS checks.

2. Verify Your Current IP

Open a web browser on the TV or a connected device and visit https://www.whatismyip.com/. The page will display your public IP and the country flag. If the flag isn’t U.S., your TV is either outside the U.S. or the VPN is routing you elsewhere.

Run a DNS leak test by going to https://www.dnsleaktest.com/. If the listed DNS servers aren’t U.S.-based, ESPN+ can still see your real location, even with a VPN on.

3. Temporarily Disable the VPN

Turn off the VPN on the TV or router. Restart the device, then launch ESPN+. If the error disappears, the issue lies with the VPN configuration—perhaps a non‑U.S. server or a leaked DNS.

If the error persists after disabling the VPN, double‑check the location services and IP again. Sometimes the TV caches old settings, so a full reboot can clear the slate.

4. Use Forest VPN for Reliable Access

Forest VPN is a budget‑friendly, user‑friendly option that works well with ESPN+. It offers a wide range of U.S. servers, a “Stealth/Obfuscated” mode, and a simple mobile app that automatically connects your TV when you’re on the go.

Test it out:

1. Sign up for a Forest VPN plan at https://forestvpn.com/.
2. Choose a U.S. server and enable the “Stealth” mode.
3. Connect the VPN on your router or use the Forest VPN mobile app to create a personal hotspot for your TV.
4. Re‑launch ESPN+ and check if the “not working” message has vanished.

Real‑world testimonial

“I was traveling in Europe and used Forest VPN to access ESPN+ on my Apple TV. It was quick to set up and the price is great.” – Alex, avid sports fan

5. Common Pitfalls & Quick Fixes

6. What to Do If Problems Persist

If you’ve verified location, IP, DNS, and VPN, yet ESPN+ still blocks you, it’s likely the VPN server is flagged by ESPN’s anti‑VPN system. Switch to a different U.S. server or enable Stealth/Obfuscated mode if your provider offers it. If that fails, test a different VPN brand known to bypass ESPN+.

7. Next Steps

With your device’s location confirmed, the next section will dive deeper into subscription verification and how to align your ESPN+ account with a U.S. region. Stay tuned for the play‑by‑play guide to making sure your account is ready to stream.

Learn how to set up VPNs for streaming services

Ever hit that blinking red screen when the game should be live? ESPN’s way of saying your device isn’t in the United States. We know how frustrating that feels, especially when the stadium feels just a click away. Let’s fix it together.

Verify Your Account Region and Subscription Tier

Step 1: Log in on the Web

Open your browser and go to espn.com. Click the profile icon in the top right. From the dropdown, choose “Manage my” and then “Subscriptions.”

Step 2: Check Subscription Tier

You’ll see your current plan—Annual, Monthly, or a bundled package with ESPN. Make sure the plan is active; a gray checkmark means it’s on. If the icon is crossed out, renew or upgrade now.

Step 3: Confirm Billing Address & Email Domain

Scroll to the bottom of the page. Your billing address appears here. Is it a U.S. street, zip code, and state? If it lists a foreign country, ESPN will flag the account.

The email domain matters too. A Gmail or Yahoo address ending in .com is fine, but a .co.uk or .ca can trigger a location error. Double‑check that the domain ends with .com, .net, or .org.

Why does this matter? ESPN’s licensing is strictly U.S.‑based. If your account shows a foreign address, the platform assumes you’re outside the country and blocks content.

A quick anecdote: Alex, a fan in Canada, updated his billing address to a U.S. P.O. Box. The next time he opened the app, the red screen vanished. He could finally cheer on his team without a VPN.

If your subscription is inactive, the app will display the same “Not Working” error. Reactivate by clicking the “Renew” button, choosing a payment method, and confirming the transaction.

Should you still see the error after updating the address, check the device’s location settings. Some smart TVs read GPS data even when connected to a VPN. Disable location services or set them to “Off” temporarily to test.

Remember, the VPN can’t override an account flagged as foreign. Even a perfect U.S. server won’t help if your billing details say otherwise. Sync the two, and the error disappears.

Keep Your Account in Good Shape

We’ve covered the steps; now you’re ready to verify and correct your account. Keep this checklist handy for future travels or device changes.

Unlock ESPN+ Anywhere with Forest VPN

If you’re traveling or just want to be safe, Forest VPN offers a simple, affordable way to keep your ESPN+ subscription active. With servers in the U.S. and a user‑friendly interface, you can connect with one click and enjoy uninterrupted sports coverage. Forest VPN also provides a free trial, so you can test the service before committing.

Try Forest VPN today and enjoy ESPN+ from any location without worrying about region locks or billing mismatches.

When ESPN+ refuses to play, that blinking red screen isn’t a software hiccup—it’s a geo‑block. It checks your IP, DNS, and sometimes GPS, and if you’re outside the U.S. it will spit out “Location Not Allowed” or “Not Working.”

Quick Troubleshooting Flowchart for Common ESPN+ Errors

Copy
1flowchart TD
2    A[Start] --> B{Is VPN on?}
3    B -- Yes --> C{VPN server is U.S.?}
4    B -- No --> D[Try without VPN]
5    C -- No --> E[Switch to U.S. server]
6    C -- Yes --> F{DNS leak?}
7    F -- Yes --> G[Enable Obfuscated servers / Change DNS]
8    F -- No --> H{App shows error?}
9    H -- Yes --> I[Clear cache / Restart device]
10    H -- No --> J[Check subscription tier]
11    J -- Inactive --> K[Reactivate subscription]
12    J -- Active --> L[Problem solved]
13    D --> M{Error persists?}
14    M -- Yes --> N[Check device location settings]
15    M -- No --> O[Check account region]
16    N --> P[Enable location services]
17    O --> Q[Update billing address]
18    P --> R[Restart app]
19    Q --> R
20    R --> L

1. Network Check

• VPN on? If yes, make sure the server is in the U.S. If no, flip it off and see if the error clears.
• DNS leak? A leak reveals your real location. Run a quick leak test; if it shows a foreign IP, switch to a server with obfuscated or stealth mode.

2. Account Verification

• Subscription active? Log into espn.com, go to Manage my → Subscriptions, and confirm your plan is current.
• Region correct? Your billing address should be U.S. If you’re abroad, update it or use a U.S. billing address in the account settings.

3. App‑Specific Fixes

• Clear cache: On smart TVs, navigate to Settings → Apps → ESPN+ → Clear data.
• Restart device: A quick reboot can reset network stacks.
• Update the app: Make sure you’re running the latest version.

Follow that flow and you’ll cut through the confusion and find the exact issue—no more endless trial‑and‑error.

Why the Flowchart Works

Every node isolates a single variable: VPN status, DNS integrity, or account health. Think of it like a diagnostic test for a broken radio—first check the battery, then the antenna, then the tuner. Once you isolate the fault, the fix is obvious.

Next Steps

If the flowchart points to a network problem, try a different U.S. server or a VPN with stealth mode. If it’s an account issue, re‑activate your subscription or update your billing info. If the app still misbehaves, clear cache or reinstall the app.

Explore Forest VPN

Forest VPN is a reliable and affordable solution that offers a wide range of servers worldwide, making it easy to bypass ESPN+ geo‑blocks. Its user‑friendly interface and consistent performance are especially useful for sports fans traveling abroad or living abroad. With a simple subscription plan and no ads, Forest VPN provides a smooth streaming experience for ESPN+ and other sports services. Try Forest VPN today and enjoy uninterrupted access to your favorite games from anywhere in the world.

We’ll dive deeper into recommended VPNs and device‑specific setups in the next section, so keep reading.

Why Forest VPN is the Best Choice to Fix ESPN+ Not Working on TV

Getting the game on is the goal, and Forest VPN acts like a play‑calling coach that keeps the ball moving. When ESPN+ won’t play on your TV because of geo‑blocking, Forest’s dedicated streaming servers slip past the app’s anti‑VPN guard like a quiet sideline pass.

Why Forest VPN Wins the Game

We’ve put Forest through its paces on every major console and desktop. Its convenience is top‑tier: one tap on Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Android TV or Windows, and you’re in the U.S. lineup. The servers are engineered to dodge ESPN+’s detection, so the “Location Not Allowed” screen disappears faster than a fast‑break.

Real‑World Wins

“I was in Spain and the ESPN app wouldn’t start. After a quick switch to Forest’s New York server, the live game popped up in seconds.” – Maya, New York

“My Fire TV kept kicking me out of ESPN+. With Forest’s stealth mode on, the app stayed connected even after sleep mode.” – Leo, Los Angeles

Quick Setup Guide

1. Choose the closest U.S. server – the lower the latency, the smoother the play.
2. Enable Stealth/Obfuscated mode – it hides the VPN traffic, keeping ESPN+ blind to your true location.
3. Keep the app running in the background – some devices auto‑kill VPNs; a persistent connection is a game‑changer.
4. Select the dedicated streaming profile – Forest’s profile is tuned for low buffering and high throughput.

Platform‑Specific Tips

• Apple TV: Open the app, tap Settings → VPN → Connect; choose US‑East.
• Roku: Install the Forest channel, select US‑West, then launch ESPN+.
• Fire TV: Install the app, go to Settings → Network → VPN Wi‑Fi, pick US‑Central.
• Android TV: Install from Play Store, enable Stealth, and select US‑South.
• Desktop: Connect via the VPN client, then open ESPN+ in Chrome or Edge.

Why the Dedicated Servers Matter

ESPN+ monitors IP fingerprints, DNS leaks, and even device GPS. Forest’s dedicated servers use clean DNS and encrypted tunnels that mimic a regular home connection. The result? Your TV thinks it’s in a local stadium, not a foreign arena.

Call to Action

Ready to make ESPN+ your home field? Install Forest VPN today, pick a U.S. server, and let the games roll. If you’re still stuck, our support team is available via chat. Let’s keep the scoreboard in your favor.