Streaming services have revolutionized home entertainment, and Disney+ is one of the dominant platforms providing a vast library of blockbuster hits, beloved classics, Pixar favorites, Marvel action, and Star Wars epics. However, even with its high popularity, users occasionally encounter technical glitches that disrupt the experience. A particularly frustrating problem reported by users of Disney+ on Smart TVs is the app freezing at exactly 25% while buffering a video. This issue can transform a family movie night into a puzzle of troubleshooting steps and online searches. Thankfully, a fix has emerged that seems to solve it for many users: clearing the cache partition on the Smart TV.
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
Many Disney+ users on Smart TVs have reported a persistent issue where the app stalls at 25% during buffering. The root cause appears to be related to corrupted or overloaded cached data. Clearing the cache partition on the device has successfully resolved the issue for a large number of users. If you’re stuck at 25%, this simple yet often overlooked fix may restore your streaming experience.
Understanding the Problem: Stalling at 25%
Disney+ freezing during the buffering process can stem from several factors such as poor internet connection, server issues on Disney’s end, or firmware glitches on the Smart TV. However, what makes the 25% stall unique is the consistency of its occurrence. Users on forums like Reddit, Disney+ community pages, and even in Samsung and LG support threads have noted that the app buffers normally up to 25%, then halts indefinitely with no further progress.
This consistent threshold points to a failure point during the early content verification or authentication stage when Disney+ reads and processes temporary files stored on the device. In many reports, clearing the cache data has successfully broken this loop and restored normal streaming behavior.
What is a Cache Partition?
The cache partition is a part of your Smart TV’s internal storage that holds temporary files. These files are often created and used by apps to speed things up. Over time, however, cached files can become corrupted or simply outdated, especially if the app has been updated or if the system software was patched recently. This can lead to unusual behavior like interface lags, app crashes, or in this case — freezing during streaming.
Why Clearing the Cache Works
When you clear the cache partition, you are wiping out all temporary files that Disney+ (and potentially other apps) rely on for quick access. This forces the app to rebuild its cache from scratch, thereby eliminating corrupted data that might be causing buffering issues. Think of it as clearing out the clutter in your storage room to make space for new, correctly fitting content.
Step-By-Step Guide to Clearing the Cache Partition on Smart TVs
The process of clearing the cache may vary slightly depending on the brand of Smart TV you own. Below, we’ve compiled instructions for some common platforms.
For Samsung Smart TVs:
- Turn off the TV using the remote.
- Press and hold the Power button on your TV remote control until the TV restarts.
- This simple action typically clears cached memory.
- Alternatively, go to Settings > Support > Device Care > Manage Storage.
- Select the Disney+ app and choose Clear Cache.
For LG Smart TVs:
- Go to Settings and choose Application Manager.
- Select Disney+ from the list of installed apps.
- Click Clear Cache.
- Restart the TV afterward for good measure.
For Android TV Platforms (Sony, Hisense, etc.):
- Navigate to Settings > Apps.
- Find Disney+ and select it.
- Choose Clear Cache and then Clear Data (optional but recommended).
- Reboot your TV.
Important Note: Clearing data may log you out of Disney+. You’ll need to log back in after the reset.
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
If clearing the cache doesn’t resolve the issue the first time, or if the app resumes freezing after some time, consider the following additional steps:
- Uninstall and Reinstall Disney+: Fully remove the app and install it fresh from the TV’s app store to eliminate any file corruption.
- Check Your Internet Connection: Test your Wi-Fi or Ethernet speeds. Disney+ recommends at least 5Mbps for HD content and 25Mbps for 4K streaming.
- Update TV Firmware: Smart TV systems receive updates periodically. Go to your TV settings and check for firmware updates. An outdated OS might cause app compatibility issues.
- Restart Router: A simple reboot of your wireless router can clear connectivity glitches.
What Users Are Saying
On tech forums and social media, many users confirmed that clearing the cache partition immediately resolved the Disney+ stalling issue on Smart TVs. Here are a few publicly shared experiences:
- Reddit user u/streamfixer: “Got sick of Disney+ crashing at 25%. Cleared cache via Samsung’s device care, worked instantly.”
- Facebook tech group member Amanda R.: “I was about to cancel the subscription, but clearing the cache fixed everything. Can’t believe how simple it was.”
- Samsung Support Forum User Mark_Tech: “Multiple users reported this exact problem. Cache clean-up has been the first successful fix in most cases.”
Official Response from Disney+
As of this writing, Disney+ has not released an official statement blaming cached data for the 25% buffer freeze, but their support staff often guide users toward restarting devices, reinstalling the app, and checking memory usage—all actions that align with cache-related solutions. Disney’s internal troubleshooting guides for Smart TVs prominently mention clearing app data and cache as a first response step.
Preventing Reoccurrence
To prevent this issue from happening again, users should consider the following long-term actions:
- Regularly clear the app cache: Once every one to two months.
- Keep system software updated: Enable auto-updates if your TV allows it.
- Avoid beta versions of Disney+: Stick with the certified release for your TV brand.
- Power cycle your TV weekly: Turn off and unplug for a few minutes to free up memory and processes.
Conclusion
When Disney+ stalls at 25% while buffering, it can cast a shadow over streaming evenings with loved ones. Fortunately, a surprisingly effective method—clearing the cache partition—has become a reliable fix for many Smart TV users. Whether you’re battling corrupted files or app inefficiencies, this fix restores normal functionality and puts you back in your favorite galaxy far, far away or the magical worlds of Pixar and Marvel in no time.
With proper maintenance and awareness, you can ensure your Disney+ experience remains smooth, whether you’re catching up on The Mandalorian, re-watching Encanto, or diving into Loki.
