Sky users are reporting issues with the newly launched Paramount+ streaming service, days after its UK launch. While Sky Cinema members can get the service for free, some of them haven’t been able to sign up due to an ongoing problem.
Other Sky users, who did manage to sign up, can’t watch Paramount+ on their Sky Q and Sky Glass devices, and instead, they’re getting a blank screen with an endlessly spinning buffering symbol.
Sky told us these issues are due to “unprecedented demand”, and that they’re working on resolving them as quickly as they can (see their full response below).
Sky also issued an explanation pop-up on the official website, saying that the registration error is due to the “amazing response” to Paramount+, and urging users to “try again later”.
Since the free subscription can’t be added over the phone – the only option for customers is to, indeed, try again later – but many have taken to social media to protest these issues.
Paramount+ launched in the UK on June 22, as a standalone streaming service/app, with 8,000 hours of content – hit TV shows (many of which were previously available on Sky), and blockbuster films from the Paramount archives.
Paramount+ normally costs £6.99/month or £69.90/year in the UK, with a free 7-day trial available to everyone.
However, Sky Cinema customers, who also have Sky Q or Sky Glass, can get Paramount+ for free, as a “bonus”.
- Also See: Our In-Depth Paramount+ UK Review
Sky+ and NOW customers can’t get Paramount+ for free – even if they’re subscribed to Sky Cinema – and will instead get limited content from Paramount that will remain available on Sky’s regular on-demand platform.
Paramount+ Error Message On Sky
In order to get Paramount+ for free, Sky Q / Sky Glass users need to first open the app on their Sky device, confirm their subscription, and then visit the activation page on Sky’s website and sign up on the Paramount+ website (see our full guide on how to get Paramount+ on Sky).
However, while many Sky customers were able to sign up and are already watching Paramount+, others seem to be stuck in one of the stages – either not being able to confirm the registration on their Sky device, or not being able to create a working account (via Sky) on Paramount+.
Customers have therefore taken to social media to voice their frustration:
@SkyHelpTeam Almost midday on the day after launch. Still no Paramount+ on Sky Q. Any update that isn’t a copy and paste job?
— Leon Woodley (@LeonWoodley3) June 23, 2022
Some got stuck on the very first step:
@SkyHelpTeam hi there, been trying to access the Paramount+ app on my Sky Q box and it says I need to activate it, but I'm getting this message now. Any idea how to fix it? Cheers pic.twitter.com/as0nHHJFxR
— Jody Brown (@StonecoldMC) June 23, 2022
Others did manage to sign up – but now can’t watch anything:
Day three of paramount plus uk through sky tv. This is some exceptional viewing 😔 pic.twitter.com/7PTPFYvPLA
— Robert Edwards (@bobwoods86) June 24, 2022
Sky’s Response
A Sky spokesperson told us that they’ve “Had a phenomenal response to the launch of Paramount+ on Sky Cinema.
“With this unprecedented demand, there has unfortunately been a delay for some customers to add Paramount+ to their Sky Cinema bundle.
“We’re working on adding as many people as quickly as we can and are sorry for any inconvenience. Please bear with us”
Regarding the second issue of the blank screen that a few users are still facing, the spokesperson said that “This has been reported by a very small number of customers and we’re working to resolve it. We will continue to review the situation”.
