However, it's inevitable that at some point, you'll run into some sort of issue — that's just technology for you.
If Prime Video isn't working for you, these are the most common problems and solutions.
Check out the products mentioned in this article:
Amazon Prime Video (From $8.99 at Amazon)
Make sure your Prime Video account is active and in good standing
If you're having trouble using your Prime Video account, make sure it's active. You can go to your Prime Video account settings page to make sure it's paid and active.
This goes for Amazon Prime in general. If you cancel your Amazon Prime account, or don't pay your bill, you lose access to Prime Video.
Make sure you're connected to the internet
Prime Video needs a stable internet connection to work.Casezy idea/ShutterstockUnless you're watching a downloaded video, you need to be connected to the internet in order to watch Prime Video.
Check that your streaming device is connected to the internet, whether that be Wi-Fi or a cellular data connection. If you're sure that it is, reset your internet router and then reconnect.
Try Prime Video on a different device
If Prime works on all devices but one, you know that one device is the issue.Faizal Ramli/ShutterstockIf Prime Video isn't working on your usual device, try it elsewhere. If it won't run on your smart TV or Roku, for example, open the Prime Video app on your smartphone and try it there, or open Prime Video in a browser on your computer.
If it works on one device but not another, you've narrowed down the problem significantly. Reboot the device that Prime Video isn't running on, and try again.
Restart the device or reinstall the app
If rebooting your device didn't help, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.Dave Johnson/Business InsiderIf you've narrowed the problem down to a particular device, restarting the device can solve all sorts of issues.
If that doesn't work, uninstall the Prime Video app and then reinstall it. You'll probably need to log into Prime Video again after you do this.
Pause other internet activity and shut off unneeded network tools
If other people are using the same internet connection as you, Prime Video will slow down.Mark Wilson/GettyIt's possible that your internet connection is being taken up by other data — if you're downloading a large file, for example, or other people are gaming on the same Wi-Fi network, you could be starving Prime Video of essential bandwidth.
To check, stop any other internet activity and try using Prime Video again. If you're using Wi-Fi, you might also want to move your streaming device and internet router closer together.
Also, turn off any network tools you don't need, like a VPN, to make sure they aren't slowing down your connection.
Make sure you have the right HDMI cable
You might need to purchase a new cable to be able to watch all the video you want.AmazonIt's rare, but if you're having trouble watching Prime Video on a device that connects to your display via an HDMI cable, it's possible the HDMI cable isn't new enough or compliant.
If you're watching HD content, the cable needs to be rated at least HDCP 1.4, and if you're watching 4K content, you'll need an HDCP 2.2 HDMI cable.
Unfortunately, unless you still have the package your cable came in, or its order details if you got it online, there usually isn't any way to tell what type of cable you have. Check to see if anything is written on the cable itself — if there isn't, you may be out of luck.
If your cable is outdated, buy a newer one.
$8.99 from Amazon Prime Video
Related coverage from Tech Reference:
How to cast content on Amazon Prime Video from an Android to your smart TV
'What is the X-Ray feature on Amazon Prime Video?': How to find and view bonus material about TV shows and movies
Up to 3 people can watch Amazon Prime Video at once — here's how it compares to the competition
How to search on Amazon Prime Video for movies and TV shows on any device
How to share an Amazon Prime Video account with others by adding adults, teens, or children to your Amazon Household
Dave Johnson
Freelance Writer
Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.
Read more Read lessInsider Inc. receives a commission when you buy through our links.
More...
Close iconTwo crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.