VDreadstar's profile

Contributor

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42 Messages

Sunday, August 24th, 2025 1:11 AM

Disney+ App hangs during commercial breaks

Hey all,

Recently resubscribed to Disney+ and it works like well, [Edited: "Language"], via the Xfinity App. It tends to hang during the commercial breaks. Inevitably have to exit the App, restart and hope the commercial break completes. Anyone else have the same issue?

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Visitor

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7 Messages

2 months ago

Think I found the solution.

Video link below.

Start Disney.

Go to left and select Settings.

Select App Settings.

Change Data Usage from Automatic to Moderate.

Have tried it twice and no freezing.

https://youtu.be/vSf07dGb058?si=TIvQp4gJIZMqavK1

Visitor

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3 Messages

I tried this, still freezing on commercials

Visitor

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7 Messages

2 months ago

See the comment about Playback settings. Ended up going to Save Data.
Freezing during commercials on Disney+ is a common issue often caused by the complexities of dynamic ad insertion, which involves Disney's data management and third-party advertising partners. Instead of a single, uniform ad stream, the app is built to deliver personalized commercials by collecting and processing user data, creating multiple points of failure. 
How data management causes freezing
  • Dynamic ad insertion (DAI): Unlike traditional broadcast television, ad-supported streaming services, including Disney+, dynamically insert commercials in real time. When a video approaches an ad break, the Disney+ system must:
    • Pause the main video feed.
    • Use audience data, such as demographics and viewing history, to request a personalized ad from a third-party ad server.
    • Retrieve the ad from the external server.
    • Insert the ad into the video player.
    • Transition back to the original programming.
  • Issues during ad insertion: This process can cause freezing if it hits a snag. The system may fail to transition smoothly between the video and ad, or the third-party ad server may be slow or overloaded, interrupting the stream.
  • Complex data pipeline: Disney's ad-supported tier relies on a complex data pipeline involving Disney's proprietary Audience Graph, which includes first-party data (gathered from users) and potentially third-party data from partners. Any issue in this chain, from data processing to communicating with ad partners, can disrupt the stream.
  • Device cache: The problem can be exacerbated by local device issues. The streaming device's cache stores temporary files, and a build-up of old or corrupted data can interfere with the ad-loading process and cause freezing. 
Potential motivation for delayed fixes
Some users speculate that Disney+ may have less urgency to fix this bug because, indirectly, it benefits financially from the freezing. When the app freezes after a commercial, users often restart the app, which can re-trigger the ad sequence. This increases the total number of ad impressions served, potentially generating more ad revenue for Disney. 
What you can do to fix it
You can often resolve commercial freezing with troubleshooting steps that address common issues, including data management-related problems.
  • Clear the cache: Clear the app's cache and data on your streaming device. This removes temporary files that might be causing glitches with ad loading.
  • Change playback settings: Some users have reported success by changing the app's streaming quality from "Automatic" to "Save Data." This forces the app to use a lower-resolution stream, which requires less bandwidth and processing power, helping to prevent freezing.
  • Restart the app and device: A simple restart of the Disney+ app, and if that doesn't work, a full restart of your device (smart TV, streaming stick, etc.) can resolve temporary glitches.
  • Reinstall the app: Uninstalling and then reinstalling the app ensures you have the latest version and can clear any corrupted files.
  • Check for app updates: Make sure both the Disney+ app and your device's operating system are up to date. Updates often include bug fixes that can resolve freezing issues. 

Visitor

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1 Message

2 months ago

I’ve had it with the Disney+ app. I’ve tried all of the suggestions to avoid or prevent the freezing to no avail. I’d like to know how everyone can be having the same problem and it’s our problem and not Disney+ is app problem. 
I’m tired of it. I’m canceling my subscription to Disney+.

Official Employee

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1.1K Messages

Hello @user_0c5s52 How are you accessing the Disney+ app? Are you doing it through your Xfinity Box or some other device?

I am an Official Xfinity Employee.
Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.
Was your question answered? Please, mark a reply as the Accepted Answer.tick

Visitor

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7 Messages

@user_0c5s52​ did you go into settings on the Disney app and change from Automatic to Save Data?

7 Messages

1 month ago

I'd like to point out that this same issue is also happening with the new ESPN App. Obviously a glitch somewhere between Xfinity and Disney. 

Visitor

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2 Messages

28 days ago

I have this issue all the time. Fortunately I have an Apple TV box on my main tv and Disney plus works fine. There is no reason to ask about anyone’s equipment, moot point. Get it together Comcast.

Visitor

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1 Message

24 days ago

well looks like I am not the only one!  I have had for over 4 months and EVERY DAY the problem persists.  I have changed the settings, etc.  No luck - freezing at EVERY commercial/ad.  Works fine on the ipad.  Just ready to cancel...disney was no help and looking like xfinity has no resolution???

Visitor

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3 Messages

21 days ago

This is so frustrating.  Unable to watch games on the tv.  Hangs up every commercial.  I don’t even think upgrading to commercial free would help as we are using it mostly to watch hockey on ESPN.  Only able to watch on tablet or computer.  It is really unacceptable that Xfinity has not fixed this yet.  Multiple reboots and resets to no avail.  All other apps gone and Disney is fine on all other devices. It is definitely an Xfinity issue affecting many people.  Xfinity needs to get on top of this!

New Poster

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12 Messages

I’m seeing that with nearly each and every response from xfinity they say they see no tickets about the problem. I pay xfinity $300+ for internet and tv. I have no other options where I am located so I’m forced to use their services. Forced meaning if I want tv I have no choice but them. I’m almost ready to quit tv and internet altogether. Only obstacle is that I need it for work so I’m stuck. 

Visitor

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7 Messages

You need to go into the Disney settings and slow down the data feed rate. 

Visitor

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7 Messages

@Nleisten32​ You need to go into the Disney settings and slow down the data feed rate

Contributor

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38 Messages

10 days ago

Same issue for months on Xfinity box, Chromecast, etc. I contacted Disney support and two reps told me it's a known issue they're working on. It was doing ok recently but yesterday started acting up again for us. Disney just seems to be slow on a fix.

Official Employee

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795 Messages

Thank you for sharing this jdawg90!

 

I am an Official Xfinity Employee.
Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.
Was your question answered? Please, mark a reply as the Accepted Answer.tick

Visitor

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1 Message

Disney still freezing after commercials. When will this be fixed? Can I pause my subscription until a solution is provided?

Official Employee

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359 Messages

Hello @user_rpuv1o, were you able to get your Disney plus issue resolved?

Visitor

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1 Message

5 days ago

constantly have the same issue. been on chats with both Disney+ and xfinity for hours (literally) without resolution. Recently getting worse. to the point the stream will not restart. worthless waste of money. Disney+ needs to be better than this. It's not like every other stream on Xfinity has this problem.

Official Employee

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2.3K Messages

Hey @user_nqqu2x. Thank you for visiting our official Xfinity Forums Community support page. We are not indicating any known issues with the Disney+ application and playback. Are you experiencing issues with all devices from a computer, phone, tablet, set-top box, smart TV, and more? Or is the issue more specific to one device?

I am an Official Xfinity Employee.
Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.
Was your question answered? Please, mark a reply as the Accepted Answer.tick

Visitor

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1 Message

2 hours ago

Same issue!!!! Come on Disney and Xfinity - just fix it!!!!

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