Fix Paramount Plus playback issues when using NextDNS
If Paramount Plus does not work on an LG TV, Sky TV box, or web browser while using NextDNS, this guide explains why and how to restore streaming without disabling DNS protection
This guide is intended for people using NextDNS who find that Paramount Plus does not play content on certain devices.
The issue is most commonly reported on LG TVs, but it can also affect web browsers and set top boxes such as Sky TV.
The problem is not a fault with NextDNS, but a side effect of how some streaming services depend on domains that privacy focused DNS services reasonably block.
Step by step checks for Windows and web browsers
Confirm that the device is using the correct NextDNS profile.
If NextDNS is configured on the router, all devices should inherit it.
If it is configured per device, check that the browser is not bypassing DNS settings.
Verify NextDNS Configuration
Confirm that the device is using the correct NextDNS profile. If NextDNS is configured on the router, all devices should inherit it. If it is configured per device, check that the browser is not bypassing DNS settings.
Implement Allowlist Entries
Start by allowlisting the core Paramount Plus domains. Only expand to additional domains if playback still fails, as different devices have different requirements.
Core Paramount Plus domains to allowlist
Add these first. They relate directly to Paramount Plus account handling, playback authorisation, and stream setup.
*.pplus.paramount.tech
*.paramount.tech
*.bakery.pplus.paramount.tech
Google advertising domains that may be required for playback
If playback still fails, add these next. Some devices treat ad insertion as part of the playback process.
*.imasdk.googleapis.com
*.dai.google.com
Testing note
Make one change at a time and test again. Once playback works, you can work backwards and remove entries one by one to confirm what your device actually needs.
Restart and Clear Cache
Close the browser fully and reopen it after making changes. Browsers can cache DNS results, so restarting ensures the updated rules are applied before testing again.
Troubleshooting Playback on LG TVs
Step 1: Apply Allowlist Entries
Begin by adding the necessary domains to the Allowlist in your NextDNS profile. Prioritize Paramount Plus domains, and include Google advertising domains if playback issues persist.
For LG TVs, the same domains listed above are required, with particular importance placed on ad insertion services.
Recommended order for LG TVs
1. Allowlist the core Paramount Plus domains first
2. If playback still fails or you see error 3205, allowlist the Google advertising domains as well
3. Then power restart the TV fully at the wall before testing again
Domains to allowlist on LG TVs
*.pplus.paramount.tech
*.paramount.tech
*.bakery.pplus.paramount.tech
*.imasdk.googleapis.com
*.dai.google.com
Step 2: Restart the TV
Properly restart your LG TV to clear cached DNS lookups. Turn off the TV at the wall, wait 30 seconds, and then power it back on. Open the Paramount Plus app and test playback.
Step 3: Resolve Error 3205
A full power restart is essential on LG TVs, as the app may continue to fail even after DNS changes until cached errors are cleared.
Device Behavior Analysis
Insights from Multi-Device Testing
During testing, these allowlist changes were validated across an LG TV using the Paramount Plus app, a Windows laptop using a web browser, and a Sky TV box. Each device behaved differently, and not all required the same domains to be enabled for streaming to work.
Although the testing described here was carried out using LG TVs, the same DNS related behaviour may apply to other smart TV brands and streaming devices. Many platforms use similar playback and advertising components, so the same allowlist approach may help resolve issues on other devices, even though exact behaviour can vary.
About Sky TV boxes
In the UK, Sky TV boxes are multimedia set top boxes that combine satellite television, recording features, on demand streaming, and app based services. Paramount Plus can be accessed directly through the Sky interface. From a networking perspective, a Sky TV box behaves like a streaming device and makes outbound connections similar to a smart TV.
Practical approach
Start with the minimum set of domains. If it works, do not add more. If it fails, add the next group and test again. Restarting the device is important after every change, and restarting the router can also help if DNS changes do not appear to apply consistently across devices.
Balancing Privacy with Functionality
When allowlisting domains for Paramount Plus, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between functionality and privacy. Allowlisting only the necessary domains ensures streaming reliability while protecting user privacy. Avoid enabling unrelated advertising or tracking networks, and test changes incrementally to ensure privacy is preserved.
What these domains do in plain English
*.pplus.paramount.tech and *.paramount.tech are Paramount Plus service domains used for login, session handling, and playback authorisation
*.bakery.pplus.paramount.tech relates to playback bootstrap and orchestration
*.imasdk.googleapis.com and *.dai.google.com are used for advertising and ad insertion, which some devices require in order to start playback
Common Questions About Paramount Plus Playback Issues
Discover solutions to frequent playback problems on Paramount Plus and learn why allowlisting specific domains is crucial for seamless streaming.
Why does Paramount Plus stop working during playback?
Playback interruptions often occur when essential advertising or analytics domains are blocked. These domains are integral to the app’s workflow, and blocking them can prevent video streams from loading properly.
Is it necessary to allowlist all domains mentioned in the guide?
No, you should start by allowlisting the core Paramount Plus domains. Additional domains should only be added if playback issues persist, as different devices may have varying requirements.
Different devices and apps have different dependencies, which is why results can vary between web browsers, smart TVs, and set top boxes.
How does restarting my device help resolve streaming issues?
Restarting your device clears cached network failures, allowing the app to retry connections using updated DNS rules. This step is crucial for applying changes effectively.
Can I maintain my current blocklists while using NextDNS?
Yes, you can keep most blocklists enabled as long as the necessary domains for Paramount Plus are allowlisted. This ensures streaming reliability while maintaining privacy protections.
What should I do if Paramount Plus still fails after allowlisting?
Ensure the correct NextDNS profile is active and not bypassed by the device. Review logs for blocked domains and consider testing with a mobile hotspot to identify network-related issues.
Why is allowlisting advertising domains necessary for streaming?
Some streaming apps require advertising calls to proceed with video requests. Blocking these calls can halt the playback process, making allowlisting essential for uninterrupted streaming.
When to seek help
If playback issues keep returning across multiple devices, it may be worth reviewing the wider DNS filtering setup to keep streaming reliable without disabling protection.