Wondering why the “ESPN user not authenticated” message appears? Keep reading!
In this post, we’ll help the sports fans to solve the annoying error message that we understand appeared at least once on the majority of users.
However, here we’ll unwrap a step-by-step guide to solve the problem when the authentication message won’t go away.
The “user not authenticated” error on your smart TV with ESPN could be due to technical issues with the ESPN servers. To check the status, visit the ESPN website or check their social media accounts for updates or announcements regarding server problems.
Let’s learn how to fix the issue…
ESPN App User Not Authenticated – Fix Steps
Let’s start with some fix-steps when the mobile ESPN application is delivering the “not authorized user” error on the screen.
These include solutions specific to application-related problems that could impact the authentication, so for browsers, jump to the below step guide.
Step #1 Close ALL Apps
The very first thing to do is close ALL applications that are currently open on your mobile device including the ESPA app.
This will boost the performance of your device so you can fresh open the ESPN application and check whether the authentication will pass.
Step #2 Connect To The Internet
User authentication is the process of your application reaching the ESPA servers to establish a connection and approve your log-in.
When your device is not connected to the internet you would be seeing the “User Not Authenticated” message.
You should either connect to WiFi or use the cellular internet on your mobile device.
Note: Use mobile (3G/4G/5G) to avoid the possibility of bad WiFi.
Step #3 Restart Your Device
A basic, yet effective next move is to restart the device with the ESPN application. That will reboot ALL services and essentially provide a fresh start for your device.
On some occasions, the problem turns out to be OS-related, and rebooting the entire device always helps.
Tip: Hold the power button for about 10 seconds to turn the device OFF and vice versa.
Step #4 Clear ESPN App Cache
The cache data on your mobile device is what contains many activity logs, your login credentials, and application-specific configurations.
Sometimes a file corruption could prevent your device from reaching a certain application server, resulting in similar errors.
Here is how to clear your ESPN app cache data:
- On your mobile device go to Settings.
- Choose Apps/Applications and find ESPN.
- Tap on Data and choose Clear Cache.
Step #5 Reinstall The ESPN App
To take things one step further and have a conclusion, you’ll need to cleanly install the ESPN application to give it a fresh start.
To reinstall the ESPN app, follow the steps below:
- On your device open Settings.
- Go to Applications or Apps.
- Find the ESPN application and choose Delete.
- To download ESPN again, use the App Store/Google Play.
Note: The clean installation will also ensure that you're using the latest app version.
Step #6 Get A New Activation Code
When you see a “user not authenticated” message something is preventing the account from being authorized.
Fortunately, you can try with a new activation code and everything you need to do is log out from the ESPN account on your device.
Then, on the web ESPN page, you can receive a new activation code that should allow you to enter your account normally.
Step #7 Test ESPN On A Secondary Device
When you’ve got so far and the “user not authenticated” message won’t go away, you can consider yourself a bit unlucky.
The best way to localize the problem further is to test the application on another device.
That would help you understand whether there is something wrong with your device or your ESPN account in general. Based on your findings, you should proceed accordingly.
Tip: you can contact ESPN customer service for help in regard to your account.
ESPN User Not Authenticated On Browser (FIXED)
When you’re seeing the “User Not Authenticated” message on your computer, therefore, you’re using a browser, the solutions involve different steps.
This is why we’re about to explain what the methods are and how to remove the authentication error in no time.
Let’s start with the easier steps first:
Step #1 Clear Browser’s Cache
Each different browser has a different way to clear the cached data. We’ll take Google Chrome as the prime example since it’s one of the most popular browsers.
Keep in mind that other popular browsers share almost the same method to delete the cache data.
Here is how to erase the cached data on your browser:
- At the top-right click More.
- Select Tools and then Clear Browsing Data.
- Check All of the boxes.
- Select the period to ALL TIME.
- Press Clear Data.
Your browser page might freeze for about 30 seconds, based on how long you haven’t cleared your history so be patient.
When everything is done, head back to ESPN.comand check whether you’ll be able to log in without seeing the “user not authenticated” error.
Note: After clearing the entire cache, you will be logged out of ALL accounts saved in your browser’s data.
Step #2 Stop VPN & Antivirus
Whenever you’ve got an extension that actively hides your IP such as a proxy or VPN, you might not be able to reach some websites at all.
As in your case, some websites might not be able to authorize your location and deliver the error you’re seeing.
This is why you should stop any Extensions from the top-right menu of your browser.
Simply target an Extension and click Disable. Moreover, you should temporarily disable your anti-virus software or add ESPN.com to the exception list.
Tip: You can disable your anti-virus for a period of time or until the next OS restart.
Step #3 Use Another Browser
When the user not authenticated ESPN when opening the page, the issue could be coming from your browser and its compatibility.
In case you’re unable to reach ESPN.com on your browser, you should test logging in from another software.
The recommended browsers are Firefox, Google Chrome, and Opera but if you’re already using one of them, it’s alright to test with Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer.
Step #4 Contact Support
Based on whether your problem continues or not you should go to the ESPN support center to discover a situation-specific solution.
You can also call on their support number 1 888-549-3776.
Everything you need to do is explain when the “user not authenticated” message started to appear and what you’ve already done to attempt to solve the issue.
They will then inspect your account and let you know how to proceed.
Note: An ESPN support representative might ask you for some account information for verification.
ESPN+ User Not Authenticated
When you’re subscribed to ESPN+ with a participating provider, you might have to take a few extra steps.
As long as you’re subscribed to ESPN+ with a TV package, you should have access to the ESPN content through their application.
You should download the ESPN application from your mobile device app store and log in using the credentials provided by your package, thus, the video provider.
When the credentials don’t work and you’re seeing the “user not authenticated” error, you should contact them for help.
Quick Recap:
The “ESPN User Is Not Authenticated” message can be solved by reinstalling the app and restarting your source device. For browser users, the solution includes clearing the cache data and disabling VPN extensions.
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Last Thoughts:
Now when you know why the “ESPN user not authenticated” message appears and how to solve the issue, you’re ready to never look back.
In the worst-case scenario where nothing from this post helps, you can confidently reach ESPN customer service and get the problem solved.
For more similar guides make sure to check our tech blog and discover the solution you seek!
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.