The CW App is ad-supported, and certain network, router, DNS, privacy, or security settings can prevent our ads from loading. When this happens, videos may not play or you may receive an ad blocker, playback, or access error even if you don't have an ad blocker installed on your device.
If you're having trouble watching The CW, check whether your home network is using a feature or service that blocks ads, trackers, or advertising servers.
What can cause this?
Network-level blocking can come from several places, including:
- Ad-blocking or privacy features built into your Wi-Fi router
- Custom DNS services that filter ads, trackers, or other content
- Network-wide ad-blocking software or devices
- Security or privacy services provided by your internet service provider
- VPNs or other privacy services with ad-blocking or tracking protection enabled
Because these settings work at the network level, they can affect every device connected to your Wi-Fi, including streaming devices, smart TVs, phones, tablets, and computers.
How can I tell if my network is causing the problem?
As a quick test, try watching the same video using a different internet connection or mobile data only.
For example, if you're having trouble while connected to your home Wi-Fi, try temporarily connecting a mobile device to cellular data instead. If the video plays normally on another network, a setting on your home network may be blocking something required for playback.
How do I fix it?
Check your router, DNS, security, or privacy settings for features that block ads, trackers, or advertising servers. You may need to disable that feature altogether.
The exact steps vary depending on your router, internet provider, or service. Please refer to the manufacturer's or provider's support instructions for information about changing these settings.
After making a change, restart The CW app or your browser and try playing the video again.
Still having trouble?
If you've confirmed that network-level ad blocking is disabled and you're still unable to watch, try our other playback troubleshooting steps or submit a support request.
When contacting us, please include the device you're using, your internet provider, and the error message you're seeing, if applicable.