“Time-shifting,” or the ability to pause and rewind live TV, as well as the ability to fast-forward through paused programming (otherwise known as Player Controls) is available on all* US-based channels in Sling Blue, Sling Orange and their corresponding Extras.
We’ve also added a Skip to Live button in your device’s Player Controls.
- Hit the OK or Enter button on your remote to bring up the status bar
- Press the UP arrow on your remote
- Then select 'Skip to Live' button to instantly jump to what’s on now after watching time-shifted programming.
- Note: Some channels will also give you the option to 'Play From Start' - Simply use the left and right arrow keys on your remote to toggle between these two options.
*Excludes digital networks like: Local Now, ESPN3, ACC Network Extra, SEC Network+
Choose a topic below to learn more:
Finding Player Controls on Your Device:
Streaming Devices, Gaming Consoles and TVs >
Smartphones and Tablets >
Computers and Browsers >
Frequently Asked Questions about Player Controls:
Finding Player Controls on Your Device
Streaming Devices, Gaming Consoles and TVs
Use the Play/Pause, Rewind or Fast-Forward buttons on your remote (if available). You can also use directional buttons (arrow keys) by holding them down to skip forward or backward, and use OK/Enter to pause.
Note that all remotes/controllers are different, and the location of these functions may vary depending on your device.
Fox XBOX One consoles:
Pause: ___ Button
Rewind: ___ Button
Fast-forward: ___ Button
Smartphones and Tablets
To access Player Controls on your smartphone or tablet, simply tap the screen.
Additionally, don’t forget about Picture-In-Picture on your mobile device. While watching a show, game or movie, tap the Picture-In-Picture icon in the top right of the screen. Your video will shrink to the top corner of your screen, and you’ll be able to minimize the Sling app (but don’t fully close out of it) to use other apps without missing a moment of what you’re watching!
Computers and Browsers
Whether you’re using the Windows 10 app or browser player on Chrome, Edge or Safari, just move your mouse over the screen to bring up Player Controls.
Additionally, you can use the following hotkeys when viewing on a browser (both MAC and PC):
Space: Pause/resume
F: Fullscreen
M: Mute/unmute audio
Frequently Asked Questions about Player Controls
What channels can I use Player Controls on?
Player controls will now be available on all 300+ US channels. The only exceptions are digital networks like:
Local Now, ESPN3, ACC Network Extra, SEC Network+
As we’ll be rolling this feature out on a device-by-device basis over the coming months, if Player Control availability has not been added to a channel, you’ll see the following message on-screen when trying to use controls:
Pause and other playback controls not available on this channel.
How long can I pause live TV for?
Longer than you’ll probably need! Pause programming for up to an hour on most channels. Video playback will resume automatically once you reach that point.
Can I use Player Controls on local channels?
If you receive NBC or FOX as a part of your Sling Blue subscription, you will be able to use Player Controls on those channels.
Any local channels you receive through an HD antenna or AirTV device will not have Player Control access on live TV at this time. We hope to have this feature available soon.
Can I skip ads?
The ability to skip ads when fast-forwarding through time-shifted programming varies by channel and is based upon agreements with our channel providers.