Why and How to Fix Netflix Not Working

Part 1. Why Is Netflix Not Working Today?

Before diving into the solutions to fix Netflix app not working issue, let's first identify the root cause. It helps to understand what's causing the problem. The problem could be an external one affecting all users, a glitch with your local network, a software bug on your streaming device, or a specific issue with your account. Here are the most common reasons why Netflix will not work:

Why Is My Netflix App Not Working?

• Netflix Server Outage: The problem might not be on your end; the Netflix service itself could be down, affecting an entire region or even all users globally.
• Unstable or Slow Internet Connection: Your home network is the most frequent culprit. This includes a weak Wi-Fi signal, a router or modem that needs to be restarted, or an internet plan that is too slow to support stable streaming.
• Outdated Netflix App: An old version of the Netflix app can lead to compatibility and performance issues.
• Corrupted App Data: Temporary files and cached data stored by the Netflix app can become corrupted over time.
• Device-Related Glitches: The device you are using, whether it's a smart TV, a streaming stick like a Roku or Firestick, a gaming console, or a smartphone, can experience temporary software bugs.
• VPN or Proxy Interference: Using a VPN can interfere with Netflix's ability to stream content correctly.
• Account or Subscription Problems: The problem could be linked directly to your Netflix account. Common issues include a lapsed subscription due to a failed payment or exceeding the number of simultaneous screens allowed on your plan.

Part 2. How to Fix Netflix Not Working

Understanding the cause of the Netflix stopped working problem is the first step. Now, here are the most effective solutions to resolve these common Netflix errors.

Fix 1. Check Netflix Server Status

If the Netflix server is down, you're bound to face issues like the Netflix not working issue. Checking this first can save you a lot of unnecessary troubleshooting.

1. Open a web browser on your phone or computer.
2. Go to the official Netflix Help Center's system status page. This page provides real-time information on whether their service is fully operational.
3. If the site shows a green light, Netflix is running fine, and the problem is likely on your end. If it shows a red warning, you'll have to wait for their team to fix the issue.

Fix 2. Check Internet Connection

Choppy playback, constant buffering, or poor video quality are often signs of a slow internet connection. Netflix recommends a minimum of 3 Mbps for standard definition, 5 Mbps for high definition, and 15 Mbps for 4K streaming. You can easily check your speed by opening a browser on any device connected to your network and visiting Fast.com, a speed test service run by Netflix.

If your internet connection is unstable, a network reset re-establishes your connection to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and can clear up many performance issues.

1. Unplug both your modem and your router from their power outlets.
2. Wait for at least 60 seconds. This allows them to clear their memory and reset.
3. Plug the modem back in first. Wait for its lights to become stable (usually 1-2 minutes).
4. Once the modem is fully online, plug your router back in and wait for its lights to stabilize.
5. Once your network is back up, try Netflix to check if it works again.

Fix 3. Sign out and Sign in on Netflix on PC/Mobile

Logging out from the Netflix account and logging in with it again can refresh your connection to Netflix's servers and resolve many account-related glitches or data conflicts.

On Windows

1. Launch the Netflix app or visit the Netflix web player, and tap the profile button.
2. Click the 'Sign out of Netflix' option from the list.



3. Or, you can select the 'Account' option from the list to open the Account settings page. Then press the 'Sign out of all devices' button.



4. After the steps above, you will log out of your Netflix account. A few moments later, you can log in with the Netflix account again to see how it pans out.

On Mobile

1. Press the profile button after starting the Netflix app. Next, you'll need to select the 'Sign Out' button from the screen's bottom side.



2. Log out from the Netflix account by hitting the 'Sign out' button again. To begin watching the videos, sign in with your Netflix credentials again.

Fix 4. Clear Netflix App Cache on Windows/Android/iPhone

The app stores temporary data to help it run faster. But irrelevant Netflix app data can also cause the Netflix is not working issue. So clearing the Netflix app cache gives the app a fresh start without deleting your profile or viewing history. It helps you play Netflix videos appropriately.

On Windows Computer

1.  Select Apps > Apps & features after clicking on the Start button.



2. In this phase, you'll need to find Netflix before selecting the three-dot button. Click on the Advanced options and choose the Reset icon.

On Android

1. Launch Android Settings app and select the Apps section. After tapping Netflix, find the 'Storage & cache' icon.



2.  Tap on the Clear cache and Clear Storage to eliminate the Netflix app cache.

On iPhone

1. Press the iPhone storage option after launching the iPhone Settings app.



2. Prior to selecting the Storage button, and click the Netflix button. Press the Offload app button before confirming the action by hitting the Offload app button again.

On Amazon Firestick

1. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Netflix > Clear Cache, and then Clear Data.

Fix 5. Close and Reopen Netflix

You can give the Netflix app a fresh start by quitting it and then opening it again to fix Netflix is not working issue. To remove the Netflix app, please swipe up from the bottom of the screen on your mobile device to access all the other apps. After that, launch the Netflix app again to see how it goes.

Fix 6. Clear Web Browser Cache and Cookies

If you use Netflix via its web player on the web browser, then clearing the browser cache and cookies might also help you fix the Netflix not working issue. You can go to eliminate corrupted cookies and cache in the web browser.

1. Once in Google Chrome web browser, tap the three dots button in the upper-right corner. Then click on the 'Delete browsing data…' from the option list.
2. In the new window, click the 'All Time' option, then check the 'cached images and files' and 'other site data'. Press the Clear Data button to remove the cache.

Fix 7. Update Netflix App on PC/Mobile

Using the outdated Netflix app can also cause the Netflix will not work issue. Thus, you'll need to update the Netflix app on your device to see how it shapes up.

On Windows Computer

1. Prior to selecting the Microsoft Store after clicking the Start menu.
2. Click on the three dots button before selecting the 'Downloads and Updates' button. Click on the Get Updates icon if possible to get the new updates of Netflix installed.

On Mobile Device

1. Locate Netflix after launching the Play Store app.
2.  Tap on the Netflix icon and choose the Update icon to update Netflix to the latest version.

Fix 8. Review Your Netflix Account

Sometimes, the problem is related to your account status. You can check the Netflix account status after going into the settings. Log into the Netflix website and check your account for two common issues:

Fix 9. Disable VPN<

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and certain browser extensions (especially ad-blockers) can cause the Netflix not working issue. Try temporarily disabling your VPN or any extensions to see if that resolves the issue. Go to the Settings app, selecting the VPN option, and toggle the switch to off.

Fix 10. Uninstall and Reinstall Netflix App on PC/Mobile

Removing the Netflix app from the device and then installing it again can also fix the Netflix not working issue. So, follow the one-by-one steps below to make it.

On Mobile Device

1. Start the Play Store app and locate Netflix afterward.
2. Tap on the Netflix button before selecting the Uninstall button.



3. Find the Netflix app in the app store, choose it, and click Install.

On Computer

1.  Choose the Settings icon on the computer and click on the Apps section.
2.  Choose Netflix, then click the Uninstall option. Next, you can visit the Microsoft Store to find and install the Netflix app again.

Fix 11. Restart Your Mobile/Desktop Device

A quick restart can clear temporary software bugs that may be preventing Netflix from working correctly. Whether you're using a smart TV, a streaming stick like a Roku or Firestick, a gaming console, or a smartphone, this should be your go-to move.

On Computer

On your computer, click the Start button and choose the Restart option.

On Mobile

Press and hold either volume and side button to turn off the device. To turn on the device, you have to press and hold the side button again.

On Other Devices

1. Turn your device off completely. Do not just put it in sleep or standby mode.
2. Unplug it from the power outlet for at least 60 seconds. This step is crucial as it allows the internal components to fully reset.
3. Plug the device back in, turn it on, and try launching Netflix again.

Fix 12. Contact Netflix Support

Despite trying everything, if the Netflix not working issue persists, you can consult Netflix support. After reaching out to Netflix's support, you can tell them about the whole situation you're currently dealing with and get assistance from them.

Part 3. How to Download Netflix Movies to Avoid Netflix Not Working Issue Permanently

You can avoid having the Netflix not working issue by downloading the Netflix video content as local files. For this purpose, StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader is your best helper. It lets you download unlimited videos from Netflix in original video quality and save as MP4 and MKV video formats. It also retains all the information about Netflix videos and supports to download multiple Netflix videos simultaneously. Besides, it will download Netflix movies with subtitles in multilingual for offline playback.

How to Download Netflix Videos to Watch without Problem

Step 1 Sign in to Netflix account

Log in with your Netflix account credentials within the built-in Netflix web player after installing and starting the StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader from your Windows or Mac computer.

Step 2 Set Netflix output video parameters

Press the Preferences option after choosing the hamburger icon at the top-right corner on the screen. Later, you can adjust the parameters of the output video quality, resolution, format, etc. according to your needs.

Step 3 Import and Download Netflix videos locally

Choose the Netflix videos you wish to download and press the Download button afterward. You can also choose the video size and title before downloading the Netflix videos. After that, you will get the local Netflix video files on your computer. Then you can watch Netflix movies offline without the Netflix app and you will not meet the Netflix app not working issue.

Part 4. In Conclusion

When Netflix app stopped working, the solution is usually straightforward. By following these steps in order, from checking Netflix's servers and performing simple restarts to clearing app data and verifying your account, you can solve most Netflix not working issues yourself. If you've tried everything on this list and are still stuck, you can use StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader to get the Netflix videos downloaded as local files. After that, you can watch the Netflix video files on multiple devices without any issues.