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If Netflix will not open, keeps spinning, shows a blank screen, or will not start playback, first find out whether the fault is with Netflix, your connection, or one device. Try another app on the same device, then try Netflix on another device using the same Wi-Fi. Those two checks often show where to focus before you reset anything.
Find out what is failing
“Netflix won’t load” can mean several different things: the app cannot connect, a browser session is stuck, the service cannot reach a title, or the device cannot play it. A successful internet connection does not by itself prove that Netflix, the account, or a particular device is working.
- Other apps and websites fail too: troubleshoot the device’s internet connection or contact your internet provider.
- Netflix fails on one device, but works on another on the same Wi-Fi: focus on the failing device, app, browser, or its network settings.
- Netflix fails on all devices on Wi-Fi, but works on cellular data: investigate the router, DNS, VPN or proxy settings, Wi-Fi restrictions, or ISP routing.
- Netflix fails on every device, but other internet services work: an account, Netflix-service, DNS, or ISP-routing problem is possible. The checks below can narrow it down; they cannot confirm a live Netflix outage.
Netflix recommends Fast.com to test the connection to its service. Let the test finish. A good result is useful, but does not rule out every account, device, DNS, or app problem. You can also test Netflix in a browser at netflix.com/clearcookies; using this page signs you out.
Try the least disruptive fixes first
- Force-close Netflix, reopen it, and try again.
- Restart the device completely. Turn it off rather than leaving it in standby. If it has a power cable, unplug it, leave it off for at least 15 seconds, then reconnect and turn it on.
- Restart the modem and router. Turn off the Netflix device and unplug the modem and router for 30 seconds. Plug them back in, wait about one minute or until the connection lights stabilize, then restart the device. Some equipment takes longer to reconnect. Netflix gives these timings in its TV and streaming-device restart instructions.
- Test another app on the same device. If it also cannot connect, address the connection before changing Netflix settings.
- Compare another device or connection. Try Netflix on another device on the same Wi-Fi, or on cellular data if available. This helps distinguish a device problem from a Wi-Fi or routing problem.
- Update Netflix and the device software, or update the browser and operating system if you watch on a computer.
- Temporarily turn off a VPN, proxy, or custom DNS if you use one, then retry Netflix.
- Sign out and back in. Clear cookies, app data, or reinstall only if the simpler steps have not helped; those actions can remove downloads or sign you out.
If Netflix is stuck on a TV or streaming device
Use the full restart above rather than putting a TV, streaming stick, console, or cable box into standby. Then check whether another app works and use the device’s network test, if available. If the internet works on the device but Netflix does not, move on to the app and software checks.
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- Check for Netflix app and device-software updates in the TV or streaming device’s settings or app store.
- Sign out of Netflix and sign back in if the app opens far enough to let you.
- If the device permits it, uninstall and reinstall Netflix. Reinstalling may remove downloads and require you to sign in again.
- If Netflix is missing from the app store or cannot be updated, check the device against Netflix’s supported TVs and streaming devices. Netflix says some TVs and streaming devices made before 2015 may no longer support the service; that does not mean every device from before 2015 is unsupported.
Do not start with a factory reset. It can erase Wi-Fi credentials, app logins, and other saved settings. Netflix warns about these consequences in its Apple TV troubleshooting guidance. Consider a reset only after less disruptive steps fail and after checking the manufacturer’s reset instructions.
If Netflix will not load on an iPhone or iPad
- Force-close Netflix, then restart the iPhone or iPad.
- Open Safari and try netflix.com. You can also run the connection test at Fast.com.
- Update Netflix in the App Store, then install any available iOS or iPadOS update.
- Sign out of Netflix and sign back in if the app opens.
- If the problem remains, delete and reinstall Netflix. Downloaded titles may need to be downloaded again.
Netflix’s support pages describe current app and browser requirements, which can change: the browser and operating-system requirements list iPadOS 14 or later and Safari 14 or later for browser viewing, while the iPhone and iPad troubleshooting guidance covers app support.
If Netflix will not load on Android
- Restart the phone or tablet and test the connection at Fast.com in a browser.
- Update Netflix through Google Play or the device’s applicable app store, then check for an Android update.
- If Netflix opens, sign out and back in before clearing its data.
- If the problem persists, clear Netflix app data in the device settings. This signs you out and deletes downloaded shows and movies.
- Reinstall Netflix if clearing app data does not help.
Netflix’s Android guidance says the latest app version requires Android 9 or later; older app versions may work on Android 5 through Android 8. App availability and support can change. Rooted devices, modified operating systems, or devices that fail Android certification may not install or run Netflix correctly. See Netflix’s Android app requirements and troubleshooting.
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If Netflix will not load in a browser
Try these checks in order, so you do not have to erase all browser data unnecessarily:
- Open Netflix in a private or incognito window. If it works there, a cookie, extension, or browser setting may be involved.
- Temporarily disable extensions, particularly ad blockers, privacy or script tools, and VPN extensions.
- Try a different supported browser and restart the browser.
- Clear Netflix cookies at netflix.com/clearcookies, then sign in again. This signs you out of Netflix but avoids clearing cookies for every site.
- Update the browser and operating system.
For a blank or frozen page, repeated redirects, or a sign-in loop, also check whether cookies and JavaScript are blocked and whether the device’s date and time are correct. If the page still fails, restart the computer and router. Netflix’s browser and operating-system requirements list these minimum browser versions:
| Platform | Browser | Minimum version listed |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Edge | 118 |
| Windows | Chrome | 117 |
| Windows | Firefox | 111 |
| Windows | Opera | 92 |
| macOS | Safari | 14 |
| macOS | Chrome | 117 |
| macOS | Edge | 118 |
| macOS | Firefox | 111 |
| macOS | Opera | 92 |
| Chromebook | Chrome | 117 |
| iPad | Safari | 14 |
| Linux | Chrome | 117 |
| Linux | Firefox | 111 |
| Linux | Edge | 118 |
| Linux | Opera | 92 |
These are the minimum versions Netflix lists in its support documentation as of August 18, 2026, not a guarantee that every configuration will work. Netflix lists Windows 10 or 11 for browser playback and macOS 10.15.5 or later for Mac playback. It lists ChromeOS 76 or later for Chromebook and iPadOS 14 or later for iPad browser viewing. Linux support is limited to some configurations, and Netflix does not guarantee compatibility or offer normal troubleshooting support for every Linux setup.
Rank #3
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
If Netflix says “Browser isn’t supported,” “Looks like your browser is no longer supported,” or “Update required,” update the browser or switch to a supported one. Netflix ended Silverlight support on September 13, 2023; the current path is not to install Silverlight. See Netflix’s pages for unsupported browsers, browser no longer supported, and update required.
If Netflix detects a VPN, proxy, or location mismatch
A VPN or proxy can make Netflix see a connection from a different location. The same kind of problem can come from custom DNS or privacy-routing settings. Netflix may show “You seem to be using a VPN or proxy” or error E106.
- Turn off any VPN app and retry Netflix.
- Check whether antivirus software has an enabled VPN, and disable browser VPN or proxy extensions.
- If you changed router DNS or proxy settings, restore the usual settings temporarily. Resetting network settings can help, but it removes saved Wi-Fi details.
- Open Fast.com, select Show more info, and compare the displayed country and IP address with your actual connection.
If the location still appears wrong, ask your ISP to check DNS or location routing. Netflix’s VPN and proxy troubleshooting explains the location check. School, workplace, hotel, café, and other public Wi-Fi networks may restrict streaming; hotspots, cellular networks, and satellite connections can also be too slow or unstable. Netflix lists these as possible connection problems in its network troubleshooting guidance.
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- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
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- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Use the exact error message to narrow the fix
Record the full message and code before changing settings. These examples point to different first checks; they are not an exhaustive code list.
| Message or code | What it can indicate | Useful first step |
|---|---|---|
| “Netflix is Currently Unavailable” | An app update or network problem | Update Netflix, then restart the device and network. See Netflix’s guidance. |
| “Connection failed” | The device cannot reach Netflix | Test at Fast.com and compare another device. |
| “Unable to connect to Netflix” | A network or stored app-data problem | Test another app and restart the device and network; refresh app data only if simpler checks fail. |
NW-1-19 |
A network problem prevents the device reaching Netflix | Test the connection and restart the device and router. See Netflix’s network guidance. |
“You seem to be using a VPN or proxy” or E106 |
VPN, proxy, DNS, or location mismatch | Disable VPN or proxy and check the location shown in Fast.com. See Netflix’s VPN guidance. |
-2 |
An Android network-connectivity issue | Test Netflix in a browser and check app and device support. See Netflix’s Android error guidance. |
-373 |
Android app data may need refreshing, or there may be a network problem | Test the network first; if clearing app data, remember it signs you out and removes downloads. See Netflix’s error guidance. |
| “Update required” | The browser, operating system, or device may be outdated or unsupported | Update it or use a supported browser or device. See Netflix’s instructions. |
R39-1 or another R-series message |
The Netflix app or device operating system may need an update | Update both, then retry Netflix. See Netflix’s device troubleshooting. |
Check device and plan compatibility
A device can connect to the internet and still be unable to run the current Netflix app or support a particular plan experience. Check Netflix’s supported-device information before replacing hardware or resetting it.
Netflix says a small percentage of otherwise compatible devices cannot run its ad-supported experience because their app or device software cannot be updated to support it. Its guidance lists Android 7 or later and iOS 15 or iPadOS 15 or later for ad-supported viewing on those devices; ad-supported plans are unavailable on VR headsets, and some older TV-connected devices may not support the experience. These are plan-specific requirements and can change. Consult Netflix’s plan and device compatibility details.
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For 4K playback on supported Windows configurations, Netflix lists a steady connection of 15 Mbps or higher alongside compatible software, hardware, and plan requirements. That figure is for Ultra HD playback; it is not a universal minimum for Netflix to load or for ordinary streaming. See Netflix’s Windows playback requirements.
Know when to contact support
- Contact Netflix when Netflix alone fails across devices after the connection checks, or when an account- or service-specific error remains. Share the exact message or code and which devices you tested.
- Contact your ISP when other devices cannot connect, Fast.com cannot complete, the Netflix location appears wrong, or the problem is limited to your home network.
- Contact the device maker when the TV or streaming device cannot connect generally, has a firmware or app-store problem, or its software cannot be updated.
Before contacting support, note the device model, whether you use the Netflix app or a browser, the exact error, whether other apps work, whether Netflix works on another device, and whether the issue occurs on Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cellular.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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