Netflix Not Working? 11 Ways to Fix Netflix Issues and Problems (2024)

When you can kick back and watch a movie, the last thing you want to worry about is Netflix not working. However, there are plenty of reasons why Netflix won't load, with common culprits ranging from Netflix server issues to internet connection problems.

With this in mind, we've put together a list of the most common Netflix problems. And, crucially, it includes troubleshooting solutions to help you get Netflix back up and running again.

First, Check if Netflix Is Down

Before discussing any potential causes for the Netflix app not working, whether that's because it doesn't load or crashes randomly, we have to discuss one essential first step you should take: checking whether Netflix has any running issues. If Netflix is down, there's nothing you can do to fix the problem.

The first place you can visit to check on the platform's status is the Netflix Help Center page. Of course, you can also head over to X (formerly Twitter), look for "Netflix down," and see if other people are complaining, too—with a service as popular as Netflix, someone will surely express their displeasure.

Other websites that can help you figure out if others are having Netflix issues in your area include Downdetector and IsItDownRightNow. If everything checks out and there's nothing wrong with Netflix, the technical problem is likely on your end.

Now that that's clear, let's see what you can do to fix your Netflix issues.

1. Your Netflix App Keeps Crashing

It has happened to all of us: one of your favorite apps suddenly starts crashing every time you try to use it. Now you're wondering why Netflix keeps kicking you out. After the initial panic has worn off, you can take a few steps to rectify the problem, but it depends on your device.

Smartphone users should start by force-stopping the Netflix app. If it still doesn't work, try turning your phone off and on again. And if it still doesn't work, you will need to delete the app and reinstall it from the app store. The same methodology applies if you're using a set-top streaming box.

If you're using Netflix on your smart TV, you might be unable to delete the app. Instead, try signing out of Netflix on your Smart TV, clear the cache, and sign in again. Or, if you're using the Netflix app on Windows, try disabling your antivirus software. Many security suites interfere with the service. If you are still getting kicked off of Netflix, keep reading for other troubleshooting processes to try.

2. You See Netflix Error 12001 on Android

Many Android users complain about seeing error code 12001 when using the Netflix app. This problem afflicts both Android smartphones and tablets.

Netflix error code 12001 is caused by outdated data on your device. You need to refresh the data to get the Netflix app working again. But how do you refresh the data? Well, there are a few ways to do it.

First, try turning your device off and then back on again. Yes, the magic trick that gets devices and software working. Ensure your device is turned off completely, then turn it back on again and try Netflix.

If that doesn't work, you'll need to clear the Netflix app data. Open your Android, navigate to Settings > Apps > Apps, scroll down, and tap Netflix. Within the Netflix sub-menu, go to Storage, then tap Clear data and Clear cache. Try Netflix again and see if the problem persists.

For other issues similar to this one, see our guide to fixing Netflix error codes.

3. You Can't Download Netflix Content

In 2016, Netflix finally started offering users a way to download content to watch offline. This means you can load up on TV shows and movies before a long journey or if you're traveling to an area with poor internet coverage. Unfortunately, this feature doesn't always work flawlessly. If you're struggling to download content, there are a few steps you can take.

Firstly, you can stop now if you're using a jailbroken iPhone or a rooted Android device. The feature will not work.

Secondly, make sure you're running at least Android 4.4.2 or iOS 8, have the most up-to-date version of the Netflix app, and have enough storage on your phone. You'll also need the latest software versions for your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, Amazon Fire tablet, or Chromebook.

Also, please note that some titles simply will not be available for download, and you'll notice this by the presence—or lack—of a downloads icon on the title's page.

If all else fails, try reinstalling Netflix.

4. You See Netflix Error 1012 on iOS

Error 1012 is exclusively limited to iPhone users. It points to a network connectivity issue—your Netflix app cannot reach the Netflix servers. This is most likely the culprit if you have experienced establishing a connection, and subsequently were kicked off of Netflix. In this instance, you may have lost your internet connection which resulted in being kicked off the streaming app.

You can take some simple troubleshooting steps to try and fix the problem. For example, try restarting the app, restarting your device, and restarting your home network. Try checking your internet connection with a web page or other application to determine if it is a connection issue on your streaming device.

If none of these solutions work, you'll need to reset the Netflix app from within the iOS settings menu. Go to Settings > Netflix and toggle Reset on.

Make sure you close any existing Netflix sessions by going to the app switcher, swiping up on the Netflix app, and then relaunching Netflix. You will need to re-enter your login credentials. If this doesn't work, you should also try reinstalling the Netflix app.

5. You See a Black Screen on Desktop

If you're using Netflix on Windows or macOS, you might encounter a black screen whenever you try to play a video.

This issue has six primary causes:

• Cookies: Try to clear your browser's cookies. The precise instructions vary from browser to browser, but you'll typically find the option in the Settings menu.
• Silverlight: Microsoft depreciated Silverlight several years ago (though plugins are still available for some browsers). If you still have it installed on your system, it could prevent video playback, and you'll need to delete it.
• Antivirus : Some antivirus suites don't play nicely with Netflix. Try temporarily disabling the security software you're using.
• Drivers: Ensure that the graphics driver on your PC is up to date. While you're at it, update all drivers.
• Browser extensions: One of the installed extensions in your browser may be stopping Netflix from displaying your content. Try disabling them one by one and retrying Netflix to rule them out. When you spot it, remove the browser extension causing issues. You might also want to investigate how Chrome components can break Netflix.
• Browser privilege: Your browser may not have the right privilege to run Netflix, so try running the app as an administrator.

Work through those causes to fix your Netflix issues.

6. There Are Too Many Users Watching Netflix

Netflix offers tiered price plans, and the number of people who can watch Netflix simultaneously depends on which one you choose. The top plan is limited to four people, but you can add up to two extra members who don't live with you.

If you see a message that reads, "Your Netflix account is in use on another device. Please stop playing on other devices to continue" or "Too many people are using your account right now," this is your problem.

You can kick off others using your Netflix account by terminating all existing sessions by going to Account > Settings > Sign out of all devices. This can take up to ten minutes to process.

For a less drastic solution, you can see who is using your Netflix account by going to Account > Settings > Recent device streaming activity to see a list of current sessions. The list will help you identify which users are online. You might be able to persuade one of them to log off.

Note that you can check how many simultaneous screens your current plan allows by going to Account > Plan Details.

7. You Can’t Log In to Netflix

The obvious solution here is to reset your password. In the future, use a password manager to prevent you from incorrectly entering passwords. Password managers are easy to organize, help you keep track of your passwords, and, importantly, use strong and unique passwords for each service.

However, it's worth checking your email inbox before you hit the reset button. Something more sinister might be at play. The Netflix login credentials of unsuspecting users trade hands for insignificant amounts of money on the dark web. They're often bought by people who cannot create a Netflix account in their own country.

If Netflix sees suspicious login behavior, it will block your account and email you advising you to create a new password. Remember, if your Netflix account has been hacked, you will need to change your password on any other app or service for which you've used the same credentials.

8. Netflix Is Not Loading

What can you do if Netflix won't load? This issue can arise for multiple reasons, including a loss of interest connection. Fortunately, the troubleshooting tips are the same regardless of the root cause. If you're faced with a spinning red circle stuck on a certain percentage, these are the tips to try:

• Close the Netflix app and restart it.
• Restart your device.
• Log out of your Netflix account and sign back in.
• Reboot your router.
• Update the Netflix app.
• Sign out of Netflix on all of your devices.
• Uninstall and reinstall the Netflix app.
• Use a VPN to circumvent ISP throttling.

Running through these fixes often resolves any Netflix issues.

9. Netflix Is Not Working on Your Smart TV

If Netflix crashes on Roku or another smart TV, you're not alone. The Netflix app built into some smart TVs is notorious for being less reliable than the desktop, mobile, and set-top box versions. Most of the time, this is due to the shortcomings of the TV's internal hardware rather than an issue with Netflix itself.

Samsung smart TVs are especially problematic; they run the in-house Linux-based Tizen OS rather than Roku OS or Android TV.

If Netflix is not working on your Roku or Samsung smart TV, there are a few things you can try:

• Unplug the TV from the wall, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back in again.
• If using a Samsung TV, try turning off Samsung Instant On—some users found this feature interferes with installed apps, including Netflix.

If all else fails, try a factory reset from your TV's settings menu. Unfortunately, doing so means you will lose all settings and data. So, only use this as a last resort.

10. Netflix's Infamous "Unexpected Error"

One of the most common Netflix errors is the "Unexpected Error." It feels like Netflix is making an "oops" face and shrugs, leaving you to deal with the problem. The message suggests you reload the page and try again.

If you get this error on your TV, we suggest you shut down the app and restart Netflix. If it happens on your phone, force close the app and restart it. Should this happen in your browser, hit the refresh button. If that fails, clear the cookies, cache, and history in Chrome or any browser you use.

11. Netflix Error Code NW-2-5 on Your Console or Smart TV

If you use a smart TV to watch Netflix or stream through Xbox, PlayStation, or Roku, you may have seen the annoying error code that won't let Netflix load. Thankfully, fixing the Netflix NW-2-5 error code is relatively easy. The first option is to restart the device—the universal first step to fixing any technical issue.

If Netflix is still not working, you can try restarting your router by unplugging it, waiting a minute, and plugging it back in again. Once the internet connection is reestablished, try Netflix again and see if the problem is gone. You can even take things a step further by verifying the DNS settings on your device.