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The most common Netflix problems and how to fix them

Michael Archambault
Nick Perry
By and

You’re ready to watch the latest must-see show on Netflix. You have some drinks, snacks, and a blanket, and fire up the first episode. But it all stops working. What now? Whether Netflix is having troubles on its end or your device is acting up, we take a look at some of the most common Netflix problems and how to fix them. From quick fixes to more advanced remedies, we’ve got you covered.

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Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

What You Need

  • Netflix subscription

  • Internet connection

A laptop with a Netflix menu page on the screen.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Netflix may be down

Like any other streaming service, Netflix could be having an issue of its own; the problem might be out of your control. To check if Netflix is currently up and running, you can visit its official status page. Alternatively, you can head to a popular website such as DownDetector.com to check for any potential outages. If you’re a social media hound, a quick search for the hashtag #netflixdown on Twitter could convey helpful results.

Netflix app icon on Apple TV.
Phil Nickinson/Digital Trends

Quick fixes for Netflix problems

Netflix is up and running, but you still can’t get connected — what’s up with that? If the problem is on your end, here are a few quick fixes you can attempt. Start with our first recommendation, then move on to the next if your issue isn’t resolved. Hopefully, we can get you back to the next episode of Ozark with only a few attempts.

Step 1: Close the Netflix app on your smartphone or tablet. If you’re on the web, close your web browser and try again.

Step 2: Try restarting your device; whether you’re on a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, follow the age-old advice — turn it off and on again.

Related

Step 3: Try resetting your router; there could be a problem with your internet connection. If you’re not sure how to reset a router, follow our guide — we promise it’s not too difficult.

Step 4: Update the application. If you’re using Android or iOS, head to the Play Store or App Store to see if a new update has been issued.

Step 5: Lastly, try uninstalling the app and reinstalling it.

A wall-mounted TV with Netflix on the screen.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

More advanced fixes

If Netflix isn’t down and the above quick fixes didn’t work, you may have to spend a bit more time delving into the issue. The most probable cause is your home internet, so begin by running a speed test using a website such as Speedtest.net. Netflix lists the following recommended speeds for different streaming quality levels:

  • 3.0 Mb per second - Recommended for SD quality
  • 5.0 Mb per second - Recommended for HD quality
  • 25 Mb per second - Recommended for Ultra HD quality

For more details on testing your device’s connection speed, we recommend visiting Netflix’s official website. If all else fails, you can reach out to the support team at Netflix, where they will be able to work with you on your issue. If Netflix can’t solve the issue, you can also reach out to your ISP’s support services for problems that may be affecting your internet connection.

Now you're all back up and running, we’ve rounded up the best movies on Netflix and best shows on Netflix that you can stream right now, if you need some inspiration.

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Topics
Michael Archambault
Michael Archambault
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Michael Archambault is a technology writer and digital marketer located in Long Island, New York. For the past decade…
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