With more than 220 million paid subscribers, Netflix is the largest TV and movie streaming service globally. But do you sometimes find Netflix not working for you? With so many users paying for the service, coming across issues can be a real problem.
That said, even the world’s largest streaming service is prone to issues. From video and language to logging in and connectivity, some issues result in Netflix not working and will diminish your ability to enjoy the service. Here are some of the more common problems and possible fixes for them.
Also, you can sign up for Netflix using the link below if you want to join the party.
Netflix is still the leading premium streaming service, with over 200 million worldwide subscribers. It offers thousands of movies and TV shows to binge watch, including its always growing list of original films and series, including Stranger Things, The Witcher, Bridgerton, and many more.
If Netflix is down, your first thought might be that something is wrong with your device or internet, but that’s not always the case. While a rare occurrence, sometimes Netflix’s servers go down, causing widespread blackouts on the service. Check if this is what’s going on before trying anything else. Thankfully, Netflix has its own status page, which will tell you if Netflix is down.
We also recommend using a website like DownDetector. This page collects consumer reports to figure out if a service is down. There’s even a live outage map to identify local blackouts.
If Netflix is down, the only solution is to sit tight and wait it out. The service usually comes back online relatively soon, so you shouldn’t be waiting for too long.
Close and reopen Netflix
If Netflix isn’t the problem, then it must be something local. The simplest solution to try is closing and reopening the app or browser. This often irons out any random bugs or issues the software may be having. Logging out and back into the app may also help. Some will go as far as uninstalling and reinstalling Netflix altogether.
Have you reached the active streaming limit?
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Sony Xperia 1 III, OnePlus 9 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max side by side
If you share the account with other family members or roommates, there is a chance you have reached the limit of active simultaneous streams. The amount of devices that can stream simultaneously varies depending on your plan. The basic plan allows only one device to operate at a time, but this number can go up to two devices for the standard plan, or four devices for the premium one.
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Sadly, there isn’t much you can do about this, other than wait for others to stop watching Netflix, which could take hours. You can also message them and ask them to get out!
Also, consider the probability that the account owner (if it’s not you) may have changed the password. If this is the case, ask for the new one.
Try restarting the device!
This trusted troubleshooting method seems to work like magic. It’s been known to fix many issues and is one of the first fixes you should try when Netflix is not working. Restart the device and see if Netflix is back up and running. This can usually be done by pressing and holding the power button and selecting Restart.
How to restart your phone:
Press and hold the Power button.
Tap on the Restart option.
Update the app
Google Play Store on smartphone stock photo 1
Running slightly older versions of an app is usually not a problem, but you can encounter problems from time to time. This is especially the case with more extensive upgrades that include significant server-side changes. Check if there are any Netflix app updates available. If you’re using a browser, you should also see if it’s on the latest version.
How to update the Netflix app:
Open the Google Play Store.
Tap on your profile image in the top-right corner.
Select Manage apps & device.
Tap on Updates available.
Find Netflix. If there’s an available update, you should see an Update button next to it. Tap on it.
Alternatively, you can select Update all.
Next: I’m going to ditch Netflix for Disney Plus — here’s why
Update your device software
Likewise, running an older version of your operating system may also be why Netflix is not working. This is a common issue if you’re running a significantly outdated software version. Check if there are any updates to your device.
How to check for Android updates:
Open the Settings app.
Go into System.
Hit System update.
Tap on Check for update.
You’ll be told if there is an update available. Suppose there is; select Download and install.
Follow instructions and let the phone update.
Try using Netflix again!
How to check for Windows updates:
Open the Settings app.
Go into Windows Update.
Click on Check for updates.
Updates will start downloading if available. Some are optional, and an option will appear if they are. We recommend you get them too.
Some updates require restarting the device. The page will tell you if that’s the case. Go ahead and restart if needed.
Let the computer do its thing. It will restart after it’s done updating.
Now check if Netflix is working!
Is your internet working?
Netflix not working could be due to your internet connection having problems. Let’s start with speed: how fast is your internet? Netflix recommends at least 1Mbps to operate, but that’s for standard definition, and we’re sure those speeds will still have you struggling to stream a video appropriately. We’d say a more reasonable rate is 5Mbps, which is Netflix’s recommended speed for 1080p content. Those trying to stream in 4K will need 15Mbps.
Also, make sure your internet is working overall. Try testing other internet-hungry apps and see if you can navigate them without issues. You can also do something as simple as opening the browser and searching for anything on Google. Or check if another device in your network is working. If nothing else is connected to the internet, you have found the culprit.
If you’re using a Wi-Fi connection, try restarting the router. There’s often a dedicated button for this, but unplugging the router and plugging it back in works too.
If you’re using cellular data, you might want to see if your data connection is on:
Open the Settings app.
Go into Network & internet.
Under SIMs, select your primary SIM.
Toggle Mobile data on.
If you’re outside your country or network coverage, also toggle Roaming on (this may incur extra charges).
Clear the cache
Cache can keep your device running snappier. It does this by downloading commonly used data to local storage and pulling it whenever needed. Doing this is faster than downloading content every single time you access it. Data can get corrupted, though, especially if it’s been sitting in your storage for a long time. It’s a good idea to clear the cache now and then. While you’re at it, it may also be worth deleting the app data, which will wipe all the settings and account info. You can log back in later.
Clear cache on Android:
Open the Settings app.
Go into Apps.
Find the Netflix app under See all apps.
Tap on Storage & cache.
Hit Clear Cache.
You can also select Clear storage for a clean start.
Clear the cache on Chrome for Windows:
On your Windows computer, open Chrome.
Click on the three-dot menu button in the top-right corner.
Go into Settings.
Select Privacy & security in the left-side column.
Pick Clear browsing data.
Check the boxes to select what you want to delete. I like clearing everything if there are serious issues.
Select All time in the Time range.
Hit Clear data.
Clear cache on Chrome for Windows
If you’re using a public network or someone’s Wi-Fi, there is a chance Netflix not working is due to a network blockage. Administrators often disable access to streaming services. This is especially the case in libraries and schools, for example. Maybe worried parents don’t want their kids watching Netflix movies!
Whatever the case may be, your only solution is to ask the network administrator if he can lift the ban on Netflix. Either that or use your mobile data.
It might be your location!
Netflix is supported in over 190 countries, and it now seems like there’s nowhere in the world where you can’t enjoy the streaming service, but there are some countries where Netflix is still not available. They are very few: China, Crimea, North Korea, Russia, and Syria.
Also, some people use VPNs while traveling, or for security reasons. Geo-restricted services tend to dislike virtual private networks, and they often block their services to those trying to mask their location with one. If you have a VPN, turn it off and try to use Netflix again.
Common Netflix error codes
You’ll often get extraneous error codes from Netflix, and figuring out what these mean may be challenging. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones.
“There was an unexpected error”: This is a typical Netflix error message, and it usually means some browser information may be old or corrupted, and needs to be refreshed.
Solution: Refresh the page, clear the cache, or restart the browser.
Error code 11800: Device info may be having problems, be outdated, or corrupted.
Solution: Restart the device.
Error code 10023-10008: Netflix is having trouble with network issues. It often happens when a network restricts access to Netflix.
Solution: Change Wi-Fi networks or use data.
Error code F7111-5059: Netflix has identified a VPN in use.
Solution: Turn your VPN off.
Error code 10013: Netflix has identified a VPN in use while downloading content.
Solution: Turn your VPN off.
Error code M7111-1331: Netflix video page link may no longer work.
Solution: Search for the video on Netflix.com instead. The movie or show may no longer be available.
Error code (AVF:11800;OS:42800;): Your downloaded video has become corrupted or came upon an error.
Solution: Redownload the movie or show.
Error code NW 2-5: Signals connectivity issues.
Solution: Check that your Wi-Fi or data connection is working correctly.
Error code H7361-1253-80070006: This means you’re running an old version of your software.
Solution: Update your browser.
Error code 1004: This is a very common code that usually signals a network issue.
Solution: Make sure your Wi-Fi or data connection is working correctly.
If you’re looking for solutions to issues we didn’t cover, visit Netflix’s help center and type in the error code. Alternatively, you can visit the Netflix subreddit on Reddit to see if others have similar issues.