Netflix not working on Roku – Causes and how to fix

Netflix like other streaming services works across streaming devices and other devices that are internet enabled. Apps on Roku can stop working at times without any reason or interference. There could be various reasons for Netflix stopping and it’s difficult to point to one certain problem.

However there’s no cause for alarm as there are troubleshooting options that will get your Netflix app up and running again.

The causes for your Netflix app not working on Roku are because of a problem with your network, Netflix app or account, or Roku streaming stick/set-top box. This can be resolved by checking your Netflix app and account, and restarting both your router and Roku device.

A summary table of causes of Netflix not working on Roku and how to fix

Problem
Causes
How to fix
Netflix app not working on Roku
Your Netflix app is not up-to-date.

 

 

 

 

 

Your Roku has lost internet connection.

 

 

 

 

 

Your Netflix account’s details such as subscription plan and credit card information might have changed.

 

Manually check for Netflix app updates and restart your Roku device. When it turns back on, give it sometime before launching the Netflix app.

 

 

Ensure you have a stable internet connection by checking your Roku network settings, router and if need be, restart both your router and Roku device.

 

Check your Netflix account details and update where necessary.

 

 

You can uninstall and reinstall the Netflix app as the last method.

Causes and how to fix

To establish the root cause of the problem and fix, start with the simplest methods upwards so as to get Netflix working again with the minimum effort.

Check your Network

The network is usually the prime suspect and accounts for most of the errors. A poor or temporarily unavailable network will cause your Netflix app not to work.

Steps

  1. On your Roku home screen, scroll down and select the Setting menu.
  2. Open the Network option and check if your Roku set-top box/streaming stick and Roku TV are still connected.
  3. If yes, then click on Check Connection and test your network connection.
  4. If you have other devices such as phones that use the same Wi-Fi, check to see if the network is fine using them.
  5. Check the internet speeds by searching speed test on Google search bar and run it.
  6. Try restarting your router manually by switching it off the power source from the wall socket or by unplugging the power source from the wall socket and plugging it in again.
  7. You could also check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) as a last resort.

Scan for Netflix app and Roku updates

Software updates are released continuously to improve your viewing experience. Whenever Roku is turned on or after every 24-36 hours, it usually checks and automatically performs updates. If your Netflix app hasn’t performed an update for a while for any reason, then it’s good to check and do the updates yourself.

Steps

  1. Scroll down on your home screen and select the Settings menu to enter.
  2. Go to System option and click on Software Update.
  3. To check for both the Netflix app and Roku system updates, click on the ‘Check Now’ option. This will perform an update if there’s any.

Deactivate your Netflix app

Sometimes a communication issue between your Roku and Netflix authentication server can cause the Netflix app from working. By deactivating and reactivating it, you can get it to work again.

Steps

  1. On Roku home screen, select Settings
  2. Select Netflix settings and click on Deactivate.
  3. When prompted, confirm and proceed.
  4. Go back to the home screen and select the Netflix app.
  5. Set it up again by following the wizard.

Check your Netflix account

The issue may be something to do with your Netflix app if you can’t play videos or your Netflix account is disabled due to billing or payment. Check and confirm that your Netflix account details such as subscription plan and credit card details are up-to-date.

If you share your account with others, make sure it has not exceeded the required limit. If it has, change your Netflix password to kick some users out or upgrade your subscription plan.

You can contact the Netflix customer care desk if there’s a problem with your account.

Uninstall and Reinstall the Netflix app on Roku

This is an old trick that works on phones too. You can uninstall and re-download your Netflix app as the last resort. You will be able to clear any issue but on the downside, you will have to log in afresh.

Steps

  1. On your Roku TV home screen, select Netflix and press the asterix (‘*’) button on the remote.
  2. Scroll down and select ‘Remove channel’. Click on remove to proceed with removing your Netflix app from Roku TV.
  3. Go back to your Roku home screen and search for ‘Netflix’ in the search option.
  4. Select the Netflix icon then click on add the channel to start downloading Netflix.
  5. Once it is done downloading, launch Netflix and sign in.
  6. To confirm its working, click on any video to play.
  7. Enjoy!

Factory reset Roku device

If Netflix doesn’t work still you can reset your Roku streaming stick or set-top box back to factory settings and undo any customizations you’ve made.

Steps

  1. On your Roku system menu, scroll down and click on advanced system settings
  2. Select factory reset and type in your passcode which is displayed on the same screen
  3. Once complete, you can go to your home screen and make settings such as adding your channels.

Conclusion

The Netflix app not working on your Roku TV shouldn’t stop you from binging your favourite movies and TV shows. Make use of one or more of the above solutions and should be back in no time.

FAQs

Netflix keeps getting stuck on my TV’s loading screen.

If the rest of your devices are working fine, then your Netflix app’s information needs to be refreshed. Try restarting your Roku by unplugging it from the power source and plug it back in after at least a minute. Once the restart is complete, try your Netflix app again.

Why can’t I see some apps/channels on my Roku TV?

Private channels/apps are usually part of the official Roku channel store that isn’t available to average Roku users. They aren’t publicly displayed because:

  1. They haven’t been fully released yet and are in beta.
  2. Some may be from third-party providers or unofficial.

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