Why Is Netflix Not Working? A Comprehensive Guide

Netflix is a popular video streaming service, featuring tens of thousands of titles in its library. You can find some old favorites or content created as originals for the platform. The streaming service offers different packages for its customers, depending on the size of the family using the account. 

Netflix has approximated having about 73 million subscribers across the United States and Canada. It’s realistic to believe that sometimes, people will run into issues. Is your Netflix not working? Thankfully, you can employ solutions that will help you get back to watching your favorite content.

1. Connectivity Issues

The first thing to check for when you find Netflix not working is whether the issue is with your internet connection. Your Wi-Fi may have gone out, or maybe your internet service can’t keep up with the streaming platform. Your internet speed may vary from time to time, so you should regularly test your internet speed, which will affect the quality of streaming apps like Netflix. 

If your internet is out, wait for it to come back on or reset your router. While it might be frustrating to fix internet connectivity issues, they often get resolved in time. Plus, Netflix will have saved where you stopped watching, so you’ll get to pick up right where you left off.

2. Too Many Viewers

Depending on the plan that your Netflix account has, you may be restricted to only a few viewers at a single time. When this error happens, Netflix will tell you that other people using the same account are already watching on the maximum number of screens.

Netflix plans to crack down on account-sharing, which can also help people avoid the strife of logging in only to find out they cannot watch anything because of Netflix not working. Netflix believes some 100 million people are using the accounts of paying users for free.

3. Outdated App

If you’re streaming Netflix via an app rather than a browser, you may be watching on an outdated app. Sometimes, the app may not cooperate with the operating system of your smartphone or TV, so it’s always best to update to the most current version of any app. That way, you can be sure that it will always work with your device.

You should always keep your apps up-to-date, as they may have new features that affect your use of the app. For example, apps that are out-of-date might risk being hacked more easily than those that have the latest security features available. You can find the Netflix app in your device’s store and update it easily.

4. Issues With Device or Account

The issue with Netflix not working might be with your device itself. Ensure your device is operating on the latest update, just like the Netflix app. If you’re experiencing a performance issue, try closing the apps you aren’t using, if possible, and closing and reopening the Netflix app. When in doubt, you can always call your device’s customer service support line and see if they can help you troubleshoot an issue.

Your Netflix account might also have an issue. Every month, check that the account holder’s billing information is up-to-date and that they renewed the subscription. You can always try opening Netflix on another device to see if your device or account is the central issue.

5. Service Is Down

Services go down temporarily. It happens to every company, and they often get to work on it right away. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to do much on your end to ensure that it’s fixed.

Netflix has a status page that indicates whether its service is down temporarily, which helps you quickly eliminate one reason you might be experiencing issues with your streaming. You can watch that page in real-time and periodically check for updates. In the meantime, consider watching something on another streaming service or spending time with your loved ones in another way, such as playing video games or doing an outdoor activity.

Fixing the Netflix Not Working Issue

With Netflix not working, you’re left with several options. You can often fix the issue yourself, but sometimes, the problem is on Netflix’s end. Do what you can to remedy the situation that other people might also be frustrated over, but if you can’t find the perfect solution, just take a step back. You can entertain yourself in some other way for a while, then return to the problem with a fresh mind. You may even find that the issue has resolved itself.