Netflix App won’t open? – Here’s why it’s not working..

Netflix has become an entertainment staple for millions of households worldwide, though sometimes, you may find Netflix not working.

Boasting thousands of TV series, films, documentaries, children’s shows and Netflix originals, there is something for everyone.

So, it’s no wonder that Netflix Basic and Standard subscriptions are on the rise.

Because Netflix is now so widely accessible and available on a number of different devices, it can be incredibly frustrating settling down to watch your latest chosen series, only to find the Netflix app won’t open.

Luckily, there are a few simple things you can try to get your favourite streaming service back up and running before the spoilers hit Twitter. 

Netflix app won’t open on iPhone – Easy fixes for iOS device

You’ve checked the basics – making sure your device is not in ‘flight mode’, that you’re connected to a Wi-fi network or have enough mobile data.

You know your subscription is paid up to date and you don’t have too many users logged into your account. Not knowing why it’s unresponsive is just adding to your frustration. 

First of all, you need to work out whether the app is experiencing issues, your internet connection is causing the problem, or if you’re in need of an update to get things running smoothly again. 

Check the Netflix servers

Netflix is brought to our screens at the push of a button using masses of data stored on the cloud, and powered by 4,669 servers across the globe.

Unfortunately for us, technology can let us down on occasion. There’s a chance that there could be a server issue that is affecting Netflix service, which unfortunately there’s not much you can do about it.

So before you start resetting your connection or restarting your device, you can check here to see whether routine maintenance or server issues have taken Netflix temporarily offline in your area. 

Connection issues

Assuming the servers are running as normal, it is likely the reason your Netflix app won’t open is because of an internet connection issue somewhere.

First, check whether other internet-based apps or websites are encountering a similar issue.

You also want to check there’s no issues with your internet service provider, as this may cause issues with your internet connection.

Once you’ve checked this, you can make some changes with your Wi-Fi to try and fix it.

Toggle your Wifi 

Something you can try is toggling your Wifi connection off, and then on again. Reconnection may rectify any problems with the connection. 

Reset your router

Resetting your internet connection is another way to try and get back online.

Try resetting your router. In some cases, you might have to unplug at the wall for 10 seconds before reconnecting.

A quick google search for your provider, or the instruction manual for your router, will usually give you step-by-step instructions on resetting.

You can also check online for the service status or any outages in your area. (If your service is out, you will have to use your mobile data!).

The age-old technique, ‘switch it off and on again’ reloads the software and settings to return it to its stable state. 

Check for updates 

Update reminders can be annoying, but they’re imperative to ensuring any security flaws are repaired and bugs are fixed.

Fixing or patching these problems is really important to keep your data, and your device, safe. 

Using the latest available version gives you a better experience and updated features, whilst clearing out the outdated ones taking up space on your device, and giving you optimum performance.

So it’s good practice to update these regularly to avoid issues. 

If your Netflix app won’t open, it could be that it is due to be updated. If you are using an iPhone, go to the App Store and click on the account icon in the top right-hand corner. 

Scroll down to find a list of all available updates. You can look for the Netflix app update here, or click ‘Update All’ to get updated features for all the apps on the list. 

If the Netflix app does not appear on this list, check to see whether your software needs to be updated. This can be done in settings, but you will have to make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi and have your device plugged in on charge. 

Clear cache

Once you’ve done all of this, try closing the app and relaunching it. Double-tap the home button on your iPhone, or for later models, swipe up to view all of the apps you currently have open.

Swipe up on the Netflix app to close it, then reopen it. You can also clear Netflix app data by doing this too, which will ensure there’s no corrupted data on your phone.

Uninstall then Re-install Netflix 

If relaunching Netflix hasn’t done the trick, you can uninstall it. Make sure you have all of your login information before removing it, as you will need to sign in again once it’s reinstalled. 

To uninstall, press the app for two seconds until a menu pops up. 

Select ‘Remove App’ and then ‘Delete App’.

Once this has been removed, you can reinstall it through the App Store. Reinstalling Netflix will automatically download the latest version, meaning any bugs or old versions causing the problem will be removed. 

Netflix App Not Working on Desktop – Do this to fix on Windows PC

Today whenever you get a new computer or device, they usually come pre-installed with fundamentally important apps for users. In this case, one of those extremely essential apps is Netflix on Windows 10.

Netflix is a video distribution and streaming platform that started out originally with home rental DVDs, it quickly became the world innovator in a new way to watch all our favourite shows – one that didn’t require mountains of physical storage.

What errors do we find with Netflix on Windows 10? Well, there are some that seem to occur more than others. They include;

• Netflix opens but goes to a black screen.
• There was a problem with this download message.
• Gets stuck on the loading screen.
• Error code: H403: Sorry, there was a problem communicating with Netflix servers.

How do I check if it’s me or Netflix?

First things first, you are best saving a little bit of time and checking whether or not Netflix is down before you start trying to fix whatever issue you are having.

If it is Netflix that is the issue you can check a site like Down Detector and then you basically just have to wait until Netflix sorts itself out.

If it isn’t down them the problem is more specific to you and you can move on to try some of the fixes here.

Update the Netflix app

Make sure your app is up to date, as this is a priority when looking for a fix. If your apps become outdated, they can easily stop working due to bugs.

1. Open ‘Windows Store’ from the search bar.
2. Go to ‘Downloads and Updates.’
3. Here you can check for updates for any app that has been installed.
4. Windows Store, in this case, Netflix.
5. Allow the app to update.
6. Restart your computer and reload Netflix.

You should be able to look through all of the apps that you’ve got downloading on your device here, as well as being able to see whether they’re updated or not.

Troubleshoot the issue

As mentioned before, Windows has its own inbuilt troubleshoot solutions, so if you hit a snag, run the troubleshoot to see if you can auto-repair any issues with your apps.

This can cut down the inconvenience of finding an offending corrupt file in a stack of thousands. It will also fix anything else it comes across that can be patched.

1. Open ‘Settings’
2. Search for ‘Find and Fix problems with Microsoft Store apps’
3. Click on ‘Advanced.’
4. Select ‘Apply Repairs.’
5. Choose ‘Next.’
6. Use the recommended solution.
7. Try to boot Netflix again once you have gone through the process of troubleshooting to see if the issue is now fixed.

Check if your firewall is stopping Netflix from working

If Netflix has suddenly stopped working, maybe you have a communication problem with your firewall or antivirus. It is a good idea to go into them and check the settings, to allow permissions for Netflix to run.

1. Disable your antivirus protection and Windows firewall settings.
2. Reload Netflix to see if this fixes the issue.

Or you can follow the next process:

1. Search for ‘Windows Defender.’
2. This will open inside the ‘Control Panel.’
3. Allow the Netflix app to have permission through Windows Defender Firewall.
4. You can allow Netflix through your Antivirus settings if they are the primary management settings for this.

You may also want to check that you’ve unlocked movies in the Netflix app to make sure you can watch them all.

Reset and reinstall the Netflix app

Another way you can get your Netflix app to work on Windows 10, is by resetting or reinstalling the application.

The reset option restores the app back to its default settings so if anything has changed you start back from square one to see if this has fixed the issue of the Netflix app not working. Reinstalling is the second step if the reset didn’t work.

You can uninstall Netflix from your phone or device and then reinstall it to see if your issue is gone now with the app freshly installed.

1. Press the ‘Windows’ key plus ‘I’ to open ‘Settings.’
2. Go to ‘Apps’
3. Type into the search bar ‘Netflix.’
4. Click on ‘Advanced options.
5. Choose from the three options, ‘Terminate,’ ‘Reset’ and ‘Uninstall.’
6. Try Reset first, if this doesn’t work refollow this process to uninstall and then reinstall the programme

So when you are trying to watch Netflix and it keeps crashing, or just won’t work in general, have a go at what we have suggested because you’ll be back to watching in no time.

Hopefully, we have succeeded where technology has failed you and given you the tools you need to deal with any issues you may run into with your Netflix app on Windows 10.

Conclusion 

So, next time your Netflix app won’t open, you should be equipped to deal with it with one of these easy and relatively speedy fixes.

Keeping your apps regularly updated and testing your internet connection frequently should help prevent any lapses of service, and keep Netflix running like we have come to know and love.