Netflix Not Working on Samsung TV (How to Fix It!)

Netflix has become a household name for entertainment, and Samsung TVs are among the most popular devices for streaming it. However, there are times when you might face issues with Netflix not working on Samsung TV.

Fortunately, it’s a trivial issue. Here’s a guide to help you know why Netflix is not working on your Samsung TV and how to resolve the issue.

Netflix Not Working on Samsung TV

If Netflix is not working on your Samsung TV, do the following: First, soft reset your TV and Wi-Fi router. If this doesn’t help, clear the app cache, examine your router’s internet speed, and update the Netflix app and your TV’s firmware. Finally, perform a factory reset if the issue persists.

What Causes Samsung TV Netflix Not Working Issue?

There are several reasons why Netflix stops working on your Samsung TV. Some of them are:

1. Compatibility Issues

One of the most common reasons for Netflix not working on Samsung TVs is compatibility issues. Not all Samsung TV models are compatible with Netflix, and if your TV is not one of the supported models, then Netflix won’t work.

2. Server Outages

Sometimes, the problem may not be with your TV but with Netflix’s servers. If Netflix is experiencing an outage, you may be unable to access the service on your Samsung TV.

3. App Cache Problems

Over time, the cache in the Netflix app on your Samsung TV can become corrupted or outdated, causing the app to malfunction.

4. Network Connectivity Issues

Poor network connectivity can also be a cause of Netflix not working on Samsung TVs. If your TV is not connected to the internet or if the connection is unstable, you may experience buffering or other issues when streaming Netflix.

5. Outdated Firmware

Outdated firmware on your Samsung TV can also cause issues with Netflix. Updating the firmware can often resolve these issues.

6. Playback or DNS Error

If the Netflix app crashes or freezes on Samsung TV, it might happen because of a playback or DNS error. To know if that’s the case, check if you encounter any of these error messages:

• We’re having trouble playing this title right now
• Cannot connect to Netflix
• 11800 (problem with playback)
• UI-800-3 (DNS error)

7. Account-Related Issues

Sometimes, the issue may be related to your Netflix account. For example, if you have an outstanding payment or a problem with your account, you may not be able to access the service on your Samsung TV.

By understanding the common causes of the Samsung TV Netflix app not working, you can take the appropriate steps to resolve the issue and get back to streaming your favorite content.

How to Fix Netflix Not Working on Samsung TV?

1. Check Your Samsung TV’s Compatibility With Netflix

Before trying the fixes below, check whether your Samsung TV is compatible with Netflix. As of December 2019, Netflix has put restrictions on some devices where it won’t work due to technical limitations.

If your Samsung TV was manufactured before 2011, you might be unable to access Netflix from the App Store. Moreover, if Netflix stops its services in the future for your Samsung TV, you’ll receive a message saying, “Netflix will no longer be available on this device.”

Fortunately, you can access the application using various streaming sticks, like a Roku device, a Google Chromecast, or an Amazon Fire TV stick.

2. Check for Netflix Server Outages

Another possible reason for Netflix not working on Samsung TV is server issues. Like any service, Netflix’s servers can go down occasionally.

To check if that’s the case, go to the Netflix Twitter handle or their official “Is Netflix Down?” page to view the current status of their streaming services.

You can also use a third-party website like Downdetector to get an in-depth analysis of the outage.

If the Netflix servers are down, there’s not much you can do about it except wait for them to return online!

3. Power Cycle Your Samsung TV

Now that you’ve confirmed that your Samsung TV does support Netflix and its servers are not down, the quickest way to get it working is by power cycling your TV.

Power cycling or soft resetting your Samsung TV fixes numerous issues, including freezing, slowness, a black screen, or technical glitches.

Follow these steps to power cycle your Samsung TV:

• Turn off your TV and unplug it from the power source.
• Locate and press the power button on your TV for 30 seconds. Doing so will drain any residual power in the television.
• Once done, wait for another 30 seconds.
• Now, plug the power cord back into the wall outlet.
• Turn on your TV and launch the app.

It should work now!

4. Check Your Current Netflix Plan

If your Netflix subscription has expired or reached your viewing limit, you may not be able to access the service on your Samsung TV. Ensure that your subscription is up-to-date and you have not exceeded the viewing limit.

5. Clear Netflix App Cache

Over time, temporary cache data accumulates on the TV’s storage, which can result in corrupted files and many errors, including issues with streaming services such as Netflix.

Clearing the cache can help eliminate errors and improve the overall functioning of your TV.

A. Clear the App Cache on a Samsung TV Manufactured Before 2019

• Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button.
• Navigate to Settings > Support > Device Care > Manage storage.
• Once you’re there, locate and select Netflix > View Details.
• Now, choose “Clear Cache” and return home.
• Restart your TV and launch the app to see if it’s working.

If you still experience the problem, try deleting the app data by repeating the same steps above and choosing the “Clear Data” option.

Note: Make sure no app is running in the background, as it will restrict you from accessing the Device Care option.

B. Clear the App Cache on Samsung 2019 Models and Newer Lineups

To clear the Netflix app cache, follow these steps:

• Navigate to Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > TV Device Manager.
• You’ll see three options: Memory Boost, Clean Running Apps, and Manage Storage.
• Try the first two to improve your TV’s performance.
• Once done, select Manage Storage, highlight “Show App List” and press OK.
• Here, select the Netflix app and press View Details > Clear Cache.

That’s all!

6. Re-Login to Your Netflix Account

If clearing the app cache didn’t help, try re-logging into your account to resolve the Netflix not working on Samsung TV issue.

A. Re-Login Using Netflix settings:

• Launch the app and go to the profiles section.
• Now, select Get Help from the options listed on the left side of the screen.
• Next, select Log Out and press OK.
• Once done, restart your TV, launch the app, and log back into your account. If you can’t sign in to your account, visit Netflix Help Center.

B. Re-Login Using the Konami Code:

Follow these steps to log out of your Netflix account using the Konami code:

• Launch Netflix and press the following buttons on your remote in sequence: Up > Up > Down > Down > Left > Right > Left > Right > Up > Up > Up > Up.
• After completing the sequence, you’ll see a few options: Start Over, Deactivate, and Sign Out.
• Select Sign Out and press OK.
• Now, restart your TV, launch Netflix, and log back into your account.

It should work now.                                               

7. Turn Off Samsung Instant

Samsung Instant is a feature that allows Samsung TVs to start up quickly. However, this feature can cause issues with Netflix. Try turning off this feature to fix the Netflix not working on Samsung TV issue. Here’s how:

• Press the Home/Menu button on your Samsung TV remote control.
• Select the Settings option.
• Scroll down and select the “General” option.
• Look for the “Instant On” feature and toggle the switch to turn it off.

Note: The location of the Instant On feature may vary depending on the model of your Samsung TV.

By turning off the Instant On feature, your Samsung TV will consume less power and take slightly longer to turn on.

If your issue is not resolved, turn on the feature and try the next fix.

8. Run the Smart Hub Connection Test

A stable internet connection is necessary for the smooth streaming of Netflix on your Samsung TV. To check if your TV receives a proper signal from your router, perform a Smart Hub Connection test. Here’s how:

• Take your Samsung remote and press the Home button.
• Navigate to Settings and select Support.
• Next, scroll down and select Device Care > Self Diagnosis.
• Now, choose the Smart Hub Connection Test option and press OK to begin the test.

The test will take a few minutes to complete, and once done, check if there’s any issue with the network. If you find any, fix them.

9. Reset Your Wi-Fi Router

If the Samsung Smart Hub Connection test shows an issue with the internet connection, it’s more likely because of a malfunctioning router.

You can check this through the internet on different home devices that use Wi-Fi. If the devices aren’t working after connecting to Wi-Fi as they should, there’s a problem with your router.

The solution is simple. It’s to reset your router. Here’s how:

• Unplug the router’s power cord from the wall outlet.
• Disconnect all the cables connected to it and wait for at least 5 minutes.
• Now, reconnect all the cords to the router, ensuring the connection is firm.
• Plug the power cord back into the wall outlet and turn it on.

10. Examine Your Router’s Internet Speed

The quality of your internet speed determines the experience you’ll get while streaming. Netflix requires at least 3 Mbps of download speed for streaming HD content, 5 Mbps for FHD content, and 15 Mbps or more for 4K content.

You can check the download speed by running a test on your TV browser.

If the download speed exceeds 25 Mbps, you’ll not have any problem streaming Netflix or any other app.

However, speeds lower than that can cause issues like buffering or lagging. There could be numerous reasons for slow download speeds. Here are some of them:

A. Not Subscribing to a Required Internet Plan

Sometimes, we think a 50–100 Mbps plan is sufficient for our home devices. But the one thing we tend to forget is that the speed divides in half every time a device gets connected to the router.

So, if you’ve subscribed to a 100 Mbps plan and connected four devices, then each device will receive a 25 Mbps download speed. Moreover, the speed is further divided in half if you use a VPN.

The solution is upgrading to a better plan or disconnecting extra devices.

B. Using an Old Wi-Fi Router

If you’ve subscribed to the right internet plan, but your TV still doesn’t receive adequate download speed, it could be due to an outdated or old router. If your router is 5–6 years old, consider buying the latest one. However, if your router is working fine, try getting a Wi-Fi extender to give your Samsung TV a stronger signal.

11. Update the Netflix App

If there’s nothing wrong with the download speed, yet you experience the same Samsung TV Netflix not working issue, there may be chances that you’re using an outdated app.

To rectify the problem, you’ll need to update the app. Updates help improve the app’s performance, add new features, and remove bugs.

Follow these steps to update the Netflix app:

• Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home/Smart Hub button.
• Navigate to Apps and select Search (on the top right of the screen).
• Search for the Netflix app and, once found, open the page.
• Now, you’ll see an update option for the app.
• Select Update to install the app’s latest version.
• Restart your TV after the app updates and see if it works fine.

Note: You can also go to Apps and select Settings (on the top right of the screen). You’ll now see an “Auto Update” option. Enable it to ensure that all the apps will automatically get updated whenever an update is available.

12. Uninstall and Reinstall the Netflix App

If updating the Netflix app didn’t help resolve the issue, try reinstalling it. Here’s how:

First, you need to uninstall or delete the app.

A. Delete the Netflix App

• Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button.
• Select Apps and go to Settings.
• You’ll see a list of the installed apps.
• Locate and select Netflix from there, and press the Down key to expand its menu.
• Now, select Delete from the list and confirm your choice.
• Once done, restart your television.

B. Add the Netflix App

• Open the Apps page and select the search icon displayed on the top-right corner of the screen.
• Open the search bar, type “Netflix,” and press OK.
• Select Netflix from the search result and choose the Install option.
• Wait for a while till the installation gets completed. After that, launch the app and see if it’s working properly.

13. Reset Samsung Smart Hub

The Samsung Smart Hub allows you to customize the app interface according to your preferences. So, if there’s a glitch, it will cause apps to malfunction.

You can check this by running different apps on your TV. If they are not launching or are malfunctioning, you’ll need to reset your TV’s Smart Hub.

Follow these steps to reset the Samsung Smart Hub:

Note: All your saved settings and login data will be removed after this reset. So, make sure you remember all the login credentials and customized settings.

• Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button.
• Navigate to Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub.
• Once you select it, you must enter a 4-digit PIN to confirm the operation.
• Enter “0000” as the default pin and press OK.

Wait for a couple of minutes for the process to complete. Once completed, reinstall the Netflix app.

14. Update Your Samsung TV’s Firmware

If resetting the Smart Hub doesn’t help, try updating the firmware on your Samsung TV. Samsung releases software updates frequently to improve device performance by removing unwanted bugs.

Follow these steps to update your Samsung TV OS:

• Press the Home button on your Samsung TV remote.
• Navigate to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.
• Press OK to confirm your selection. Now, your TV will start searching for updates. If available, it will install them.

Note: Make sure that your TV stays connected to your home Wi-Fi all the time and doesn’t get any power cuts during the installation process.

15. Check if Netflix Is Blocked

If you’re still experiencing the Samsung TV Netflix app not working issue, there might be chances that Netflix is blocked. There could be three potential reasons for that:

Firstly, Netflix is unavailable in every country, and if you’re in one of the few countries where it’s not supported, you cannot use it.

Note: Netflix is not supported in countries like North Korea, Crimea, China, Syria, and Russia.

Moreover, if you’re using a VPN for security reasons, there are chances that Netflix might block you due to its geo-restrictions. You can turn off your VPN and see if that resolves the issue.

Finally, network administrators may block access to Netflix, primarily for parental control. If this is the case, you must contact the Wi-Fi router administrator to have Netflix whitelisted again.

16. Reset Your Samsung TV to Factory Defaults

If you’ve tried all the above fixes and are still without a solution, it’s time for a factory reset.

A factory reset removes all saved settings and manually downloaded apps. So, you’ll have to keep this in mind before performing it.

Follow these steps to perform a factory reset on your Samsung TV:

• Take your Samsung TV remote and press the Home button.
• Navigate to Settings and select General.
• Select Reset from the list, enter the pin “0000“, and press OK.
• If you’ve got an older Samsung TV, the steps for a reset are Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset > Enter PIN.

If you don’t know the pin, don’t worry, as you can reset it to the default (0000) using your remote:

A. Using the Samsung TV Remote

Turn on your TV and take the remote. Press any volume (+ or -) button, then Volume + > Return > Volume – > Return > Volume + > Return. The pin is now reset to its default.

B. Using the Standard TV Remote

Turn on your TV and take the remote control. Press the Mute button > Volume + > Return > Volume – > Return > Volume + > Return.

Once you enter the pin, your TV will restart a few times, and factory reset itself in a few minutes.

Now, reinstall the Netflix app and see if it’s working.

17. Contact Samsung or Netflix Customer Support

If the factory reset didn’t help resolve the Samsung TV Netflix app not working problem, contact Samsung or Netflix customer support for assistance.

When contacting customer support, explain your issue in detail and provide them with any error messages or codes you may have encountered. It’ll help them diagnose and resolve the problem more quickly and effectively.

What Should I Do When the Netflix App Is Not Updating?

If the Netflix app refuses to install the latest updates, do the following:

• First, unplug your TV’s power cord and wait for 5 minutes.
• During the waiting period, disconnect all cords attached to your TV, clean them, and reconnect them, ensuring the connection is firm.
• After 5 minutes, plug the cables back in and turn on your TV.
• Now, try updating the app again.

If you still encounter the Samsung TV Netflix not working problem, sign out of the app, restart your TV, and sign back in again.

What Should I Do if Netflix Displays a Black Screen?

Every time you launch Netflix and see nothing but a black screen, it might happen because of technical glitches or bugs. To rectify the problem, you’ll need to do the following:

• Restart your Samsung TV.
• Check your internet connection.
• Clear Netflix cache.
• Update your Samsung TV’s firmware.
• Reinstall the Netflix app.
• Reset Samsung Smart Hub.

If none of these troubleshooting methods work, contact Netflix customer support for further assistance.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Using Netflix?

Netflix is undoubtedly a popular streaming service, but you may sometimes face technical issues or not find your favorite movies or shows. In such cases, you can look for alternatives that provide a similar streaming experience.

Here’s a list of some of the best alternatives to using Netflix:

1. Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is a popular streaming service that offers a wide range of TV shows, movies, and original content. It’s available for a monthly or annual subscription fee.

2. Disney+

Disney+ is a streaming service that offers a vast collection of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content, including movies, TV shows, and documentaries.

3. HBO Max

HBO Max is a premium streaming service that offers a range of movies and TV shows from HBO, as well as original content and classic movies.

4. YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers access to over 100 channels, including local and cable networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

If Netflix is not working on your Samsung TV, don’t panic. With these easy-to-do fixes, you can get it working again quickly!

1. Check Your Samsung TV’s Compatibility With Netflix
2. Check for Netflix Server Outages
3. Power Cycle Your Samsung TV
4. Check Your Current Netflix Plan
5. Clear Netflix App Cache
6. Re-Login to Your Netflix Account
7. Turn Off Samsung Instant
8. Run the Smart Hub Connection Test
9. Reset Your Wi-Fi Router
10. Examine Your Router’s Internet Speed
11. Update the Netflix App
12. Uninstall and Reinstall the Netflix App
13. Reset Samsung Smart Hub
14. Update Your Samsung TV’s Firmware
15. Check if Netflix Is Blocked

After trying the above fixes, hopefully, you’ll get Netflix working again on your Samsung TV. Were you able to resolve the issue? If so, let us know what worked for you in the comments below!