Netflix is one of the best services online and one of the most well-loved inventions this century. That doesn’t mean it is void of problems. You may run into stream quality issues, Netflix may simply not respond or a number of other reasons. Fortunately, you can fix most of these problems without too much difficulty.
Here are seven of the most common issues encountered by Netflix users:
#1 Cannot Connect to Netflix
Not being able to connect to Netflix can manifest in several ways, with either the browser itself being apparently unable to connect to the internet or a crash in the application along with a notification about the connection failure. Regardless of how it comes about, there is a clear issue getting the video you want and you need a solution.
Solving it can come down to one of two problems. It is very unlikely, but there could be something wrong with Netflix’s systems. Unfortunately, there is very little you can do about this, and you will have to wait until Netflix resolves the problem (they are usually quick to respond).
The alternative is that there is an issue with your internet in some manner. Try resetting the router and then resetting your computer. Test to see if you can download other websites. If not, you might want to start troubleshooting or calling your internet service provider. Netflix will be waiting for you when you get reconnected.
#2 Buffering
Constant buffering can be a tricky issue. Waiting thirty seconds to watch twenty seconds of video at a time is no way to enjoy content. In many ways it is rooted in the same category as a connection issue and thus can be treated as such. Look to see if there are any problems in your connection before thinking there is a problem with Netflix. If there is a problem with Netflix, it will be fixed soon enough.
Fixing buffering comes down to improving your connection speed. Netflix recommends a high connection speed for optimum streaming, so you should check the network settings of your computer in order to determine if you need an upgrade or a lined connection.
#3 Regional Blocks
If you travel a lot and want to watch Netflix from the train or hotel, then you may run into regional restrictions. They will tell you that you aren’t authorized to watch Netflix in your current region or country. This seems a little unfair, given that you’ve paid for the service. Fortunately, there are ways of getting around these regional blocks.
By far the easiest method is to use a Virtual Private Network, which is a service that allows you to connect your device to an offsite secure server using an encrypted connection. This connection masks your IP address, making it look like you are browsing the internet from a location of your choosing. Choose a country that allows Netflix streaming and you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies from wherever you want. All you will want to do then is pick a great VPN for your Netflix needs and get right to connecting and watching. By far, we suggest you to go with ExpressVPN, Hide My IP or VyprVPN.
#4 Your Device’s Netflix App Isn’t Working Properly
There is a version of Netflix for just about every single device on the market today with video streaming capability, and all of them can act just a little different. All of them can also experience technical issues. Perhaps they don’t open properly or the video is choppy (or chopped off). There are plenty of problems and many detailed solutions.
You don’t need to learn them all. While you could potentially go into the complex settings and options that might appear with your specific version of the app, there is a simpler way. You can uninstall and re-download the app. Any inconvenience this causes is sure to be less than what it would take to learn how to manipulate your device in such a manner to fix the problem. If there is still a problem with the default download settings, then you will want to get expert help for your specific device from Netflix or just simply report that there is a bug.
#5 Bad Video Quality
Bad video quality can ruin the experience of watching a good movie and often comes down to the same internet options that force buffering or connection issues. You will want to see if you can improve your connection or if there is a temporary impediment that wasn’t there before. If it is a problem with Netflix, you will be able to see others complaining about it online rather quickly (the collective internet is extremely useful in that sense).
If you don’t like your video quality, it could also very much have something to do with the subscription you currently have with Netflix. HD streaming apparently only comes with a slightly more expensive option when you sign up, so it might be worth it to spend that extra dollar each month to pick a more expensive plan. It may seem exploitative, but there is little that can be done.
#6 Strange Activity on Your Account
Are there some strange results in your recommendations sections (even stranger than the usual assortment of Netflix original series that you want to ignore)? Is Netflix asking you is you want to continue watching a series that you never started? Are there other changes that you didn’t make to your account? If you are sharing your account with a friend or a family member, then you might just want to talk with them about their bad taste in media, but it could also be that someone has hacked your account.
This is when you will want to call Netflix immediately, and let them know you are noticing some strange activity on your account. You will also want to change your password as soon as you can to something that has at least ten characters of varying types. Swiftness is key, as someone might soon attempt to steal your account entirely, which is an even greater headache.
#7 Player Interruptions
Does Netflix ever stop the video early or say a movie is finished when it clearly isn’t? As if there were no more video to download? This can happen more often than you think, and it can be surprising when enjoying a movie. Try not to worry about this as a major problem but a case of the downloading hiccups, as that is essentially what it is.
More often than not, this particular problem is solved by backing out of the player and trying again. There was likely a problem in the initial load, and you probably shouldn’t worry too much about it at first. You may even want to wait an hour or watch something else so that the player doesn’t think it was a mistake you backed out. If this doesn’t solve it, then there is likely a problem that Netflix has to solve, especially if other videos work fine.
These were some of the most common and problematic issues that Netflix users experience every day. Do you have any others? Do you have any solutions other than the ones above? Any interesting Netflix stories to share with your fellow readers? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think!
Kevin Timothy
A lot of these Netflix issues are caused by simple things such as active microwave ovens. Often times small appliances will distort the Wi-Fi signals of home routers, thus slowing down your Netflix stream. It’s quite annoying. But be very mindful of where you locate your router. It should be centralized in your home (or very close to your entertainment setup at least).
Carolyn
That’s interesting, I didn’t know about the microwave!
Riya
Yes very true Mr. Kevin Timothy. I agree with you.
Akash
Hi John Hannah,
Great article, you really write well. Thanks for sharing, I am a great fan of your blog.
Amit Kumar
Really Thanks, for sharing this noteworthy post. This is going to be a huge help for many peoples out there. One of the best articles as I needed the Top Five Ways To Make Your Mobiles Secure. Thank you for such an important information.
Thanks again!
Ahmed
OMG at last of huge search at Google, I found someone talking about Netflix and the issues about it thank you :D
Sona Mathews
Netflix is one of the most popular sites when it come to buying popular videos, movies etc. But there are definitely some issues that we face when we use it. I really appreciate your efforts for nicely putting this information here.
Meri
Regarding the bad quality and buffering issues, I found that one of the main reasons why I had been having so many issues with my connection to my Netflix was because of the range of my wifi to my device streaming Netflix.
I had to switch out my routers, alternatively, I could have used some other means to close the distance gap between the TV and router.
Sufyan Shaikh
Hi John Hannah,
Thanks for posting such valuable information keep sharing.
Madhusudhan
I still can’t explain why I’m getting a buffering problem with Netflix on my LG set. Both LG and Netflix were amazingly UN-helpful in that ‘well it’s not us’ kind of way.
However, I have noticed that if my desktop PC is switched off, I don’t get the problem at all. Maybe its regular polling for e-mail swamps my broadband in some way so that there’s ‘not enough bandwidth for both’ – not likely with 60mbyte cable, but heh, it works for me!
Patrick Springer
Really like this article, and feel it offers some valuable information for how they could make Netflix better. However, I don’t think they will ever have issues with business because of nicely curated content and cheap rates. They are also spreading into multiple countries which will increase market share over time. They are the monopoly of the video streaming world and other businesses are having trouble keeping up.
Hafsa Komal
Few days ago I also suffer from this issue when I read this article my issues is to be resolved. Nice article admin. Keep it up! share much more.
Hamim Jess
A lot of these Netflix issues are caused by simple things such as active microwave ovens. Often times small appliances will distort the Wi-Fi signals of home routers, thus slowing down your Netflix stream. It’s quite annoying. But be very mindful of where you locate your router. It should be centralized in your home (or very close to your entertainment setup at least).
Jennifer
Great post indeed. A perfect article with proper information and easy to understand. Big thanks for a well-written article.
Sheikh
HD streaming apparently comes with a slightly more expensive option when you signup.
Sham
I have been using Netflix for over 1 year now. The main problem I used to have was down to my internet connection. You need to ensure you have goo latency and your bandwidth isn’t maxed out. The article gives some really good pointers on other potential fixes.
Mahesh Dabade
Thank you Sham for your kind words. We really appreciate your views. Keep visiting.
Barry
Yeah I also faced similar issues since a long time so I’m not using it anymore. Seems like I’m gonna have to try your tips.
Thanks.
Mahesh Dabade
All the best Barry and we would love to hear from you about the fixes.
Mahesh Dabade
Great post, I am also facing some of NetFlix problems. This article will guide me in solving the problems. Thanks for sharing.
Ashley Hotling
Hi Admin,
These tips and tricks are really awesome and great. I found new stuff here daily. Hope so, keep it up!
Thank you for sharing.
Ajay
Thanks sir for this informative article, I am trying to solve my Netflix problem, but I am not able to do that, now thanks to your article which I found over the internet which work fine for me.
Nikhil
Thanks. Worked like a charm. I’ve been looking for a solution for my Netflix problem. Now finally, I’m able to fix it. Thanks for the article John.
Maheep Shrimali
Thanks.
Some tips are really helpful from this article.
Jay
Bigger issue with netflix is country blocking or limiting geos. Previously, I was using free VPN services but they often limits your connectivity. Which VPN service do you recommend?
Rajesh Namase
Try Hide My IP.
Caroline
There are a few out there so take some time to do some research but ExpressVPN is a very good one.
Sakil
Great article, you really write well. Some tips are really helpful from this article.
Leon Scott
I always hear people saying US Netflix is so much better than UK and so on. Is there a work around to allow me to view American content?
TDANG
Love your tips John Hannah. Thanks for sharing.
Pankaj Kumar
Thanks for your tips. I often had the connectivity and buffering issues but after following your tutorial the situation seems more stable.
Rajan
A very useful article regarding netflix. Thanks for sharing. Thumbs Up.
Swati Sharma
I appreciate it. Netflix is commonly used and beloved but can experience issues like anything else.
Adrian Danan
Thanks for your tips. Always hear people saying US Netflix is so much better than UK
Prazwal
Netflix regional blocks are actually really frustrating. I am from Australia and netflix australia still does not have lots of shows I want to watch.
John Lennon
As a french guy, Netflix doesn’t have enough movies and tv show. I paid only one month and watched everything. Now I stopped my account and wait for some new content.
Thanx for this article :)
Jay Patel
You gave us lots of information, along with samples that are very helpful for we beginners. Thank you.
Sanjeet
Thanks for sharing this information! I have not noticed before reading this! No, I have got it on Google bar!
Aarushi
Thanks for sharing the relevant content. This is very useful for dealing with the Netflix issues.
Phil Moore
Unfortunately, Netflix has begun to combat VPN users and they are starting to actively block some VPN services except ExpressVPN. For example, services with smaller networks and those that have a high number of free users are more likely to be blocked by Netflix.
Mike Williams
When I am watching a show it keeps jumping back and wants to switch me to the next episode, this has happened as many times as 15 times during a show…..And they still want my money.
Chuck
Something weird with Netflix. I can easily watch it on my 75″ family room tv. But when I try to watch Netflix on my bedroom TV it spins for 20-30 seconds and then I get a network error – try again later. I have no issues with HULU or Prime on my bedroom TV so I do not think it is a WiFi issue. Any ideas??
Rajesh Namase
Try logging out and log in again, sometimes this simple solution works like a magic.