Fix most common Netflix issues with your PC or Mac
Before We Begin:
Have a working Netflix account
2. OS Choice
To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.
There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.
Microsoft WindowsApple macOSMicrosoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.
3. Restart
From the menu bar across the top of the screen, select the Apple menu (1), then select Restart... (2).
Any unsaved work will be lost.
4. Reboot
One of the main causes with the inability to get on the Internet is that your networking equipment could have malfunctioned. Sometimes performing a reboot will resolve this issue.
Your network may consist of one or more of the following networking devices:
Modem
This is the primary device used to get you on the Internet.
Has either a coaxial cable, fiber cable, or phone cord plugged into it.
Typically has 1 or 2 Ethernet ports which connect to a router.
Gateway
This is an all-in-one device that has both a modem and a router built in. It is a primary device used to get you on the Internet.
Has either a coaxial cable, fiber cable, or phone cord plugged into it.
Typically has 3 or 4 Ethernet ports which connect to a your computers and smart devices.
Typically has Wi-Fi built into it
Router
This device allows you to connect multiple devices to your Internet connection using a single external IP address.
Typically has 3 or 4 Ethernet ports which connect to a your computers and smart devices.
Typically has Wi-Fi built into it.
Switch
This device helps to extend the wired functionality of devices by providing your additional Ethernet ports.
These are typically plug and play.
This device is not a router.
Access Point
This device will provide wireless access to your existing network.
Used to extend the range of your network
Usually plugged into a router / gateway via Ethernet connection.
Range Extender
This device will extend the range of your existing WiFi network by rebroadcasting your WiFi network.
Standalone device plugged into a power source.
Usually located 15-30 feet from the router.
Next we will want to power cycle the networking devices.
Modem / Gateway
Unplug the power from the device.
Wait 30 seconds.
Plug the power back into the device.
Wait for the device to go online.
Router
Unplug the power from the device.
Wait 30 seconds.
Plug the power back into the device.
Wait for the device to go online.
Switch
Unplug the power from the device.
Wait 30 seconds.
Plug the power back into the device.
Access Point / Range Extender
Unplug the power from the device.
Wait 30 seconds.
Plug the power back into the device.
5. Verify Network Status
Click on the Apple Menu and go to System Preferences.
Click On Network.
Click on the Network Adapter which you are checking.
Here you will find the status of your internet connection.
6. Test the App
Open your Netflix app and test if it works.
7. What's next?
8. Connect to Wi-Fi
Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar. By default it will be in the upper right corner near the time and date.
If Wi-Fi is off, choose Turn Wi-Fi on.
The strength of each nearby network is shown next to its name. More darkened bars indicate a stronger network connection.
Select the Wireless Network Name (SSID) of the network you want to connect to.
Networks that have a lock icon next to their name require a password. After you select your network, enter the network password when you're prompted. If you don't know the network password, check with the owner of the Wi-Fi network you're trying to join.
9. What's next?
10. Restart Your PC
Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.
Using the Mouse
Select the Start menu.
By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
Select Power, then select Restart.
Using the Keyboard
Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
Select Restart, then OK.
11. Reboot
One of the main causes with the inability to get on the Internet is that your networking equipment could have malfunctioned. Sometimes performing a reboot will resolve this issue.
Your network may consist of one or more of the following networking devices:
Modem
This is the primary device used to get you on the Internet.
Has either a coaxial cable, fiber cable, or phone cord plugged into it.
Typically has 1 or 2 Ethernet ports which connect to a router.
Gateway
This is an all-in-one device that has both a modem and a router built in. It is a primary device used to get you on the Internet.
Has either a coaxial cable, fiber cable, or phone cord plugged into it.
Typically has 3 or 4 Ethernet ports which connect to a your computers and smart devices.
Typically has Wi-Fi built into it
Router
This device allows you to connect multiple devices to your Internet connection using a single external IP address.
Typically has 3 or 4 Ethernet ports which connect to a your computers and smart devices.
Typically has Wi-Fi built into it.
Switch
This device helps to extend the wired functionality of devices by providing your additional Ethernet ports.
These are typically plug and play.
This device is not a router.
Access Point
This device will provide wireless access to your existing network.
Used to extend the range of your network
Usually plugged into a router / gateway via Ethernet connection.
Range Extender
This device will extend the range of your existing WiFi network by rebroadcasting your WiFi network.
Standalone device plugged into a power source.
Usually located 15-30 feet from the router.
Next we will want to power cycle the networking devices.
Modem / Gateway
Unplug the power from the device.
Wait 30 seconds.
Plug the power back into the device.
Wait for the device to go online.
Router
Unplug the power from the device.
Wait 30 seconds.
Plug the power back into the device.
Wait for the device to go online.
Switch
Unplug the power from the device.
Wait 30 seconds.
Plug the power back into the device.
Access Point / Range Extender
Unplug the power from the device.
Wait 30 seconds.
Plug the power back into the device.
12. Verify Network Status
To Check Network Status on Windows 10
1st Method
The Network icon in the lower right corner of the screen can tell you a lot about your network connection and the state it’s in.
The Network icon represents the current status of your network connection. Depending on the current status of your connection, the appearance of this icon will change. The following are the different icons you might see and their corresponding meanings.
Represents an Ethernet connection and successful connection to the internet.
Represents an Ethernet connection with no connection to the internet.
No network adapters are detected or enabled.
You’re connected to WiFi and the Internet.
Connected to WiFi, but no Internet connection is detected (also known as limited connectivity).
A wireless adapter is detected and there are wireless networks in range, but you’re not connected to one.
Your wireless network adapter is recognized, but no WiFi networks are found and you’re not connected to WiFi.
If you want to see even more information about your connection status, click the Network icon itself regardless of what status it currently displays.
or
This will bring up the Network menu. Within your network menu, you can see the status of your current connection. If your device is capable of connecting to WiFi, you will also see a list of wireless networks your device is currently in range of.
The status underneath each network name represent either your device's current connection status to that network, or additional attributes of that network.
Connected, Secured: This means you are connected to this WiFi network, and the network is secured with a password.
Connected: This means you are connected to this WiFi network. This network may not be password protected.
Secured: This is an available WiFi network that requires a password to successfully connect to.
Open: This is an available WiFi network with no password required.
The icons to the left of each network name indicate an individual network's signal strength. This will vary depending on your physical distance from each network's point of origin, among other factors.
WiFi network with very strong signal (Best).
WiFi network with strong signal (Good).
WiFi network with weak signal strength (OK).
WiFi network with very weak signal (Worst).
This WiFi network is not password-protected (Open network).
2nd Method
Select the Start button.
Select Settings.
Select Network & Internet.
Select Status. Your current connection status will be displayed on the right side of the screen.
13. Test the App
Open your Netflix app and test if it works.
14. What's next?
15. Connect to Wi-Fi
Click on the Notifications icon and then click on Network.
Click the network you wish to connect to.
Choose if you wish to automatically connect to your network, and then click on Connect.
Enter in your security key and click Next.
Choose whether or not you want to be visible to the network.
It is recommended to allow your PC to be discovered on private home networks because that allows you to see other wireless devices on the Network. If you're at a public location it is suggested to select "No".
You can verify your connection by checking to see if it now says "Connected" next to the network.
16. What's next?
17. Reset Password
Reset your password by sending yourself a password reset email from Netflix.
If your preferred language is already selected, select English and sign out, then repeat the steps above.
Return to the device experiencing the issue and sign out and sign back in to save this setting.
Changing the language for your profile will also change the subtitle and dubbing options you see, putting your preferred language first on available titles.
19. OS Choice
To continue, we need to know what Operating System your computer is using.
There are 2 main Operating Systems for personal computers currently available, Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.
Microsoft WindowsApple macOSMicrosoft Windows runs on computers produced by multiple companies, such as Lenovo, Asus, Dell, Toshiba, Hewlett Packard, Acer, and Sony.Apple is the only company that makes macOS computers.
20. Browser Choice
There are many different browsers available on macOS. The easiest way to determine which browser you are using is to look at the icon you use to open it, as well as the control bars at the top.
Apple Safari
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Opera
21. Clear Browser History (macOS)
Open Safari.
Select the Safari menu, then select Clear History.
Select Clear all history, then select Clear History.
22. Test Netflix
Open your browser, and visit Netflix.
Make sure the page loads properly, and try watching something.
23. What's next?
24. Clear Browser History (macOS)
Open Google Chrome.
Select the Menu button located in the top right corner of the window.
Select Settings.
Scroll to the bottom of the page, then select Advanced.
Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
For Time range, select All time. Make sure all three check boxes are checked, then select Clear data.
25. Clear Browser History (macOS)
Open Mozilla Firefox.
Select the Menu button located in the top right corner of the window.
Select Library.
Select History.
Select Clear Recent History.
For Time range to clear, select Everything. Then select Clear Now.
26. Clear Browser History (macOS)
Open Opera.
Select the Opera menu, then select Clear Browsing Data.
For Time Range, select All time. Make sure all three checkboxes are checked, then select Clear data.
27. Additional Information
To better assist you, please answer this question.
28. Uninstall Netflix
Click Start then Settings.
Next, Select Apps.
Scroll down and Netflix, and click on Uninstall.
29. Install App (Windows 10)
Select Start.
Select the Microsoft Store.
Search for "Netflix".
Select Netflix.
Click Install.
30. What's next?
31. Browser Choice
There are many different browsers available on Windows. The easiest way to determine which browser you are using is to look at the icon you use to open it, as well as the control bars at the top.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Opera
32. Clear Browser History
Open Google Chrome.
Select the Menu button located in the top right corner of the window.
Select Settings.
Scroll to the bottom of the page, then select Advanced.
Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
For Time range, select All time. Make sure all three check boxes are checked, then select Clear data.
33. Test Netflix
Open your browser, and visit Netflix.
Make sure the page loads properly, and try watching something.
34. What's next?
35. Clear Browser History
Open Mozilla Firefox.
Click the Menu button in the top right of the screen.
Click on Options.
Click on Privacy & Security.
Click the Clear History button located unther the History category.
Select the time range you wish to clear.
Click the Details button to expand them.
Choose the item categories you wish to clear.
SettingCheckboxBrowsing & Download HistoryChecked
Browsing History - While you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.
Download History - These are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.
Form & Search HistoryCheckedInformation from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.CookiesCheckedCookies are how websites 'know' you when you visit them multiple times. This file can become corrupt, and simply downloading a new one can fix many problems.
You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
Active LoginsCheckedActive logins are sites that you are currently logged into that you have asked to remember that you are logged into. Clearing them just logs you out of these sites.Offline Website DataUncheckedIf you've allowed it, a website can store files on your computer so that you can continue to use it when you are not connected to the Internet.Site PreferencesUncheckedSite specific preferences, including the saved zoom level for sites, character encoding, and the permissions for sites.
Click the Clear Now button.
36. Clear Browser History
Open Opera.
Open the Opera Menu located in the top left hand corner of the window.
Click Settings.
Click Privacy & Security.
Click Clear Browsing Data.
Choose the time frame of data that you want to clear.
Select the item categories you would like to clear.
SettingCheckboxBrowsing HistoryCheckedWhile you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.Download HistoryCheckedThese are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.Cookies and other site dataCheckedCookies are how websites 'know' you when you visit them multiple times. This file can become corrupt, and simply downloading a new one can fix many problems.
You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
Cached images and filesCheckedThis clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.PasswordsUncheckedYour browser will save your passwords while you browse, making it easier to log into your most common websites later. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.Autofill Form DataUncheckedInformation from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled-in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.News Usage DataPersonal ChoiceRemoves information saved by Opera for news. This information, if enabled, will send anonymous data to Opera to provide better experience while using the news.
Click the Clear Browsing Data button.
37. Clear Cache and History
Open Microsoft Edge, select the menu in the top right, and select Settings.
Select Privacy & security on the left, then select Choose what to clear on the right.
Select the item categories you wish to clear, then select Clear.
SettingCheckboxBrowsing HistoryCheckedWhile you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.Cookies and saved website dataCheckedThis clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.
You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
Cached data and filesCheckedThis clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.Tabs I've set aside or recently closedCheckedThis clears tabs that you have set aside, as well as tabs that you've recently closed.Download HistoryPersonal ChoiceThese are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.Autofill dataUncheckedInformation from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.PasswordsUncheckedYour browser will save your passwords while you browse, making it easier to log into your most common websites later. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.Media LicensesUncheckedClears any saved media licenses. These are typically used for streaming sites that you may have purchased content from.Website PermissionsUncheckedClears any permission granted to web sites. These permissions include permissions to access your audio devices such as your mic, and location services.
38. Clear Cache and History
Open Internet Explorer.
Select the Gear icon in the top right corner, then select Internet options.
Under Browsing history, select Delete.
Go through the list of options here, to ensure the proper items are cleared. Once you have chosen your options, select Delete.
SettingCheckboxPreserve Favorites website dataUncheckedInternet Explorer segments out pages you have marked as favorites. We need to be sure to clear all data, not just some of it.Temporary Internet files and website filesCheckedThis clears your cache, making your browser get a new copy of the webpage, images, etc. It's important to clear this to get a fresh copy the next time you visit, as the copy your browser has may simply be corrupt.Cookies and website dataCheckedCookies are how websites 'know' you when you visit them multiple times. This file can become corrupt, and simply downloading a new one can fix many problems.
You will have to log back into any pages you use, such as mail or social media.
HistoryCheckedWhile you browse Your browser will keep track of every page you visit, to try to make it easier to return. This can become corrupt due to modern active web pages.Download HistoryPersonal ChoiceThese are a list of files you've downloaded recently. It is entirely safe to delete, or keep this list, as it won't affect pages. Checking this option does not delete the files you've downloaded, just the list the browser keeps.Form DataUncheckedInformation from entering forms online, such as your name, address, or other filled in information. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.PasswordsUncheckedYour browser will save your passwords while you browse, making it easier to log into your most common websites later. This does not affect how a page loads, and can slow you down on your most commonly used pages.Tracking Protection, ActiveX filtering and Do Not TrackPersonal ChoiceA number of pages will track your use of those pages, and if you've opted out of such tracking. This setting tends not to be well respected from page to page, and some pages simply do not give you the option. While it can affect how a page is displayed, it will only do so in the advertising or other 'personalized content' on that page; not the page itself. It is okay to check or uncheck this option.
When complete, a message will open at the bottom of your browser letting you know the history has been deleted.
It can take quite a while to delete the cache and history, please be patient.