The Netflix app is very user-friendly, the user experience is smooth and users can seamlessly switch between devices without any problems.
However, of late, a major point of discussion with my friends has been that of Netflix crashing very frequently.
To be honest, I hadn’t faced any major problems with Netflix till the last fortnight when it abruptly stopped.
It took me close to 4 hours to figure out the problem and fix it.
Here I share with you 12 solutions and that one cue that would help fix Netflix after a crash.
If Netflix is crashing frequently on your device, try uninstalling the Netflix App from your device and then reinstalling it again. One more fix to try is to log out of all the devices you are using Netflix from and log back again.
Check for Updates And Clear App Cache
The first thing to do if any app crashes on your device is to check for any updates.
Visit the Play Store or App Store to check for any updates for the Netflix app and download it.
If you have an update, one of the buttons will say ‘Update’, otherwise it will say open, like how it is on my phone as you can see below.
Also, check if your device is on the latest version. If not, make sure to update your phone, tablet, or Smart TV to the latest available firmware.
If you’re already running on the latest version of the app and device firmware, you can clear the cache and temporary data and open the app again.
The background tasks and accumulated cache files can also lead to Netflix not working on a Samsung TV.
You can clear the cache by following these steps:
Android
Navigate to ‘Settings’ and scroll down and click on ‘Apps.’
Search for Netflix from the list of apps and click on ‘Storage and Cache.’
You’ll have options to clear storage or clear cache.
If you choose to clear storage, this will delete all cache as well as saved information like login details and payment methods.
If you only clear cache, other saved information will still be available.
iOS
Open ‘Settings’ on your iOS device and scroll till you find Netflix.
Click on Netflix and scroll to the bottom of the page. You’ll see an option labeled ‘Clear Temp Data on Next Start.’
Turn this setting on, and your cache will be cleared the next time you start the app.
If none of these fixes worked, you can uninstall and reinstall the app on your device.
Reboot Your Wi-Fi Router
Connectivity issues with networks can also cause Netflix to crash or behave unresponsive.
Reboot your Wi-Fi router by turning it off and waiting around 30 seconds before powering it on again.
Once rebooted, connect your device to the internet and open Netflix again to see if it works.
You might also want to check the number of connected devices on your router to make sure there aren’t too many devices using the internet.
I’d also suggest keeping your Wi-Fi router in a location where your devices can get a good, strong signal without interference.
Using a Wired Connection
If you have an older smart TV, chances are your device might not be able to pull in as much wireless data as your other devices such as laptops or phones.
In such cases, if your TV supports wired network connectivity, then that would be your best option.
You can use the ethernet cable provided with your router to connect to the TV.
Having a wired connection will ensure your TV is fighting with other devices for bandwidth and since TVs aren’t portable you won’t need to depend on Wi-Fi.
Factory Reset Your Device
If nothing else works, then you might need to factory reset your device.
A factory reset can fix issues with badly behaving apps as it may be some corrupted files that are preventing it from working properly.
However, a factory reset will also delete all apps and saved data on your device, essentially restoring it to its original state when you purchased it.
Personally, I would recommend a factory reset only if you have multiple badly behaving apps and other issues because of corrupted firmware.
A factory reset is also an effective fix to get Netflix working on a Vizio TV.
Keeping Netflix Running Smoothly
While there are many reasons why Netflix crashes, there are also ways we can prevent it.
Make sure your device and app store is set to automatically update apps and firmware and reset your modem once a month to clear any unnecessary cache and temp files.
You’ll also need to make sure you aren’t subscribed to Netflix Mobile plan as it only allows streaming from mobile devices.
In some cases, Netflix servers might be down, so you’ll have to wait till it’s back online before streaming.
And finally, if you can’t get Netflix to work after these fixes, you’ll need to get in touch with Netflix Support and let them know about the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I fix my Netflix from crashing?
The best way to solve this is to delete Netflix from your device and re-installing it back again.
A simple step, but has proven to be very effective in getting rid of frequent crashes.
How do I clear my Netflix cache?
Access the Netflix App and select the App Info tab.
Once done, select Storage & cache > Clear storage > OK.
Why does Netflix keep buffering but the internet is fine?
There are multiple reasons for this. A slow or patchy internet connection is the leading cause.
A server issue, outdated app, or firmware too could cause Netflix to buffer.
