Troubleshoot Netflix Not Working on Roku: Top 7 Tricks and Tips

Despite its subscriber growth that had slowed down in 2020, Netflix once again witnessed subscriber numbers surging in 2022.

That’s because the pandemic protocols around the world have kept people at home and is that possible without entertainment?

So, while the streaming giant continues to lead as the premium streaming service with over 200 million subscribers worldwide, you may face problems streaming the service on your Roku device.

Reasons vary from server down to the app reset. To know more about why Netflix is not working on Roku, keep reading. . .

What Causes Netflix to Stop Working on Roku?

There are several reasons behind Netflix not working on Roku, these include no or slow internet bandwidth, Netflix server down problems, or issues with the Netflix app itself in need of an update. These can appear as one of the following.

No action when you select the Netflix icon.
Netflix loads but freezes on the logo loading screen.
After the Netflix app opens, you’ll see only a black screen and nothing happens.

You may encounter these issues without any error notification alert or error code on screen.

They can arise when you’re trying to launch a video from your Netflix account and the screen just freezes either on the logo or the blank screen after entering the home page of Netflix.

Troubleshoot Netflix not working on Roku

When you stream Netflix on Roku, you’re dealing with two different online services- Netflix and Roku, so there are multiple points of failure.

There could be issues with the Netflix service, with the Roku connection and your TV, or something related to your internet connection itself.

However, the best option is to start with the simplest fixes and work up to the more complicated ones. Let’s check out these DIY solutions:

Netflix Server is Down

The reason why you enjoy seamless binging on Netflix is because of its servers. It is the server that delivers you your favourite content through Netflix. So, the servers need to actively run for that to happen.

Scheduled and Unscheduled maintenance breaks occur often. While the former tends to avoid service interruptions, the latter takes down the server for hours.

So, whenever you come across Netflix trouble loading, you can visit Netflix’s help center page that gives you the current server status and all related information for the glitch (if any).

A time frame on the web page will be shown if there’s maintenance going on to let you know when the server will be restored. So, all you have to do is wait until the time ends before you check back on the app.

Netflix requires an Update

Any streaming application whether Netflix or Amazon Prime will require timely updates.

App Updates not only introduce you to new features but most importantly fix bugs and other internal glitches that users report from using the previous version.

If bugs are causing the Netflix not working error on your Roku device, you can troubleshoot it with a quick update.

However, updating the Netflix channel on Roku will require you to update the whole Roku at once. To update the Netflix app

1. From your Roku remote press the Home button

2.Navigate to Settings>System

3. Opt for System Update

4. Tap on Check Now to find if there are any available updates to Netflix

Your Netflix app will be automatically updated. Open the channel and check if the action was effective to solve the Netflix not working error.

Uninstall to Reinstall the Netflix Channel App

If neither of the above worked out so far? Then simply uninstall the prime app to reinstall it. This automatically updates the app fixing most existing issues in the process. To do so,

From your Roku remote press the Home button
Tap on the right button to highlight the Netflix channel
Now press the (*) key on the remote to launch the submenu
Tap to select Remove channel
Press the Home button again to select Streaming Channels
Lookup for Netflix
Install the channel app and then sign in to your Netflix account

Once you’ve signed in, check if the issue is solved.

Reboot/Power cycle your Roku Device

Restarting also known as Power Cycling is the best and the most basic solution when a streaming app stops functioning even after the reinstallation action.

This makes your device free from bugs and other existing issues.

To restart the device

From your Roku remote press the Home button
Navigate to Settings>System
Tap to select Restart
Highlight the channel and Tap restart confirming the prompt that appears

Now, turn on your Roku device and launch Netflix to see if the action was effective.

Also Read: How to Watch Local Channels on Your Roku device

Update the Roku Firmware

If your Roku device is running on outdated firmware, streaming apps like Netflix might not work. By updating the firmware, all your apps get automatically updated.

Updating Firmware removes the existing bugs and introduces you to new features.

It’s however, recommended that you enable the auto-update feature on your Roku device, or manually do it, using the steps below:

1. From your Roku remote press the Home button and head to the Settings Menu

2. Click on System Update > Check Now

3. If there are any available updates, install them and reboot your device.

Review your Netflix Account

Even after applying the listed solutions above, if your Netflix still doesn’t work, then something is wrong with your Netflix account.

To check, first, confirm if you have an active and valid Netflix subscription. Second, check if the login credentials have been correctly entered. Entering incorrect login credentials repeatedly on all 3 attempts can block your account.

Often Netflix servers may be down, which can automatically shut down the app. In that case, wait and open the application after some time.

Contact Netflix Support

If none of the troubleshooting steps works for you, the final resort is to contact either Netflix or the Roku support center.

Informing the concerned services about the current issue you’re facing and following their instructions will fix the issue in no time.

All you have to do is provide them with the correct information, for example, the Roku model you own. Depending on that, they will instruct with a suitable solution.

Final Thoughts

As the streaming giant in the market today, Netflix currently has more than 182 million subscribers worldwide.

While its revenue increased by up to 27% to $5.76 in recent times, the streaming giant’s share price has exceeded more than 30% this year with Europe, the Middle East and Africa accounting for almost 7 million new subscribers.

Additionally with the growth in the US and Canada, which lagged in recent quarters, has also jumped with 2.3 million new subscribers joining the service.

Thus, coupled with a streaming device like Roku, competing with Netflix is far beyond the imagination for many competing streaming services today.

We hope you found the blog useful the next time you face any Netflix error on Roku.

Quick Netflix Troubleshooting Tips on Roku

You may also consider these additional Netflix troubleshooting tips on Roku:

You can give a final resort by resetting Roku. A factory reset usually removes all the installed streaming services or downloaded content. You can reset your Roku from Settings>System>Advanced Settings>Factory reset
Restart your Router/modem that solves most of the existing issues. Depending on the type of issue you can hard reset or simply soft reset your router/modem. A soft reset requires you to unplug the cable connecting your modem/router and plug it back after a while. While a hard reset requires you to press the reset button usually located at the back of your modem/router for about 10-15 minutes.
Connecting your router or Roku device to the internet via VPN, may cause connectivity issues. Disable your VPN to connect to the internet directly may resolve your Netflix channel issues.
Roku parental controls feature often block age-restricted content. Check that the account you’re trying to use isn’t blocked from launching the Netflix content that you want to watch. Additionally, check the Netflix parental control settings for your Netflix account.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Have more queries about Netflix not working on Roku, consider these below:

Q. How do I sign out of Netflix on a Roku?

To sign out of Netflix on newer Roku devices like Roku 4, 3, Roku Streaming Stick, Express, and Roku TV, launch Netflix and choose a profile if prompted. From the left menu, choose Settings, then select Sign Out > Yes.

Q. How do I change Netflix accounts on a Roku?

It’s not easy to change the Netflix user account on Roku, but there’s a workaround. From your Roku home screen navigate to My Channels. Select the Netflix app and press the star(*) button on your remote. From the editing settings, select Remove Channel. Then, return to your Roku Home screen. Search the Channel Store, and reinstall Netflix using a Netflix account of your choice.

Q. How do you find My List on Netflix on a Roku?

Roku users can access their “My List” on Netflix the same way, regardless of the platform they use to access Netflix. Open Netflix, select a watch profile if prompted, and choose My List from the top menu.

Q. How do I add Netflix to my Roku device?

To get Netflix on your Roku device, go to the Roku Channel Store and look for the Netflix channel app. Once located click Add Channel and install Netflix. You can also plug in your Roku, and then visit Streaming Channels on your screen. Search for and select Netflix here. Once located select Add Channel.

Q. How to reset Netflix on Roku?

You can reset the Netflix Channel app by reinstalling it on Roku. After reinstallation, you must sign in to your Netflix account to complete the resetting process.

Q. How do I know if the Netflix server is down?

You can check the server status of Netflix anytime from its website. Here, you should see every information if Netflix is undergoing a server down glitch and how long will it take to restore the server to normalcy after maintenance breaks.

Q. How do I clear cache my Netflix app on Roku?

To clear cache from the Netflix app, all you have to do is visit the app information screen. In case Roku TV doesn’t let you clear cache, simply reinstall Netflix.

Q. Why does Netflix freeze after opening the app?

If Netflix freezes or does not load on your Roku TV

Simply give a quick restart to your Roku TV.
You can also deactivate your Netflix account and reactivate it after some time.
Don’t forget to check your home network’s signal strength. Poor bandwidth can hinder Netflix streaming on Roku
You may also need to change your connection status to default. Connection settings have three options namely- Custom mode settings, VPN settings and Custom DNS settings. After resetting, try Netflix again.

The app may also freeze when you attempt to select a profile. You can fix this by

Turn off your Roku TV. If the device is having a power cable de tach it
The device should be completely turned off and not remain in either sleep or standby mode
Do not turn on the device before 15 -20 minutes

In case the problem persists, contact the Netflix support center.

Q. Why does Netflix keep prompting “there is a problem connecting to Netflix”?

If your internet connection is unstable, you may face this error. Often either maintenance breaks or server down issues on part of Netflix can prompt this message.