We’ve all teeter-tottered there before. You plop on the couch, squirrel the remote, and get ready to chill-lax with your fave Netflix show. But when you tap the red N, your screen sulks in error. Ugh! Don’t freak. There are a slew gadzillion prodder approaches to revive your Netflix app on Roku.
First, let’s chat about why Netlfix flakes out. The streaming biz is full of twists and turns – codec kerfuffles, connection bungles, and pesky software snags abound. Roku devices ride the riding tide, so hiccups scupper even the sturdiest setups. Thankfully, most issues flourish fixes with a few flicks and clicks. A bit of decoder, and you’ll be streaming again sans sorrow.
Ready to make Netflix percolate? Grab your Roku remote and gadget gallop through these troubleshoots.
8 Common Ways to Fix Netflix on Roku
If Netflix isn’t loading or playing content on your Roku, there are a few likely culprits. Here are 8 troubleshooting tips to get the streaming service back up and running:
1. Check Your Internet Connection
This may seem obvious, but make sure your Roku device is connected to the internet. Go into settings and run a connection test. If the test fails, try disconnecting and reconnecting to your WiFi network or ethernet cable.
Slow internet speeds can also cause issues with streaming quality and buffering. Use a speed test site like Fast.com to check your current bandwidth. If your internet is slow, try restarting your modem and router. Also, move the Roku closer to the router if possible.
2. Restart Your Roku
Sometimes the easiest fix is a simple device restart. Just like with your computer, a quick power cycle can clear up glitches with streaming apps.
To restart your Roku, unplug the power cable for 20-30 seconds. Then plug it back in and give it a minute or two to fully reboot. This will refresh the device’s memory and often resolves app errors.
3. Force Quit the Netflix App
If a simple restart doesn’t work, try force quitting the Netflix app. This closes Netflix and clears any stuck processes that could be interfering with streaming.
To force quit on Roku:
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote
- Scroll up or down to highlight the Netflix app
- Press the Star (*) button on your remote
- Select Close when prompted
Reopen Netflix and see if that cleared up the issues.
4. Update Your Roku Software
Outdated software can cause problems with streaming apps like Netflix. Roku periodically releases system updates with bug fixes and performance improvements.
Updating is easy:
- Go to Settings > System > System update on your Roku
- If an update is available, select Update now
- Your Roku will download the latest software and install it automatically
Once your system is up to date, test Netflix again.
5. Update the Netflix App
Along with your Roku OS, make sure you have the latest version of the Netflix app. Like device updates, the Netflix app pushes out fixes and patches on a regular basis.
To update apps on Roku:
- From the Home screen, go to Settings > System > System update > Check for updates
- If the Netflix app needs an update, it will appear in the list
- Select Update next to the Netflix app to download the newest version
Updating can resolve compatibility issues between Netflix and Roku OS.
6. Remove and Reinstall Netflix
If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall the Netflix app. This will clear any corrupt files that could be interfering with streaming.
To remove and reinstall Netflix:
- From the Home screen, go to Streaming Channels
- Select the Netflix icon
- Choose Remove channel – this will uninstall Netflix from your Roku
- Once removed, go back to the Roku Channel Store and search for Netflix
- Select Netflix and choose Add channel to reinstall a fresh version
This often fixes underlying data issues that can hamper streaming.
7. Reset Your Roku
For major troubleshooting, you can factory reset your Roku device. This restores the device to default settings, removes all data, and clears any problematic files.
Resetting is quite easy:
- Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings
- Select Factory reset everything
- Follow the prompts to confirm and wipe your device
Once your Roku resets, go through setup again and re-sign into Netflix. Just keep in mind you’ll have to re-enter any WiFi passwords, Roku accounts and streaming logins.
8. Contact Roku Support
If you’re still seeing Netflix issues after trying these troubleshooting tips, reach out to Roku’s customer support team. They can help diagnose any underlying problems and walk you through fixes.
You can contact Roku support via:
- Online chat at support.roku.com
- Email at support@roku.com
- By phone in the US at 866-780-6582
Roku’s technicians can confirm if the problem stems from your device vs the Netflix service itself. They can also authorize a replacement if your Roku model is defective.
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How to Log Out of Netflix on Roku
Along with troubleshooting tips, we also wanted to quickly cover how to log out of Netflix on your Roku. Signing out can help resolve account and login issues.
To sign out of Netflix on Roku:
- From the Home screen, go to Settings > Account > Sign out
- When prompted, select Sign out to confirm
- Then select Sign in with a different account or Deregister to complete
You can then sign back into Netflix with the same or different account. Logging out is handy if you’re switching between profiles or users.
Conclusion
Netflix failing on your Roku device can certainly cause cinematic sorrow. But before you start binging cable instead, walk through some simple troubleshooting steps. Rebooting devices, checking connections, updating software, restarting apps, removing/reinstalling channels, resetting Roku, or getting a new device typically resuscitates streaming woes. With these fixes on hand, you can kick back, grab the remote, and enjoy stress-free Netflix nights again. Happy streaming!
FAQs
Why does Netflix keep buffering on my Roku?
If Netflix is buffering frequently, it usually points to an unstable internet connection. Try restarting your router and modem, connect via ethernet if possible, or move your Roku closer to the router. Slow speeds can interrupt streaming quality.
How do I activate Netflix on my Roku?
If you’re just setting up Netflix, open the Roku Channel Store and search for Netflix. Select Add Channel and sign in or set up a new account. Confirm the activation email and you can start streaming.
Why does Netflix say unavailable on Roku?
The “unavailable” error typically means there’s an issue with your Roku software or device connectivity. Try updating your Roku OS, check your internet connection, and restart your Roku. Resetting or reinstalling Netflix can also help resolve this.
Why does Roku keep losing internet connection?
If your Roku keeps disconnecting from the internet, it’s likely related to your WiFi signal. Power cycle your modem and router, position the Roku closer to the router, remove obstructions between the devices, or connect via ethernet cable.
How do I get Netflix back on my Roku?
If Netflix disappeared from your Roku, open the Channel Store and re-add it. Make sure your Netflix account is still active. Check for any Roku OS updates as well. Uninstalling and reinstalling Netflix can also return it to your Home screen.
Why does Netflix crash on Roku?
App crashing is annoying. Try updating the Netflix app in your Roku settings to see if that resolves stability issues. Also restart your Roku and router/modem to clear any glitches. In some cases, fully resetting the Roku can fix app crashes.
How do I reset my Roku if I forget my password?
If you get locked out of your Roku account, you can factory reset it without your password. From the sign-in screen, enter the following on your remote: Home x5, FF x3, RW x2, Play. This will reset the device to factory settings.
Why does Netflix run slow on Roku?
Buffering and lag on Netflix usually comes down to internet speeds. Run a bandwidth test and contact your ISP if speeds are consistently low. Also restart your networking equipment and connect Roku via ethernet if possible. This can boost connectivity speeds.
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