(13 Fixes) Netflix Black Screen With Sound [Updated 2023]

With a massive 214 million subscribers worldwide…

Netflix has cemented its reputation as one of the best video streaming platforms now.

Yet, this doesn’t spare Netflix from glitches and errors.

One of the most recurrent issues on Netflix is the black screen with sound.

If you encounter this problem, that’s alright.

I got you.

Continue reading to find out:

What causes a black screen error on Netflix.
13 swift fixes for Netflix black screen with sound.
Why using a VPN could be causing this problem to your Netflix experience.
And this is just the beginning…

Netflix black screen with sound: 13 fixes

#1: Check whether Netflix is down

Since Netflix allows many devices to stream, it’s not surprising for errors to occur.

A black screen with sound is more common than you imagine. In fact, Netflix has an error page dedicated solely to detecting this problem.

Because sometimes server errors happen and cause this glitch.

“What if this page doesn’t work either?”

In instances when this page is inaccessible, use alternative sites like Downdetector. This is a third-party outage monitoring page.

They provide real-time information about the status of websites and services like Netflix.

#2: Check your internet connection

Internet connection problems often cause a black screen with audio on Netflix.

So, checking the current internet speed should be on top of your troubleshooting list.

Thankfully, a connection test is quick to do. And it’s a definitive way to know why your device is showing only a black screen while using Netflix.

There are so many free internet analysis services like Speedtest by Ookla. You can use any you prefer.

If your internet test result shows that your network is slow, you can restart your router.

To do this, simply unplug your router from the power source and plug it back in after 5 seconds or more.

You might also be interested in: (7 Fixes) Netflix Black Screen With Sound on iPhone

#3: Log out and back into your account

“I don’t think my connection is the problem.”

Then consider this…

It’s also possible that your Netflix account is causing this black screen error.

Sometimes, when the servers crash, user accounts get corrupted.

And when that happens, all you need is to sign out of your account. Then, just log in again.

Note: This action refreshes your Netflix session.

To log out of Netflix on your Windows computer:

Open the Netflix app or website.
Click “More Options” at the top right corner.
Then click “Sign Out.”

For macOS users:

Access Netflix on your browser
Navigate to your profile icon.
Choose “Sign Out of Netflix” from the drop-down menu.

And if you’re using Android or iOS, do the following:

Open Netflix on your device.
Tap your profile icon on the top-right display.
Finally, click “Sign Out” at the bottom part of the screen.

Wait a few minutes before signing back in and see if this solves the problem.

#4: Turn off your VPN

Using a VPN or Virtual Private Network allows users to bypass internet restrictions. And allows them to access more internet content.

Nowadays, it’s linked to using Netflix.

Some shows are exclusive to specific regions and countries only.

Netflix restrictions stem from licensing issues.

And here’s the thing about using VPNs….

Yes, it’s great to access the content that you wanna get your hands on.

But Netflix is keen on flagging down users who use VPNs.

Otherwise, they’d be facing legal charges and pay hefty fines.

Yikes!

So, if you’re using a VPN, this could be why your screen is only black with audio during watching Netflix.

Turn off your VPN and launch Netflix again to see if this is causing your trouble.

Watch this video to find out if there’s a VPN that works for Netflix:

https://youtu.be/AgSCWeM4bZs

#5: Try Netflix on another device

Why not try streaming Netflix from another device?

This can fix your problem in an instant.

And you’ll finally be free from Netflix’s black screen issue.

That’s because some system file errors can cause Netflix to crash.

So, if the problem is with your smartphone, try accessing the app on another device. May it be your computer, for example.

Reading recommendation: 3 Sneaky Ways To Get Netflix On A Non-Smart TV

#6: Restart your current device

Take time to restart the device you’re using in streaming Netflix, too.

All devices collect temporary files during use.

“Okay. But why does that concern me?”

The accumulation of temp files could result in a black screen with the audio still on.

But restarting will wipe the temp files in your device.

And you should be able to access Netflix normally again.

#7: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies

According to Netflix, you can access them from any browser such as:

Safari.
Opera.
Google Chrome.
Mozilla Firefox.
Microsoft Edge.

While doing so, these browsers store temporary data known as caches and cookies.

Cache makes a page load faster while cookies stores users’ information.

And you’d wish they’re the yummy, sweet kind like the latter’s namesake. But they’re not.

If left uncleaned, these caches and cookies will cause crashing errors in your system.

So it’d be best if you clear them periodically.

Here’s how:

From your browser, click “Options” in the upper right corner of the page.
Choose “Settings”, and go to “Privacy Security.”
Look for “Clear Browsing Data” and select “All time” from the drop-down menu.
Click all the checkboxes.
Finally, click on “Clear Data” to start the process.

After this, try to see if Netflix is working well.

#8: Use another browser

It’s also possible that the browser you’re using is currently experiencing some issues.

This could be why it’s taking a while to load Netflix’s content.

Switch to another browser and see how it goes.

#9: Clear Netflix data

If you’re using an android device, it would be easier to clear application files.

If you encounter a black screen with sound while browsing Netflix, try to wipe its data to solve the problem.

An app’s data become corrupted if it encounters errors. Especially unexpected crashes on the server.

These are the steps how to clear Netflix’s data:

On your smartphone, open “Settings.”
Scroll down and locate the “Apps” tab.
Click and find “Netflix” from the list.
Once you find it, choose “Storage”.
Tap on the “Clear Data” button.

Note: Clearing Netflix app data will delete all TV shows and movies you’ve downloaded on your device.

10: Update Netflix

Netflix error code 1017 means you’re using an older version of the Netflix application.

They regularly release updates to fix bugs and provide more optimization.

But, this also means you get errors like a black screen if your app is out-of-date.

Now, updating Netflix is super easy. You can simply go to your device’s Play or App Store (if auto-update is off).

Smart TVs often update their applications automatically as soon as updates are available.

#11: Uninstall Netflix

If updating didn’t work, then there’s nothing else better to do than uninstall the application.

But don’t worry.

You can reinstall it right back quickly.

It’s entirely possible that some of Netflix’s installation files became corrupted.

This kind of problem is quite advanced for an update to fix.

It’s better to delete the application from your device and install it once again.

This solution also ensures that Netflix will install properly. And the necessary application files will work.

For android devices, uninstall Netflix by:

Find the Netflix app from your app drawer.
Press and hold the application icon until a menu comes.
Finally, click “Uninstall” to complete the action.

If you have an iOS device, follow these easy steps:

Find Netflix from the home screen.
Press and hold the application icon until a menu shows.
Then tap “Remove App” to complete uninstall action.

If you’re using a Windows PC, here’s how you can uninstall Netflix:

Click the “Windows” and “S” keys simultaneously.
Search for “Add or Remove Programs.”
Click it open and find “Netflix”.
Click “Netflix” again and choose “Uninstall.”
Follow the on-screen reaction to completely remove the application.

Note: If your device isn’t listed above, go to the Netflix help center. Get a detailed guide on how to uninstall the application from your current device.

Once you’ve successfully uninstalled the app, install it again and check if it solves the problem.

#12: Contact Netflix

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and yet nothing works, it’s better to get help from the experts.

Report the screen error you’ve encountered to Netflix’s customer support.

By the way, calling Netflix through the mobile application is now possible. It’s also free of charge.

All you need is an active internet or mobile connection.

And be sure to prepare all your necessary information. For example, your account details, and the device you’re using.

This helps them understand your concern better. And achieve a quick resolution.

#13: Do a force restart

If you’re on your phone and the screen suddenly turned black.

But the audio is still on midway through watching Netflix…

Behold – the black screen of death. Or so they say.

Actually, this is because of a software issue.

I know that’s a lot to take in but don’t worry. Solve this by doing a force restart.

A force restart is a quick solution to software issues. It will force your phone to lose power and shut down.

For android smartphones, perform a force restart by following these steps:

Hold down the “Power” and “Volume up/down” buttons.
Keep holding for about 30 seconds complete shut down.
Plug your phone into the charger.
Wait for at least 5 minutes.
Start your phone normally.

Force restart for iPhones depends on the model you own. Below is a general guideline that you can refer to:

iPhone X, Xs, XR, or any iPhone 11, 12, 13, and iPhone 8 or SE (2nd gen or later)

Press and quickly release volume buttons up and down.
Press and hold the side button.
Wait for the Apple logo to appear.
Release the button.

iPhone 7

Press and hold the volume down + the “Sleep/Wake” button.
Wait for the Apple logo to appear.
Release both buttons.

iPhone 6s or SE (1st gen)

Press and hold the “Sleep/Wake” + “Home” buttons.
Wait for the Apple logo to appear.
Release both buttons.

For a more detailed guide on how to force restart your iPhone, refer to Apple’s official user manual.

You might also want to read: 3 Ways to Watch Netflix on TV From iPhone