You finally get the chance to watch your favorite Netflix movies and shows on your PS4.
But all of a sudden…
All you see is a black screen with a red spinning wheel.
Or worse, it doesn’t even open at all.
But stop worrying. Fixing this problem is easier than cooking tonight’s dinner.
Continue reading to learn:
- Reasons why Netflix stops working on PS4.
- 9 quick fixes when your Netflix isn’t working on your PS4.
- What to do if the screen is black yet the Netflix audio is playing.
- And much more…
Why is Netflix not working on my PS4?
Netflix stops working on your PS4 because there’s data or information that needs to be changed. A quick software and app update can fix the issue most of the time. But other times, you might need to change your DNS settings.
Netflix not working on PS4: 9 fixes
#1: Visit Netflix Servers
Sometimes the reason why your Netflix stops working is that Netflix is down.
So…
Before changing any settings, make sure that the Netflix Server isn’t the problem first.
To check, you can visit this Netflix page to see the current status of Netflix.
If it’s down, all you can do is sit back and wait for a while.
Or maybe standing up and walking is better?
Either way, it’s all up to you.
But the server is up and yours isn’t working, we can continue working on the problem.
All of these solutions are easy to do, so rest assured.
#2: Restart Your PS4
Sometimes, a restart alone can fix your Netflix problem.
Although it might seem too basic, it works most of the time.
That’s because restarting will clear the current state of your PS4. It’s like making your PS4 sleep and waking it up again.
As the easiest solution to your Netflix problem, you should try this solution first.
To restart your PS4:
- On your control, press the PS button and hold it
- Click on Power.
- Select Restart PS4.
This solution would be enough for many to fix the problem and watch shows again.
But if you’re still having problems, you might want to…
#3: Check Your Internet Connection
A slow internet connection can make Netflix stop working.
Netflix recommends users have at least 5 Mbps of internet speed.
“I have a fast internet connection. Do I still need to do this?”
If you know that your internet isn’t the problem, you can move on to the next step.
But just to make sure, I recommend taking an internet speed test. Just to know if your internet connection is fast enough to load Netflix.
To check, go to this internet speed test.
If you get a score higher than 5 Mbps, that’s great. You won’t have to worry about buffers when your Netflix starts working again.
But if your internet speed is below 5 Mbps, it could cause your Netflix problem.
Luckily for you, there are quick ways to make your internet go faster.
Sometimes all you need to do is restart your router. Other times you need to connect your PS4 through an ethernet cable.
Steps to restart your router:
- Unplug your router from the outlet.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Plug your modem back in and wait for one minute.
- Power it back on.
- Wait until all lights turn green before testing.
If this doesn’t work, try connecting your PS4 to your wifi using an ethernet cable instead.
That’s more reliable. And it’s not as prone to signal interference.
How to set up a wired connection:
- Connect one end of the cable to your PS4 and the other end to your router.
- Power both devices on.
- On your PS4 menu, find settings.
- Click Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Use LAN Cable.
- Choose the Easy difficulty.
For a detailed tutorial on setting up a wired connection, watch:
After these steps, your PS4 will be connected to your internet connection again.
But if not, you can call your internet provider. Tell them about the issues you’re experiencing with your internet connection.
Sometimes, there could be an issue with the modem itself.
Or your service provider is not that good at providing a better service.
And if that’s the case, it might be time to find another internet service provider.
#4: Update PS4 Software
If your PS4 is not up-to-date, it can cause issues to several applications, including Netflix.
And not updating your system regularly will slow it down.
Or even make your apps stop working. Like what’s happening to your Netflix.
So…
Make sure to update your PS4 whenever you can.
To update your PS4:
- Check the Notifications from the PS4 console function area.
- Delete any update files by pressing Options > Delete.
- Choose Settings > System Software Update.
Once you finish your update, check if your Netflix is running up again.
If it’s still not working, you may have overlooked another important update.
The next step you need to do is to…
#5: Check for Netflix Updates
Like your software needs updates to run smoothly, Netflix also needs to be updated.
That’s because pending updates can interrupt your Netflix experience.
But it’s easy to update the app, so don’t worry.
Here’s what you should do:
- Go to the TV & Video area.
- Select Netflix.
- On the upper right of your controller, press the Options button
- Select Check for Updates on the window that pops up
- Download the update
If your Netflix is still not working, it’s time for the next possible solution.
#6: Reinstall the Netflix App
If you want to know how to reset Netflix on PS4, reinstalling it again is the solution.
However, here’s a reminder:
Deleting and reinstalling your Netflix app will delete its stored caches.
Experts define caches as temporary storage for data. They help make apps or websites load faster.
But over time, caches can exhaust your system’s memory. So to give the memory more space, you need to clear them.
And the only way to clear your Netflix cache in your PS4 is to delete and reinstall the app.
Pro tip: Some might not own their Netflix account personally. So if you don’t remember the password for the Netflix account you’re using, I recommend you skip this step. Instead try the other solutions first, as this will log you out of your Netflix account.
To delete your Netflix:
- Go to Main Menu > TV & Video > Netflix.
- Press options and select delete.
- In the same window, you’ll find an option to download Netflix again.
- Download the latest version.
#7: Modify DNS Settings
“Woah, this sounds too complicated.”
Trust me. The steps are way easier than it sounds.
So hold on just a little more
Here’s how to change the DNS settings:
- On your main screen, select Setup Internet Connection > Wi-fi > Custom.
- Choose the personal Wi-fi option > DNS Settings > Manual.
- Set the Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8.
- Set the Secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4.
- For the other features, set them to automatic.
Go back to Netflix once more. And it should be working.
#8: Delete Parental Control
Parent Control is harmless.
Or, more like, it’s specifically designed to make your PS4 harmless for kids.
But sometimes…
Instead of preventing just a couple of movies and shows from playing…
It prevents the whole Netflix application from playing.
So you need to delete it and reinstall it again.
To delete and reinstall parental control, do these:
- Go to your account, turn off Parental Controls, and delete it.
- Reinstall your Netflix app: Go back to solution #6.
- Log in to your Netflix again and see if it works.
#9: Check Your Hardware Connection
Lastly, the lifesaver solution:
It’s none other than changing your HDMI port.
Your hardware connection could be the problem when your screen goes black or blank.
To resolve the hardware issue, try:
- Using a new HDMI cable.
- Reversing the HDMI cable.
- Choosing a different HDMI port in your TV.
- Using another TV to plug in and use your PS4 console.
Note: If you can play Netflix on another screen with no problems, then the HDMI port on the original TV could be the problem.
Reading recommendation: (7 Fixes) Netflix Won’t Play Through HDMI