(11 Fixes) Netflix Not Working On Roku [Updated 2023 Guide]

I’ve had this happen to me several times.

And more often than not…

Fixing Netflix when it doesn’t work on Roku isn’t difficult.

But what happens if simple fixes don’t work?

Well…

I have 1 fix I can always count on when all else fails.

Read on to discover:

11 tried-and-tested fixes when Netflix isn’t working on your Roku TV.
1 fix that always works when nothing else seems to solve my problem.
How to reset and reinstall Netflix when it keeps crashing on your Roku TV.
And so much more…

Why is Netflix not working on my Roku TV?

Netflix isn’t working on your Roku TV because the app’s servers may be down. Other times, it’s due to a streaming limit or inactive account. However, your Roku device might be the problem. This could mean an outdated software or device malfunction/glitch. Lastly, a weak WiFi signal may be the issue.

Netflix not working on Roku: 11 fixes

#1: Inspect Netflix’s servers

Note: All the fixes listed in this guide work for all Roku streaming devices including Roku TV, such as:

Don’t worry.

This doesn’t require technical or coding experience.

You can use Downdetector to check for any problems with Netflix’s servers.

On the page, you’ll see all the Netflix outages reported in the last 24 hours.

Now, if Netflix’s servers are down, you need to wait until the issue’s resolved.

In fact, this happened to me a few weeks ago.

My Disney Plus stopped working on my Roku TV, and as it turns out…

It was a server issue.

#2: Launch another streaming app

Sometimes, the issue is the Netflix app itself.

So, what should you do?

Launch other streaming apps on your Roku, like:

Now, what if none of them work?

In that case, you can proceed to fix #4 as it may be a problem with your Roku device.

But if all your streaming apps work, let’s head to…

#3: Check your Netflix plan

There’s one crucial reason why you need to do this.

And it’s because…

You might’ve reached the maximum number of devices available for streaming.

Put simply, if your current plan allows only 2 devices to stream simultaneously and…

It turns out you’re actually streaming on 3 separate devices, then this could be what’s causing the issue.

Here’s a refresher table to give you an idea of what each Netflix plan offers:

Netflix plans	Basic plan	Standard plan	Premium plan
Price per month	$9.99	$15.49	$19.99
No. of screens available for watching at the same time	1	2	4
Available to watch on TV, tablet, laptop, and phone	Yes	Yes	Yes

If you want to change your plan to solve your streaming limit issue, here’s how to do it:

Note: You need to access Netflix on your browser to do this.

Log in to your Netflix account.
In the upper-right corner, tap on your profile.
A drop-down menu appears.
Select “Account.”
In the “Plan Details” section, tap “Change Plan.”
Choose the plan you want to upgrade to.
Confirm the changes.

From here, try opening Netflix on your Roku.

Still didn’t work?

Don’t worry, we still have 7 more fixes to do.

#4: Reset Roku

Your next best step is to do a soft reset on your Roku device.

What exactly does this do?

It’s a way of restarting your device to remove any app glitches or malfunctions.

In some cases, the issue is your Roku, so a soft reset should solve this problem.

Not to worry, though.

It’s easy to do, starting with:

Turn off your Roku.
Unplug the streaming device from your TV’s port.
For TVs, unplug the cable.
Wait for 1 minute.
Plug it back in and turn on Roku.

#5: Check your WiFi connection

Don’t lose hope just yet.

Because honestly, this may just be a WiFi signal issue.

I can’t tell you the number of times this has happened to me.

One day Netflix works fine, and then the next thing I know…

I get an error message and can’t access the app.

So, here’s what you wanna do.

First, try opening Google Chrome on your phone or laptop.

Then, search for anything on Google to test your WiFi.

Even better, you can use YouTube for this.

If the video buffers and lags, it’s definitely an internet connection issue.

And if that’s the case, you’ll have to restart your router:

Unplug your router.
Wait for 1 min.
Plug your router back into its power source.

Check out: How To Connect a Smart TV to WiFi Hotspots? 11 Simple Steps

#6: Verify your Netflix account status

Believe it or not, there are times when Netflix’s not working on your Roku because…

Your account’s inactive.

Although it’s a rare case, it’s still worth checking to be sure.

How do you know if your Netflix account’s active?

Here’s how:

Log in to your Netflix account.
In the top-right corner of your screen, click on your user profile.
You should see a drop-down menu.
Select “Account.”
In the “Membership & Billing” section, tap “Billing details.”
You should see all the payments made and any unresolved payment/s.

Note: Netflix also has a help center page for resolving payment issues.

If you’ve verified that your account’s active and there’s no billing problem, then…

#7: Update your Roku’s software

Because of an outdated Roku software, some apps may not work.

And that includes Netflix.

Fortunately, it’s an easy fix.

All you need to do is:

Tap the Home button on your remote.
Select “Settings.”
Scroll all the way down and tap “System.”
Choose “System update.”
Tap “Ok” on your remote.
Select “Check now.”
Update your Roku software.

From here, launch the Netflix app again.

Does it work?

No? If not, are you using a VPN?

Because Netflix has a few issues with that.

How so?

Let’s head to the next section.

You might also be interested in: Should a Roku Stick Get Hot? 7 Device Safety Facts

#8: Check your VPN

If this is your first time hearing about VPNs, not to worry.

Basically, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) works by giving you online privacy.

For example.

Say you’re in a coffee shop surfing the Web but you don’t want anyone snooping on your online activity.

Well…

One of VPN’s uses is specifically for that.

Now, in Netflix’s case, you can use a VPN to access geo-restricted content.

“Uhm…sorry – what do you mean by that?”

It basically means…

You’re restricted from seeing certain content due to your location.

Or, look at it this way: Netflix’s content is different across several countries.

Confused?

Here’s an example.

The content you’ll find on a US Netflix account is different from another one in South Korea.

As a result, this geo-restriction is mostly solved by using a VPN.

And in turn, it gives US Netflix accounts access to South Korea Netflix’s content.

Now, here lies the issue with a VPN.

According to Netflix’s Terms of Use, they don’t allow VPNs.

Or rather, it’s possible you might even run into issues shortly after turning on your VPN.

So, how do we fix it?

Simple.

Just turn off your VPN.

Then, check if Netflix’s working on your Roku.

#9: Reinstall your Netflix app

App malfunctions…

What a pain, right?

Now, here’s one solution that solves that in a jiffy:

Reinstall your Netflix app.

How do you do it? Follow these steps:

Press your Roku remote’s Home button.
Scroll right to access your apps.
Select “Netflix.”
Press the star button on your remote.
Tap “Remove channel.”
Go back to your Roku home screen.
Scroll down and press “Search.”
Type “Netflix.”
Press “Add channel.”
Wait for the download to finish.
Launch the Netflix app.

#10: Factory reset Roku and create a new account

Hard times call for drastic measures.

And if none of the fixes above worked, this fix never fails to disappoint.

How does it work?

First, you’ll need to create a new account.

Then, factory reset your Roku device.

What this does is it:

Unlinks your device.
Erases your preferences.
Returns all your settings to default and initial setup mode.
Removes stubborn errors that might be affecting your system.

Is it necessary?

When your Roku device’s being as stubborn as a bull, this is the best way to fix it.

Now, why create a new account for this?

Mainly because the reason why Netflix’s not working on Roku is due to an issue with your old account.

And so, creating a new one should return everything back to normal.

Not to worry, though.

I’ve laid out a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Creating a new Roku account

Login to Roku’s signup page.
Enter all your details (name, email, and password).
Note: use a different email for this.
Tick the checkboxes including the “I’m not a robot” box.
Set your PIN preferences.
Roku will redirect you to your new account.

From here, don’t close your screen.

And proceed to…

Factory resetting your Roku

On your Roku’s home screen, tap Settings.
Scroll up and select “System.”
Select “Advanced system settings.”
Tap “Factory reset.”
Enter your PIN.
Tap “Ok” to start the reset.
Set up your language preference and WiFi settings.
Sign into Roku with your new account.

Need a little help on how to do a factory reset? Here’s a quick video tutorial:

Once you’ve signed in with your new Roku account, launch Netflix.

#11: Contact Netflix/Roku

“I’ve tried all the fixes but nothing’s working.”

Have you tried opening the app on your other smartphone or laptop?

If it’s working on both devices, you should contact Roku as it may be a problem with your streaming device.

However, if you can’t access Netflix on your phone or laptop, then…

You should contact Netflix’s customer support so they can help you resolve the issue.

Dig deeper: (7 Fixes) Netflix Black Screen With Sound On iPhone

When this happens, it might be a sign that you have a damaged Roku streaming device.

And the best fix for that is a new one.

(11 Fixes) Netflix Not Working On Roku [Updated 2023 Guide]

Why is Netflix not working on my Roku TV?