No Netflix On Samsung TV: 5 Causes & Fixes (2023 How-To)

Let me guess. You got that new Samsung TV for one thing – Netflix!

You set it up. And you’re already imagining yourself.

Bingeing that new season of Money Heist. Popcorn galore.

You turn it on. Navigating. And something just doesn’t feel right…

“Oh my God. Where’s Netflix??? I can’t find it anywhere!!!”

Chill, bruh. It’s not the end of the world.

So why isn’t there Netflix on your Samsung TV?

Read on to find out.

Why your Samsung TV doesn’t have Netflix.
How to install Netflix on your Samsung Smart TV.
Which Samsung TVs are incompatible with Netflix.
5 quick fixes to get Netflix on your Samsung Smart TV.
What to do to easily access Netflix on your TV’s Home Menu.
And many, many more…

Why does my Samsung Smart TV not have Netflix?

Your Samsung Smart TV doesn’t have Netflix because it’s an older model. Also, your TV may not have Netflix installed. Or Netflix isn’t listed on the Home menu of your Samsung TV. Also, your TV isn’t activated properly. And the app should be updated.

No Netflix (app) on Samsung TV: 5 causes & fixes

#1: Your TV is incompatible with Netflix

Who needs to go to the cinema?

Watching Netflix on a Samsung Smart TV delivers the same experience.

Large screen. Your favorite actors in 4k. Without that annoying audience member who talks throughout the movie.

That’s the exact reason why you got a Samsung Smart TV!

But, can you still remember? How old is your Samsung TV?

If the answer is at least 10 years…

That could be why Netflix disappeared from your TV.

In 2019, Samsung pulled out Netflix from old models. This is due to “technical limitations.”

These models are 2010 and 2011 smart TVs. Primarily sold in the USA and Canada.

“But I don’t want to get a new TV just yet!”

Then, you have to be creative!

Open the internet browser on your TV

Guess what? You don’t need the app to watch Netflix.

A browser might be your best bet. No more spending on another device.

To access Netflix on your browser:

Press the Smart Hub button on your remote. In some models, it’s a Home icon. Others, it’s the Smart TV logo.
Wait for the Home menu to appear
Use the arrows on your remote to find the web browser.
Select the web browser.
On the search bar, type netflix.com
Click Sign In on the top right.
Enter your login details.

Now, you’re ready to watch your favorite shows!

A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse may be useful. This makes it easier to navigate the website.

Note: Netflix may buffer more often on the browser. Rather than using it on the app.

Use a streaming stick or Google Chromecast

So you just couldn’t stand going through the browser.

Yes, it can take forever. Hitting a couple of buttons here and there.

Willing to shell out a couple of bucks? Getting an external device would work.

Some game consoles and streaming devices can access Netflix.

All you have to do is connect them to your TV.

You can access Netflix if you have:

Apple TV.
XBox One.
XBox Series S or X.
Google Chromecast.
Playstation 3, 4, or 5.
Portal from Facebook.

You might also like: Why does my Chromecast only work with YouTube?

Check if your Samsung Smart TV supports your Netflix plan

There are different Netflix plans. And they offer specific video resolutions.

These resolutions are:

480p.
1080p.
4K+HDR.

Netflix says your Samsung Smart TV should be able to support at least 720p. So that Netflix would operate smoothly. Anything lower, and the app may not work properly.

See your Samsung Smart TV’s resolution. You can check online or in your TV’s manual.

Then, make sure your Netflix plan can work with it.

#2: Netflix wasn’t installed in your TV

Most newer Samsung Smart TVs have Netflix. Readily installed.

That shiny Netflix button is on their remote controls too!

Just one push – then, the magic begins.

Although accessing Netflix can be done through the Home menu.

But this convenience makes the entire watching experience a gazillion times better!

Well, it’s an awesome feature indeed.

“Is Netflix playing hide-and-seek? I don’t have time for this!”

But what if you’ve been pressing that button. So many times.

Yet that big red N just won’t flash on the screen.

It is possible that you may have reset your Samsung Smart TV.

Resetting removes all existing settings and info. As well as your downloaded apps.

Or the Samsung Smart TV you got didn’t have Netflix pre-installed.

Don’t fret. This is why we got an app store!

Download Netflix on your Samsung Smart TV

A manual download wouldn’t take much time. Be sure to have a strong Wi-Fi connection. To make the process smoother.

To download Netflix on your Samsung Smart TV:

Step 1: Press the Home or Smart Hub button on your remote.

Step 2: Choose Apps.

Step 3: You’ll see some app suggestions. If you see Netflix, select it. If not, look for a magnifying glass icon on the top right. Click it. Type “Netflix” on the search bar. Then, select the Netflix icon.

Step 4: Wait for Netflix to download.

Easy-peasy, right? Your Friday night is saved!

#3: Netflix is hidden from your Home menu

“Netflix was just here! Where are you?”

You went on that long movie marathon last weekend.

And you wanted to do that all over again.

But it’s missing from the Home menu. And now you’re going through a midlife crisis.

Well, try to recall.

Have you downloaded other apps on your TV the past few days?

Just continue scrolling to the left on your Home menu. And Netflix should be there. Waiting for you with open arms.

But did you rearrange the apps on your Home menu?

The Home menu has a Move and Remove feature. This allows you to delete shortcuts of apps you don’t often use. And put the ones you need most in the first row.

You may have used this recently. And removed the Netflix shortcut by mistake.

Put the Netflix shortcut on the Home Menu

Not seeing Netflix where it should be is another kind of heartbreak.

To add Netflix on the Home menu:

Press the Smart Hub or Home button on your remote.
Choose Apps.
Look for the settings. It’s a gear icon on the top right.
Select the gear icon.
Find Netflix. And select it. A drop-down menu will appear.
Choose Add to Home.

Now, try going back to the Home Menu. Netflix should be there.

#4: Your Samsung Smart TV couldn’t load properly

“Hey, what did you do that for?”, your Samsung Smart TV asks.

Splashing water on your friend while they’re asleep.

That’s like turning on your Samsung Smart TV. And quickly opening an app.

Devices are created for our convenience. But they also thrive off of our patience. When we wait a few seconds for them to load. Completely.

Rushing to push the buttons? Then, your Samsung Smart TV can get caught in a snag.

Its software may be designed to run efficiently.

But have you thought about its RAM?

RAM stands for random-access memory. It remembers all your data. Most smart TVs have at least 8GB of RAM.

And it can get full. Slowing down your TV’s performance. And your Home Menu may not even appear.

Also, software needs to be updated from time to time. Outdated software can also cause operation problems.

Practice patience for your Samsung Smart TV

As you turn on your Samsung Smart TV. Wait for it to completely load.

The logo and the model name would appear. And also your menu. Give it at least 10-20 seconds to finish flashing.

Your Samsung Smart TV may also still be connecting to your Wi-Fi too. In the activation process.

Clear the RAM

Samsung Smart TV models from 2020 and beyond have Device Care.

This feature optimizes your device’s functions. It also closes background apps. And empties out your RAM.

But for 2019 models, the settings are different. It’s called the TV Device Manager. But it works the same way.

To clear your TV’s RAM for 2020 models:

Select the Home button.
Open Settings.
Choose Support.
Tap Device Care.
Select Start Device Care.

To clear your TV’s RAM for 2019 models:

Select the Home button.
Go to Settings.
Choose Support.
Tap Self Diagnosis.
Click TV Device Manager.
You’ll see Memory Boost, Clean Running Apps, and Manage Storage. Select all 3 items.

Wait for the process to finish. After this, your TV will be running smoother than ever! No more issues in getting Netflix to appear.

Update the software with the Internet

Samsung constantly rolls out updates for their products. This assures a better, more comfortable user experience.

Your Samsung Smart TV gets updates too. Occasionally checking this is recommended.

Be sure your Wi-Fi is turned on. And connected to the TV. Then, start the process.

To update your Samsung Smart TV with Wi-Fi:

Go to Settings.
Choose Support.
Tap Software Update.
Select Update Now.
Wait for updates to finish installing.

You can watch this video to learn more:

Is your TV not connected to Wi-FI? You can also update its software via USB.

Update the software with a USB

Step 1: On your computer, go to the Samsung Download Center.

Step 2: Select Manuals & Software Downloads.

Step 3: Search for your TV. You can either choose the model type or enter its model number. This will take you to your TV’s support page.

Step 4: Download Upgrade File(USB type). Save it to your desktop. Wait for the download to finish.

Step 5: Once downloading is finished, unzip the file. Look through the folders. Look for the files needed to update your TV.

Step 6: Save it to a USB drive. Don’t put it in a folder.

Step 7: Plug the USB into your TV. Get your remote. Go to Settings.

Step 8: Choose Support. Then, Software Update. Select Update Now.

Step 9: Follow the instructions displayed on the screen.

Note: Updates usually take a few minutes. Don’t turn off or unplug your TV during the update process. The TV restarts when it’s finished updating.

Reading recommendation: How Often Do Smart TVs Update Their Software? 5 Examples

#5: The Netflix app has pending updates

Did you know? Apps also get tweaks here and there.

TV shows and films get added to Netflix almost every day. Its makers also work on making the interface easier to navigate.

But what if your TV isn’t running the app’s latest version?

This can cause problems with your TV. Like loading and accessing issues.

You may see the icon on your Home menu. Or lets you sign in. But it won’t open!

Not updating your apps? Then, you’re missing out on new and exciting features.

Say no to FOMO. You’ll finally get to see that show your friends have been raving about.

Update the Netflix app

It’s pretty easy to check and start the update process. Make sure your Samsung Smart TV is already connected to Wi-Fi.

To update the Netflix app on your Samsung Smart TV:

Press the Home or Smart Hub button.
Go to Featured.
Find the Netflix App. And highlight it.
Push and hold the Enter button.
You’ll see a sub-menu. Select Update apps.
Choose Select All.
Hit Update.

Give your TV some time to update the Netflix app. Avoid turning off the TV or unplugging it as the update is ongoing.

By then, you’ll see it on your screen. And it should be working flawlessly as ever.

Problem Solved!

Generally, Netflix is pre-installed in the latest Samsung Smart TVs. Downloading it can be easily done through the Apps feature.

It even has a dedicated button on Samsung Smart TV remotes.

It’s highly unlikely for you not to have access to Netflix with a model from 2020 or onwards. Also, streaming location matters too.

Netflix is unavailable in only 4 countries:

Syria.
China.
Crimea.
North Korea.