Out of all streaming platforms, Netflix is the Queen.
And out of all leading tech brands…
Apple is the King.
So isn’t it such a bummer when what’s supposed to be the perfect match…
Ends up not working at all?
Not to worry. I’m here to help.
Continue reading to learn:
- Why Netflix isn’t working on your Apple TV.
- 7 easy fixes you should try to fix this problem.
- How clearing your Netflix cookies can make your app work again.
- And a whole lot more…
Why is Netflix not working on my Apple TV?
Netflix isn’t working on your Apple TV because its servers are down or because you have a slow internet connection. This problem can also be caused by outdated firmware and overloaded caches or cookies.
Netflix not working on Apple TV: 7 fixes
#1: Check Netflix servers
Unfortunately, no matter how advanced technology is…
Mistakes and imperfections are inevitable in websites and apps.
And Netflix is no exception.
With millions of users from all over the world…
Netflix’s server can crash and overload without prior warning.
And when this happens, no kind of DIY fix on your end can make the app function again.
“How do I know if the server is down?”
Luckily, Netflix has a server status page.
Just head to their designated website, and you’ll see Netflix’s status in real-time.
“It says Netflix is down. What should I do?”
As mentioned earlier, if the server is down, there’s nothing you can do on your end but wait.
But rest assured, the server will be up and running in no time.
Being the top streaming platform globally…
Netflix also has the world’s top-rated developers and technological support.
Try again in a couple of hours, and most likely, you’ll be able to stream on the app again.
Further reading: 5 Steps To Connect AirPods To Apple TV
#2: Power cycle your Apple TV
If the server isn’t the 1 causing the problem…
Then the next fix you should try is to power cycle your TV.
“What’s a power cycle?”
Power cycling is the process of turning a unit OFF and ON again.
And often, it’s done by unplugging a device from its power supply.
If you’re wondering how this can help your Netflix work…
It’s simple.
Your Apple TV runs multiple tasks at any given moment.
And sometimes, a glitch can happen to 1 of those tasks.
Even just 1 glitch can affect the whole system’s process and performance.
But don’t let this intimidate you.
There’s nothing wrong with your Apple TV even when this happens.
This is a perfectly normal situation with an overly simple solution.
All you need to do is power cycle your Apple TV to stop all of its active apps and tasks.
So that when you turn your TV ON again…
It can load much faster and focus on the specific task you want it to do.
To power cycle your Apple TV:
- Turn off your device and TV.
- Unplug Apple TV from its power source.
- Wait for at least 15 seconds.
- Plug your device into its power source again.
Try playing the Netflix app after the cycle finishes.
If it still doesn’t work, go ahead and…
#3: Check your internet connection
As you know, you won’t be able to stream on Netflix without an internet connection.
But simply having 1 isn’t always enough.
Your internet speed needs to exceed 5 Mbps if you want to stream in HD.
So if yours is any lower than that…
Your app will have a hard time trying to load videos.
And in the worst cases…
It won’t even load the app at all.
“How do I know if my internet isn’t fast enough?”
Well, I must say that as an Apple TV user…
You’re lucky.
Why?
Because Apple TV has its own Network Test.
So you don’t need to use third-party websites to test your device’s internet speed.
To do so, all you need is to:
- Open your Apple TV.
- Head to the main menu.
- Go to Settings.
- Click General > Network.
- Select Test Network.
- Choose OK.
- Confirm and select Yes.
- Select the download speed you expect.
Note: If you don’t know the expected download speed from your internet provider, go ahead and select 5 Mbps.
Your connection test will fail if your internet isn’t as fast as your expected speed.
But don’t worry.
Here are Apple’s tips for making your Apple TV have a better internet connection:
Tip 1: Ensure that your internet router is in range. Avoid obstructions between your router and your Apple TV, but likewise, don’t place them directly within one-foot range.
Tip 2: Use an ethernet cable to connect your Apple TV to your router if you’re experiencing a slow connection through Wifi. A wired cable relays a more reliable connection.
Tip 3: Restart your home network. To do this, unplug your router for 30 seconds and plug it back to power again.
If none of these tips could improve your internet connection, I suggest you contact your internet provider.
#4: Clear your Netflix cookies
“What do you mean by cookies?”
You’ve probably encountered sites asking you to accept their cookies before.
And to explain what they mean…
Cookies are tiny files of information that websites use to store users’ data and sessions.
And, of course, Netflix stores them too.
But although they do help personalize your experience to your liking…
Over time, these cookies can overload your account, making it glitch.
So you need to clear them out to make your account good as new again.
Rest assured. Clearing your Netflix cookies is easier than actually baking one.
To clear them, just follow these simple steps:
- Use a phone or mobile device that connects to your Apple TV network.
- Go to a web browser and go to netflix.com/clearcookies.
- On the upper-right corner, click Sign in.
- Sign in to your account.
Note: If you see the error NSEZ-4203, Netflix can’t connect to your account. So, try signing in again after a couple of hours.
#5: Reinstall the app
Sometimes all you need is a simple reinstall to get Netflix working again.
Doing so resets the Netflix app on your Apple TV.
And if you’re wondering why this works…
It’s because deleting the app also deletes all of its previous data.
And data can sometimes contain corrupted files and information.
So by deleting the app, you’re also deleting the unwanted files on your Apple’s storage.
There are 2 parts to the reinstallation process.
But don’t worry. I listed each step carefully for you.
To delete Netflix from your Apple TV:
- Go to your home screen.
- Highlight Netflix.
- Tap and hold your touchpad.
- The app’s icon will start to wiggle.
- In your remote, click the Play/Pause key.
- Select Delete.
To reinstall Netflix:
- Head to your App Store.
- Click the search icon on the top right.
- Type “Netflix”
- Select the app.
- Input or set up your passcode.
- Click the download icon.
You’ll see the download icon turn to Open on the same window.
Click that, sign in, and see if your Netflix is working again.
#6: Update your TV firmware
1 of the reasons Apple TV is so expensive is its beastly hardware components.
But did you know that Apple’s hardware can only function to its full potential…
If you support it with updated software?
Apple TV’s processors let you load your apps faster than other popular streaming products.
But if you won’t update your firmware, your system will still slow down.
And why bother investing in a high-quality streaming device…
If you’ll settle for the bare minimum by not updating it, right?
On top of slowing your system down…
Missing updates can also cause your apps to stop working.
Like your Netflix’s situation now.
But if the root of your Netflix problem is outdated software…
Then you shouldn’t worry too much.
Updating your firmware only takes a couple of clicks and about 3 minutes of patience.
So without any more delay…
Here’s how you can update your TV firmware:
- On your Apple TV menu, head to Settings.
- Tap System > Software Updates.
- Choose Update Software/Update automatically.
- Select Download and Install.
For more information on how to update your Apple TV, watch this video:
Note: There can be slight variations to these steps depending on your Apple TV model. For more information, visit Apple’s support page.
If a firmware update couldn’t fix your problem, you should consider…
#7: Resetting your Apple TV
If you’re part of the rare bunch and Netflix still isn’t working for you…
Then you might need to reset your Apple TV.
Your system files could be corrupted, causing your app to crash and not load.
And the only way to delete these files is to erase every data on your device.
A factory reset brings your TV back to its factory defaults or its state when it was brand new.
So, it’s often the last resort for fixing any stubborn issues or problems in your TV.
But before you proceed…
Note: Make sure you know the credentials of your accounts and your Wifi connection. This process will clear all saved data on your Apple TV.
To reset your Apple TV:
- Tap and hold the Menu button on your remote.
- Select Settings > General > Reset.
- Choose Reset All Settings.
- Confirm that you want to proceed.
After your Apple TV resets itself, open your Netflix app again, and it should be working.
Bonus: Contact Apple or Netflix
If none of the above methods fixed your problem…
I suggest contacting Apple or Netflix so they can assist you.
Don’t worry.
The customer supports of both companies are as highly-rated as their services.