Sometimes, I find myself in a staring contest.
No, not with a person…
With Netflix’s spinning loading screen.
Normally, I’d throw my hands up in defeat.
But not today.
I’ve finally found a way to make that smug spinning animation disappear. Forever.
Keep reading to discover:
- How to know if Netflix is down.
- What the error codes on your Netflix app mean.
- 11 easy ways to fix a Netflix that’s not working on LG TVs.
- Which everyday objects can affect your LG’s network access.
- And so much more…
Why is Netflix not working on my LG TV?
Netflix isn’t working on your LG TV because of a bad network, connection limit, or outdated firmware. There could also be a problem with your settings, like its location or Quick Start. The error codes that appear when you open your Netflix can also help you tell what issue you’re facing.
Netflix not working on LG TV: 11 fixes
#1: Check if Netflix is down
First, let’s get the most obvious one out of the way.
Because, as people, we sometimes tend to overlook the most straightforward answers.
That said, check if Netflix is up and running.
How can you tell if it’s down?
You should receive a warning saying that their service is unavailable when you open the app.
But, if you want to be extra sure, you also can:
Different device
Everyone has a smartphone or a laptop, including you.
Use that and try to open Netflix.
Not being able to connect multiple devices to their service is a good indicator that they’re down.
Down detectors
Or, you could also use Netflix’s down reporter.
However, don’t be surprised if their website is also down because of the service outage.
In that case, you can also use 3rd party down detectors to check.
Social media
Lastly, Netflix also updates its users through Twitter in case of internal issues.
#2: Learn about error codes
The key to beating an enemy is knowing your enemy.
And that same principle applies to Netflix connectivity problems.
Thankfully, Netflix made it easy to know what we’re up against.
How? Through error codes.
So, do you get random letters and numbers with your error message?
Those are error codes. While it may seem nonsensical at first, the truth is far from it.
You see, developers assign an error code for each specific problem that a user may encounter.
They do this so that all you’ll need to look for possible solutions is to google the error code.
Got it?
Now here’s a list of the most common error codes with Netflix and what they mean:
Playback or network connectivity issue error codes
- 301.
- 1106.
- 1107.
- 2123.
- 3218.
- 5010.
- 7003.
- 0041.
- AIP-705.
Netflix servers are unreachable
- 60.
- 102.
- 200.
- 300.
- 600.
Other codes and what they mean
- 5008: Outdated firmware.
- 1004 and 7034: Unknown issue.
- 100: Your TV has a bad power source.
- U7111-5070: You’re accessing age-restricted content.
#3: Check network
Do you ever open Netflix but instead of the menu, you’re stuck with the spinning loading animation?
Me too.
When that happens, it usually means a problem with your network.
It sucks, but I got you.
Here are 3 DIY fixes you can try before giving in to frustration.
Remove interference
Take a step back and look at the space between your LG TV and the router.
Are any of these objects in that space:
- Walls.
- Radio.
- Mirrors.
- Microwave.
- Metal objects.
- Baby monitors.
- Bluetooth devices.
- Containers with water.
If so, remove what you can.
Why? Because those listed objects can disrupt or block Wi-Fi signals.
Change DNS
DNS stands for Domain Name System.
What this setting does is help us communicate with web servers.
But, like everything else, these servers can go down.
And, when it does, your TV gets confused. Really confused.
So what can we do?
We can first thank Google because they made 2 public DNS servers that are quick and reliable. These are:
- 8.8.4.4.
- 8.8.8.8.
Then, let’s change the TV’s DNS settings:
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Go to Settings.
- Select All Settings.
- Under Network, go to Wi-Fi Connection.
- Then, move into Advanced Wi-Fi Settings.
- Press the Edit button.
- Input ‘8.8.8.8’ or ‘8.8.4.4’ under DNS.
Ethernet cable
Alternatively, invest in a good ethernet cable.
Most, if not all, LG TVs have an ethernet port behind their display.
This will solve your network problems and make it faster and more secure.
Further reading: LG TV Not Connecting To WiFi: 11 Ways To Fix It
#4: Power cycle
The quickest fix for all electronics problems?
Turning it off and then on.
I promise. It works.
But you have to do it right.
A power cycle is a complete restart of your device.
This process can rid your TV of all its charge, which triggers a restart of your mainboard.
And it’s such a simple fix too.
Don’t believe me? Do it yourself:
- Turn your TV off.
- Unplug it from the socket.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Plug it back in.
Note: Do the same for your routers if they’re the problem.
#5: Modify location settings
Sometimes, the problem is your location settings.
See, Netflix can detect if there’s been anything abnormal about your location.
Why?
To prevent people from bypassing region-locked content using a VPN. (More on that in a bit.)
So, to fix this, grab your remote and:
- Go to your Home screen.
- Press the Home button on your remote again to bring up the launcher.
- Look for and press the Settings button on the upper right corner of your screen.
- Go to All Settings.
- Select General.
- Under Location, press Service Area Zip Code.
- Enter your zip code and your country.
Pro tip: Do you want to access a show or a movie only available on Netflix in select countries? Use a VPN.
But don’t download the first one you see when you search “Free VPN.”
There are a couple of things you have to consider first.
The biggest of which is that most free VPN services track your data.
Last 2016, a study was conducted by CSIRO investigating VPN apps online.
And what they found was shocking:
- 6 out of 10 apps contain malware.
- 2 out of 3 proxy apps track your data.
- 4 out of 5 VPN services don’t use encryption.
- Only less than 30% of free VPN services don’t have a tracking program.
But, don’t let this fact discourage you from using VPNs.
In fact, there are services out there that dedicate resources to ensuring your data is secure. Some of these are:
#6: Update firmware
Do you ever wonder how your TV works?
Well, even if you didn’t, I’ll give you the answer anyway:
It’s because of its firmware.
Firmware is what tells your TV’s internal parts what to do.
And firmware also needs to be constantly updated.
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Go to All Settings.
- Under General, select About this TV.
- Choose Check for Updates.
- Wait for a few minutes so that LG can check if there’s an update available.
- If an update is available, press Yes to confirm.
#7: Disable Quick Start
Have you noticed that whenever you close your Netflix app and then open it again…
Whatever you’re watching will pick where it left off?
That’s because of the Quick Start setting.
And while the setting can be handy most times, it does come with a few disadvantages.
Namely, you can’t truly restart any of your apps without disabling Quick Start.
So, let me teach you how to do just that:
- Press the Settings button on your remote.
- Go to All Settings.
- Select General.
- Scroll down until you see Quick Start, then uncheck it.
#8: Connection limit
When you open your Netflix app, do you get any of the following errors:
- “Your Netflix is in use on another device.”
- “Your Netflix account is in use on too many devices.”
- “Too many people are using your account right now.”
If so, you’re already hitting the connection limit on your account.
This is how many concurrent users each Netflix plan allows:
- Basic: Only 1.
- Standard: Up to 2.
- Premium: Maximum of 4.
So, the next time your LG TV can’t connect to Netflix?
Tell a sibling to do some chores.
Note: Netflix can take up to 2 hours before detecting a device has disconnected.
#9: Reinstall app
It’s also worth trying to reinstall your app.
Doing so will get rid of corrupted files on your Netflix.
Don’t worry. This will be quick.
Just follow my instructions.
Step 1: Delete Netflix
- Press the Home button on your remote.
- Go to More Apps.
- Hover over the Netflix app until an arrow above the logo appears.
- Press the arrow.
- Select Remove to confirm.
Note: You can also update your app this way. If there’s an update available for Netflix, the Remove button is replaced with Update.
Be sure to try that first before deleting Netflix altogether.
Step 2: Install Netflix
- Again, press the Home button and go to More Apps.
- Open the LG Content Store.
- On the slider on the right, select Premium.
- Go to Netflix.
- Select Install to confirm.
Need more help in reinstalling an app? Here’s a quick video tutorial for you:
#10: Factory reset
You can also opt to give your TV a clean slate.
For what?
Over time, cache and data can get corrupted.
And some embed themselves deep enough in your system that you can’t delete them anymore.
In this situation, your best bet is to start all over again.
Factory reset your TV with these 4 easy steps:
- Go to your Home screen.
- Select Settings.
- Under General, press Reset to Initial Settings.
- Enter your PIN to confirm.
#11: Get a streaming device
For this last fix, you’ll need to spend a little cash.
Okay, maybe not a little, but it’s worth it.
Get a streaming device.
Not only are streaming devices more reliable, but they also last longer and are quicker than most TV OS.
Convinced? Great.
Here’s a list of personal recommendations:
- Apple TV 4K.
- TiVo Stream 4K.
- Chromecast With Google TV.
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K Plus.
Note: You can also use your gaming consoles, like PlayStation or Xbox, as streaming devices.
BONUS: Contact support
If nothing’s working, best to leave the problem to the professionals.
You can contact LG or Netflix for help resolving this issue.