(13 Fixes) Netflix Not Working On PS4 [Updated 2023]

“Netflix, you had 1 job.”, you exclaim.

However, as awful as this might seem, don’t panic. 

Because I have a few aces up my sleeve. 

And some of these fixes are actually right under your nose. 

Need more convincing? 

Read on to find out: 

• 13 proven fixes to get Netflix working on your PS4. 
• Why a soft boot can come in handy when you run into Netflix-PS4 problems. 
• How to change your DNS settings so Netflix has a stable WiFi signal on your PS4. 
• And many more…

Why is Netflix not working on my PS4?

Netflix isn’t working on your PS4 because of a failed HDMI port or cable. Sometimes, it can be a bad WiFi signal due to a congested DNS server or too many streaming devices. Other times, it might be a glitch, outdated software, or a corrupted file. Finally, server downtime could be the root problem.

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Netflix not working on PS4: 13 fixes

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#1: Use another HDMI cable

If Netflix’s been working on your PS4 for years and crashes suddenly, here’s the reason why:

Your HDMI cable’s defective. 

It’s worth noting that HDMI cables have a lifespan. 

So, should they break down, you’ll undoubtedly see issues on your PS4. 

From here, the next best step is to buy a new HDMI cable.

#2: Check Netflix servers

Here’s 1 good reason why Netflix stopped working on your PS4: 

Their servers are down. 

And a good way to check that is through Netflix’s Help Center.

If the servers are down, the best thing you can do is wait. 

Why? 

Because it’s an issue that Netflix has to resolve on their end. 

In contrast, if the servers are up and running, let’s head over to fix #3: 

#3: Test the Netflix app on other streaming devices

Before thinking that Netflix or your PS4 is the problem, test the app on other devices first. 

“Why would I do that?”

Because this test should tell you if the root problem lies with the Netflix platform or your PS4. 

So, grab your smartphone or tablet and launch the app. 

Alternatively, you can even try testing it on a streaming device like Chromecast or Roku. 

Is it working? 

If Netflix doesn’t load on your Roku and other devices, head to the last fix of this guide. 

However, if the app works fine on your smartphone and tablet, buckle up. 

Because there are several fixes we have yet to try, starting with…

#4: Restart your PS4

Quick, effective, and easy. 

A restart always surprises me because it’s so simple to do and yet, it solves most issues. 

Now, you’re probably wondering…

“Why does restarting my device work?”

Put it this way: 

Say Netflix crashed all of a sudden or your PS4 started freezing. 

Why do you think that happens? 

It’s mostly because of a bug or glitch that got in the way. 

Right now, your Netflix or PS4 is stuck in between 2 walls and can’t pass through. 

But with a restart, those walls disappear and allow your device to run smoothly. 

Resetting a device will always – more than half the time – clear glitches and bugs. 

And that’s exactly what you’re going to do here: 

1. Press and hold the PlayStation button on your controller. 
2. Wait for a menu to pop up. 
3. Choose “Restart PS4.”

From here, launch the Netflix app. 

If you still see a black or blank screen, here’s something much more effective: 

#5: Soft boot your PS4

A soft boot works similar to a reset, except…

You’re unplugging your device from its power source. 

And as a result, it allows your PS4 to completely refresh its system. 

In addition, a soft boot’s useful for situations where your device is overheating. 

Much like a reset, it’s easy to do too: 

1. Press and hold the PlayStation button on your controller.
2. On the pop-up menu, select “Turn Off PS4.”
3. Unplug your PS4 from its power source. 
4. Wait for 3 minutes to give the system enough time to cool down. 
5. Plug your PS4 back in. 
6. Launch the Netflix app.

#6: Reset your WiFi

Unless your router’s right beside your PS4, this fix wouldn’t apply to your situation. 

Why? 

Because router positioning can make or break your WiFi signal. 

Put simply, if it’s far from your PS4, then it becomes difficult to establish a stable connection.

Not to mention, a ton of devices streaming at the same time only weakens your internet signal.

So, here’s what you should do first: run an internet speed test. 

In some cases, your WiFi signal will be so weak that your PS4 will say: 

“Network: Failed Connection.”

Other times, you’ll still have decent signal strength, but I wouldn’t leave it at that. 

Instead, it’s much more effective if you refresh the WiFi network: 

1. Unplug your router and modem. 
2. Wait for 5 minutes or if you can, let it cool down for 10 minutes. 
3. Plug your router and modem back into its power source. 

#7: Check if your PS4 has a pending software update

Occasionally, Sony releases software updates for 3 reasons: 

1. Resolve any errors and malfunctions in the system.
2. Improve device performance or introduce new features. 
3. Ensure that the device stays up-to-date and maintains app compatibility.

So, let me ask you…

When was the last time you updated your PS4? 

Now, if you can’t recall when, it’s a good sign that right now is the best time to do so. 

Here’s how it’s done: 

1. On your PS4 home screen, scroll Up and access your Settings. 
2. In the Settings menu, tap “System Software Update.”
3. Select “Next.”
4. Tap “Update.” 
5. Wait for your PS4 to finish updating. 
6. Launch the Netflix app. 

#8: Check your PS4’s date and time settings

Experienced a power outage recently? 

If your PS4 was turned on at the time of the outage, it leads to an improper reboot.

What that means is your PS4 was forcibly shut down. 

As a result, this can lead to an incorrect date and time setting. 

And in effect, some apps don’t end up functioning properly. 

That said, it could be why your Netflix stopped working out of the blue after the outage. 

In fact, power outages can also cause apps like Netflix to glitch in smart TVs. 

So, here’s what you need to do: 

1. From your PS4’s home screen, scroll up and head to your Settings. 
2. On the Settings menu, scroll down and select “Date and Time.”
3. Set the correct Time Zone and Date and Time Settings. 
4. Restart your PS4 to correct the improper reboot. 
5. Launch Netflix. 

#9: Reset Netflix

“Wait, you can do that in a PS4?”

Sure you can! 

But it’s not the same as simply closing the app and relaunching it. 

How this fix works is by reinstalling Netflix on your PS4. 

Now, why do this? 

Because there might be corrupted files on your Netflix. 

Sad to say, a simple restart isn’t able to solve that kind of issue. 

But it’s a good thing we have this fix: 

1. Select the Netflix app on your PS4 home screen.
2. Press the Options button on your controller.
3. Tap “Delete” (located above “Information”).
4. Go to your PlayStation Store and launch the program. 
5. Head to the Search function (magnifying glass icon).
6. Type “Netflix.” 
7. Click on the app. 
8. Tap “Download.” 
9. Launch the Netflix app from your PS4 home screen.

#10: Change your DNS settings

If this is your first time hearing about DNS settings, allow me to explain. 

DNS or Domain Name System is referred to as the phonebook of the Internet. 

It translates domain website names into IP addresses your computer/device can understand.

IP addresses are the numerical values of a domain site name. 

For example. 

Smarthomebrainiac has the IP address 194.147.1.23. 

Now, why is this important? 

Because your computer or device can’t understand the name Smarthomebrainiac.com.

Instead, it only understands the numerical value as mentioned earlier: 194.147.1.23.

To give you a clearer process, here’s an example:

1. You type Smarthomeowl.com on your PS4’s browser.
2. DNS translates this to its IP address or numerical equivalent: 194.1.147.86. 
3. Your browser recognizes the IP address and loads the webpage or website. 

“How does this apply to my Netflix app not working?”

The settings we’re going to change on your PS4 is your DNS server. 

Put simply, it contains a huge database of IP addresses. 

However, there are times when your DNS server’s saturated. 

In other words, the server is far from your physical location or congested. 

And as a result, your WiFi connection’s slow or worst case, so weak you can’t connect at all.

Now, there are 2 DNS servers you can use for your PS4. 

1. Google’s DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
2. Cloudfare’s DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.

How to change your PS4’s DNS settings

Step 1: On your PS4 home screen, scroll up and select Settings. 

Step 2: Tap “Network.”

Step 3: Choose “Set Up Internet Connection.”

Step 4: Tap “Use Wi-Fi.”

Step 5: Select “Custom.”

From here, make sure to choose the right configurations: 

• Set IP Address Settings to “Automatic.”
• For DHCP Host Name, click on “Do Not Specify.”

Step 6: Select “Manual” for DNS Settings. 

Set your Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 and your secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4. 

After, click on “Next.”

Step 7: Choose “Automatic” for MTU Settings.

Step 8: Set your Proxy Server to “Do Not Use.”

Step 9: Test your WiFi.

You should see an option on your screen saying:

“Test Your Internet Connection.”

Run the test to see if your WiFi signal is stronger. 

Finally, launch your Netflix app. 

However, if this doesn’t work, I suggest trying the Cloudfare DNS server: 

1. Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1.
2. Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1.

In case you need an instructional video guide, check this out: 

#11: Update the Netflix app

If changing the DNS settings didn’t solve your issue, it could be an app problem. 

Specifically, Netflix is running on outdated software. 

As a result, the app might not even load, which brings us to the best fix possible: 

Update your Netflix. 

Here’s how to do it: 

1. Select your Netflix app on your PS4 home screen.
2. Tap the Options button on your controller. 
3. Choose “Update.” 
4. Launch Netflix. 

#12: Check if Parental Control is turned on

When your PS4 has Parental Controls enabled, it means 1 thing: 

You have restricted access to certain movies, series, or apps.

Now, it’s not likely that this could affect the entire Netflix platform. 

However, it’s still worth checking out to prevent any issues. 

Here’s how it’s done:

1. On your PS4 home screen, scroll up and access your Settings. 
2. Scroll down and choose “Parental Controls/Family Management.”
3. Select “PS4 System Restrictions.”
4. Enter your PIN. 
5. Click on “Default Parental Controls.” 
6. Set all settings to “Allowed.” 
7. Launch the Netflix app. 

#13: Factory reset your PS4

When all else fails, a factory reset should clear any issues on your PS4’s system. 

What it does is it resets your PS4 back to its default settings. 

And that includes erasing any saved data on your device. 

But the biggest benefit of it all is resolving any glitches or bugs in your PS4. 

Note: I highly recommend you back up all your saved game data. You can use a USB or external hard drive for this. 

Here’s how to factory reset your PS4: 

1. Tap Settings on your PS4 home screen. 
2. Scroll down and select “Initialization.”
3. Tap “Initialize PS4.”
4. Choose “Full.”
5. Confirm the initialization process. 
6. Wait for about 4 hours for the entire reset to complete. 
7. Set up your PS4. 
8. Download and install Netflix. 
9. Launch the app.