Netflix not working on Roku

Streaming platforms like Netflix have become a central aspect of everyone’s day-to-day lives. Amongst many, Netflix’s services are praised by numerous users. People are opting for its paid version instead of some free trial streaming. With 238.39 million paid subscribers, this platform has been transforming the way we consume entertainment. 

Although Netflix has a user-friendly interface and vast libraries in terms of content, technical obstructions can disrupt binge-watching bliss. The most common dilemma faced by users is Netflix not working on Roku. And it will leave you feeling like a fish out of water. 

Did you know? 🤔: Netflix became the first🥇 streaming service on Roku devices 📺 which dates back to 2008. Hence, reflected their long-standing partnership 🤝 which plays a pivotal role in designating them as prominent players 😎 in this industry.


In this article, you can explore the possibilities and find solutions to the dilemma of “Netflix Not Working on Roku TV”.

Why is Netflix Not Working on my Roku TV? 

Are you eagerly anticipating your favorite shows, series, and movies? I am sure it would be a bummer if Netflix is not loading on Roku and could leave you in a frustrating ordeal. 

However, it is important to recognize root factors and comprehend possibilities to aid in troubleshooting processes. Even platforms like Netflix are not perfect and some issues are inevitable. When dealing with errors, your first step should always be to know why the issue is happening. An example of this is the Netflix Code NW-2-5 error, while it seems complicated, it can easily be solved if you know why it is caused.

The factors for its failure could be:

  • An internet connection, as it is equally essential for smooth streaming. An intermittent internet connection can lead to buffering and interruptions during playback. 
  • The secondary issue could be server issues on Netflix’s end. 
  • The third factor could be outages or technical glitches that can impact you while you are binge-watching. 
  • Next, aspects of the software are crucial in the Netflix-Roku interplay.
  • Furthermore, account-related issues might fuel the fire in hard times when Roku Netflix is not working. This can be resolved by verifying the Netflix accounts and resolving account-related complications.

Now, it’s time to implement the fixing methods mentioned in this guide to get back to normal Netflix streaming on Roku. 

9 Tried and Tested Solutions for Netflix Not Working on Roku

Nothing is impossible in this virtual era, you just have to put some brain power into the problem while maintaining a positive attitude. Accordingly, optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

Similarly, here are some potential fixes to try out!

Install/Update Roku and Netflix

Both Roku and Netflix release updates on a regular basis to rectify flaws and improve performance. Hence, They need to be synced in regard to software and programming. Considering this, it is important to keep an eye on updates and install them promptly. With this, you can help your devices to avoid compatibility issues. 

Although, Roku devices get updates on their own after every 1–2 days. In order to check and run the Roku manual update, you will need to follow these steps and allow Netflix and Roku to update the right way:

Procedure for Roku update

  • Step 1: Open the device and head towards the “Settings” menu from the home screen.
    Settings menu
  • Step 2: From there, click on “System” and then on “System update
    Navigation towards system restart
  • Step 3: Now, hit on “OK” to continue updating.
    hit on ok
  • Step 4: After the completion of the above-mentioned steps, you will need to restart and check Netflix on it.

Procedure for Netflix update

  • Step 1: Open Roku and select the “Netflix” channel.
    select the Netflix channel
  • Step 2: After selection, press on “(*)” (options button) to check for an update. If so, continue and update Netflix on Roku TV.
    Roku remote control1

This fix can be applicable to Roku models such as the Roku streaming stick, Roku Premiere+, Roku Ultra, Roku Express, and all Roku OS TV brands.

Outdated software of either Netflix or Roku can lead to compatibility issues. The compatible versions of Roku that support Netflix are: 

  • Roku 4 (4400X)
  • Roku Express 4K (3940X)
  • Roku Express 4K+ (3941X)
  • Roku Premiere (3920X, 4620X)
  • Roku Premiere+ (3921X, 4630X)
  • Roku Smart Soundbar (9100X)
  • Roku Streambar (9102X)
  • Roku Streambar Pro (9101X)
  • Roku Streaming Stick+ (3810X, 3811X)
  • Roku Streaming Stick 4K (3820X)
  • Roku Streaming Stick 4K+ (3821X)
  • Roku Ultra (4640X, 4660X, 4670X, 4800X)
  • Roku Ultra LT (4662X)

Also Read: How to Get DISH Anywhere on Roku via Android, iOS, and PC.

Restart Roku 

In my opinion and experience, restarting Roku is the best but the most overlooked method to fix Netflix not working on Roku. Interestingly, there’s more than one way through which you can restart it:

  • Power cycle/soft reset method: For a soft reset, press and hold the reset button and unplug the power cord while doing that. Release the reset button and plug in the cable. Turn on Roku.
  • System restart: Another method is performing a system restart, and to do that:
Go to: Home>> Settings>> System>> Power>> System Restart>> Restart.
  • Restart Using the Remote: Moreover, there’s a high possibility that you need to restart when the Roku is Frozen. All you have to do is press these buttons in the following sequence:
  • Home/🏠: 5 times.
  • Up/⬆️: Once.
  • Rewind/⏪: Twice.
  • Fast-forward/⏩: Twice.

These were the ways by which you can restart your Roku device easily.

Reinstall Netflix on Roku

If Netflix doesn’t load on Roku, simply installing and re-installing it may fix the errors and help you run the updated version of Netflix. Address this – people are practicing the process in the wrong way, including uninstalling and reinstalling Netflix on Roku. Try the correct way by following these steps:

Part A – Removing Netflix from Roku

  • Step 1: Open “Roku TV” and go to “Netflix”.
  • Step 2: Now locate the asterisk (*) button on the remote control and press it.
  • Step 3: From the channel menu, click on the “Remove channel” button. However, this will uninstall Netflix from your Roku device.
    Remove channel

Part B – Restarting Roku 

  • Step 1: Go ahead on “Settings”.
  • Step 2: Then click on System >> System Restart >> Restart.

Part C – Reinstalling Netflix on Roku

  • Step 1: Starting with the menu, click “Streaming Channels” and press “OK”.
  • Step 2: From the search bar, search for “Netflix”.
    Searching Netflix
  • Step 3: Tap on “Add channel” and wait until it gets installed. Now you can continue streaming shows hassle-free.
    Add channel

Now you can enjoy Netflix on Roku. Let’s look at the next solution to resolve Netflix won’t load on Roku.

Take Control and Turn off the Netflix Auto Detection on Roku

Roku features auto-detection to set up display settings automatically. Remember, this would be based on the capabilities of your TV device. Isn’t it convenient? I know most of you could prefer to take control of your display settings. Here is how you can do it (turning off Netflix auto-detect on Roku): 

  • Step 1: Your foremost step could be updating the Roku software. Want to learn how to update it? Click here.
  • Step 2: Restart your Roku TV and head to “System Settings”.
  • Step 3: Again, search for “System Settings” and initiate to switch the “Display type” option, i.e., “auto detect” to “1080p”.
    Switching auto detect
  • Step 4: After completion of the above-outlined steps, confirm your actions and restart Roku. For auto-detection, kindly switch the display type option back.

I recommend you try and if not get the desired results try another way i.e. restarting the modem and router.

Also Read: Quick Methods to Watch FS1 on Roku in 2023!

Restart Modem and Router 

When Netflix won’t load on Roku, you will need to restart your internet, a specific way. You never know, there could be hidden errors, for instance, an IP address conflict, and errors occur while both the router and modem don’t get reset.

To restore your access to a reliable and super-fast internet connection, you have to perform a full reboot. In that case, consider the steps below and restart the modem and router efficiently:

  • Step 1: Unplug the modem and router for 3 minutes.
  • Step 2: Now, “turn on” both modems and routers one by one and wait for at least 5 minutes until the internet connection becomes active.
  • Step 3: Lastly, “boot” your Roku device and “launch” Netflix successfully.

So that’s how you can achieve this. This approach is mostly employed at times when Netflix keeps buffering on Roku.

Need Attention  🔔🧐: I came across, many people out there, attempting this solution incorrectly. They usually turn off the router for only 30 seconds while ignoring a modem reset. Now I hope you will correct yourself if you are one of them.

The next fix for Netflix not working on Roku is to land on its official page to check out its servers.

Inspect Netflix Servers

Another reason why you’re facing such a situation is that there might be some server problems on Netflix’s end. Despite trying All the necessary fixes instructed above, you are still in trouble; try this fix instead. 

This can be optimized by integrating another device for evaluating whether the server is online or not. The way to achieve this is to access Netflix.com and see if the site is responding properly or not.

Tips 💡: Try accessing the site while in incognito mode.After clearing the browser cache.Try with the device that hadn’t assessed Netflix ever before in the past.

This practice will ensure that your browser tries to load a fresh page from their server directly. If the servers are down, you will not be able to see a cached version of the site on your browser.

Reset Roku 

This solution is something common that works well when Roku Netflix not working. Resetting Roku will clear all the built-up cache. Follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Press the “Home” button on the remote control.
  • Step 2: Once you get directed to the main screen. Press these buttons on the go-
  • “Home/🏠” button – 5 times. 
  • “Up/🔼” button – one time.
  • “Rewind/⏪” button – two times.
  • “Fast forward/⏩” button – two times.
  • Step 3: Now “reboot” the device once or maybe twice. After the clearance of the cache, Netflix will work smoothly.

Pay Attention to the Internet Speed

Slow internet puts a break on Roku’s streaming ability. The reality is, the streaming of SD content will require a speed of 3.0 Mbps, whereas HD content mandates a 9.0 Mbps download speed. You can also consider this speed as the minimum download speed. 

Streaming ordinarily concentrates on download speed instead of upload speed. The lowest download speed of less than 25–50 Mbps could be due to two major factors:

  • At first, Wi-Fi declines half of the speed, and VPN over again makes it half. So, while you are accepting 200 Mbps internet speed, you will end up with a speed of 50 Mbps. 
  • While undergoing fast internet, problems can happen due to an old or inferior-quality router that acts as a bummer. For an extraordinary experience, consider owning a wireless extender for a substantial internet connection.

Also Read: How to Find Roku IP Address With and Without Using Remote?

Reaching Out to Netflix and Roku Support

It is believed that if nothing works, customer service is always here to fix and resolve any issues.

Contact Netflix: Although there is no such troubleshooting guide as of now delivered by Netflix, all you can do is contact them for support and reach out to the help center.

Contact Roku: If you believe that the problem is with the Roku device, you must contact customer support. However, the contact details vary on the brand of Roku device you own. Their contact details are as follows:

  • Roku TCL: 1-877-300-8837
  • Hisense Roku TV: 1-888-935-8880
  • Sharp Roku TV: 1-888-935-8880
  • LG Roku TV: 1-800-243-0000
  • Insignia Roku TV: 1-877-467-4289
  • Philips Roku TV: 1-866-309-5962

Hence, it’s your responsibility to determine the potential issues occurring either on Netflix or on your Roku device. Then, contact them accordingly!

Final Words 

Streaming platforms like Roku and Netflix take your streaming experience to the next level. Besides, it has become a central aspect of your day-to-day lives. Roku defined the entertainment landscape, while on the other hand, Netflix’s global availability (In over 190 countries) has helped to favor it and make it a global phenomenon. Nevertheless, despite their immense popularity, there are still some flaws associated with their accessibility. 

One common dilemma confronted by users is “Netflix not working on Roku”. To get over the challenges, follow the determined solutions discussed above. This article outlines various scenarios and methods to troubleshoot your issues. So, you can employ all methods mentioned when needed and enjoy uninterrupted entertainment enjoyment. 

FAQs

Ans: The root cause of this problem could be a low or unstable internet connection, which results in inconsistent buffering during streaming.

Ans: Yes, you will need to have an account on Roku to activate the device before unlocking entertainment across various streaming channels like Netflix.

Ans: One possible workaround to change the Netflix account are:

  • Select Netflix from the home screen And press the star button on the remote.
  • From the list of “editing settings”, click on “remove channel” and get back to the home screen.
  • Reinstall Netflix by using your preferred account.

Ans: When the “UI 800 3” error code is displayed on your screen, one should sign out of Netflix to refresh the Information that your device keeps storing.

Ans: There could be three major reasons behind this error:

  • Unreliable internet connection.
  • Maintenance break going on.
  • Downed servers from Netflix’s end.

Ans: First, find out if you are approaching Netflix from a supported country. Although Netflix is available globally, it is still not available in a few countries, including China, Crimea, North Korea, Russia, and Syria.

Sources 

Wikipedia – Roku.