How to Fix There is a Problem Connecting to Netflix Error

Published: Sept 05, 2019

Netflix is not new to pesky technical roadblocks that users often face while streaming. While the streaming giant keeps releasing solutions or fixes for the reported errors, more and more keep adding to the list. We know how frustrating it can get when you come home from a long tiring day all set to binge watch watch your favorite TV show, only to find that a notorious error is all set to ruin your streaming experience. If you too are a victim of the infamous Netflix ‘There is a problem connecting to Netflix’ error, the set of solutions down below might do the trick for you.

What Causing Netflix ‘There is a problem connecting to Netflix’ Error

As the error message itself suggests that this issue is mostly related to the internet connection between the device and Netflix app. However, it may also appear due to:

  • Internet connectivity issues with the device
  • Corrupt or outdated data on the Netflix app

How to Fix ‘There is a problem connecting to Netflix’ Error

While there isn’t a single fix for the error, but rather a series of solutions that you need to try and see which one works for you. Keep scrolling for the step by step tutorials and make sure that you try them in ascending order.

Solution 1:Check your Internet Connection

Since this pesky error arises when the Netflix app fails to connect to the network, every 8 out of times it is due to a faulty or bad internet connection. Bad not only refers to a slow or lagging connection speed, but other factors mentioned below may also cause the error.

  • You’re either using a proxy service or a VPN to access Netflix. Netflix despises any technology that conceals a users’ IP address, thus it is best to use Netflix without these. However, if you like to watch Netflix on the go using public Wi-Fi networks, and you’re concerned about your online privacy and security then choose a reliable Netflix VPN, one that actually works.
  • You have any built-in firewalls for your home network preventing access to certain websites including Netflix
  • You’re using a public Wi-Fi network like school or hospital to access Netflix which restricts certain types of internet traffic to route

Try switching to a different network, like your mobile data for example. If that solves the problem, then the problem lies with your current network. If the error still persists, you may also power cycle your smartphone and the internet router to see if it works now. Even if that doesn't fix the error, you can try the solution below.

Solution 2: Reset the Netflix Application

Sometimes this error may also arise due to corrupt data or modules set in bad configuration within the Netflix app. This common behavior mostly happens with smartphones which have been recently rooted. If that’s the case then you can fix the pesky error by resetting the Netflix app using the following steps.

Note:The steps below are for Android. iOS users can replicate them as per their iOS devices.

  • Go to your smartphone’s ‘Settings’ and then go to ‘Apps’
  • Search for ‘Netflix’ in the list of apps and click ‘Open’ to go to ‘Properties’ Then click on ‘Storage’
  • Once you enter Storage, tap on ‘Clear Data’ or ‘Clear Cache’ and this will reset Netflix back to its default configuration
  • Launch Netflix again, enter your credentials and see if the error is gone. If it is, feel free to leave this page but if it still hasn’t, try the solution below.

Solution 3: Reinstall the Netflix Application

If the above two methods fail to resolve the error, you can try reinstalling the Netflix app on your Android device. Reinstalling would remove all existing modules of the app from the device which may fix the error. Here’s how you can do it:

  • Open your device’s home screen where apps are located and navigate to ‘Netflix’. Keep the Netflix icon tapped until you see a window with the ‘Uninstall’ option, and then click on it
  • Once Netflix has been removed from the device, rush to the Google Play Store or the App Store, search for Netflix and click on ‘Install’
  • Once the app has been installed, login with your credentials and you’ll be happy to see Netflix up and running