If you’re trying to enjoy your favorite Netflix show on your Chromebook and it suddenly stops working, you’re not alone. From connection issues to app glitches, there are several reasons why Netflix might not work properly on a Chromebook.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the possible solutions to get Netflix running again on your device, whether you’re using Netflix in the Chrome browser or the Netflix application.
How to Fix Netflix Not Working on Chromebook
Before you follow the troubleshooting methods, make sure to update your Chromebook to the latest version of ChromeOS. If you are using Netflix in the Chrome browser, updating may easily fix the issue, as the latest version of ChromeOS comes with security updates, bug fixes, new features, and more.
Once you’ve updated your device, you can try other methods if you’re still facing issues.
1. Check your Network
Before diving into troubleshooting, check that you’re connected to a stable and reliable internet connection, it’s a simple step, but often the key to solving streaming issues.
Click the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen, then select the Wi-Fi icon. Make sure you’re connected to a strong, secure network.
A weak or spotty connection is one of the most common reasons Netflix doesn’t work properly, so it’s always smart to rule that out first. After that, you can visit fast.com to check your internet speed. You’ll need at least 5–25 Mbps for smooth streaming.
2. Check Netflix Server Status
Sometimes, the issue isn’t on your end at all, Netflix itself might be down. If the servers are experiencing an outage or technical problems, the app or website won’t work properly no matter what you try.
Here’s how you can check Netflix’s server status:
1. Open the Chrome browser and visit the Netflix Help Center.
2. If everything is working normally, you’ll see a message stating that Netflix is up and running. If there’s an issue, a red warning banner will appear, indicating problems with the service.
3. You can also use third-party tools like Downdetector, which provide real-time reports from users. You’ll find charts, outage maps, and comments from others experiencing similar issues. Just visit Downdetector and search for Netflix.
3. Sign Out of Netflix
If the Netflix servers are not down, you can try signing out of Netflix and signing back in. Sometimes, issues with user profiles can cause playback problems, and a simple re-login can resolve them.
To do this:
1. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
2. From the dropdown menu, select Sign out of Netflix.
3. Then, sign back in using your account credentials and try using Netflix again.
4. Clear Browser Data
If you’re trying to watch Netflix through the Chrome browser and the site either won’t load or displays an error, corrupted cache or cookies might be the culprit. Clearing your browsing data can often resolve these problems by removing outdated or corrupted files stored by your browser.
Here’s how you can clear cache and cookies on Chrome:
1. Open your browser and go to netflix.com.
2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome, and from the drop-down menu, select Settings. Alternatively, visit chrome://settings to open Chrome’s settings page.
3. Click on the Privacy and Security option and select Delete browsing data.
4. Click on the Advanced tab, and from the Time range drop-down menu, select All time. Then select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, Download history, and Cached images and files, and click Delete data.
After clearing the data, close Chrome completely and reopen it. Navigate back to Netflix and try logging in again to use it.
5. Reinstall Netflix App
If you’re using the Android version of Netflix, easily installed from the Play Store or the new App Mall, there may still be times when the app doesn’t work properly. One quick way to fix this is to reinstall the app. Here’s how:
1. Click on the Launcher.
2. Find the Netflix app, right-click it, and select Uninstall. Then click Uninstall again when prompted to remove it from your Chromebook.
3. Open the Google Play Store, search for Netflix, and reinstall it.
This ensures you’re using the latest version and helps eliminate any potential app corruption.
Conclusion
Netflix not working on your Chromebook can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re all set for a binge-watching session. The good news is that most issues can be resolved using the troubleshooting steps we’ve covered above.
However, if the Netflix app continues to act up, you can always switch to the web version. It runs smoothly on Chromebooks and offers all the essential features, including HD streaming, subtitles and more.
