How Do I Fix Streaming or Downloading Problems on Netflix?

In a nutshell: If you're experiencing streaming or downloading issues on Netflix, several potential fixes can help. Start by checking error codes on the help page, clearing your browser's cache, and running an internet speed test. For console users, uninstalling and reinstalling the app

Introduction

If you encounter streaming or downloading problems while trying to watch your favorite show on Netflix, or an interesting new movie, you're probably both frustrated and eager to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. There are a number of different things that could be causing the problem, but one of the fixes described below should do the trick.

What You'll Need

If you get an error code while trying to download or stream something on Netflix, you can always go to the help page and search for that error code. You should be able to find an article telling you how to solve the problem.If you are watching Netflix from your computer, you can always try clearing the cache and cookies for Netflix, because old cache items or cookies can sometimes cause performance issues.If you are watching from a computer or phone, run an internet speed test to make sure your download speeds are up to Netflix requirements.If you are watching Netflix on a game console, you can also try to uninstall and reinstall the Netflix app.If you are using a VPN, try shutting it off. They can sometimes interfere with the streaming service.

Go to the Netflix home screen.

How Do I Fix Streaming or Downloading Problems on Netflix? (Step 1)

Select the Get Help option from the menu.

You may need to click your profile icon first. The layout depends on the device you are using.
If you cannot get to the Get Help option, press these buttons on your remote control, in this order: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Up, Up, Up, Up. Then, from the menu that appears, select the Sign Out, Reset, or Deactivate option.

Click on Sign Out.

How Do I Fix Streaming or Downloading Problems on Netflix? (Step 3)

Click Yes.

Sign back in to your Netflix account.

How Do I Fix Streaming or Downloading Problems on Netflix? (Step 5)

Try streaming or downloading whatever you were watching again. If the problem persists, continue on with the next step.

Turn your device off.

If it has a power cable, unplug it.

Wait 15 seconds.

Plug your device back in and start it up again.

If that didn't work either, turn your device off once again, then unplug your modem and router.

This will reboot your home network, which could be the source of the problem.

Wait 30 seconds.

Plug your modem and router in again.

Wait 60 seconds.

Restart your device.

Go to the Netflix home screen and select the App Store option.

You can also try updating the Netflix app.

Do a search for Netflix.

Select Netflix.

Select Update.

If nothing else has worked so far, go to the Netflix Help page and search for your problem there.

Netflix help page

How Do I Fix Streaming or Downloading Problems on Netflix? (Step 19)

If you find something about your problem there, follow whatever instructions you find for fixing the problem.

Conclusion

If you have tried everything else and still can't fix the problem, call a Netflix customer service representative and ask for help. The customer service center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Why does GetHuman Write How-to Guides for Netflix Problems?

GetHuman has been working for over 10 years on sourcing information about big organizations like Netflix in order to help customers resolve customer service issues faster. We started with contact information and fastest ways to reach a human at big companies. Particularly ones with slow or complicated IVR or phone menu systems. Or companies that have self-serve help forums instead of a customer service department. From there, we realized that consumers still needed more detailed help solving the most common problems, so we expanded to this set of guides, which grows every day. And if you spot any issues with our How Do I Fix Streaming or Downloading Problems on Netflix? guide, please let us know by sending us feedback. We want to be as helpful as possible. If you appreciated this guide, please share it with your favorite people. Our free information and tools is powered by you, the customer. The more people that use it, the better it gets.