Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services used on Smart TVs, including LG Smart TVs. 

However, sometimes you may face issues with Netflix not working properly on your LG Smart TV. 

Some of the common causes for Netflix issues on LG Smart TVs include internet connectivity problems, outdated apps or software, account login errors, and compatibility issues with the App or TV. 

Here at Smart Home Apt, we have put together a few effective and possible fixes for resolving Netflix not working on LG Smart TV.

 

 

How to fix Netflix Not Working on LG Smart TV ?

1. Ensure that your LG TV is compatible with Netflix

The Netflix app is compatible with all LG smart TVs from 2012 or newer that utilize webOS. However, some earlier models from before 2012 may still be able to run the app, but it has been discontinued for some of the older models.

If your TV is not compatible with Netflix, you have two choices: replace the TV or get a streaming stick. The streaming stick is a more cost-effective and simpler solution.

You can watch Netflix on any TV, whether it's a smart TV or not, by adding a Fire TV Stick or a Roku streaming stick. Setting either of these up is easy and they provide access to all of the major streaming apps.

 

2. Restart or Power Cycle Your LG TV

If you experience an issue with your app, one of the simplest solutions may be to restart it. Often, random software glitches can be the culprit of app problems, and rebooting the device may resolve the issue.

To restart LG TV apps, the best way is to do a full restart of the TV. When you press the power button on the remote, it will not turn off the TV, but instead put it into standby mode. This will not cause any of your active applications to be restarted.

To do this:

  • Disconnect your TV from the power source.
  • Press and hold the power button on the TV itself (not the remote) for at least one minute.
  • Reinsert your TV's power cord into the wall outlet.

 

A good restart can often solve the issue. To try this, first follow the above instructions: Once you've done this, give the Netflix app another go.

 

3. Test the Speed of Your Internet Connection

Poor internet speed can lead to buffering problems when using Netflix and other video and streaming applications. In the most serious cases, your internet connection may be so slow or unreliable that it can't even connect to the Netflix server.

To check the speed of your internet connection, you can run an Internet Speed Test https://www.speedtest.net/ on either your computer or phone. To ensure accurate results, make sure the device you are using is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV, and that mobile data is turned off.

If your internet speed is slower than 3-4 Mbps for standard streaming or 5-8 Mbps for HD, you will need to take the below steps to increase your speed:

  • Look for potential sources of interference, such as a large number of walls between your router and television. 
  • Reboot your router and modem (see the next tip). 
  • Reach out to your internet provider to find out if there are any network issues or if you need to upgrade.

 

4. Reboot your router and modem

Your local Wi-Fi network may be the source of the issue rather than your TV or the Netflix app.

Rather than spending time attempting to troubleshoot possible network issues, it’s simpler to restart your entire network. This should be done approximately monthly in order to ensure your network functions optimally.

Prior to beginning, confirm that no one in your household is currently connected to the internet. This procedure will interrupt all internet and network connections for approximately five minutes while the system reboots.

Alright, let's begin.

  • Disconnect the power cables from both your router and modem.
  • Allow 30 seconds to pass.
  • Reattach the power cables.
  • Wait a few minutes for the modem and router to reboot.

 

When your TV is back on the network, attempt to open the Netflix app. If your network speeds were low when you tested them initially, now is a great opportunity to run another test. Restarting your router can temporarily boost your speeds, but it won't address every underlying issue.

 

5. Perform LG TV Firmware Update

Firmware updates can be an effective solution for resolving issues with your TV apps, similar to how app updates can help.

LG smart TVs are equipped with an auto-update feature, yet it is also possible to manually force a firmware update. This is not usually necessary, but it is beneficial to have the option in case the automatic update gets disabled or fails to inform you.

To do this:

  • Press the Settings button on your remote.
  • Navigate to the General tab in All Settings. 
  • Select About this TV.
  • Click Check for Updates
  • After the update has been installed, power cycle your TV according to the instructions provided.

 

After updating the firmware, give the Netflix app another attempt.

 

6. Delete and install the Netflix app again

If you're still having issues with an app on your LG TV, try reinstalling it. This will clear its data, which often solves many app-specific problems. While you can manually clear the cache, this is a much simpler solution.

You'll have to remove the Netflix app and then install it again if you want to reinstall it.

 

To uninstall the Netflix app:
  • Press the Home button on your remote.
  • Go to the Netflix app.
  • Select and hold the app icon.
  • Then click the trash bin icon above it. 
  • Confirm by pressing Yes in the pop-up.

 

To Reinstall Netflix on your LG TV:
  • Press the Home button on the remote.
  • Select the LG Content Store.
  • Then search for Netflix using the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner. 
  • Select Netflix from the search results and press the Install button.

 

Try the Netflix app again and Input your credentials. As this is a fresh installation, you will have to re-enter your log-in information.

 

7. Agree to LG's User Agreements

In order to utilize all features and applications of LG, you must accept all of the associated license agreements.

To do this:

  • Press the Settings button on your remote.
  • Navigate to All Settings and open the General tab.
  • Now, select About this TV.
  • Click User Agreements
  • Ensure that Accept All has been selected.

 

8. Check the TV Location Settings

Certain streaming content and applications may be unavailable depending on your geographic location.

Streaming services like Netflix can detect your location by using a variety of methods. 

However, for added security, they sometimes use your LG TV's location setting as a way to verify your location.

Do the following:

  • Press the Settings button on your remote.
  • Then go to All Settings
  • Open the General tab and select System
  • Click on Location and change the zip code to your current location if it is not already correct.

 

9. Turn off Your VPN (if applicable)

If you are utilizing a virtual private network, this step is applicable to you. If you are unfamiliar with VPNs, it is likely that you are not utilizing one.

Most video applications and streaming services attempt to prevent VPN traffic. If Netflix has been successful in blocking your particular VPN, you may not be able to access your streaming material. 

To test this possibility, the best thing to do is to turn off the VPN and try connecting the Netflix app again.

 

10. Try Watching Netflix on a Different Device

Before attempting our most extreme solution, let's determine how far-reaching the issue is. Try launching Netflix on another device that is connected to the same network as your TV.

It may be time to get in touch with LG support if Netflix is not functioning on your TV but works on other devices.

If Netflix is not functioning on any of your gadgets, it could be an issue with either your Netflix account or Netflix's servers.

 

11. Find out the status of Netflix servers

If you're having trouble with Netflix in your area, consider using Downdetector to see if other users in the same region are having similar issues. You can also visit the "Is Netflix Down?" page in the Netflix help center for updates on any outages. Usually, these are localized and quickly resolved.

If you have tried searching Downdetector and cannot locate any information, it may be a good idea to reach out to Netflix's support team at https://help.netflix.com/en/ or their Official Twitter page for more recent updates.

 

12. Perform LG TV Factory Reset

It's time to attempt a final solution: a factory reset. This will delete all the settings of your TV, including those of your Netflix app. Although this will delete all the settings and data of the app, this could potentially fix the streaming issue.

To do this:

  • Press the Settings button on your remote control.
  • Then select the All Settings option.
  • Open the General tab. 
  • Once there, choose Reset to Initial Settings and confirm your selection by clicking OK.

 

Attempt to launch the Netflix app once more. This should resolve any software or firmware-related issues that were preventing it from functioning on your LG TV.

Summary

In fact, there are several possible fixes you can try to resolve Netflix not working on your LG Smart TV. The solutions range from simple steps like restarting your TV and router to more advanced troubleshooting like reinstalling the Netflix app, updating software and even resetting your TV to factory settings.

With systematic troubleshooting, you should be able to determine the cause of the problem and fix Netflix on your LG TV. 

So keep trying the recommended troubleshooting steps and your Netflix should be streaming Netflix on your LG Smart TV again in no time.

 

Possible causes for Netflix not working on LG Smart TV:

  • Slow or Unstable Internet Connection: The most common reason. Make sure you have a fast broadband Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to your LG Smart TV.
  • Outdated Netflix App: If the Netflix app on your LG TV is outdated, it may have issues loading content or streaming. Update the Netflix app to the latest version.
  • Corrupted Netflix App: The installed Netflix app may have become corrupted, in which case reinstalling it can help. Uninstall the app and download the latest version again.
  • Login or Account Issues: Your Netflix login credentials may have changed or expired, or there could be an issue with your Netflix account. Log in again with your username and password.
  • Software Issues on LG TV: If other apps are also affected, there may be an issue with the LG Smart TV software or platform. Check for any available system software or platform updates and install them.
  • Internet Browser Issues: The internet browser on your LG TV, like WebOS, may have a temporary bug. Resetting the browser to default settings or clearing browser cache and data may help.
  • VPN or Proxy Settings: If you are using a VPN or proxy service on your network, it may be interfering with Netflix. Try disabling the VPN/proxy to allow Netflix to work.
  • Streaming Data Saved: Old streaming or download data saved on your LG TV from a previous viewing session may be causing the Netflix error. You may need to clear your streaming data or other temporary media files.
  • Hardware Issues: In rare cases, there could be an issue with the hardware components on your LG Smart TV that help run the Netflix app. If other TV functions and apps are also affected, it is best to have the TV checked by an LG service center.
  • Netflix Service Outage: Sometimes, the issue could simply be that Netflix service is down or experiencing an outage. Check the Netflix outage status on their support site. Usually, the service resumes shortly.

 

Here are 9 effective solutions to try for resolving Netflix not working on LG Smart TV:

 

1. Restart your LG Smart TV - A simple restart can refresh the system and fix any temporary software glitches preventing Netflix from working.

 

2. Reboot your internet router and modem - Restarting your network devices is one of the best ways to refresh your internet connectivity and Netflix access.

 

3. Check all network cables - Loose or faulty network cables are often the reason for internet issues. Make sure all cables connecting to your LG TV and router/modem are properly plugged in.

 

4. Update the Netflix app - An outdated version of the Netflix app may have trouble streaming content or logging in. Open the Content Store on your LG TV and select "Update" next to the Netflix app.

 

5. Reinstall the Netflix app - If updating does not work, uninstall the Netflix app and redownload the latest version. This can resolve any installation or update issues.

 

6. Change your Netflix password - If there are any problems with your login credentials or account, change your Netflix password and sign in to the app again.

 

7. Adjust your router's firewall settings - Some routers block streaming sites and apps. Log into your router and disable any firewall or content filtering settings that may be blocking Netflix.

 

8. Change your DNS settings to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 - Public Google DNS servers can sometimes fix internet issues that prevent Netflix and other streaming services from working.

 

9. Disable any VPNs or proxies - VPN software and proxy servers often interfere with Netflix streaming. Temporarily turn off any VPNs or proxies running on your network.