Netflix not working on Roku: how to get it running again

⚡ Fast fix

• Restart before you reinstall. A quick Roku reboot fixes more Netflix issues than people expect.
• Check for updates. An outdated Roku or Netflix app is a common troublemaker.
• Buffering or error codes? Your internet connection may be part of the problem.
• Still acting up? Reinstalling Netflix can clear out lingering glitches.

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When Netflix stops working on a Roku®, the first instinct is usually to blame Netflix.

Sometimes that's right. But we've found that many streaming problems actually start with the Roku device, the network connection, or a software glitch that's preventing the app from launching correctly.

Before you spend the evening troubleshooting error codes, there are a few simple things worth checking first.

Restart your Roku

This may sound overly simple, but it's one of the first things we try when Netflix stops working.

Temporary software glitches happen. Apps get stuck. Background processes stop behaving normally. A restart clears out a lot of that clutter and gives both Roku and Netflix a fresh start.

To restart your Roku:

1. Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart.
2. Select Restart.
3. Wait for the device to reboot.

Once Roku comes back online, try launching Netflix again.

Make sure Roku and Netflix are up to date

One of the most common causes of Netflix issues is outdated software.

Start by checking for Roku updates:

1. Go to Settings > System > System update.
2. Select Check now.

If an update is available, install it and restart the device.

Check your Roku internet connection

Netflix is often blamed for problems that actually start with the network.

Slow internet, unstable Wi‑Fi, or intermittent connectivity can all cause buffering, freezing, loading failures, and error messages. Before assuming Netflix is the problem, make sure other streaming apps are working normally. If multiple apps are struggling, the connection is usually a better place to investigate than Netflix itself.

If your Roku keeps dropping off the network, check out our guide on what to do when your Roku keeps disconnecting from Wi‑Fi.

Reinstall the Netflix app

If Netflix still isn't working properly, reinstalling the app is one of our favorite troubleshooting steps. To reinstall Netflix:

1. Highlight the Netflix app.
2. Press the Star (*) button on your Roku remote.
3. Select Remove channel.
4. Restart your Roku.
5. Reinstall Netflix from the Roku Channel Store.

Pay attention to Netflix error codes

Error codes can look intimidating, but they're often useful clues. Some common examples include:

• Error 003: Roku can't update properly.
• Error 018: Internet connection is too slow or unstable.
• Error 014: Often related to Wi‑Fi connection or network credentials.

When it's time to reset the Roku

If you've already restarted the Roku, checked for updates, verified your internet connection, and reinstalled Netflix, a factory reset may be worth considering—but it's not where we'd start.

If you're having trouble navigating your Roku because the remote isn't responding properly, start with our guide on how to reset a Roku remote that's not pairing or responding.

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FAQ

Why is Netflix not working on my Roku?

The most common causes are outdated software, internet connection problems, temporary app glitches, or issues with the Roku device itself.

Why does Netflix keep crashing on Roku?

Crashes are often caused by outdated software, corrupted app data, or temporary glitches that can be resolved with a restart or reinstall.

Does reinstalling Netflix on Roku help?

Yes. Reinstalling Netflix can remove corrupted data and resolve lingering app glitches that a simple restart may not fix.

What does Netflix error code 018 mean on Roku?

Error 018 is generally related to a slow or unstable internet connection.

Should I factory reset my Roku if Netflix isn't working?

Only after you've tried the simpler fixes first.