TV show or movie loads slowly or keeps buffering

If your TV show or movie loads slowly or you experience buffering or rebuffering, you may have a weak or unstable connection to the internet.

To fix the problem:

Check if your network can play Netflix

Public networks:

For Wi-Fi in places like a café, hotel, or school, ask if video services like Netflix are blocked.

Private networks:

Check if your connection is slower than our recommended speeds and contact your internet service provider if you need help.

Connections like mobile hotspots, cellular, or satellite networks might be too slow to use Netflix.


Check your connection speed

To check your connection speed through the Netflix app, follow the steps below.

Note:
If you're using a mobile device or computer, visit Fast.com to test your speed.
  1. Begin from the Netflix Home screen.

  2. Navigate left to open the menu, then select Settings.

    • If you don't see a menu when you navigate left, navigate up and select Settings or the Settings icon . If you still don't see the icon, your device doesn't have this feature.

  3. Select Get Help.

  4. Select Check your Network.

  5. The Netflix app will verify that you can connect to the internet and reach Netflix. It will also check your connection speed.

  6. Once the test is complete, make sure that your speed meets Netflix internet speed recommendations.

Restart your device

  1. Unplug your device from power.

  2. Press the power button on the device once and wait 1 minute, or leave it unplugged for 3 minutes instead.

  3. Plug your device back in.

  4. Turn your device on and try Netflix again.

Sign out of Netflix

  1. Go to the Netflix home screen, then go left to open the menu.

  2. Go to the bottom of the menu, then go right and select Get Help.

  3. Select Sign out.

  4. Sign back in, then try Netflix again.

If your device is on an error screen:

  1. Select More Details.

  2. Select Sign out or Reset.

  3. Sign back in, then try Netflix again.

If you can't find Get Help or Sign out:

  1. Using your remote, press these buttons in this order: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Up, Up, Up, Up.

  2. On the menu that appears, select Sign out, Reset, or Deactivate.

Restart your home network

  1. Turn off or unplug your smart TV.

  2. Unplug your modem (and your wireless router, if it's a separate device) from power for 30 seconds.

  3. Plug in your modem and wait until no new indicator lights are blinking on. If your router is separate from your modem, plug it in and wait until no new indicator lights are blinking on.

  4. Turn your smart TV back on and try Netflix again.

Improve your Wi-Fi signal

To improve your Wi-Fi:

  • Move your router and your device closer to each other. If possible, put them in the same room.

  • Move your router away from other wireless devices and appliances.

  • Keep your router in an open space off the floor. Routers get better reception when on a desk or bookshelf.

Contact your internet service provider

If the steps don't fix the problem, contact your internet service provider (ISP) for help fixing a network connection issue.

Your ISP can:

  • Check for an internet outage in your area.

  • Fix common router or modem issues and incorrect network settings.

  • Restart or reset your network's connection.

While talking with your ISP, let them know:

  • Whether the issue happens only on one device, or other devices on the same network.

  • Whether your device connects using Wi-Fi or directly using a cable.

Before you finish talking with your ISP:

  • Using a web browser, go to fast.com to test your internet speed and connection directly to Netflix.

  • Try playing Netflix again to make sure the problem is fixed.

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