Netflix loading problems usually come from one of three places: your internet connection, your device's browser or app, or Netflix's servers

When Netflix won't load, the fix depends on where the problem actually is. A slow connection looks the same as a broken app to you, but they need different solutions. The fastest way to find out is to test Netflix on a different device or browser first — if it works elsewhere, the problem is your original device. If it fails everywhere, the problem is either your internet or Netflix itself.

Start by checking whether other websites load normally. Open a new tab and visit a site you use often — Google, YouTube, your email. If those load fine but Netflix doesn't, Netflix's servers may be down or your account may have a specific problem. If other sites are slow or won't load either, your internet connection is the issue.

Key Takeaways

  • Test Netflix on a different device or browser to narrow down whether the problem is your device, your internet, or Netflix itself.
  • Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait two minutes before trying Netflix again.
  • Clear your browser's cache and cookies, or uninstall and reinstall the Netflix app, because corrupted data often blocks loading.
  • Check Netflix's server status on DownDetector or Twitter to see if the problem is widespread before troubleshooting your own setup.
  • If Netflix loads but plays nothing, the problem is usually your internet speed rather than the app itself.

Restart your router and modem

Your router and modem handle the connection between your device and the internet. When either one gets stuck, Netflix and other streaming services stop loading. A restart clears the device's memory and forces it to reconnect to your internet provider's network.

Unplug your modem (the box your internet provider gave you) for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart — you'll see lights stop blinking and stabilize. Then unplug your router (the wireless box, if you have one separate from the modem) for 30 seconds and plug it back in. Wait another two minutes. Try Netflix again.

If you have a combined modem-router unit, unplug that single box for 30 seconds and wait two minutes after plugging it back in. This solves most connection problems because it resets the device without requiring a technician visit.

Clear your browser cache or reinstall the Netflix app

Your browser stores copies of websites you visit to make them load faster next time. Sometimes that stored data gets corrupted and prevents Netflix from loading properly. Clearing it forces your browser to read a fresh copy of Netflix's website.

In Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac) to open the cache-clearing menu. Select "All time" for the date range, check the boxes for "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files", then click Clear. Close Netflix completely and open it again in a new tab.

If you use the Netflix app on your phone or tablet instead of a browser, uninstall it completely, restart your device, then read and install Netflix fresh from the App Store or Google Play. This removes any corrupted app data that might be blocking the load.

Check your internet speed

Netflix needs a minimum internet speed to load and play video. If your connection is too slow, Netflix won't start playing. You can test your speed for free at Speedtest.net — it takes 30 seconds and shows you your read speed in Mbps.

Netflix recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD video and 25 Mbps for 4K. If your speed is lower than 5 Mbps, that's your problem. Move closer to your router, or if you're on WiFi, switch to a wired connection using an ethernet cable if possible. A wired connection is almost always faster and more stable than WiFi.

If your speed is above 5 Mbps but Netflix still won't load, the problem is not your internet speed — it's something else on this list.

Check whether Netflix's servers are down

Netflix's servers occasionally go offline for maintenance or due to technical problems. When that happens, nobody can load Netflix no matter what they do. Before you spend time troubleshooting your device, check whether the problem is widespread.

Visit DownDetector.com and search for Netflix. The page shows a graph of outages reported in the last 24 hours. If there's a spike in the last few minutes, Netflix's servers are likely down. You can also search Twitter for "Netflix down" to see whether other people are reporting the same problem right now.

If Netflix's servers are down, there's nothing you can do except wait. Most outages last between 30 minutes and two hours. If the servers are up and working, move on to the next step.

Sign out and sign back in

Your Netflix account session can become corrupted, which prevents the app or website from loading your account data. Signing out and back in creates a fresh session and often fixes the problem.

On the Netflix website, click your profile icon in the top right, then select "Sign out". Close the browser completely, wait 10 seconds, then open Netflix again and sign in with your email and password. On the Netflix app, go to Settings, select your account, and choose "Sign out". Restart the app and sign in again.

If you have multiple profiles on your account, try a different profile first. Sometimes one profile's data gets corrupted while others work fine. If a different profile loads Netflix normally, the problem is that specific profile's data, not your internet or device.

Disable browser extensions and VPN

Browser extensions and VPN services can block Netflix from loading by filtering traffic or changing your location. Netflix detects VPN use and may block playback, and some extensions interfere with how Netflix communicates with its servers.

If you use a VPN, turn it off and try Netflix again. If you use browser extensions, open your browser's extension menu (usually a puzzle piece icon in the top right), disable all extensions, and reload Netflix. If it loads, turn extensions back on one at a time until you find which one is causing the problem, then uninstall it.

Some ad blockers and privacy extensions are common culprits. If disabling extensions fixes the problem, add Netflix to that extension's whitelist so it doesn't block Netflix in the future.

Update your browser or app

Older versions of browsers and apps sometimes can't communicate properly with Netflix's servers. Netflix regularly updates its technology, and outdated software gets left behind.

On your computer, check for browser updates: Chrome updates automatically, but Firefox, Safari, and Edge require you to manually check. Open the menu (three lines or dots in the top right), look for "About" or "Settings", and select "Check for updates". On your phone or tablet, open the App Store or Google Play, search for Netflix, and tap "Update" if an update is available.

Restart your device after updating, then try Netflix again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Netflix load on my phone but not my computer?

The problem is your computer's browser or internet connection, not Netflix itself. Try a different browser on your computer — if Netflix loads in Firefox but not Chrome, uninstall and reinstall Chrome. If it doesn't load in any browser, restart your router and clear your browser cache on all browsers.

Netflix loads but the video won't play — what's different?

A loading problem and a playback problem have different causes. If Netflix loads but shows a spinning circle when you press play, your internet speed is probably too slow, or your device doesn't have enough free storage space. Restart your device and try again. If the problem continues, check your internet speed at Speedtest.net.

Does restarting my router delete anything?

No. Restarting your router only clears its temporary memory and reconnects it to your internet provider. Your saved passwords, files, and settings stay exactly where they are. It's completely safe to do.

What if Netflix loads fine but keeps stopping while I watch?

That's a buffering problem, not a loading problem. Move closer to your router, close other apps and browser tabs that use internet, or restart your device. If the problem continues, your internet speed may be too slow for the video quality you're trying to watch — try lowering the quality in Netflix's settings.

Can I use developer tools to fix Netflix loading problems?

Developer tools show you error messages that sometimes explain what's wrong, but they don't fix the problem themselves. Press F12 to open developer tools, click the Console tab, and reload Netflix. If you see error messages, take a screenshot and search for that specific error online. Most Netflix loading problems are solved by the steps above before you need to look at error messages.