Imagine this: You’re all set for a Netflix marathon on your big-screen TV, but the app won’t cooperate. You quickly grab your phone, and there it is—Netflix works flawlessly.
Now you’re faced with the perplexing issue of “Netflix not working on TV but works on the phone,” leaving you stuck with a TV not living up to its streaming potential.
This dilemma is more common than you’d think, leaving viewers needing clarification about how to resolve the issue.
This article aims to tackle the problem of “Netflix not working on TV but works on the phone” by offering a variety of methods to get you back to enjoying your favorite shows on your TV, with no phone streaming required.
Why Netflix Might Not Work on Your TV
Software Glitches
Sometimes, the Netflix app on your TV might encounter bugs or glitches that prevent it from functioning correctly.
Network Issues
Your TV might have trouble connecting to your home network, even if other devices like your phone are connected without issues.
Outdated App or Firmware
An outdated Netflix app or TV firmware can also cause compatibility issues.
Understanding why Netflix isn’t working on your TV but is working on your phone is the first step in resolving the problem.

Pre-requisites Before Starting the Process
List of Items Needed
Before diving into the troubleshooting process, gathering all the necessary items is crucial to ensure a smooth experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A working internet connection
- Access to your WiFi router
- Your phone with a working Netflix app
Software Requirements
Make sure you have:
- The latest version of the Netflix app on your TV
- The latest firmware update for your TV
All these items and software will set the stage for a hassle-free troubleshooting process.
How To Fix Netflix Not Working On TV
Method 1: Restart Your TV and Router
- Turn off your TV and unplug it from the power source.
- Do the same for your WiFi router.
- Wait a few minutes before plugging them back in and turning them on.
Why This Works
Restarting your devices can clear any temporary glitches or bugs causing the issue.

Method 2: Check Network Settings on TV
- Go to the settings menu on your TV.
- Navigate to the network settings.
- Check if your TV is connected to the correct network.
Why This Works
Sometimes, your TV might connect to a different network, causing Netflix not to work.

Method 3: Update the Netflix App and TV Firmware
- Go to the app store on your TV.
- Search for Netflix and see if an update is available.
- Similarly, go to your TV settings to check for a firmware update.
Why This Works
Updating your app and firmware can resolve any compatibility issues.
Method 4: Reinstall Netflix App
- Uninstall the Netflix app from your TV.
- Restart your TV.
- Reinstall Netflix from the app store.

Why This Works
Reinstalling the app can fix any corrupted files causing the issue.
Method 5: Use Your Phone as a Hotspot
- Turn on the hotspot feature on your phone.
- Connect your TV to the hotspot.
- Try running Netflix.
Why This Works
If Netflix works while connected to your phone’s hotspot, the issue might be with your home network.
Method 6: Check Date and Time Settings
- Navigate to the settings menu on your TV.
- Locate the date and time settings.
- Ensure that they are set correctly according to your time zone.
Why This Works
Incorrect date and time settings can cause issues with app functionality, including Netflix. Some apps require the correct date and time to authenticate your device.
Method 7: Clear Cache and Data
- Go to the settings menu on your TV.
- Navigate to the apps section and find Netflix.
- Select the option to clear cache and data.
Why This Works
Over time, app data and cache can accumulate and cause performance issues. Clearing them can often resolve these issues.
Method 8: Test Internet Connection
- Navigate to the settings menu on your TV.
- Go to the network settings.
- Select the option to test the internet connection.
Why This Works
This will help you determine if the issue is with your internet connection. You may need to contact your internet service provider if the test fails.
Method 9: Disable VPN or Proxy
- If you are using a VPN or proxy on your TV, disable it.
- Restart your TV.
- Try rerunning Netflix.
Why This Works
Netflix has measures in place to detect and block VPN and proxy usage. Disabling them can often resolve connectivity issues.
Method 10: Check for Larger Service Outages
- Use your phone or computer to check social media or outage-tracking websites.
- Look for reports of a larger Netflix outage affecting multiple users.
Why This Works
Sometimes, the issue is not with your device but with Netflix’s servers. In such cases, you can only wait for the service to be restored.
Method 11: Contact Netflix Support
- Use your phone to contact Netflix customer support.
- Describe the issue you are facing in detail.
- Follow any troubleshooting steps they provide.
Why This Works
If all else fails, contacting Netflix support can provide you with personalized assistance to resolve the issue.
Method 12: Check HDMI and Other Physical Connections
- Turn off your TV and unplug it from the power source.
- Inspect all HDMI cables and ports.
- Ensure the HDMI cable connecting your TV to the streaming device is securely plugged in.
- Turn your TV back on and try rerunning Netflix.
Why This Works
Loose or damaged HDMI cables can cause issues with the display and functionality of apps, including Netflix. Ensuring that all physical connections are secure can often resolve these issues.
Method 13: Factory Reset Your TV
- Navigate to the settings menu on your TV.
- Locate the option for a factory reset. This is often found under ‘System’ or ‘Advanced Settings.’
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset.
Note: Performing a factory reset will erase all your personalized settings and downloaded apps. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.
Why This Works
A factory reset will restore your TV to its original settings, effectively removing any software glitches or settings that may be causing Netflix not to work.
Thought-Provoking Questions and Insights
The Last Resort of Factory Reset: Factory resetting your TV is a drastic measure that can solve many issues but comes at the cost of losing all your personalized settings. How comfortable are you with taking this step, and do you consider it a last resort?
Physical Connections Overlooked: In our increasingly digital world, it’s easy to forget that sometimes the problem might be physical. How often do you overlook checking physical connections like HDMI cables when troubleshooting issues with apps like Netflix?
The Balance Between Convenience and Privacy: Methods like disabling VPNs or proxies can solve connectivity issues but might expose you to online risks. Do you think sacrificing privacy for functionality is a fair trade-off?
Role of Customer Support: Customer support can offer personalized solutions, but some prefer this route. How often do you consider contacting customer support when facing such issues, and do you find it effective?
Impact of Service Outages: Sometimes, the issue is out of your hands, like during a larger Netflix service outage. How do you usually react in such situations? Do you wait it out or switch to another form of entertainment?
The Utility of VPNs and Proxies: While VPNs and proxies can bypass geo-restrictions and maintain anonymity, they can also complicate matters. Do you think the benefits outweigh the potential issues?
Conclusion
This all-encompassing guide delves into 13 distinct methods to tackle the perplexing issue of “Netflix not working on TV but works on the phone.”
Restarting your TV and router is a basic yet effective troubleshooting step. Secondly, checking your network settings ensures your TV is connected to the correct WiFi network. Thirdly, updating the Netflix app and TV firmware can resolve compatibility issues, making it a crucial step.
Fourthly, reinstalling the Netflix app can eliminate corrupted files that may be causing the problem. Fifthly, using your phone as a hotspot can help determine if the issue is with your home network.
Further down the list, we explore more advanced methods like checking date and time settings, clearing cache and data, testing the internet connection, and disabling VPNs or proxies. For more drastic measures, the guide also covers checking HDMI connections and performing a factory reset on your TV.
Each method is elaborated with step-by-step instructions, aiming to provide a comprehensive toolkit to get Netflix running smoothly on your TV again. Whether the issue is as simple as a loose HDMI cable or as complex as a larger service outage, this guide equips you with the knowledge to tackle it head-on.