Frustrated with the Netflix App on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod? Seeing different errors, problems playing content, incompatibilities, or not able to download the app due to your device’s iOS? If so, you are not alone! Quite a few of our readers experience problems with Netflix–unfortunately. 
Netflix is one of the most popular video streaming service used on the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Computers, and even the PS4. Users with the Netflix account can virtually watch all the movies and TV shows on all these devices.
However, sometimes, Netflix gives different errors, like constantly loading, problems connecting, or even app incompatibility.
There are lots of reasons when folks see this problem, such as your internet connection might not be working correctly, or the Netflix servers might have been down.
Contents
- 1 Problems Playing Any Content?
- 2 How To Fix “There is a problem connecting to Netflix. Please try again later (1011)” and Other Errors
- 2.1 1. Update The Netflix App
- 2.2 2. Check your internet connection
- 2.3 3. Reset the Netflix app on iPad for Errors 1011 and 1012 (and others)
- 2.4 4. Restart your device
- 2.5 If using iOS 11, or higher, use the Shutdown command in Settings (Settings > General > Shutdown) 5. Force Restart
- 2.6 6. Reinstall Netflix
- 2.7 7. Remove Some Devices
- 2.8 8. Check for Restrictions
- 3 Getting Message, “Netflix says my account is already in use when I try to watch.”
- 4 Can’t Download Anything From Netflix?
- 5 Downloads on Too Many Devices error message?
- 6 Netflix Download Expired?
- 7 Netflix App Freezes on Apple TV?
- 8 Can’t Download The Netflix App to an iOS Device? Seeing Message “not compatible with this iPad” or iPhone? or “item no longer available”?
- 9 Reader Tips
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- Netflix Application for iPod Touch not Working – Gray Screen; Fix
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- How to play YouTube videos in background using iOS 10 and above
Problems Playing Any Content?
Check your device’s Date & Time!
If the date and time of your device are different from the actual date and time of your current location, you will likely have problems playing any videos.
Update Your iDevice’s Date & Time
- Tap Settings > General > Date & Time
- Toggle Set Automatically on
- Prefer manual adjustments?
- When the date and time are incorrect, tap either the date or time to adjust them
Force Close the Netflix App
- Double press the Home Button or swipe up the Home Gesture Bar
- Locate the app preview for Netflix
- Swipe up, off the top of the screen, the Netflix app preview
Lastly, relaunch the Netflix app and see if it works normally.
How To Fix “There is a problem connecting to Netflix. Please try again later (1011)” and Other Errors
Apart from these messages, you might have some problem with the Netflix application on your iPad, or the settings might need to be set correctly. Here’s the complete troubleshooting guide for all the iDevice users who have issues with the Netflix app on their iPhones, iPads, or iPod Touches.
1. Update The Netflix App
It’s always a good idea to check if there’s an update. Go to the App Store and tap on the Updates tab. See if Netflix issued an update to the app, and if so, start downloading and installing it. 
Then try relaunching the app!
2. Check your internet connection
If you see a black screen or the screen is always loading, it might be due to the poor internet connection on your iPhone. Please make sure that your internet connection is working correctly. Open Safari to check the internet connection on your iPad.
Try toggling off WiFi and then turn it back on again. Connect to your fastest and most stable network available.
3. Reset the Netflix app on iPad for Errors 1011 and 1012 (and others)
The second problem may be due to specific errors such as Error 1011 & 1012, which will not let you play any videos from Netflix.
Refresh your device’s Netflix information by resetting the Netflix app
- Close and Relaunch the Netflix App
- Go to your Home Screen
- Press the Home button twice or swipe up the Home Gesture Bar
- Locate the Netflix app preview
- Swipe the Netflix app preview up towards the top of your screen to close it
- Go to Settings > Netflix
- Toggle the Reset button on
- Resetting the Netflix app removes any titles you have downloaded through the app
- Go back to your Home Screen
- Open Netflix again and sign in again to the Netflix app
This process resets the account on your device and also clears out the cache and any other associated data in the application.
4. Restart your device
If the methods mentioned above didn’t work for you, restart your iPad using the power button on the side or top of the device. 
If using iOS 11, or higher, use the Shutdown command in Settings (Settings > General > Shutdown) 
5. Force Restart
- On an iPad with no home button, iPhone with no home button, or iPhone 8, or iPhone 8 Plus: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and immediately release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo
- On an iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo
- On an iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad with a home button, or iPod touch: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo
6. Reinstall Netflix
Removing the Netflix app and installing it again via the App Store is a great troubleshooting option for folks with frequent crashing problems! So if Netflix keeps crashing, try deleting and reinstalling the app.
Another option to fix the Netflix application on your iPad or iPhone is offloading (for iOS 11 +) the Netflix application via the Settings App and installing it again on your iPhone.
How To Delete Netflix
- Press and hold the Netflix app until it wiggles
- Tap the “x” in the top-left corner
- Press Delete–this removes the app and all its data
- Then reinstall Netflix via the App Store
- You need to sign in with your Netflix credentials again
How To Offload Netflix (iOS 11 and above)
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone or iPad Storage
- Scroll down and locate Netflix and tap it
- Select Offload App–this deletes the app but keeps its documents and data
- Once offloaded, press Reinstall App
7. Remove Some Devices
If you and your family connect to Netflix using a variety of devices on the same network, try switching networks on some of those devices. Or, if you’re not using some of those devices, simply log some of those other devices out of Netflix.
If your cellular plan supports personal hotspots, create a hotspot from your phone and connect some of your devices to that, then immediately disconnect from it.
8. Check for Restrictions
After trying all the troubleshooting steps, if you still have some problems with the Netflix app on your iPhone or iPad, make sure that you have not enabled the restrictions on your iDevice.
Here’s how you can check all the restrictions on your iPad or iPhone
- For iOS 11 and below
- Go to Settings > General > Restrictions
- Enter the password that you previously entered for the restrictions
- Choose Disable Restrictions
- If you want to have the restrictions but want to disable them for the Netflix, Tap on Websites under allowed content. Select one of the mentioned options on the screen. Now, tap on Add A Website” and add https://secure.netflix.com
- This lets you watch the Netflix videos and movies on your iPad
- Go to Settings > General > Restrictions
- For iOS 12 and above
- Go to Settings > Screen Time
- Tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Enter your Screen Time Password (tap here if you forget or need to reset your Screen Time passcode)
- Toggle off Content & Privacy Restrictions
- If you want to maintain some restrictions, but want to disable them for the Netflix, Tap on Websites under allowed content. Select one of the mentioned options on the screen. Now, tap on Add A Website” and add https://secure.netflix.com
- This lets you watch the Netflix videos and movies on your iPad
Getting Message, “Netflix says my account is already in use when I try to watch.”
If you share your Netflix account with friends or family, they may be using Netflix while you’re trying to watch.
The number of users that can stream at the same time depends on your Netflix plan. Currently, there are three tiers, with the basic option allowing only one screen and the premium option allowing four screens streaming at the same time.
If you see this error frequently, consider upgrading your plan to a higher number of “screens at once” from the Your Account page.
How To Change Netflix Plan
- Open the Netflix App
- Press the More Tab at the bottom (3 lines)
- Tap Account–this opens a webpage with your account details
- Scroll to Plan Details
- Select Change Plan
- Choose what plan you want to update to
- Press Continue
Can’t Download Anything From Netflix?
Netflix finally started allowing content downloading for offline viewing a few years ago. But not all content is downloadable!
So first check that you CAN download it.
Also, if you download a movie or other content, it does not play if Netflix removes the title from its store before you watch it.
What content can you download on Netflix?
Downloadable content always has the download icon next to it (a downward facing arrow.) So if you don’t see that icon, you cannot download it! 
Netflix Download Failed?
- Tap the arrow next to the Download Failed message
- Tap the exclamation point next to your downloaded title to find out more information
No Option to download to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch?
If you don’t see an option to download TV shows or movies that others can download (like most Netflix originals), you probably have an out-of-date version of the Netflix app.
Update Your Netflix app
- Tap the App Store and choose Updates
- Search for Netflix
- Tap Update
- Enter your password if requested
- Once the update completes, launch Netflix again
Downloads on Too Many Devices error message?
This error message indicates that you exceeded the maximum number of devices that can store downloaded titles at the same time.
You may need to change your Netflix plan to store content on more than two devices.
You can use 1, 2, or 4 devices to download titles, depending on your plan. To download to a new device, you must either remove downloaded titles from an existing device or upgrade your streaming plan.
Delete Your Netflix Downloads Once Viewed!
Once you or your family watch downloaded titles, it’s best to delete those titles from the device.
Although Netflix places expirations on all downloads (anywhere from 48 hours to 7 days depending on content,), it’s best to manually delete content after viewing it.
Delete a single downloaded title from your iOS device:
- Tap Downloads
- Select Edit in the upper-right corner of your screen
- Tap the red X icon to remove the title from your device
Delete all downloaded titles from your iOS device:
- Tap the Menu icon
- Scroll down and select App Settings
- Select Delete All Downloads
- On the confirmation screen, choose Delete
- Your iOS deletes all downloaded titles
After removing all the downloaded titles from the device, connect to the internet, and launch the Netflix app. This lets Netflix know that the device is no longer being used to watch that downloaded content.
Now, if desired, you can download those same titles onto a new device.
Netflix Download Expired? 
If a title expired, you need to renew it.
Be aware that some titles may only be renewed a certain number of times–is so, you see a message that the title cannot be watched offline.
How To Renew Expired Netflix Downloads
- Open the Netflix
- Tap the Downloads Tab
- Find the title you want to renew
- Tap the Renew icon (exclamation point)
- Choose Renew (or Renew Download)
- If you are unable to renew, you already hit the download limit for this title (you can still stream it)
Titles that are no longer available on Netflix expire when they leave the service, regardless of when you downloaded them.
Netflix App Freezes on Apple TV?
Okay, not all problems are with iDevices. So if Netflix freezes or is unresponsive when you try to select a profile on your Apple TV, try force closing the app and restarting.
Force close the Netflix app
- Double tap the home button on your remote
- Swipe right or left to locate the Netflix app preview
- Swipe up on the remote to force quit the Netflix app
- Try Netflix again
Can’t Download The Netflix App to an iOS Device? Seeing Message “not compatible with this iPad” or iPhone? or “item no longer available”? 
The current version of the Netflix App requires that your iOS device run iOS 11.0 or above to successfully download the Netflix app.
If you are on an earlier iOS version (5.0 and above), you can download Netflix app only if the app was downloaded in the past onto your iPad.
So first, update your device to the latest iOS it can run–and make sure you backup via iCloud or iTunes before updating your iOS.
To update iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update 
Used The Netflix App In the Past?
If you used the Netflix app previously on your iPad or other iDevice and with the same Apple ID you currently use, you should be able to locate it in your Purchased App section in the App Store (or iTunes Store App.)
This only works for folks previously bought and installed the Netflix app for a different iOS version. Sadly, we cannot figure out a way to get an older iOS Netflix App for someone who never downloaded Netflix before.
Check Purchases in the App Store
- Restart your device by powering off, waiting a few seconds, and powering back on
- Open the App Store
- Tap Purchased tab at the bottom
- Search for Netflix in ‘Search App Store’
- Locate Netflix. You should see an older version such as Netflix 11.19.0 instead of the current 11.23.0
- Tap the cloud icon to download the Netflix app again
- If you see a message asking you “do you want to download the last compatible version?” select Download
- This installs the version that works with your current iOS
Can’t Find the Netflix App in Purchases?
If you can’t find the Netflix App, check your family’s purchase history and also check that the Apple ID you’ve signed in with matches the Apple ID you originally purchased the Netflix app.
You can check your Apple Id on your iPad running an older iOS (iOS 10.3.3). Tap on Settings > iTunes & App Store, and you can check the Apple ID that you are using on your iPad.
If you used a different Apple ID, sign in with that different Apple ID and try again.
Reader Tips
- David discovered that when he drained his iPad’s battery entirely that he was able to get Netflix working again. So if nothing else worked, give David’s tip a try by fully draining your battery. A quick way to drain battery is to turn your screen’s auto-lock to Never and then play videos via YouTube or similar apps
- If you can’t download the latest Netflix App to your older iPad, iPod, or iPhone, try using iTunes version 12.6 or earlier–that supports app management. You can even download an older iTunes Mac App from Apple that has the app purchasing ability (12.6.4.3). When you install this version, you can continue to use iTunes to manage and install apps on your devices–but you CANNOT update iTunes ever again! Just go to your App Store tab within iTunes on your PC or Mac and look for Netflix it in the “Purchased” list
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I have a iPhone 6 with iOS 12.6 and it still won’t let me download Netflix or Hulu. And it says on the app must have iOS 12 or higher
Hi Deliah,
Let’s confirm the iOS version on your iPhone 6–it is likely iOS 12.4.4–that’s the last version of iOS 12 that Apple released.
To check your iPhone 6, go to Settings > General > About > and look at the numbers in Software Version. If it’s anything less than 12.4.4, backup your iPhone with iCloud or iTunes/Finder and then update your iOS. To update go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Once updated, see if you can now install Netflix via the App Store.
If it still isn’t working, look at your previous purchases and try downloading Netflix from there.
Netflix app will not go blue so i cannot press the app button
Hi Sianoneill,
Try deleting and re-installing the Netflix app
Thank you so much! I have an old iPad 2 and thought I’d have to ditch it and buy a new one to watch Netflix. It’s my main entertainment. You saved me a lot of money. Many many thanks!
I have a Netflix account and have been accessing it on my iPad.
After an update to my iPad, a message came up that I now needed to sign in to Netflix again.
When I tried to do so I was told my password was incorrect for this account.
I sent a “recover password” message but have not received a response.
Hi Ellery,
Contact Netflix directly to reset your password.
Visit netflix.com/loginhelp. Select the option to reset your password by Email. Enter your email address and select Email Me. Follow the steps in the password reset email you receive.
Thanks for this, couldn’t get Netflix to load as we scrubbed iPad for g daughter, worked a treat and now we all happy.
Thanks
I was able to fix my Netflix issue but wanted to share as it was so frustrating.
My Netflix app just stopped logging in one day on my IPad.
It kept sticking on a spinning wheel before I could choose a profile.
I uninstalled the app and reinstalled it, I removed the app from my app store history, restarted the iPad, disabled restrictions, reset the network settings, forgot the wireless network I was connected to, restarted the router, tried other networks, reset my iPad to factory defaults, made sure IOS and the app was up to date.
None of this fixed my problem and Netflix support just kept telling me to call my ISP even though it had the same problem on different networks, other devices in my network ran Netflix fine and other apps on my IPad were connecting fine.
To fix the problem I had to run the iPad until it was completely out of battery. Once I charged it again Netflix opened. I hope this helps.
Hi David,
Wow, that’s a long process! And thank you for sharing what ultimately worked. I’m curious why draining the battery did the trick–I’ll need to look into this further to help explain.
If I find anything, I’ll let you know.
Liz
I can`t believe, that there is no way to get a Netflix version for IOS 10.3.3 anymore. I just joined Netflix,so that there wasn`t any chance to had a working version while there were offering it….
It´s a shame!
Also it doesen`t work with Apple TV3. The error decription says: “I might have a problem wit my internet connection.”
Bullshit: All other Apps are working!
Do you have any suggestions for me?
Thanks
Gaby
Hi Gaby,
It may be possible to get the app for iOS 10.3.3 if you know someone who used the Netflix app in the past.
I’m not sure this would work, but if a friend or family member is willing, it’s worth a shot!
Find a friend/family member/co-worker etc. who “purchased” the Netflix app for iOS 10.3.3 or earlier.
Ask them if you can join in a family sharing group (temporarily)
Once invitations are accepted, see if you can locate their previous purchase of Netflix and download it to your device.
Hopefully, this does work for you.
Once you download it to your device and confirm it works, you can leave that family group and the app should remain on your device.
However, you cannot delete it! If you do, you won’t be able to reinstall it since it’s connected to someone else’s Apple ID.
Again, this technique should work but it may not.
If you try this process, let us know your results! I’m very curious.
Liz
It willnt let me login to my account at all on my phone but will let me login into it just fine on my brothers phone
Hi Kristina,
Try deleting the Netflix app and reinstalling the latest version via the App Store.
Also, check what type of plan you have with Netflix–some plans only allow a single user at any one time, so that could be the issue on why Netflix isn’t working.
Netflix is not working on either iPad of mine.
There is no option that says ‘Download older version’ please help.
We use Netflix a lot on iPads and I will have to cancel my subscription if it doesn’t work.
Hi Nicole,
Sorry to hear about your family’s problems using Netflix on your iPads. That’s very frustrating!
As of this year (2019), Netflix requires iOS 11 or above for its most recent app. So before you do anything, check if these iPads can update to iOS 11 or higher.
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and check for an available update.
If an update is available, backup your iPads first via iCloud or iTunes and then update the iOS.
Once your iPad’s iOS updates, go to the App Store > Updates and update Netflix
Then test it out and hopefully, fingers crossed, play content successfully
If your iPad cannot update to iOS 11 and above
Since it sounds like you already had the Netflix app on your devices, you should be able to download an earlier version of Netflix. Make sure you sign into the App Store using the Apple ID you originally downloaded Netflix with–if you don’t know which Apple ID was used, try them all!
Open the App Store App
Locate Purchased and tap it
Type Netflix in Spotlight Search–if you don’t see it, try another Apple ID
Tap the download cloud icon to download Netflix–if Netflix determines that you cannot download the latest update, you see a message asking you to download the last compatible version
If after trying all these steps, you still are unable to download Netflix–contact Netflix Support for additional assistance. Explain to them that you will cancel your subscription if you are unable to get Netflix to work on your current iPads.
Liz
I have the exact same issue as described by Krissia:
Krissia Chua November 1, 2018 at 1:33 PM
I deleted my Netflix app on my iPad to refresh it since it wasn’t working and now that I’m trying g to get the Netflix app back it says that it’s not compatible with my iPad. how am I suppose to watch Netflix now??
Hi Sara,
Since you had the Netflix app previously on your iPad, you should be able to locate it in your Purchased App section in the iTunes Store App.
Open the App Store app
Tap Purchased
Search for Netflix
Tap the cloud icon to download the app again
If you can’t find an item that you want to redownload, check your family’s purchase history and/or check that the Apple ID you’ve signed in with matches the Apple ID you originally purchased the app. If not, sign in with a different Apple ID.
Let us know if this solves the issue and you’re able to download and install Netflix or if the problem persists,
Sam
I deleted my Netflix app on my iPad to refresh it since it wasn’t working and now that I’m trying g to get the Netflix app back it says that it’s not compatible with my iPad. This really sucks if I knew that this could have happened i wouldn’t have followed this troubleshooting advice.. how am I suppose to watch Netflix now??
Which iPad model and iOS version do you have KC? We didn’t know that the Netflix app is not backward compatible with older iPads.
This happened to me as well! I have an iPad 3 and have been using it for Netflix and Hulu.all of a sudden the message with both reads not compatable with this iPad. I deleted the app and reinstaled, no luck! Please help
Thank you
If you had the Netflix app previously on your iPad, you should be able to locate it in your Purchased App section in the App Store (or iTunes Store App.)
Open the App Store
Tap Purchased
Search for Netflix
Tap the cloud icon to download the app again
If you can’t find an item that you want to redownload, check your family’s purchase history and/or check that the Apple ID you’ve signed in with matches the Apple ID you originally purchased the app. If not, sign in with a different Apple ID.
Let us know if this solves the issue and you’re able to download and install Netflix or if the problem persists,
Thank you so much!!!!! i Did this
Reset the Netflix app on iPad:
The second problem may be due to specific errors such as Error 1011 & 1012 which will not let you play any videos from Netflix. The easiest way to solve this issue is to go to the settings on your iPhone. Scroll down to the bottom and Tap on “Netflix”.
On the next screen, Toggle the Reset button. Go back to the main screen and sign in again to the Netflix app on your iPad. This will not only reset the account on your device but will also reset all the cache and other associated data in the application.
and it works perfectly!!! Thank you guys really…..
I’ve tried all suggested solurions without success. Problems began overseas in Madeira when Netflix froze. Reloaded it but lost all downloaded programs. Since then in 8 weeks have only managed to download and watch one program. Don’t see much point in continuing Netflix subscription.£ 12 for one program is a waste of money. No problem with internet connection for all terrestrial channel downloads.
I used to be able to use hrome and netflix on my older ipad2 and now that I wiped it out and upgraded the OS, it would seem that I can no longer get the old apps that actually work. Noce going on a force of upgrade!
This is BS amd Apple should be fined. Unscupulous
After installing iOS 11 in my iPhone and iPad pro I can no longer watch movies from Netflix in my TV (only in the devices) I can watch Amazon movies but not Netflix.
Evelyn,
Are you unable to AirPlay to an Apple TV? I’m not clear.
SK
I have first iOS 11 latest on iPad Pro. Netflix shows work perfectly. Others will play only on iPad but show black screen on tv with Sound. I connect through apple connector through hdmi
Hi Shubhendu,
Try adjusting the output resolution settings on the connected television to 1080i or 1080p. A black screen on your TV when trying to play a movie or TV show from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch typically indicates a problem with the connection between the devices.
If that doesn’t make a difference, force quit the Netflix app by double pressing home and swiping up on Netflix’s app preview. Return to home and relaunch Netflix.
Finally, make sure you plug and turn things on in the correct order. First, plug the cable and adapter into your iPad, then turn on your iPad, then plug into the TV, and lastly turn on the tv. Go through the different resolution settings on the ya if you don’t see an image.
Hope these help,
Liz
I have first iOS 11 not 2 latest on iPad Pro. Some Netflix shows work perfectly. Others will play only on iPad but show black screen on tv with Sound. Using Apple TV 4.
Stopped working on my ipad air 2. Says there’s something wrong with either my email address or password. So not true. Works great on my laptop, so what gives? Anyone have a fix? Thanks.
Ive had the same problem…tried deleting and reinstalling the app…also hard reset on the ipad.
so frustrating, because i can log into the browser version of Netflix.
Its only the app on the ipad. Did you get a resolve?
I’m experiencing the same issue on my iphone. Have either of you found a solution?
same problem can log into net flix on laptop and i phone 8 plus but not to y ipad not worked for a few days
Chris/Dave, Which iOS are you using on your iPad? Are you on the latest or iOS 10?
i have the same problem on my iphone 8+ and it ‘s the same with hulu.
Never had a problem with netflix over the last year on apple tv. Tonight it needed me to login ( though I had not logged out last night). After doing that it took me to a page where I was to agree to terms and conditions but it would not let me click “agree.” Did reset of apple tv. Twice. Turned off and unplugged modem and apple tv. Still cannot click on “agree.” Now what?
That’s IT? Got anything else? A couple of things are everyone tries before researching the problem. Connection, sign out/in, restart, reinstall. What else?