• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

AppleToolBox

Tools and Fixes for Mac, iPad, iPhone & iPod

Search posts

  • About
  • Contact

CONNECT WITH US

CATEGORIES

  • All
  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • Mac/MacBook
  • Apple Watch
  • How-To’s
  • Reviews

SITE

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Advertise

Search posts

You are here: Home / iPad / What to do if Netflix is not compatible with your iPad
What to do if Netflix is not compatible with your iPad

What to do if Netflix is not compatible with your iPad

By Dan Helyer 41 comments Last updated August 25, 2019

Netflix changed the world. Subscription-streaming services dominate the TV landscape nowadays — even Apple is planning to get involved — and it’s all thanks to Netflix. But as the world screams into the future, some of our devices are left behind in the dust.

Users with older devices — like the iPad 2 or the original iPad mini — are well acquainted with this feeling. Not only are they unable to run the latest software updates, but they can’t download Netflix from the App Store because it’s “not compatible” with their iPad.

It’s hard to keep up-to-date on the latest shows without Netflix. So in this post we’ve explained how you can still download Netflix to your iPad, even if it says it’s not compatible.

Contents

    • 0.1 Related:
  • 1 Why isn’t Netflix compatible with my iPad?
    • 1.1 Where does Netflix come in?
  • 2 What software is Netflix still compatible with?
    • 2.1 What software is running on my iPad?
  • 3 How do I download older versions of the Netflix app?
    • 3.1 1. Update to a Netflix-compatible software on your iPad
    • 3.2 2. Download Netflix from a device running compatible software
    • 3.3 3. Download Netflix using an older version of iTunes
    • 3.4 Related Posts:

Related:

  • Is your iPad compatible with iPadOS? Here’s what you should know
  • How to find your purchased iPhone apps on your iPad
  • Netflix app not working on iPad or iPhone — let’s fix it!
  • Netflix error 139 on your Apple device? How-to fix

Why isn’t Netflix compatible with my iPad?

A12X Bionic processing chip
The processing power of iPads keeps getting better and better.

Your iPad is limited by the processing chip inside it. The iPad 2 launched with a 32-bit A5 chip, but this year’s iPad Pro features a 64-bit A12X Bionic chip. According to Geekbench, that’s 15 to 30 times as powerful as what was in the iPad 2!

As Apple’s technology improves, they develop new software to take advantage of it. This is great for new device owners, but it eventually means older devices can’t keep up with the new software releases.

Despite Apple planning to release iPadOS and iOS 13 later this year, the iPad 2 is still limited to iOS 9. It simply lacks the power to run software more recent than that. 

Where does Netflix come in?

List of update notes from the App Store
Every app needs updates to keep it working smoothly.

App developers need to keep updating their apps to work on the latest software releases. As this continues, they can’t also keep maintaining older versions of the apps for outdated software.

Over time, these older versions develop more and more problems, which don’t get fixed. Eventually, app developers remove them from circulation altogether. When this happens, the app becomes unavailable for users with older devices.

That has almost, but not quite, happened with the Netflix app.

What software is Netflix still compatible with?

The latest Netflix app currently supports iOS 11 or later. If your device is running older software than that, you can’t download the latest version of Netflix from the App Store. 

However, so long as your device is running at least iOS 5, you might still be able to download an older version of Netflix that is compatible with the software your iPad

What software is running on my iPad?

It’s useful to know what software you’re currently running so you can find out if Netflix should be available to you or not. You can do this from the Settings app on your iPad.

Open the Settings app and scroll down to find the General section. In the next menu, tap About to see information about your device. Find your current software listed on this page next to “Version” or “Software Version.”

iPad mini About page from the Settings
Find out what version software you’re running from the About page.

The latest version of Netflix is compatible with iOS 11 or later. Previous versions of Netflix are still available for iOS 5 or later.

How do I download older versions of the Netflix app?

Netflix square 'N' logo
Netflix only makes older versions of its app available to previous users.

Although older versions of the Netflix app are still available, when you try to download them from the App Store you might get a message saying, “Netflix is not compatible with this iPad.”

That’s because Netflix only makes previous versions of their app available to users who already downloaded it in the past. 

If you did download Netflix before, try to find it from the Purchased page in the App Store app. That’s the only place you can get older versions of it. Click here if Netflix is missing from your Purchased page.

When you tap the cloud icon from your Purchased page to re-download Netflix, you should see an alert offering the last compatible version of that app. Tap Download, et voila! You get an old version of Netflix working on your iPad.

Netflix app in App Store Purchased page
You must re-download Netflix from the Purchased page in the App Store.

Don’t worry if you never downloaded Netflix before, there are still a few things you can try.

1. Update to a Netflix-compatible software on your iPad

Almost every device released after 2012 is compatible with iOS 11 or later. If you haven’t already, try updating your iPad to iOS 11 or later. The easiest way to get Netflix on your iPad, if it’s possible, is to update it and download Netflix from the App Store.

How do I update the software on my iPad?

  1. Use Wi-Fi to connect your iPad to the Internet. Check it’s connected by loading a new web page in Safari or streaming a video on YouTube.
  2. Open the Settings app and go to General > Software Update.
  3. Wait for your iPad to check for new updates, download and install any that are available.

    iPad checking for software updates
    If you can update your iPad to iOS 11 or later, you can download the latest version of Netflix.

2. Download Netflix from a device running compatible software

Netflix downloading on an iPhone XS
Try downloading Netflix from a compatible device to make it available on your iPad.

Lots of us have multiple Apple devices: an iPad, an iPhone, and maybe even an iPod touch. If you have access to other devices running iOS 11 or later, download Netflix from that device to make it appear in the Purchased page on your older iPad.

Whatever device you use, it must be signed in to your Apple ID account when you download Netflix. Otherwise Netflix won’t appear in the Purchased list on your iPad.

Check the account you’re signed in to on each device by going to Settings > App Store. Temporarily change accounts on the newer Apple device if necessary.

3. Download Netflix using an older version of iTunes

iTunes has seen a lot of changes, and now it’s on the way out entirely. But previous versions of iTunes (12.6.5 or earlier) had the ability to download iOS apps. You can use this to download Netflix in iTunes and make it appear in the Purchased page on your iPad.

If you already have iTunes on your computer, check what version you have: 

  • On a Mac: Open iTunes and go to iTunes > About iTunes from the menu bar. 
  • On a PC: Open iTunes and go to Help > About iTunes from the menu bar.

    About iTunes window
    Find out what version of iTunes you have from the About window.

If you’ve got iTunes 12.6.5 or earlier, click here to download Netflix with it, making it available on your incompatible iPad. Otherwise, follow the steps below to install an earlier version of iTunes. 

Unfortunately, you can’t install an earlier version of iTunes if your Mac is running macOS Mojave or later. In which case, you need to stick to the other solutions we’ve suggested.

How do I install iTunes 12.6.5 or earlier on my computer?

If you already have iTunes on your computer, follow this link to create a backup of your iTunes Media library. This protects your iTunes content from being overwritten by a second version of iTunes.

You can download iTunes 12.6.5 from this page on Apple’s website. Alternatively, click here to download other versions of iTunes.

You should be able to run it alongside existing versions of iTunes on your computer. But if you can’t, follow this link to uninstall iTunes altogether. It’s not possible to do this if your Mac is running macOS Mojave or later.

How do I download Netflix using iTunes 12.6.5?

Open iTunes and select Apps from the drop-down menu. Click the App Store button and search for Netflix. Make sure you’re signed in to the same Apple ID account you use on your iPad, then download the Netflix app to your computer.

App Store in iTunes 12.6.4
iTunes 12.6.5 has a built-in version of the App Store.

After iTunes downloads Netflix, you should be able to find it from the App Store Purchased page on your iPad.

We hope this guide helped you to get Netflix working on your iPad, despite originally saying it wasn’t compatible. Let us know in the comments what worked for you, and enjoy the vast world of Netflix shows that awaits on your iPad!

Dan Helyer( Senior Writer )

Dan writes tutorials and troubleshooting guides to help people make the most of their technology. Before becoming a writer, he earned a BSc in Sound Technology, supervised repairs at an Apple Store, and even taught English in China.

Related Posts:

  • Netflix App not working on iPad or iPhone – Let's Fix It!
    Netflix App not working on iPad or iPhone – Let's Fix It!
  • iOS 13 or iPadOS problems and how to fix them - Troubleshooting Guide
    iOS 13 or iPadOS problems and how to fix them -…
  • How to fix Apple Music not working on iPhone / iPad
    How to fix Apple Music not working on iPhone / iPad
  • Taking Photo But iPhone Says Storage is Full?
    Taking Photo But iPhone Says Storage is Full?
  • How do you cancel Disney+ on Roku, Apple TV, and Android? It's easy!
    How do you cancel Disney+ on Roku, Apple TV, and…
  • How to subscribe and use Apple News+
    How to subscribe and use Apple News+
  • External hard drive not working with iPad or iPhone using iPadOS or iOS 13?
    External hard drive not working with iPad or iPhone…
  • iMessage Not Working iOS 12? Fix Message App Problems
    iMessage Not Working iOS 12? Fix Message App Problems
  • Common iOS 11 Problems, How-To Fix
    Common iOS 11 Problems, How-To Fix

Reader Interactions

Write a Comment Cancel reply

Show 41 Comments

  1. DaveB says

    February 21, 2021 at 2:42 PM

    You might be able to use another iCloud account to install the legacy Netflix app on an older iPad.

    My wife did not have the Netflix app. listed under purchased apps in the App Store. But I was able to log off from my wife’s iCloud account on the iPad we are re-purposing, and then log into iCloud using my Apple ID. Then I visited the App Store, found my previous purchases and installed the earlier version of Netflix. Then I simply logged off and re-logged on under my wife’s iCloud account. And there’s Netflix on the old iPad.

    Faster and easier than installing an old version of iTunes.

    Reply
  2. Kel says

    February 20, 2021 at 7:41 PM

    Sweet. I had to use the old version of iTunes method but it worked perfectly. Thanks.

    Reply
  3. Paddy Smuts says

    February 4, 2021 at 3:52 AM

    thank you so much you solved my problem, saved me going and buying a new ipad!

    Reply
  4. Vaishnavi says

    January 10, 2021 at 9:59 AM

    OMG I POBE THIS SITE I have a old iPad where I could not download Netflix and this site really helped me with it and now I can watch Netflix on my iPad.
    THANK YOU SO MUCH

    Reply
  5. Iain C says

    January 8, 2021 at 2:11 AM

    Bl**dy brilliant, this worked a treat, I now have Netflix on an inherited ipad mini 2

    Reply
  6. Cheryl says

    January 4, 2021 at 3:12 PM

    Thank you. I have iPad mini 1. Went into purchased apps (after failing to download it normally) and hey presto- it offered to download the compatible version. Thanks for the step by step guide. I have OS version 9.something!

    Reply
  7. David says

    January 1, 2021 at 8:57 AM

    Fantastic work, THANK YOU !

    Reply
  8. den says

    December 15, 2020 at 6:14 AM

    (3. Download Netflix using an older version of iTunes)

    It works, now I can use netflix on my ipad mini. Thanks a lot! =)

    Reply
  9. Maria says

    December 7, 2020 at 8:00 AM

    Hi, my Ipad version is 9.3.5 I followed the instructions and it didn’t worked the first time, but now another message appeared asking me if i wanted a Netflix version compatible and so I did. And it worked, so go to your purchase and download it again, until this new message appears.

    Reply
  10. Richard Hurn says

    October 29, 2020 at 10:02 PM

    followed the steps using itunes to find netflix and used auto download of apps on ipad mini 2 I can confirm this works no password errors and netflix is now on an old ios 12. kudos to the author

    Reply
  11. Ashley Dean says

    October 16, 2020 at 7:45 AM

    Hi,

    Thanks for the info it worked a treat until it came time to sign in, it keeps saying my password is incorrect!
    I have recovered and changed my password but it keeps saying it whenever I try to login to the app, is anyone able to Offaly advice on what to do?.
    Please I’m desperate!,

    Reply
    • David Davies says

      November 1, 2020 at 1:59 PM

      Same problem – can’t log into the app. Help!?!?

      Reply
      • TMD Dev. says

        December 10, 2020 at 8:56 AM

        Try hard resetting your iPad, just hold down both buttons until the iPad reboots. Once rebooted, try logging into Netflix again

        Reply
  12. Justin Yee says

    October 13, 2020 at 10:33 PM

    Thanks so much for the help! Very silly of Apple not to allow users to download the last compatible of Netflix right of the bat, and make users go through all of this trouble. It now works perfectly!

    Reply
  13. Maureen Egbuna says

    September 30, 2020 at 12:00 PM

    How do I upgrade my iPad from ios 9 to iOS 10?

    Reply
  14. Vanessa says

    September 30, 2020 at 10:00 AM

    I have the original iPad mini. I was hoping to use it while on my stationary bike inside our apartment. I was able to redownload the Netflix app from the Puchased section but when going to sign in it says: “Incorrect password. Sorry, that password is incorrect for the account with the email address xxx.” I have tried “recovering” my password and using the new password after being reset and it still doesn’t work. Could it be that since it is an old iPad with iOS 9.3.5 it just won’t work? Please help!

    Reply
  15. JM says

    August 29, 2020 at 9:35 PM

    Thankyou sooo much!

    We have an old Ipad 2 that my young daughter used for Netflix and ABC kids apps, she was devastated when they updated and stopped working, but now with this trick we have the apps back and she is one happy girl!

    Reply
  16. PHILIP BRUCE STARK says

    August 6, 2020 at 1:03 PM

    Thanks…this worked for me. I completely un-installed my iTunes Windows 10 program and then installed version 12.6.2.5.

    Using iTunes for Windows Apple then gave me the option to install the most up to date version for my OS (9.3.5) via the USB interface. Was then able to install such as Google Photos, Netflix, Facebook, Weather, YouTube, apps. They all seem to be fine.

    I have iPad 2 Model A1395, 32 GB, circa 2011.

    Reply
  17. Michelle says

    July 28, 2020 at 11:56 AM

    My iPad is not compatible with the Netflix app, pls let me know how I could fix it.
    Thanks for your assistance much appreciated

    Reply
  18. Randi says

    July 26, 2020 at 3:11 PM

    Worked for both Netflix and YouTube! Downloaded from Purchased! Thanks!!

    Reply
  19. Rob G says

    June 7, 2020 at 4:07 PM

    I have an iPad 2. I thought I’d be able to use an older version of iTunes. But when I downloaded and installed the version of iTunes mentioned here and open the app store, no apps load up, only the headings and nothing else.

    Reply
  20. karen says

    May 20, 2020 at 12:15 AM

    I tried the steps and can see Netflix under Purchased but it still says not compatible.

    Is it because the app store deleted the older version of it on their servers? Is there still a way if the app store deleted it?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      May 20, 2020 at 7:14 AM

      Hi Karen,

      It all depends on when you actually purchased the Netflix app originally AND if the App Store maintains this older version.

      Reply
      • alex says

        July 26, 2020 at 11:29 AM

        Hi! it doesn’t work.
        Downloaded netflix and hbo using itunes. On ipad 2 the apps appear but says they are not compatible and asks if i want to download the last compatible version. it installs the app but:
        – netflix : cannot login. it says user or password incorrect (they are correct)
        – hbo: network error (wifi is connected and working fine)

        Reply
  21. Sachin Warwantkar says

    May 9, 2020 at 8:41 PM

    Forbidden Apple! Now Apple I-Pad is good for nothing execpt just playing games! I am not able to install any meaningful app (I.e. Google Meet, Netflix, Tweeter or any other important app for that matter) from the App store. Everytime a notification pops up that ‘this I-pad is not compatible with this app’. Why Apple is not sending latest updates?
    Now don’t tell my I-Pad hardware is of old version for the new updates. It will amount to indirectly forceing custmors to throw out their present working I Pad and buy new one

    Reply
  22. Karen says

    March 28, 2020 at 8:23 PM

    Thanks, worked!

    Reply
  23. Ann says

    March 23, 2020 at 3:27 PM

    My iPad isn’t letting me update …. To get Netflix

    Plz llmk what to do.

    Reply
  24. Jen says

    March 19, 2020 at 10:58 AM

    THANK YOU!!!!

    Reply
  25. MeahganR says

    February 26, 2020 at 6:51 AM

    Thank you so much, I was able to download via the purchased section… sneaky apple.

    I’d given up on downloading Netflix to an old iPad mini that was given to my daughter because it was outdated.

    Now she can watch her favorite shows without having to share my phone!

    Reply
  26. Imanizabayo Samuel says

    February 15, 2020 at 9:50 AM

    Thanks a lot for your help, it really saved me!

    Reply
  27. Mark says

    February 10, 2020 at 2:18 AM

    Thank you Dan, very helpful

    Reply
  28. john says

    January 24, 2020 at 4:36 AM

    I’m running into the same problem. This is my first Apple device. I bought an older device to save a few bucks, having no idea about this compatibility problem. I have never had this type of problem with Android. Makes me realize and remember this is a reason I wanted to stay away from Apple stuff.

    Reply
  29. nicki says

    January 23, 2020 at 6:03 AM

    hi I have done all of what you suggest but as soon as I touch the Netflix icon it appears to be loading and then just flips off. No message …nothing I have an old ipad and one evening Netflix no longer worked

    Reply
  30. Mikaela says

    December 4, 2019 at 5:49 PM

    This worked like a charm for me. Stoked!!! thank you so much.

    Reply
  31. Melissa says

    November 16, 2019 at 11:47 AM

    I went to the “Purchased” section on the iPad.

    Netflix shows as previously purchased but it is still showing incompatible with this iPad and I am unable to download a previous version.

    iOS is as up to date as the model of iPad will let me which is 9.3.5

    I guess I am SOL and forced to purchase a new device which is complete BS.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth Jones says

      November 17, 2019 at 9:52 AM

      Hi Melissa,

      Not necessarily. If you know anyone who downloaded and installed the Netflix app on their device back in the time when iOS 9.3.5 was used, you can temporarily connect to their App Store (using their Apple ID) and then download the app onto your device.

      You won’t ever be able to delete or update it (unless you want to remove it), but it should work.

      Reply
  32. Jolene says

    November 11, 2019 at 8:12 PM

    I was able to download Netflix by using these steps on my iPad 4th gen but it won’t connect. It gives a network error. There is a problem connecting to Netflix.

    I’ve tried restarting, uninstall and reinstalling, switching networks, waiting, and none of those get past the error. Any insights you can provide are greatly appreciated.

    Thank you

    Reply
  33. Stephie says

    October 26, 2019 at 10:41 PM

    I have Netflix on my iPhone. On my iPad 2 I went to purchased app and downloaded Netflix. Thank you

    Reply
  34. Simone says

    October 17, 2019 at 1:59 PM

    Thank oh so much for this! Managed to get it to download via the iTunes app on my MacBook, and dollar it onto iPad via purchased apps. Life saver before my long haul flight!

    Reply
  35. Cliff Baker says

    October 16, 2019 at 11:05 AM

    Thanks for that. Solved our old Ipad problem. 🙂

    Reply
  36. daniel boner says

    September 12, 2019 at 7:18 AM

    you my friend are a genius. thank you!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • 10 Ways to Fix Bluetooth Not Working on Your iPhone or iPad
  • The Best Apps For Trading Stocks On iPhone
  • 5G Not Working on iPhone 12? How-to Fix
  • How to Stop Siri From Talking on Apple Watch
  • HP Printer Driver Certificate Issue! “Driver will Damage your Computer”
  • How To Invest In Bitcoin On iPhone

Connect with us

Related Posts

  • Download incompatible apps on an older iPhone, iPad,…
  • macOS App Store Updates Not Showing? Ghost Updates?
  • Who's Afraid of Losing Data? Comprehensive Guide to…
  • What's the Difference Between the HomePod and the…
  • AirPods Pro---The Complete Guide
  • Cant Play Videos after iOS 10.2 Update, How-To

Footer

ABOUT

  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use

DEVICES

  • iPhone
  • Mac & MacBook
  • Apple Watch
  • iPad
  • AirPods
  • Apple TV
  • iPod Touch

GUIDES

  • iOS 13 & iPadOS
  • Apple ID
  • iCloud
  • App Store
  • iTunes
  • FaceTime
  • iMessage
  • Siri
  • Books and iBooks
  • Game Center
  • AirPlay

CONNECT

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • FeedBurner
  • YouTube

© Copyright 2010-2021 AppleToolBox · All Rights Reserved

This site and its content are in no way affiliated or endorsed by Apple, Inc. · Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited