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.
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Why isn’t Netflix compatible with my iPad?
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?
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 As this continues, they can’t also keep maintaining older versions of the apps for outdated software.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.”
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?
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.”
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.
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?
- 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.
- Open the Settings app and go to General > Software Update.
- Wait for your iPad to check for new updates, download and install any that are available.
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
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.
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.
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 is a freelance writer based in South West England.
He spent two years supervising repairs as a Genius Admin for Apple Retail and uses that knowledge to keep our troubleshooting guides up to date.
Long before that, Dan turned to Apple products from a musical background. Having owned iPods for years, he bought a MacBook to learn sound recording and production. It was using those skills that he gained a first-class Bachelor of Science in Sound Technology.
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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!,
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!
How do I upgrade my iPad from ios 9 to iOS 10?
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!
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!
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.
My iPad is not compatible with the Netflix app, pls let me know how I could fix it.
Thanks for your assistance much appreciated
Worked for both Netflix and YouTube! Downloaded from Purchased! Thanks!!
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.
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?
Hi Karen,
It all depends on when you actually purchased the Netflix app originally AND if the App Store maintains this older version.
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)
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
Thanks, worked!
My iPad isn’t letting me update …. To get Netflix
Plz llmk what to do.
THANK YOU!!!!
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!
Thanks a lot for your help, it really saved me!
Thank you Dan, very helpful
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.
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
This worked like a charm for me. Stoked!!! thank you so much.
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.
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.
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
I have Netflix on my iPhone. On my iPad 2 I went to purchased app and downloaded Netflix. Thank you
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!
Thanks for that. Solved our old Ipad problem. 🙂
you my friend are a genius. thank you!