11 Fixes for “Sorry, We Could Not Reach the Netflix Service” Error

There’s no doubt that Netflix is one of the best streaming platforms. However, the website and app often have issues that may prevent you from watching Netflix. You might encounter error codes when playing your favorite shows or movies. While there are many different error codes and messages, one of the most popular ones is the ‘Sorry, we could not reach the Netflix Service’ error.

The error and ‘Sorry, something went wrong’ messages on Netflix can be frustrating when you want to watch something. However, there are ways to identify and fix the error. Let’s explore what you can do when Netflix encounters an error. First, let’s review the list of error codes.

List of Netflix Error Codes

Netflix error codes can help identify and resolve issues. Here are common codes:

– Netflix Error Code 90

– Netflix Error Code 10008

– Netflix Error Code 427

– Netflix Error -1009

– Netflix Error Code 1157

– Netflix Error Code 2-0

– Netflix Error Code UI-800-3

– Netflix Error 30103

– Netflix Error Code NW-2-5

– Netflix Code HTP-998

– Error 100

The list of error codes provided is not exhaustive. However, regardless of the error you encounter, try the solutions mentioned below to resolve the issue and resume enjoying your favorite show while relaxing on your couch.

How to Fix Netflix Service Error

If you see the message ‘Sorry, we could not reach the Netflix service,’ the network connection may be the issue. Begin by checking your internet connection, then proceed with other troubleshooting steps.

1. Check Your Network Connection

Several error codes on Netflix occur due to non-functional or iffy network connections. The first step is to ensure your internet connection is stable. You can check your internet speed by using Fast, Netflix’s internet testing service.

If your download speeds surpass 50Mbps, Netflix should work seamlessly. However, slower speeds or high latency may trigger the “Netflix has encountered an error” message. It is recommended to utilize a stable Wi-Fi connection for streaming Netflix. If you are currently connected to a metered connection, such as a mobile hotspot, we suggest connecting to a reliable Wi-Fi network and attempting playback again.

2. Check if Netflix Servers Are Down

Sometimes, your network may be fine, but Netflix’s servers might have issues. Head over to Netflix Server status check website using the link below to find out. If the servers are down, there’s nothing you can do to fix the issue. You must wait for Netflix to fix it. However, if everything is good on Netflix’s end, move on to the next fix.

3. Restart the Netflix App

Restarting is often the first fix for app-related issues on mobile and tablet devices. Restarting an application provides a fresh start and can help resolve repetitive issues or errors.

If you encounter the title not available error on the Netflix app, we recommend closing the app and ending it from the recent apps section on your phone. Wait for a while and then reopen Netflix. The same steps can be followed on a TV by turning it off and back on before relaunching Netflix.

On a laptop or PC, simply close your web browser and reopen the Netflix tab. If restarting the app doesn’t resolve the problem, try restarting the device you’re using to access Netflix, such as your phone, computer, or TV.

4. Try Using a Different Profile

Sometimes, a show or movie may fail to load on one user profile. To switch between different user profiles on Netflix, tap on your user profile icon in the top-right corner of the Netflix app or site and select a different user profile. Then, try playing the same content to see if it made a difference.

5. Sign Out of Netflix and Log Back In

If you logged in to your Netflix account long ago and haven’t accessed it recently on this device, Netflix treats your session as invalid. To refresh, sign out and enter your password again. This way, Netflix detects a fresh login session and lets you watch content without hiccups.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, TV, or visit the website on your PC.

2. Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner.

3. Select “Sign Out” at the bottom of the page or drop-down menu.

4. Confirm by tapping “Sign Out” again.

5. Log back in with your credentials and choose your profile.

6. Try Watching on a Different Device

If there is no issue with the Netflix app or browser, the problem may lie with your device. If you are experiencing an error while playing Netflix titles and have tried all the solutions mentioned above, switch devices.

For TV errors, try using a PC or smartphone to play Netflix titles and resolve the issue. Older devices that haven’t been used in a while may have difficulty playing content on Netflix.

7. Disable VPN

A VPN connection can cause issues with watching Netflix. While you can use a VPN to watch shows from other countries, some free VPNs do not work with Netflix servers, leading to error messages and preventing you from watching anything.

If you use a VPN, disable it before opening Netflix. This will give Netflix your actual location and establish a stable connection with its servers.

8. Clear Netflix Cache and Data

Deleting Netflix’s app cache and data cleans up residual files, tricking the app into thinking you’re starting a new session and potentially loading your preferred show or movie. Here’s how.

On Android Phone

Open your smartphone’s Settings app and go to Apps. Scroll through the list of apps and select Netflix. Under the Storage option, tap to clear the cache and data.

On an Android TV

Head to the Settings menu on your TV by selecting the gear icon.

Step 2: Go to the Apps section.

Step 3: Select the Netflix app. If it is not found here, go to the ‘See all apps’ section. It will be located there.

Step 4: Scroll down and select Clear data. Then, choose Clear cache.

If you use Netflix on the web, learn how to clear the cache in Chrome. Mac users can clear the cache on Safari as well. Even if you use a different browser, the steps should be similar to what’s mentioned above.

9. Update the App to the Latest Version

Using an older version of Netflix can cause issues playing content. Updating all apps frequently is essential. Here’s how you can update Netflix to the latest version.

On iPhone

Step 1: Open the App Store on your iPhone. Tap your display picture in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Scroll down to see a list of all pending updates. Select the ‘Update’ option next to the app you want to update.

On Android

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile picture in the top-right corner. Select ‘Manage apps and device’.

Step 2: Tap See details.

Step 3: Select Update next to Netflix or use the Update all button to update your apps.

On an Android TV

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store app on your TV.

Step 2: Go to the Apps section, located at the top of the screen.

Step 3: Go to the ‘Manage apps and games’ section. You will see an update for the Netflix app here. Hit the Update button, and you’re good to go.

10. Uninstall and Reinstall the App

Apps often have glitches. In these situations, it is wise to uninstall and reinstall the app. Uninstalling clears residual data. Therefore, when you reinstall the app, the error memory will likely be erased.

If Netflix is glitching when playing certain titles, uninstall and reinstall the Netflix application by following these steps.

On iPhone

First, press and hold the Netflix icon on your iPhone. Select Remove App from the menu that appears. Then, tap Delete App to uninstall it from your iPhone.

Step 3: Head to the App Store and tap on the Search icon in the bottom-right corner.

Step 4: Use the search bar to look for Netflix and install the app on your iPhone.

On Android

Step 1: Find the Netflix app in your phone’s app drawer and long-press on it to bring up the contextual menu. Select Uninstall and tap Ok to confirm.

Step 2: Head to the Play Store and search for Netflix using the search bar. Install the app and use it on your phone.

On an Android TV

Step 1: Go to the Settings menu on your TV. This can be done by selecting the gear icon.

Step 2: Go to the Apps section.

Step 3: Select the Netflix app. If you don’t find it here, head to the ‘See all apps’ section. You’ll find it there.

Step 4: Scroll down and select Uninstall updates. This will uninstall the latest version of Netflix from your TV.

Step 5: Open the Google Play Store app on your TV.

Step 6: Go to the Apps section at the top of the screen.

Review step 7: Go to the ‘Manage apps and games’ section. You will see an update for the Netflix app here. Hit the Update button, and you’re good to go.

11. Update Your Device to the Latest Software

Updating your devices to the latest version is important. I had an old TV I hadn’t turned on for a couple of months. I tried to watch Netflix but was greeted with the ‘Couldn’t reach the Netflix Service’ error. Then, I saw that the TV had a pending software update. I launched Netflix again and the show played perfectly fine on the TV.

All devices need DRM certification to use Netflix. Sometimes, the certification expires with older firmware versions. When you update the device’s software, the certification also gets updated. So, keep all your gadgets up to date and enjoy Netflix!

FAQs for Netflix Error Codes

1. Can I watch Netflix on multiple devices at a time?

That depends on your subscription plan. With a top-tier subscription, you can watch Netflix on up to four devices concurrently. For a detailed comparison of Netflix Standard versus Premium, help to decide which plan suits you best.

2. Can I share my Netflix subscription with friends?

Netflix no longer permits password sharing unless your friends are in the same household. In that case, you can still share one account.

3. Can I sign out of all devices on Netflix?

Yes, you can. As for the consequences, here’s what happens when you sign out of your Netflix account.

Watch Anything, Anytime, Anywhere

Errors like ‘Sorry, we could not reach the Netflix Service’ can be frustrating, especially if you’re at home and wanting to relax after a long day. However, with these simple fixes, you can watch your favorite shows and movies without any issues.

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