Netflix is designed for an immersive audio-visual experience, so if you’re getting neither sound nor video when trying to watch a show or movie, something’s clearly wrong. If you’re facing a black screen on Netflix, try these troubleshooting steps:
Adjust Video or Picture Settings
This may seem obvious, but check if your device’s brightness is turned down or if the sound is muted. Some TVs, including older Plasma models and modern OLEDs, allow you to turn off the screen while keeping the audio on. Also, ensure the HDMI input settings or Smart TV app settings are properly adjusted.
If you’re using a device like an Apple TV, consider disabling HDR, as some screens may struggle to switch between SDR and HDR modes, resulting in a black screen.
Turn Off Your VPN or Proxy
While certain VPNs still work for accessing region-specific Netflix content, they can also cause playback issues. Try disabling your VPN or switching to a different server to check if the issue persists. Sometimes, a problem with the nearest CDN (Content Distribution Network) can prevent Netflix from loading correctly.
Restart the Netflix App
If the app itself has a glitch, closing and reopening it is often the quickest fix. However, simply exiting the app isn’t always enough—ensure it’s fully closed before reopening.
Here’s how to force-close Netflix on various devices:
- Android: Tap the “Recents” button and swipe Netflix off the screen.
- iPhone/iPad: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, find Netflix, and swipe it away.
- Apple TV: Double-click the Home button, locate Netflix, and swipe up to close it.
- Android TV: Go to Settings > Device Preferences > Apps > Select Netflix > Force Stop.
- Web browsers: Close the Netflix tab or restart the browser completely.
Restart Your Device
If force-closing the app doesn’t work, restart your device. Since Netflix runs on many different platforms, refer to your specific device’s instructions for a proper reboot.
Check Hardware Connections
For devices like Apple TV or Android TV, verify that the HDMI cable is securely connected. If the problem persists, try switching to a different HDMI port or using another cable. Testing the device with a different TV or monitor can also help determine if the issue lies with the screen.
Sign Out and Sign Back In
Logging out of Netflix and signing back in can sometimes resolve playback problems.
- On the website, click your profile icon and select Sign Out.
- In the mobile app, tap your profile picture, open the menu, and choose Sign Out.
Update the Netflix App
While mobile apps typically update automatically, sometimes a manual update is needed. Check the app store on your device to ensure you’re running the latest version of Netflix.
Test Different Shows or Movies
If the black screen appears only for one specific show or movie, the issue may be on Netflix’s end. Try playing a different title to confirm if the problem is content-specific.
Check Device Compatibility
If you’re streaming Netflix through an external monitor, ensure that your adapter and cable support HDCP 2.2. If they don’t, Netflix’s copyright protection may prevent playback.
Reinstall Netflix
If the issue persists, uninstalling and reinstalling the Netflix app may help. Corrupt files or data issues can sometimes cause black screen errors. If you’re using a side-loaded version of Netflix, switch to the official app from the app store.
Factory Reset Your Device
If none of the above steps work, consider restoring your device to its original settings. This should only be a last resort, as a factory reset will erase all data on your device.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the Netflix black screen issue and get back to streaming without interruptions.