Is Netflix down?
If the Coronavirus crisis currently spreading the globe wasn’t frightening enough, we’re all dreading the day that Netflix can’t keep up with the increased demand and we may have to find some other way to entertain ourselves or our children.
If you’re struggling to connect to Netflix then it could be that there’s a problem with the servers rather than your device. Below we show you a few ways to quickly determine whether Netflix is down.
However, you may also be struggling with internet problems, and in which case you may like to be prepared bydownloading Netflixfor offline viewing.
For those with an international flair, there’s also the option ofwatching the US version of Netflix in the UKif the British site is currently unavailable.
You can also check out ifAmazon Prime Videois down here.
Check the Netflix Help Centre
Your first port of call should be theNetflix Help Centre. This page reports any ongoing issues with the service and confirms whether the problems you’re experiencing are local to you.
When you arrive at the Help Centre you’ll see a message that lets you know if Netflix is currently down or not. Beneath this is a box where you can enter any error codes that are being displayed on your device so you can see what the problem might be.
Try updating your device
If Netflix is reporting that there are no problems then it’s worth checking for simple fixes you can do on your device.
If you’re using a smartphone or tablet then you’ll want to check that you’re running the most up to date version of the Netflix app.
To do this visit the relevant App store for your device and check to see if there are any updates pending.
iOS users will need to tap on theUpdatessection at the bottom of the screen and then select theUpdatebutton next to Netflix if is appears in the list.
Those of an Android persuasion should open the Google Play Store, tap on the three lines in the upper left corner, then selectMy Apps & Games > Updates, and then see if Netflix is on the list. If it is just tap theUpdatebutton to the right of its name.
When the updates are installed try opening the app again to see if the problem has been solved.
Try an independent status-checking site
While the Netflix Help Centre is the primary source for the state of the service, there could be instances where the site itself is affected by the same problems. In this scenario you’ll want to visit an independent status checking site.
These are dedicated portals that monitor the status of the web and can let you know how certain sites are performing. The checking is free and you can choose from several variants.
Our favourites areIs It Down Or Just Me,Down Detector, andIs It Down Right Now.
Each of these sites will let you enter the URL of the Netflix site and then check to see if the servers are responding. Some even have details of recent problems reported by users. Very useful.
Try using another device
One final check you can attempt is using another device. If you’re having no luck connecting on your smartphone or tablet, have a quick look at the Netflix site with a PC, Console, or set-top box such asAmazon Fire Stickif you have one.
You might find that the problem is related to the app or browser rather than the service itself. It’s a long shot, admittedly, but when you need to get to the next series of your favourite series no stone should be left unturned.
Hopefully these tips will solve your viewing struggles, leaving you free to life of binge watching.
When you finally get up and running again you might also want to check out our guides to the25 Best TV Shows on Netfix UKand theBest Movies on Netflixto see if there’s anything cool that you may have missed.
Author: Martyn Casserly, Contributor
Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews.
