Easy Fix When Netflix Is Glitchy or Keeps Glitching Out

netflix glitch

You’re all set for a binge-watch session, but Netflix decides to play the spoiler. It’s glitchy, keeps buffering, or even worse, crashes altogether. You’re not alone in this predicament. Netflix, despite being a top-notch streaming service, sometimes succumbs to glitches and bugs that can disrupt your viewing experience.

But don’t worry, it’s not always your internet or device that’s the culprit. Sometimes, it’s just Netflix being glitchy. Whether it’s a technical issue on their end or a compatibility problem with your device, there’s always a solution.

So, let’s get your Netflix back on track and your movie marathon up and running again. Remember, glitches are common and often fixable. So, before you hit the panic button, take a deep breath. We’re here to help you troubleshoot the “Netflix glitchy or keeps glitching” issue and get you back to your favorite shows in no time.

Common Causes of Netflix Glitching

Occasionally, your Netflix experience can turn haywire, frequently glitching or not functioning as expected. But don’t fret, it’s often not your device or internet connection causing the falter. Instead, Netflix itself could be at fault. Let’s explore the possible culprits behind the nagging Netflix glitches.

High Internet Traffic

A shared internet connection with high traffic can make your Netflix buffer consistently. It doesn’t even necessarily mean your bandwidth is insufficient, but more so the neighborhood’s internet activity being overly congested.

Remember, broadband services often fluctuate during peak times. Let’s consider a scenario. Imagine watching your favorite Netflix series at the same time as thousands of residents in your local area. | | Residents | Streaming |
|—| ————- | ————- |
| Peak Time | 5000 | Netflix |

Take a peek at these numbers where 5000 residents are all streaming Netflix during peak time. It paints a clear picture of the potential strain on the shared broadband network.

Netflix Server Hiccups

Yes, even giants like Netflix mess things up occasionally. Server issues can cause outages or glitches on the platform affecting a group of users or regions. You have no control over these issues, nor can you rectify them on your end. It’s a waiting game for Netflix to resolve.

Troubleshooting Steps for Netflix Glitches

Got Netflix bugs bugging you? Don’t fret! There are ways to address these issues without needing a tech guru on speed dial. Here’s a well-defined guide you can follow to help solve your streaming woes.

First off, check your internet connection. No matter how reliable your internet is, it’s bound to have off days. Make sure it’s not one of those days. Run a quick internet speed test, and if your speed isn’t up to par, reset your router.

Second, restart your device. This is an oldie but a goodie in the tech troubleshooting world. It’s remarkably powerful in dealing with a wide array of problems. In some cases, it’s all you need to get Netflix back on track.

Third, consider the device you’re using for viewing. Maybe it’s not Netflix. Maybe it’s the device that’s causing the issues.

Recommended Device Update Cycle
SmartphonesEvery 2-3 years
TabletsEvery 3-4 years
ComputersEvery 4-5 years
Smart TVsEvery 5-7 years

If your device falls on the upper end of these estimates, it might be time to consider a replacement or an upgrade. Fourth, update Netflix. Updates are released regularly to address bugs or interface issues. Make sure you’re running the latest version, so you’ve got all those tweaks to your advantage.

Fifth, contact Netflix support. If all else fails, go to the source. Netflix has a helpful support team ready to aid with any persistent problems.

There you have it – you’re now equipped to conquer those Netflix glitches! With these steps in your arsenal, sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite show.

Check Your Internet Connection

When confronted with a glitchy Netflix, your first order of business should be to Check Your Internet Connection. Remember, a stable and fast internet connection is crucial for an uninterrupted streaming experience.

So, how can you ensure you’re getting the best connection possible?

First, verify that your device is connected to the internet. Whether you’re using a mobile device, streaming stick, or Smart TV, your streaming quality is directly influenced by your internet connectivity. If you notice your device isn’t connected, take the necessary steps to establish the connection.

Second, test your connection speed. Websites like speedtest.net give you a complete overview of your internet’s performance. To stream Netflix, you do need a certain level of speed. Here’s a breakdown of what you will need:

Netflix Streaming QualityRequired Internet Speed
Low quality0.5 Megabits per second
Standard definition3 Megabits per second
High definition5 Megabits per second

If you find your speed is less than the required level for your desired viewing quality, you might need to consider upgrading your internet plan.

Third, decrease wifi interference by ensuring your router is far from other electronic devices. Competing signals from other devices may weaken your wifi signal.

Lastly, consider getting closer to your router or getting a wifi extender to increase the range of your wifi signal if your device is too far away.

If you’ve tried all these steps, yet Netflix continues glitching, it’s time to look at other variables which might affect your viewing experience. Wondering what to check next? Well, it might be your device.

Clear Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, the root of your Netflix issues isn’t your internet connection but a clogged up cache or old cookies. Clearing your cache and cookies can often resolve glitchy playback. Most browsers store old data to help websites load faster. However, this old data can sometimes conflict with live data and result in glitches.

If you’re unsure of how to clear your cache and cookies, we’ve got you covered. Here, we’ll go through the process step-by-step. But remember, menus and settings might vary slightly depending on the browser you’re using.

Chrome Users

  • Open Google Chrome, and click on the three dots on the top right corner.
  • From the dropdown menu, select ‘More Tools’, then ‘Clear browsing data’.
  • In the popped-out box, check ‘Cookies and other site data’ and ‘Cached images and files’.
  • Click ‘Clear Data’.

Firefox, Safari, and Edge users aren’t left out either. The procedures for each are also pretty straightforward.

Firefox Users

  • Open Firefox and click on the three lines on the top right corner.
  • From the dropdown, select ‘Options’. – Select ‘Privacy & Security’ on the left side of the screen.
  • Scroll down, find and click ‘Clear Data…’
  • Check both ‘Cookies and Site Data’ and ‘Cached Web Content’.
  • Click on ‘Clear’.

Safari Users – Open Safari, go to the ‘Safari’ menu on the top left of the screen.

  • Select ‘Clear History…’. – In the dropdown menu next to ‘Clear’, select ‘all history’. – Click ‘Clear History’.
  • From the dropdown, select ‘Settings’.
  • Under ‘Clear Browsing Data’, select ‘Choose what to clear’.
  • Check ‘Cookies and saved website data’ and ‘Cached data and files’.
  • Click ‘Clear’.

Update the Netflix App or Browser

Now that you’ve learned how to clear cache and cookies, let’s move onto the next solution: updating the Netflix app or browser.

We often overlook the simple things in tech, such as ensuring our apps and browsers are updated to the latest version. You may be surprised by how many glitches and errors an update can fix. So, if you’re dealing with persistent Netflix glitches, taking a moment to update your app or browser could be the solution you need.

Updating the Netflix App

If you use Netflix through its official app, ensure that it’s up-to-date. Here’s how:

  1. For Android: Open Google Play Store > tap Menu (aka, the three horizontal lines at the top-left corner) > My apps & games > see if Netflix is listed under “Updates.” If so, tap Update.
  2. For iOS: Go to App Store > tap your profile picture (top-right) > Available Updates > if there’s a new Netflix update, it’ll be listed there. Tap Update.

Updating Your Browser

Are you watching Netflix via a web browser? It’s critical then that your browser is always kept updated. Here are two quick guidelines to update your browser:

  • Google Chrome: At the top-right, click the three vertical dots > Help > About Google Chrome. The browser automatically checks for updates when you open this page.
  • Firefox: Click the menu button, represented by three horizontal bars (top-right) > Help (represented by a question mark) > About Firefox. Firefox will then check for updates and download them automatically.

Be wary of sideloaded apps, third-party browsers, or outdated operating systems, as they may be less secure and more prone to glitches.

Try using Netflix again after updating the app or browser. With the latest version of the app or browser, you’re more likely to enjoy a smooth, glitch-free Netflix experience.

Restart Your Device

There comes a point where simple solutions might not cut it and you’re faced with still persistent glitches while trying to enjoy your favorite Netflix show. Fear not; there’s another solution – restarting your device.

It sounds rudimentary, yet there’s a reason why “turning it off and on again” is the first step on many tech troubleshooting guides. Starting fresh clears temporary files and closes apps running in the background that could be causing problems.

So, whether you’re streaming on a smart TV, tablet, computer, or smartphone – it’s a good idea to give your device a solid restart before moving onto more detailed troubleshooting steps.

For Android devices, simply hold down the power button until you’re presented with the option to restart. For iPhones and iPads, the process may be a little different depending on the model, but generally, you’ll need to press and hold the power button along with either the volume up or volume down buttons until the power off slider appears. Slide to turn off, then wait a moment before turning the device back on.

Smart TVs and computers have different methods depending on the make and model, but generally involve navigating to a menu and selecting ‘restart’ or ‘reboot’. In some instances, you may have to physically unplug your device for a moment before plugging it back in.

Do not forget: after restarting the device, double-check that you’re connected to the internet – that’s one important hurdle that mustn’t be overlooked at this stage. Now, with a fresh start to your device, you’re ready to relaunch Netflix and experience the difference.

The next portion of our Netflix troubleshooting odyssey would be looking into potential Netflix app issues. Be ready to dig a little deeper with us into those.

Check for System Updates

While going through the different solutions for Netflix Glitchy or Keeps Glitching, it’s important to consider your device’s operating system. In the world of technology, things are constantly evolving – and so are your devices.

They require regular software updates to keep them running smoothly and securely. If you’ve exhausted previous solutions and you’re still facing trouble, it’s time to examine your device’s OS. Updated operating systems contribute to the overall performance, security, and reliability of your device – all of which directly impacts the streaming experience on Netflix.

If your device’s OS is outdated, it may be running an older version of Netflix, incurring problems such as frequent glitches, crash issues, or slow-loading videos. To avoid these issues, be sure to habitually update your device’s operating system. Here’s how:

  • For Android device users: Go to your setting, then select ‘System’, follow
  • ed by ‘Advanced’, and finally ‘System Update’.
  • For iOS device users, navigate to ‘Settings’, then ‘General’, and tap on ‘Software Update’.
  • Windows users can find updates in ‘Settings’, then ‘Update & Security’, followed by ‘Windows Update’.
  • Mac users should go to the Apple menu, select ‘System Preferences’, and then choose ‘Software Update’.

These are generalized steps and may slightly vary based on your specific device or OS version. Still, the main concept remains the same; keeping your device up-to-date is essential for a smoother, glitch-free Netflix experience.

Finally, after updating your system, if you happen to see the Netflix glitches persist, your next potential solution involves reinstalling the Netflix app. Removing the app entirely from your device and installing a fresh version can prove beneficial, resolving any intricate issues missed in previous steps.

Reset Netflix Settings

If glitches and interruptions persist, let’s shift focus to Netflix settings. It’s possible that a specific setting or recent change within the app might be causing these playback issues. Hence, resetting these settings should be your next troubleshooting step.

You can reset the Netflix settings by signing out of your account. To do that, navigate to the ‘More’ section, then tap on the ‘Sign out’ button. This would reset all your Netflix settings.

Remember, when you sign out of Netflix, it will remove any profiles that you’ve created in your account. It also erases downloads, device pairing, and app settings such as preferences. However, don’t worry, your favorites and viewing activity will be saved with your account, and they’ll all be there when you sign back in.

If you’re using a smart TV or streaming device, another option is to reset the device to its factory settings. Most devices have an option in their settings menu to restore the factory settings. This method can solve more complex issues with the app, but remember, this will erase all data and settings, not just those related to Netflix.

Here are some important steps to remember while resetting:

  • Always remember your login credentials before signing out or resetting.
  • Save any data you may need from other apps if you go for a full factory reset.

After you have reset the settings, reopen Netflix and try streaming again. This step, hopefully, should get things running smoothly for you. If the problem persists, we will next explore whether deactivating secondary audio descriptions could be the key to successful troubleshooting with your Netflix app.

The possible solutions don’t end here—there are indeed more steps left to explore. Stay tuned for what’s next as we continue to resolve your problem with Netflix glitching or continuous interruptions.

Contact Netflix Support

So you’ve followed all the suggestions provided so far with no luck? It’s time to get in touch with Netflix Customer Support. Whether it’s a persistent glitch that hasn’t given up its grip, or you’ve encountered a particularly pesky bug that isn’t budging, Netflix’s expert support team can assist you in finding a solution.

It’s important to remember that the more information you can provide about your issue, the higher the chances they’ll be able to help you resolve it.

To contact Netflix Customer Support, navigate to the ‘Contact Us’ section on their official website or through the Netflix app. They offer several options to assist you. The ‘Live Chat’ option allows you to speak directly with a representative. This is perfect if you’re more comfortable articulating your troubles in writing or you require a quick response.

For those who prefer to speak directly with a representative, there’s the Call Us option. You can find the contact numbers specific to your country on the Netflix ‘Contact Us’ page. If you have a hearing problem, they also offer accessible customer service for the hearing impaired.

In anticipation of common issues, Netflix has an exhaustive collection of Troubleshoot & How-To Guides in their Help Center. You can access these guides by typing in a keyword or phrase related to your problem. There’s a fairly good chance that you might find a solution to your issue in these guides.

Remember Netflix’s team is there to help. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to them when things get tough. They’ll steer you in the right direction and you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite shows without glitchy interruptions. Your journey towards a glitch-free Netflix experience continues in the next section, where we’ll be exploring further steps to resolve these pesky issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What initial steps can I take if Netflix is glitching?

You can start by verifying your internet connection. Check if your device is properly connected to the internet and test your connection speed. Additionally, try to minimize any possible wifi interference.

Is the type of device I’m using influencing the glitches?

Yes, the device you use for viewing can cause Netflix glitches. It’s recommended to consider this if issues persist after checking your internet connection.

Can clearing cache and cookies resolve Netflix glitches?

Yes, clearing your browser’s cache and cookies could potentially fix glitchy playback. Step-by-step instructions for different browsers are provided in the article.

How important are app updates for a glitch-free Netflix experience?

Keeping your apps and browsers updated is crucial. Outdated apps and browsers might be less secure and more prone to glitches.

Should I consider restarting my device if Netflix continues to glitch?

Yes, restarting your device can help as it clears temporary files and closes background apps that may be causing issues.

Can an outdated operating system cause Netflix glitches?

Absolutely. It’s advisable to regularly check for and install system updates to optimize your Netflix experience.

Does reinstalling the Netflix app help when experiencing glitches?

Yes, reinstalling the app can be a potential solution if glitches persist after updating your system.

What is the effect of resetting Netflix settings?

Resetting the settings can help resolve playback issues. However, keep in mind to save all necessary data and login credentials before resetting.

If none of the above steps work, what should I do?

If all else fails, you should contact Netflix Customer Support. They can be reached through the website or app, and have live chat and phone support available. The Netflix Help Center also provides Troubleshoot & How-To Guides.

Summary of Easy Fixes When Netflix Is Glitchy or Keeps Glitching Out

Navigating Netflix glitches doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You’ve got a wealth of solutions at your fingertips. From checking your internet connection and device, to clearing cache and cookies, you’re well-equipped to tackle any hiccup.

Remember, keeping apps, browsers, and operating systems up-to-date is crucial. If glitches persist, don’t hesitate to restart your device, reinstall the Netflix app, or even reset your Netflix settings. Complex issues may require a device factory reset, so always save important data beforehand.

Don’t forget, Netflix’s Help Center and Customer Support are there to help. So, next time Netflix starts acting up, you’ll know exactly what to do. Happy streaming!

By David Ryckman

David Ryckman is a contributor to Technoshia and other publishers such as Entrepreneur, Forbes and Engadget. You can find bylines on a multitude of technology publishers.