Netflix stuck on loading screen on Android (FIX)

Netflix media-streaming on the go is something many of us enjoy. You can download files for offline viewing with hundreds of movies and shows at your disposal. However, some users are experiencing certain issues lately. It seems that Netflix is stuck on the loading screen for some Android users. Also, it’s freezing for some users before they can sign in.

If you are affected by this or similar issues concerning Netflix for Android, make sure to check the steps we listed below.

Table of contents:

1. Clear data from the Netflix app
2. Check app permissions
3. Reinstall Netflix for Android
4. Use an APK version of Netflix
5. Make sure you are passing SafetyNet Check

Why is Netflix not working on Android?

There are a few possible reasons that cause the Netflix app to get stuck on the loading screen. The most common one is SafetyNet failure, which is a DRM security measure to prevent the app from working on unsupported devices and ROMs. Also, there’s a chance that the local data is corrupt so you’ll need to clear it and log in again.

Alternatively, you can always go for an APK and reinstall Netflix on your Android that way. This usually resolves issues with the app and allows access. It’s paramount that you have a stable Wi-Fi connection, as this is a known cause of Netflix issues, too.

1. Clear data from the Netflix app

The first thing to try is resetting the app by clearing all locally-stored data. This procedure will remove all downloaded episodes or movies, so keep that in mind. You’ll need to sign in again with your credentials. Of course, if the error is resolved and you are able to get over the loading screen.

Here’s how to clear data from the Netflix app on Android:

1. Open Settings.
2. Choose Apps & notifications.
3. Select All apps.
4. Open Netflix from the list of available apps.
5. Tap Storage.
6. Tap Clear Data and confirm.

2. Check app permissions

The next step to try is to confirm that Netflix has access to your local storage and both Mobile data and Wi-Fi, even in the background. This is a long shot, as the app should start even without any permissions granted, but it’s worth a try.

Here’s how to inspect permissions for Netflix:

1. Open Settings.
2. Choose Apps & notifications.
3. Select All apps.
4. Open Netflix from the list of available apps.
5. Tap Permissions.
6. Make sure that Netflix has all permissions granted.
7. Go back and open Mobile data & Wi-Fi.
8. Make sure that Netflix has access to all networks and that it can use background data.

3. Reinstall Netflix for Android

If the previous steps failed and Netflix is still stuck on the loading screen, you should reinstall the app. This will not only remove all local data but also force-update the app. Hopefully, this will resolve the problem.

Here’s how to reinstall Netflix on Android:

1. Open Play Store.
2. Look for Netflix and expand the app.
3. Tap Uninstall.
4. Restart your device.
5. Get back to Play Store > Netflix and install the app. Run Netflix and look for improvements.

4. Use an APK version of Netflix

Chances are that the current version you got from the Store is not working as intended. If that’s the case, reinstalling the app (as the previous step suggests) won’t be of much use. What you need to do is uninstall the app and download an APK version of it. Preferably, an older one.

Here’s how to install Netflix via an APK:

1. Uninstall Netflix.
2. Open a browser of your choice on your mobile and navigate.
3. Download any other previous version. Now, we don’t want to back too much, so stick to recent versions. You can even install Beta (even Alpha) versions. Just avoid the latest one. Check the version number in Settings > Apps & notifications > All apps > Netflix > Storage.
4. Allow installation from third-party sources.
5. Install the APK, open Netflix, and sign in.

5. Make sure you are passing SafetyNet Check

Finally, as a side note, we provided a way to check the SafetyNet. SafetyNet is Android’s DRM tool that prevents non-official devices and ROMs from accessing certain apps. This applies mostly to banking apps and streaming services, and if you fail it, you won’t be able to run Netflix on your Android.

Here’s how to check the SafetyNet status on your Android device:

1. Download SafetyNet Test from the Play Store.
2. Open the app and run the test.
3. If your device isn’t passing the SafetyNet Test, Netflix might not work on it. If you are using a custom ROM, switch to the one that won’t break SafetyNet. Remove Magisk and try again.
4. On the other hand, if you are on a stock ROM, try resetting your device to factory settings and give Netflix another try.

That’s it. Thank you for reading.

Editor’s note: This article was initially published in February 2021. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.