Many users stream Netflix on their Android smartphones and iPhones and the American service made sure to improve the handheld device streaming experience. However, some Android users get the Your device isn’t compatible with this version of Netflix whenever they try to download the app from Play Store. If that’s the case for you, too, check the steps we listed below.
Table of contents:
- Make sure that you are installing the proper version
- Install Netflix via an APK
- Ensure that your device passes SafetyNet
- Update the device firmware
Why does my device not support Netflix?
You might get the Your device isn’t compatible with this version of Netflix prompt if you try to download the Android TV version to your Android. Also, your device might be outdated and the latest version might not run on it. In addition, if you run custom ROMs, inspect the SafetyNet.
Also, keep the phone’s firmware up to date and try resetting Google Play services. Although, the latter doesn’t have much to do with the error at hand.
1. Make sure that you are installing the proper version
Netflix is available on almost any platform that crosses your mind. Many of them run Android and are available on the Play Store. So, if you use a single Google Account on your Android smartphone and Android TV or Chromebook, make sure that you are installing the suitable version on your device. Also, make sure that your device is Play Protect certified because Netflix won’t work on many custom ROMs. You can check the Play Protect status if you navigate to Google Play Store > your account at the top right corner > Play Protect.
If you are certain that the version fits your device and your Android phone is Play Store Certified but the “Your device is not compatible with this version” keeps popping up when you try to install Netflix, check the next step.
2. Install Netflix via an APK
If the Play Store installation is a no-go, you can always sideload an official version of the app via an APK. Netflix support even provides the file on their page, so we are inclined to believe that this is a workaround you should go for next.
Here’s how to install Netflix via an APK on your Android:
- Download the Netflix APK.
- Run the APK and allow the installation from unknown sources. On devices that run Android 8 and earlier, you’ll need to navigate to Settings > Security and allow installation of apps coming from unknown sources before installing the Netflix APK.
- Install the app and sign in.
Now, if you have an older Android device, the latest available version might not work for you. You can navigate to APK Mirror’s Netflix section, and get yourself a bit older Netflix version for Android.
3. Ensure that your device passes SafetyNet
If you’re running a custom ROM, there’s a good chance that Netflix won’t work unless you have fully functional Google Play services and your device is passing the SafetyNet protocol. Which get’s harder and harder on custom ROMs with every new Android iteration, especially if your device is not rooted.
There are some ways to fix this but, since we don’t focus on custom ROMs in our fix articles, we can’t provide detailed instructions. You should check root tools like Magisk and a good place to start is the XDA forum. Most devices have a subforum so look for your device and ways how to overcome the problem.
4. Update the device firmware
Finally, you’ll need to keep your device up to date in order for Netflix to work. Navigate to Settings > System > Software update and install available updates to ensure that everything is up to date.
You can also navigate to Settings > Apps > Play Store > Storage and clear all data. Do the same for Google Play Services. Although, this is usually not the cause of the problem.
That should do it. Thank you for reading and feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or alternative solutions we forgot to mention. You can do that in the comments section below. Also, check our Facebook and Twitter for better insight into Android and iOS.
Editor’s note: This article was initially published in December 2021. We made sure to revamp it for freshness and accuracy.
