Netflix is one of the most popular OTT platforms to stream movies and series while enjoying me-time or with family and friends. However, countless Netflix users have complained about experiencing a black screen whenever accessing the platform recently. Undoubtedly, it’s an interruption in their binge-watching schedule.
But, why is my Netflix screen black? You might be stumped by the same query. Well, a lot can happen to the Netflix app or the device on which you’re streaming. Be it your computer, smartphone, or smart TV, the black screen might appear on any device while streaming Netflix.
Commonly, an unstable internet connection, Netflix server complications, compatibility issues, account crashing, and overflowing cache and cookies can lead to such an instance.
Here’s how you can tackle a Netflix black screen on Windows, Mac, and other devices.
How to Fix the Black Screen of Netflix on Computers?
Reportedly, Netflix screens can turn black, and users might still hear the audio. Moreover, the issue is quite common for both in-app and in-browser streaming.
Check out the following solutions to recover Netflix content with pictures and audio on your Windows and macOS devices:
1. Launch the Corresponding Browser with Admin Privilege
This applies to Windows users who have been streaming Netflix on a particular browser. Why is my Netflix screen black? A probable answer to this might be that the web browser might lack admin rights.
Here’s how you can incorporate admin rights to the web browser:
- Click the Start menu.
- Scroll down to locate the web browser you use for Netflix streaming.
- Once you find the browser, right-click on it and choose the option that says, ‘Run as administrator’.
Try streaming Netflix and check if the black screen appears with or without audio.
2. Disable VPN
Active VPNs can prevent Netflix from accessing the internet, and you might experience nothing but a black screen. So, turning it off might be helpful in case you have installed a VPN on your computer.
Follow the steps below to turn off the VPN on a Windows PC:
- Use the Windows+I shortcut to explore Settings. Next, click the Network & Internet option.
- Select the VPN option and deactivate the VPN.
If it’s a Mac computer, here’s what you need to do:
- Click the Apple icon, and then select System Preferences.
- Choose the Network option and click the VPN option from the left pane.
- Finally, click the Disconnect option.
Try signing into your Netflix account and see if it works.
3. Give Appropriate Permissions to the Netflix App
Why is my Netflix screen black? The Netflix app on your Windows computer might behave strangely if it doesn’t have the required permissions.
Go through the following guidelines for an uninterrupted Netflix streaming service:
- Open Settings on your PC.
- Click on Apps and find out the Netflix app.
- Click the Netflix app and select Advanced Options.
- Go for the reset option.
- After that, go to the tab named Advanced Options and review all the app permissions. Make necessary changes, if required.
4. Deactivate Browser Extensions
Users have reported ad blockers or adware extensions on your web browser can make your Netflix screen go black. So, disable extensions or ad blockers on your browser if you are enjoying Netflix through the browser.
If it’s a macOS computer, then you might be using Safari. Go to Safari’s Settings or Preferences. Next, click on Extensions and uncheck the box next to the extension you want to disable. Restart Safari and try streaming Netflix.
For Microsoft Edge, type ‘edge://extensions’ in the address bar and hit the Enter key. Now, toggle off the extension that you suspect to cause the black screen on Netflix. If it’s Google Chrome, enter ‘chrome://extension’ in the browser’s address bar and disable all the extensions. You can turn them one by one by attempting to log into Netflix.
5. Try Restarting the Internet Connection
A sloppy internet connection might be a reason why your Netflix screen is still black. Netflix streaming requires a strong and stable internet connection on computers, smartphones, tablets, TVs, and more. You can switch to a wired connection if you have connected your streaming device to a router wirelessly.
Otherwise, you can restart the network connection in the following way:
- Turn off the streaming device.
- Disconnect the router and modem power plugs from the electrical outlet.
- After 30 seconds, you can plug power cables back into the modem and router. Turn them on.
- Afterwards, power on your streaming device and connect to the network.
- Log into the Netflix account and check if the issue is resolved.
6. Handle Browsing Data
Existing cookies and cache on your web browser can restrict Netflix from streaming your favourite show. Hence, clear browsing data on your Mac and Windows computer if you rely on web browsers for Netflix streaming.
On Safari or any other browser, use the key shortcut Command+Shift+Delete if you use a Mac device. This will bring up the panel named Clear Browsing Data. Switch to the Ctrl+Shift+Delete shortcut if you’re on Windows and using Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.
Make sure that you check the time range and mark the boxes next to ‘Cache images and files’ and ‘Cookies and other site data’. Finally, go for the Clear Data button.
7. Check the Netflix Server
Chances are there that the Netflix server is currently down. Go to the Netflix server status web page to find out whether there’s any error. If yes, then you have to wait until the server turns working.
8. Update the Netflix App
Netflix developers keep updating the app frequently to avoid bugs. You may be suffering from such performance bugs, and your Netflix screen still remains blank.
Therefore, check out if there’s any recent update available for the Netflix app. Go to App Store, Play Store, or Microsoft Store as per your streaming device and update the existing app.
9. Turn off the Antivirus
Do you have antivirus software installed on your computer? An active antivirus might conflict with the Netflix app, its streaming features, and permissions. Therefore, you can try disabling the antivirus on your device. Inspect whether this method restores your Netflix screen back to normal.
10. Update the Operating System
Ensure that the device must have the latest compatible version of the operating system regardless of what type of device you’re using. Be it a Windows or Mac computer, iPhone, android phone, tablet, smart TV, or anything else, they should have the latest update of the OS. So, update your device’s operating system and see if the issue is still there.
Why is My Netflix Screen Black? Quick Solutions for Smartphones and TVs
The above-mentioned solutions might help you even if you are using a smartphone, tablet, or TV. For Android users, it’s important to clear the Netflix app cache regularly. Additionally, Samsung Galaxy owners can try disabling the Colour Correction feature available under the Accessibility menu under Settings.
If it’s an iPhone or iPad, then you can reset the Netflix app. Moreover, adjusting the app permission can also make a real difference. Try restarting your TV and reconnecting it to the internet if you can witness a Netflix black screen on your smart TV.
Hopefully, the guide helps you overcome the issue. Why is my Netflix screen black still now? Contact an expert if you can’t fix the situation.