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 by downloading Netflix for offline viewing.

For those with an international flair, there’s also the option of watching the US version of Netflix in the UK if the British site is currently unavailable. 

You can also check out if Amazon Prime Video is down here. 

Check the Netflix Help Centre

Your first port of call should be the Netflix 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 the Updates section at the bottom of the screen and then select the Update button 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 select My Apps & Games > Updates, and then see if Netflix is on the list. If it is just tap the Update button 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 are Is It Down Or Just Me, Down Detector, and Is 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 as Amazon Fire Stick if 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 the 25 Best TV Shows on Netfix UK and the Best Movies on Netflix to see if there’s anything cool that you may have missed.