If you have been using streaming content for some time, you’ll likely encounter a situation where Netflix keeps stopping.
In this article, I look at what causes Netflix to keep stopping and the fixes that will help you improve your streaming performance.
Why does Netflix keep stopping?
Netflix will keep stopping when you have an inefficient internet connection or software issue.
When your internet bandwidth is not optimized, Netflix will stutter & often stop when playing content.
Sometimes these issues can go as far as Netflix kicking you completely out.
Here are some tips on how to make stop Netflix from stopping:
- Reboot your router
- Restart the Netflix app
- Sign out of the Netflix app
- Soft Reset your Source Device
- Update Netflix and your source device
- Disconnect other devices in your home from the internet
- Decrease Video Playback Quality
- Close any other apps that are running
- Use an Ethernet cable rather than a Wi-Fi
- Upgrade your Internet Connection
- Disable VPNs or Ad blockers
- Upgrade your Router
- Check the Server Status of Netflix
- Contact the Netflix app Support
How to stop the Netflix app from stopping
Method 1: Reboot your Router
When Netflix keeps stopping, I found that rebooting your router is one of the most effective fixes.
How do I reset my router?
To reboot your router, unplug it for 30-60 seconds before plugging it back in.
You will often get a quicker and smoother streaming performance once you reconnect to Netflix.
Why does resetting your router reduce Netflix stopping?
It would be best if you thought of your router like a mini-PC, an occasional restart can yield some benefits.
Over time, as more devices and tasks are added to your router, your internet performance will start to degrade, which can cause Netflix to pause when viewing content.
Method 2: Restart the Netflix app
Another recommendation is to restart the app when your experience Netflix stopping issues.
Restarting the Netflix app allows any updates to be correctly installed and establishes a new connection with the servers.
Method 3: Sign out of the Netflix app
Another potential quick fix to the Netflix stopping problem is to sign out of your account.
By signing out of your Netflix account before your return and log in, you may resolve any account-related issues that are causing the stopping problems to occur.
Method 4: Restart your Playback Source Device
To access the Netflix app, you will be using a playback device to access the app.
The most common playback devices for the Netflix app are:
- Smart TVs
- Content Devices such as Netflix, Firestick, or Roku
- Games Consoles such as PlayStation and XBOX
- A PC or MacBook Laptop
The universal recommendation for these devices and the first step in eliminating the Netflix app stopping issues is to perform a power cycle of these systems.
To perform a power cycle of the devices, unplug them for 60 seconds before plugging them back in.
This restart allows any updates that have been downloaded in the background to install and start successfully, and it also clears the system cache.
Clearing the system cache and any lingering apps running in RAM can help in reducing the stopping of the Netflix app.
Reducing the number of apps running in the background gives the Netflix app the best performance.
Method 5: Update your Netflix app
If you are playing Netflix using a device such as a Firestick, Roku or smart TV, then I recommend updating the app if possible.
Method 6: Disconnect other devices in your home from the internet
If you cannot reset your router for any reason, I would try and disconnect none essential devices from the internet.
Is someone in your home watching Netflix? What about your phone? Is someone downloading games or apps on XBOX?
Every device you can disconnect from your internet will help stop the Netflix app’s issues.
Method 7: Close any apps that are running
If you have followed our first step of restarting your playback device, then this step would have been completed for you, otherwise, please continue to close any running apps.
How does having open apps cause the Netflix app to stop?
Imagine your internet connection to your Netflix application like an artery in your body. The more games and apps running are like blockages in your arteries, sorry for the weird analogy!
Those blockages impede your ability to play content faster, resulting in stopping when watching the Netflix app.
Method 8: Decrease Video Quality
Check the Netflix app options when watching content if there is a toggle for video quality.
The higher the quality of content you play, the more likely stopping will occur.
Try to decrease the video quality, especially if the quality is set to 4K.
Method 9: Update your device software/firmware before downloading
Whether you are using a TV, Content Device, or Games console, updating your firmware or software to the latest version can help prevent issues from arising over time.
Sometimes updates can be missed, or an installation can be interrupted and cause issues with your playback device.
Old firmware or a partial firmware installation could cause the Netflix app to freeze.
Ensuring that you have the latest software on your devices also gives you access to new apps and an improved viewing experience.
Method 10: Use an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi
It is almost always true that when you use an Ethernet (Wired Connection) rather than Wi-Fi, you will get a better download speed.
Wired connections transmit data quicker and with less interference. Fewer variables can hinder the quality of the connection.
Wi-Fi connections are slower and generally have a slower response time.
The distance between your playback device and the walls, floor, and ceilings can all deteriorate the quality of your internet connection, causing the Netflix app stopping issues.
I always use a wired connection when available, and you should too!
Method 11: Disable any Ad blockers or VPNs
VPNs and Ad blockers can negatively affect the playback performance of the Netflix app.
Your connection to a VPN will always limit the speed at which you can play content.
Unfortunately, using a VPN creates another dependency that can cause Netflix to freeze if there are any problems or limited speed.
Method 12: Upgrade your Internet Connection
If you have access to fast internet connections in the area in which you reside, it may be worth considering upgrading your internet connection.
A 10mbps connection will stream content slower than a 1gbps connection, could the Netflix stopping issues be linked to the internet speed which you have purchased?
Method 13: Upgrade your Router
This option will not apply to everyone, but for some gamers, the router could be the bottleneck in their home network, causing Netflix stopping problems.
If you have consistently upgraded your internet speed through your ISP but are still using an older router, you may wish to check your maximum download speed.
It’s all good having a 1gbps connection, but if your router can only download at 100mbps, you’ve got a massive bottleneck and a solid explanation for why the Netflix app is stopping.
Method 14: Check to make sure Netflix servers are operational
Most issues will usually be with your network or playback device when Netflix keeps buffering or stopping.
It is worth checking that there are no issues or outages with the Netflix platform.
Method 15: Contact Netflix Support
If you have been unsuccessful in attempting to resolve the Netflix stopping issue, you can contact Netflix support for further assistance.
Conclusion
When Netflix keeps stopping it is usually due to an issue with your internet connection.
I hope that the tips and tricks in this guide have helped you resolve the issue.