Sometimes you may notice that your TV show or movie picture is pixelated and ask, why is my Netflix blurry?
We have made a troubleshooting guide which looks at what causes Netflix videos to be blurry and what you can do to fix this!
Why Is My Netflix Blurry?
We found the Netflix picture blurry due to a slow internet connection or bad software optimization.
If you notice that Netflix is stuttering while also outputting a blurry image, this indicates a home internet issue.
When Netflix detects a slow internet connection, it can reduce the picture quality, making it look blurry.
If other streaming platforms stream with a clear picture but the videos on Netflix remain pixelated, this is likely caused by the playback settings or software configuration.
Here are some tips on what to do when Netflix videos are blurry:
- Improve your router performance
- Change your Netflix payback settings
- Restart your streaming device or web browser
- Update Netflix and your source device
- Disconnect other devices in your home from the internet.
- Close some apps
- Use an Ethernet cable rather than a Wi-Fi
- Upgrade your Internet Connection
- Disable VPNs and Ad blockers
- Check the Server Status of Netflix
- Contact the Netflix app Support
How to fix Netflix being blurry
Method 1: Improve your router performance
If your Netflix video is blurry, a poor internet connection is the most likely culprit.
It would help if you restarted your router to try and resolve this.
How do I start my router?
Rebooting your router is easy, and you can perform this task by unplugging it for 30-60 seconds before plugging it back in.
Try streaming some content once the restart is completed and see if the blurriness has disappeared.
Why does resetting your router reduce blur on Netflix videos?
If you have not restarted your router for some time, your internet bandwidth may be limited, which can cause Netflix to show a sub 720p video output that can appear blurry.
With more devices and connections, your router can slow down when not restarted.
Method 2: Change your Netflix playback settings
Your Netflix video playback settings determine the picture quality of the content you are streaming, and if your picture is blurry, then this setting may be too low.
How to change playback settings
Step 1: Go to the website
Head over to the Netflix website
Step 2: Click on your profile image to the top right hand corner.
Step: 3 Select account
Step 4: Profile & parental controls
Step 5: Choose playback settings
Step 6: Choose your data usage
The higher the setting, the greater the picture quality and the less likely you are to see a blurry picture on Netflix.
Method 3: Restart your streaming device or web browser
Restart your streaming device or web browser when Netflix is blurry.
Restart your streaming device by unplugging it for 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
Doing a restart allows the complete installation of any updates while also clearing the system cache.
For web browser, close all tabs – right-click on your browser icon and select “Quit”
Method 4: Update your Netflix app
I recommend updating the app when using the Netflix app on a device such as a Firestick or Smart TV.
There may have been an issue with older Netflix applications causing the blurry video appearance.
Method 5: Disconnect other devices in your home from the internet
A way to prevent Netflix videos from being blurry is to disconnect non-essential devices in your home from the internet.
When people in your home are downloading, streaming or gaming, this can also lead to blurry videos on Netflix.
Each device you disconnect from the internet will give you a better performance when streaming on Netflix.
Method 6: Close some apps
To reduce that chance of blurry video output by closing any running apps.
How does having open apps cause blurry playback?
When you have lots of applications running, especially ones connected to the internet, it degrades both the system and internet performance.
Method 7: Use an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi
Use a wired internet connection to the device in which you have blurry Netflix videos.
Wi-Fi is generally slower and can be impacted by interference and the distance from your internet route.
Method 8: Disable Ad blockers and VPNs
Ad blockers and VPNs can negatively affect the performance of Netflix, manifesting itself in blurry video playback.
Turn off these items to see if this resolves the video issues.
Method 9: Upgrade your Internet Connection
You need to consider whether this is an issue of a slower internet connection and whether getting an upgrade may fix this issue.
Most people in Northern America should have access to the internet that is fast enough to run 4K content on Netflix.
Method 10: Check the Netflix servers
Although it is unlikely, you should check that there are no problems or outages with the Netflix platform causing the blurry video playback.
Method 11: Contact Netflix Support
If your Netflix remains blurry, you need to contact Netflix support for help with troubleshooting.
Conclusion
When you encounter blurry video on Netflix, it is likely a result of a poor internet connection or incorrect playback settings.
We hope by following this guide, and you can get a clear picture of your TV show.
