Netflix getting stuck on the loading screen on a Smart TV – either when opening the app or when launching a title – is one of the more common TV streaming issues. Here’s the fix process that works across most TV brands.
Step 1: Power cycle the TV
This is different from pressing the power button. Fully unplug the TV from the wall, wait 30-60 seconds, then plug it back in and launch Netflix. This clears the TV’s RAM and resets background processes that can cause apps to hang. A standby mode power-off doesn’t achieve the same thing.
Step 2: Check your internet connection
Netflix loading screen hangs can be caused by a network issue rather than the app itself. Check that other streaming apps (YouTube, a network browser) work. If they don’t, the issue is your internet connection – restart your router and modem.
If internet is fine but Netflix hangs, continue below.
Step 3: Update the TV’s firmware
Outdated TV software can cause app incompatibilities. On Samsung: press Home > Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now. On LG: Settings > All Settings > General > About This TV > Check for Updates. On Sony: Settings > Device Preferences > About > System Update.
If an update is available, install it and test Netflix again.
Step 4: Sign out and back into Netflix
From within the Netflix app (if you can navigate it): go to Settings > Sign out. If the app is too frozen to navigate, look for a “Deactivate” option in the app’s settings if accessible.
Alternatively, go to Netflix on a computer or phone, deactivate your device, then sign back in on the TV.
Step 5: Reinstall the Netflix app
On Samsung: Home > Apps > navigate to settings (top right gear icon) > find Netflix > Reinstall. On LG: Home > LG Content Store > My Apps > Netflix > Update or Reinstall. On Sony/Android TV: Settings > Apps > Netflix > Uninstall updates or Clear data, then reinstall.
Step 6: Factory reset the TV (last resort)
If nothing else works: Settings > General > Reset (Samsung) or equivalent on your brand. This restores the TV to factory settings and resolves any deep software conflicts. You’ll need to sign back into all apps and services afterward.
Here’s a walkthrough showing the firmware update, reset, and reinstall steps on a Samsung TV:
