In the age of digital streaming, Netflix is often considered to be the go-to platform for those who want to watch movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
You can expect to find some of your favorites. The platform also invests heavily to offer its customers exclusive and original content.
Now, if you own a MacBook Pro and want to watch Netflix on your computer, you should be able to do so without much trouble. Netflix has a dedicated application for multiple operating systems, including macOS.
On the off chance that Netflix not working on MacBook Pro becomes something you can encounter, there are ways to fix the problem. Troubleshoot it by checking the suggestions mentioned below.
Table of Contents
1. Restart the Application
As expected, the first suggestion is to restart the application. It is possible that there is a small error inside the app and that you need to relaunch it. In case the app does not want to close, you will need to force-quit it manually via Activity Monitor.
If the Netflix application persists and still runs in the background despite your efforts trying to close it, you will need to restart the computer.
2. Clear Up the Cache
App cache accumulates over time. It is known to cause small but noticeable problems on a MacBook.
As far as space optimization tricks on a computer go, quite a few users tend to overlook cache and other temporary storage. Perhaps they are unaware of it because the files are often not visible and require tinkering with the device’s settings. Or, as an alternative, a cleanup utility tool is recommended to use.
The bottom line is that clearing the app cache and freeing up drive space on a MacBook is a good rule of thumb to follow, so try that and see if it makes Netflix work again. And if you want to further improve the state of the MacBook’s drive, consider the tips mentioned in this video:
3. Check If the Service Is Actually Available
The odds are small, but it is possible that Netflix is down for maintenance or another reason. If the service is not available, it is to be expected that you are not going to be able to launch it on your MacBook Pro.
In case you cannot find confirmation about Netflix being down, you can also try to launch it on a different device or talk to someone you know who owns a Netflix account and can test the service as well.
4. Test Your Internet Connection
A poor Internet connection could be another cause behind Netflix not working properly. If the application launches and you can select what to watch, constant buffering and, in some cases, crashing could be the result of a lackluster Internet connection.
Test your Internet’s speed to see if everything is up to par. If you notice issues with it, get in touch with your ISP provider and consult them. It is possible that there is something wrong on their end, and only they can see the cause and fix it.
As for what you can do, restarting the router is always an option. You can also disconnect and reconnect to Wi-Fi.
In case you notice that problems with the Internet are becoming more and more common, they will continue to be a pain to deal with, and not just when you want to watch Netflix. Perhaps switching to an Ethernet cable instead of relying on a wireless connection is a possibility.
It would mean sacrificing the portability aspect of your Mac, but if the computer is static on a desk, for instance, and you are not carrying it around the house, an Ethernet cable makes a lot of sense to improve the overall Internet connection quality.
5. See If an Update Is Available
Missing the latest Netflix version is a possibility behind the application’s problems. Go to the App Store and see if an update is available. If it is, make sure to download and install it so that your Netflix app is running on the latest version.
Also, as a side note, you should not miss out on a new macOS update. Not having the latest OS version is known to cause several computer problems, and app compatibility and overall performance are one of those areas that an update can improve.
6. Use a Virtual Private Network
If you want to watch a certain piece of content but cannot launch it, the restriction could be related to your location.
Geo-restricted content is quite common. You can treat this obstacle as another example of your Netflix not working.
To circumvent geo-restrictions, use a virtual private network. In addition to offering security and privacy online, a VPN also helps you overcome restrictions by changing your location on the device, which, in this case, would be a MacBook Pro.
FAQ on Netflix Not Working on MacBook Pro
Check for an internet outage in your area. Fix common router or modem issues and incorrect network settings. Restart or reset your network’s connection.
Restart Wi-Fi Modem/Router
Internet connection issues can be the cause of videos freezing, especially if your videos keep stopping and buffering. Restarting your modem and router may help.
There is no Netflix app for Mac. That’s right. Mac users can access Netflix using a Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, or Safari browser.
Your best courses of action are to restart your Apple TV, check your Wi-Fi connection, or check for an update to the Netflix app. There’s also a chance that none of these methods will fix Netflix, in which case you may have to reinstall an older version of the app.
Smartphone users should start by force-stopping the Netflix app. If it still doesn’t work, try turning your phone off and on again. And if it still doesn’t work, you will need to delete the app and reinstall it from the appropriate app store. The same methodology applies if you’re using a set-top streaming box.