How to fix Netflix not loading on Sony Smart TV

Smart TVs work via apps that they support and most, if not all of them, have apps for popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc. A smart TV generally doesn’t have a browser so anything that you stream, will be streamed via a dedicated app.

Netflix not loading on Sony Smart TV

Sony has a large range of smart TVs but if you have problems streaming from Netflix, the same set of solutions will apply regardless of which model you have. This includes the Bravia line of TVs as well as older Sony models.

1. General checks

Before you fix problems with Netflix on your Sony Smart TV, go through the following checks/quick fixes.

Restart your router. Locate the power button on the router and press it for 5 seconds. Release the button and wait 15 seconds. Press the power button again to power the router on. Wait for the lights on it to stabilize.
Make sure the TV is connected to the network. Check connectivity by streaming content from a different app.
Make sure you can stream Netflix on other devices e.g., on a phone or on your computer. If you’re unable to stream Netflix on all your devices, the problem may be with Netflix. You can check here to see if Netflix is down. Your ISP may be blocking it as well. Some ISPs block media streaming unless subscribers purchase a plan that’s meant for streaming. Contact your ISP to find out if streaming is blocked on your connection.
If you’re using a VPN to stream from Netflix, disconnect it and check if you’re able to stream from it. If so, your VPN is either blocked by Netflix or it is having connectivity problems of its own.

2. Update firmware

Sony Smart TVs run their own firmware (those that are not Android based), and the firmware needs to be updated from time to time. Make sure your TV’s firmware is up to date.

Use the remote to select the Help (?) icon.
Go to Customer Support>Software Update>Network.
Select Yes when asked to download or install the update.

Note: Your Sony Smart TV must be connected to the internet to update the firmware.

3. Restart Sony Smart TV

Power cycling the Sony Smart TV will fix problems with Netflix streaming.

Locate the power button on the TV. It’s normally located on or around the bevel. If you cannot find it, check the manual.
Press and hold the button until the TV restarts.

4. Relaunch Netflix app

Apps on smart TVs don’t really ‘shut down’ when you switch to a different app. They run in a suspended state in the background and this can cause problems when you try to resume an app.

On your Sony TV remote, press and hold the Home button.
Wait for the task switcher to appear.
Select the Netflix app in the task switcher and press the down or the Enter button on the remote.
Click Ok to confirm you want to close the app.
Open the app again and try streaming.

5. Reset Netflix app

If restarting the Netflix app doesn’t fix the problem, you can reset it. This will remove the app’s cache but it will not result in any data loss. You may have to sign into the Netflix app again.

Press the Home button on the remote.
Select Apps>Settings>Applications>Manage Applications.
Select Netflix from the list of apps.
Select Clear Data and click OK to confirm.
Relaunch the Netflix app.

6. Reset internet connection

Reset the internet connection on the Sony TV.

Press the Home button on the remote.
Go to Settings>System Settings>Set Up.
Select Network>Refresh connection.

Conclusion

Smart TVs sometimes run into problems streaming online content. Many of them don’t have a quick way to remove cookies and refresh content. Sony TVs will let you clear the cache on a per-app basis and that usually fixes the problem.