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Australia is streaming more TV, movies and documentaries than ever before. Australians watched over 140 million hours of Netflix a day in 2017! At TPG, we understand how important it is to get your binge-watch fix over your TPG internet connection whenever you like.
In this article, we’ve listed our top tips for resolving issues with Unable To Connect To Netflix and Buffering and Streaming Quality Issues.
For help on the right internet speed plan for your streaming needs and understanding the difference between Standard Definition, High Definition and 4K Ultra, check out this TPG Community article.
What is Netflix?
Netflix is a subscription service that allows you to watch or “stream” popular movies and TV shows in real-time over the internet. Streaming allows you to watch the video before the entire file is downloaded, then when you’re done the download is deleted and isn’t stored on your device.
Download the Netflix App on your internet-connected device of choice (such as your computer, smart TV, gaming console, smart phone or TV box) and you’re ready to go.
Troubleshooting: Unable to Connect To Netflix
Before you start troubleshooting
Make sure you’re able to browse the internet and access websites on other devices like your computer, or your mobile phone (if via your home internet Wi-Fi.) This will eliminate the problem being your internet connection.
Check for a Netflix error code
Check to see if you have a Netflix error on your screen. If you do, go to https://help.netflix.com/en/search and type in your Error Code to get a solution to your problem.
Restart your Netflix device and the Netflix App
Restart your Netflix device (such as your computer, smart TV, gaming console, smart phone or TV box). Close and re-open the Netflix App on your smart phone or tablet, or close and re-open your browser on your computer.
Connect your Netflix device to your TPG modem using an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi
This will eliminate the issue being with your Wi-Fi.
Improve your Wi-Fi Connection
Follow the great tips in this TPG Community article to optimise the stability and speed of your Wi-Fi for improved Netflix streaming
Check your Netflix account
Try to connect to Netflix using a different device
Getting the black screen issue accessing Netflix via your internet browser?
Check your connection in Netflix Settings
Buffering or Streaming Quality Issues
Check your Netflix account
First, check you’re on the right Netflix plan, as not all Netflix plans include access to HD and 4K Ultra HD content.
Check your TPG internet download speed
Check your Netflix Playback Settings
Log into your Netflix account and check if the Playback Settings are configured correctly for your desired streaming quality. These settings will also help if you need to limit the amount of internet data being used by Netflix.
You’ll need to check the settings on each of your Netflix profiles. For more help, check out https://help.netflix.com/en/node/11559.
Improve your Wi-Fi signal
Follow the great tips in this TPG Community article to optimise the stability and speed of your Wi-Fi for improved Netflix streaming
Change the internet browser you use for Netflix
If you watch Netflix in your internet browser, be aware that not all browsers are capable of displaying the same HD resolution.
Make sure your screen is capable of displaying High Definition content
Your screen (computer, TV, etc) should be capable of displaying at least 720p for HD content. Check with your device manufacturer if you aren’t sure.
Make sure your device is connected properly to display High Definition content
Make sure your computer or gaming console is connected to your television using a HDMI cable or HDTV Component Cable.
What are your top Netflix tips?
Thanks for the Playback Settings screenshot above.
I now know that you can disable the auto-play of the next episode.
Yes! That's one way to avoid the "Are you still watching?" Netflix judgment!
Good article @Krystle,
I think the information from Netflix support may not be entirely correct though, I've done tests on 2 different PC's. 1 running Windows 7 Pro x64 with IE11 and Firefox installed, the other running Windows 7 Home Premium x64 with IE11 and Google Chrome installed.
The results show that IE11 does not support 1080p on either machine and the maximum it will handle is 720p.
Both Firefox and Chrome support 1080p even though are meant to only support 720p according to Netflix.
I get the same results with youtube so I'm thinking it's limited support of html5 in IE11. that aside, the claimed browsers that support different resolutions are around the wrong way I think.
I could only test Safari on an old 32 bit ipad mini (A5) running iOS 9.35 and it tops out at 720p however supports 1080p using the youtube app, go figure.
I'd be interested in other users findings?
Hi @orbistat,
I have some interesting findings using my own Netflix account.
My tests so far: To get the below results I pressed ctrl,alt,shift and "d" while streaming
Microsoft edge: Windows 10 Machine streamed at 1080p
Netflix Windows APP: streamed at 1080p
Output below:
Firefox Version 60.0.1 (64-bit): Streamed at 720p
Chrome: Chrome Version 66.0.3359.181 (Official Build) (64-bit): Streamed at 720p
Note: No extensions or add on's used.
Outputs below
Ill do some further testing when i get home.
Cheers
Manuel
Thanks for your test results @Manuel
It seems i'ts not hardware limitations and I'm not using any plugins or 3rd party codecs in my tests, I had Windows 10 installed on one of my machines for a while and noted that Edge supported resolutions that IE didn't.
I have a HTPC as well and must use firefox to play anything off youtube in 1080p or higher res.