Sony Smart TVs work with apps, and most, if not all, have apps for popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, and others. Because most smart TVs lack a browser, anything you watch will be streamed through a dedicated app.
Netflix not loading on Sony Smart TV
Sony makes a variety of smart TVs, but no matter which model you have, if you’re having trouble streaming Netflix, the same set of solutions will apply. This includes TVs from Sony’s Bravia line as well as older models.
Related: How to Fix Netflix Error Code UI3012
1. General checks
Perform the following checks/quick fixes before attempting to fix Netflix issues on your Sony Smart TV.
- Restart your router if necessary. Locate the router’s power button and hold it down for 5 seconds. Wait 15 seconds after releasing the button. To turn on the router, press the power button once more. Wait for the lights to stabilize on it.
- Check to see if the TV is connected to the internet. Streaming content from a different app can be used to test connectivity.
- Check to see if you can watch Netflix on other devices, such as your phone or computer. If you can’t get Netflix to work on all of your devices, it’s possible that Netflix is to blame. If Netflix is unavailable, you can check here. It’s possible that your ISP is also blocking it. Some ISPs prohibit media streaming unless subscribers purchase a streaming-only plan. To see if streaming is blocked on your connection, contact your ISP.
- If you’re using a VPN to watch Netflix, disconnect it and see if you can still watch it. If this is the case, your VPN is either blocked by Netflix or has connectivity issues of its own.
2. Update firmware
Sony Smart TVs (those that aren’t Android-based) have their own firmware, which must be updated from time to time. Make sure the firmware on your television 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: To update the firmware, your Sony Smart TV must be connected to the internet.
3. Restart Sony Smart TV
Netflix streaming issues can be resolved by rebooting the Sony Smart TV.
- 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
When you switch from one app to another on a smart TV, it doesn’t really’shut down.’ They run in the background in a suspended state, which can cause issues 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
You can reset the Netflix app if restarting it does not solve the problem. This will clear the app’s cache, but no data will be lost as a result. It’s possible that you’ll 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 occasionally have issues streaming online content. Many of them lack a simple method for deleting cookies and refreshing content. Sony TVs allow you to clear the cache per-app, which usually solves the problem.
