Netflix has recently discontinued support for some older TVs in its latest app. Their new app is designed for speed, security, and new video features.
Older TVs and streaming boxes no longer receive updates from the manufacturer. Hence, they can’t keep up with these new features.
Below is what to do:
1. Confirm it’s really “not supported.”
Look closely at the message on your TV.
If you see “Netflix is no longer available on this device,” or R40 / R12 / R25-1, the app is telling you the device is unsupported. That usually means you can’t “fix” it with simple troubleshooting. You’ll need a different device to watch Netflix.
If you see a different error, it might be temporary and not that your set isn’t supported
2. Restart your TV
Even for an old generation streaming gadget, Netflix could fail because the TV’s memory is clogged. As a result, the app freezes. Also, your network could get stuck.
Do the following in order:
- Turn off your set, unplug it, then power it on.
- If possible, also restart your router.
- Open the streaming app again and see if the error changed.
This won’t fix a truly unsupported device, but it often clears simple problems fast. And it helps you confirm what’s really going on.
3. Update your device software
Support of many apps depends heavily on whether your set can still receive updates. If you have never accepted any software updates, your device does not have the new software components that Netflix relies on to function.
Here is how you can fix this:
- Go to your TV settings.
- Navigate to Support/System, then toSoftware Update.
- Install all the updates you find. Your set will restart in the process.
If your gadget says “No updates available” and you still see “Netflix is no longer available on this device”, your TV’s system is too old to run newer Netflix versions.
4. Plug in a modern streaming device
If your TV screen still looks fine, you don’t need to buy a whole new TV just because Netflix ended support. The simplest solution is to use an external streaming device. You will then treat your TV like a display.
The streaming stick/box runs its own updated system, so you will stream even if your TV is old.
Important: Don’t buy a very old used streaming device. This giant no longer supports some older streaming devices, too.