Why Netflix Keeps Pausing On Your Smart TV [Solved!]

Stuck trying to stop Netflix from pausing on your Smart TV?

Unfortunately, thousands of people are in the same situation as you. Some of them have even downloaded a different streaming platform.

Honestly, I don’t blame them. Netflix should help us relax after a long day, not stress us and leave us frustrated.

When Netflix is pausing on your Smart TV, it may be due to a bad Internet connection, server downtime, or your VPN. However, having outdated software or bugs could also explain the issue.

Don’t worry, though. You’ve come to the right place to get these issues solved.

Read on to forget all about this problem and enjoy your movie night!

#1 A Bad Internet Connection

Although you’re currently on the web reading this article or scrolling through social media, it doesn’t mean that your Internet service is running perfectly.

You see, Netflix recommends having an Internet speed of at least 3 Mbps to stream content in HD (720 p), 5 Mbps for Full HD (1080p), and 15 Mbps for 4k (2160p).

So, if your connection is not fast enough, Netflix may automatically pause the content on your Smart TV.

This is why the first thing I’d like us to check is your Internet plan.

You see, if you live alone, you’ll probably be able to stream content in 4K with a plan of 25 Mbps. But, if you live with your family or friends, and they all work from home, love streaming movies, and play online video games, you’ll need to hire a much faster plan.

But, if your current plan is already fast enough, you’ll need to refresh your connection by unplugging your modem and router from their respective power sources, waiting for a couple of minutes, and plugging them back in.

I also recommend improving your Wi-Fi signal by moving your router and Smart TV closer to each other.

Then, make sure your router is away from fish tanks, kitchen appliances, and other large metal objects because they may scatter your signal.

If you’ve tried the tips above, but Netflix is still pausing content on your Smart TV, try reducing the streaming quality.

You see, higher image resolutions require faster internet speeds.

Follow this quick guide to do it:

1. On your computer, go to netflix.com and sign in to your account. When you reduce the video quality settings on your computer, this change is applied automatically to every device using your account (except for devices that use mobile data).
2. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner of your screen. Then, select “Account” from the menu.
3. Click on your profile and go to “Playback Settings” and select “Change”.
4. Reduce the streaming quality.
5. Once you’ve chosen the streaming quality, click on “Save”.

Then, try streaming content on your Smart TV again.

If none of these tips have helped you, please call your Internet Service provider and ask if they’re having coverage issues in the area.

#2 Server Downtime

If your Internet connection wasn’t the issue, chances are the platform’s servers are down.

Servers are in charge of making sure that millions of people can stream content and use their Netflix accounts at the same time.

When they go down due to human errors or software/hardware issues, the platform may not work correctly, and you can experience all sorts of difficulties while trying to stream content.

To see if that’s the case, go to downdetector.com/status/netflix/ and check the graph. If it’s orange or red and has high spikes, then Netflix is down.

Don’t worry, though. Netflix’s team usually solves server downtime in less than 24 hours.

#3 Your VPN

If you’re like me, you probably love using VPNs to access international content, secure your network, and hide your private information.

Unfortunately, Netflix and other streaming services hate VPNs.

You see, if you’re in the U.S. and are trying to stream content that is only offered in Canada, Netflix may get into serious legal issues due to their licensing and distribution agreements.

If Netflix detects that you’re using your VPN, it may pause your content, block some features, or stop working.

This is why I recommend disabling your VPN while streaming content on Netflix. This quick action can solve the issue.

#4 Outdated Software

Having outdated software while streaming could explain why Netflix keeps pausing on your Smart TV, as well as other issues, such as constant buffering.

Updates are usually released to add new features and fix bugs or other errors.

By updating your app and your device, you’ll ensure their compatibility and get rid of the issue.

Here’s how to update Netflix:

LG TV:

1. Press the home button on your remote and open the LG Content Store.
2. Go to “My Apps”. You’ll see an “Update” button next to Netflix, please click on it.

Hisense TV:

1. On the Home Screen, click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
2. Go to “Apps” and choose “See all apps” from the menu.
3. Click on Netflix and select “Update”.

Sony Bravia:

1. Press the Home button on your remote and click on “Apps”.
2. Go to the Google Play Store and click on your profile icon in the top-right corner of your screen.
3. Select “Manage apps and games” and click on “Updates”.
4. Choose Netflix and update it, or click on “Update All”.

To update your Smart TV:

LG TV:

1. Go to Settings and select “All Settings” from the menu.
2. Click on “General” or “Support”.
3. On “About this TV”, click on “Check for Updates”.
4. If there’s an available update, click on “Download and Install”.
5. Once the download is complete, turn off your LG TV, wait for 10 seconds, and turn it back on.

Hisense TV:

1. On the Home Screen, click on the gear icon to open the Settings menu.
2. Go to “Device preferences”. Then, click on “About”.
3. Click on “System Update”.

Sony Bravia:

1. Press the Home button on your remote. Then, go to “Settings”.
2. Scroll down and click on “About”.
3. Select “System software update”. Enable the Auto Update feature.
4. Click on “Software Update”. If there’s an available update, you’ll be asked to download it.

Please note that this process may vary depending on your TV’s model.

#5 Bugs

If Netflix is still pausing your content, you might have a corrupted cache or bugs that are interfering with how your device and app work.

You see, there are thousands of files within the app that store information that helps it display the movies and series catalogue and work correctly.

Unfortunately, sometimes these files can become corrupted, outdated, or damaged and cause multiple issues while trying to stream content.

Don’t worry, though. You can easily get rid of any corrupted cache and stubborn bugs by reinstalling the Netflix app on your Smart TV.

This quick action will delete all the background data stored in your app. But, don’t worry, you won’t lose your profile or personal information.

Follow this quick guide to uninstall the app:

Hisense TV:

1. Go to the Home Screen and click on the gear icon to access the Settings menu.
2. Click on “Apps” and select “See all apps”.
3. Find Netflix and select “Uninstall”.

LG TV:

1. Press the home button on your remote and go to “More Apps”.
2. Highlight Netflix and click on the upward-facing arrow above it.
3. Select the skull/x icon.
4. You’ll be asked to confirm the process, please click on “Remove”.

Sony Bravia:

1. Go to the Home Screen and select “Apps” from the left sidebar.
2. Highlight Netflix and hold down the OK button on your remote.
3. Choose “Uninstall” from the options.
4. You’ll be asked to confirm the process, please click on “OK”.

Once you’ve uninstalled Netflix, restart your Smart TV. Then, please go to your TV’s app store and reinstall the app.

Next, relaunch it, enter your login credentials, and try streaming a movie or TV show.

If Netflix keeps pausing the content, you’ll need to reset your Smart TV.

I know this is the last thing you wanted to hear because you’ll need to download all your apps and enter your personal information and preferred settings again.

But believe me, performing a factory reset is one of the most effective ways to get rid of any major errors.

Here’s how to do it:

Hisense TV:

1. Go to the Settings menu and click on “Device preferences”.
2. Select “Reset”.
3. You’ll be asked to confirm the process, please click on “Reset” again.

LG TV:

1. Press the Home button on your remote and go to Settings.
2. On “General”, select “Reset to Initial Settings”.
3. If asked, enter your TV password.

Conclusion

I hope that this article has helped you stop Netflix from pausing on your Smart TV.

Remember, you’ll be able to solve the issue by checking your Internet connection, disabling your VPN, and updating your system. Moreover, reinstalling Netflix, and restarting or resetting your Smart TV should also do the trick.

Thank you so much for reading this article. If you found it helpful, don’t forget to check out our related content below.

Good luck!