Early in March, Netflix stopped working on a great number of older smart TVs and streaming devices around the world. This was not a bug; Netflix updates itself regularly, and some older devices are no longer compatible with it. That sucks for people who had relied on these methods to watch what is still the streaming service that gives you the most bang for your buck, but happily, there are ways around it, if you haven’t already found that out for yourself.
What devices no longer support Netflix
And why were they discontinued?
One of the most notable devices that Netflix stopped working on was the PlayStation 3, which came out all the back in 2006. In the early 2010s, the PS3 was the most popular option for people who wanted to stream Netflix from an external device, representing over 30% of Netflix streaming. That high install base was probably why it took Netflix so long to discontinue support, but by now, most people have moved onto streaming Netflix from newer smart TVs or other devices, so the company must have thought that continued support was no longer worth it.
On March 4, Netflix discontinued support for the BT TV Box (Z4) and BT TV Recordable Box (G4) set-top streaming devices, which are used in the UK. Although it’s hard to get a solid accounting of every device on which Netflix no longer works, it likely includes smart TVs manufactured before 2015 (Samsung, LG, Sony, Panasonic), older streaming boxes and DVR-style TV devices, and some older phones and tablets. Basically, if your device is over 10 years old, it’s in danger of losing access to Netflix streaming, if it hasn’t already.
Netflix, like other streaming services, regularly discontinues support for older technology. Similar waves crashed onto unsuspecting customers in 2025, 2024, 2023, and 2019. Commonly, this is because Netflix updates itself to allow for more advanced video, audio, and security features, and older devices do not have the processing power or memory to handle them.
This can be annoying, but by and large is just how things go in the age of the smart device. And there are plenty of available workarounds.
How to stream Netflix again if your device no longer supports it
Time for an upgrade
If you have a smart TV that no longer supports Netflix, one option is to go out there and get a new one, and there are ways to spot a genuinely good smart TV on a budget. But if you’re not ready to upgrade your TV or if you were just using a device that’s no longer supported, it’ll probably be easier (and cheaper) to just get a newer external device, which will connect to your TV through an HDMI port. You have plenty to choose from, including:
- Newer video game consoles like the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S and X all support Netflix. If you were holding onto your PlayStation 3 and like to game, that could be a good option. The Nintendo Switch 2 does not support Netflix or indeed most any streaming services, Nintendo being a company with a long history of doing its own thing.
- Apple TV 4K: This is a reliable device that’s good for long-term use, and obviously a good choice if you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- Nvidia Shield TV Pro: This higher-end device offers superior AI upscaling, Dolby Vision/Atmos support, and high-performance gaming capabilities. It’s good if you’re the kind of person who streams a lot.
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K: Roku has been in the streaming game for a long time and know what they’re doing. They make simple, easy-to-use devices with wide app compatibility.
- Walmart Onn 4K Pro: This more budget-friendly choice is also very reliable.
These are some suggestions, but really, any external streaming device that’s come out in the past few years will do the trick. If you stream Netflix on your phone, generally you’ll need one that supports i06 16 or later, or Android 7.0 and up. Depending on what phone you have, that could simply mean that you have to download the latest operating system, or that you need to get a new phone.
The wonder and agony of technological progress
The frustration and the fantasy
As technology marches forward, it’s inevitable that older formats get left behind. The PlayStation 3 was the first console capable of streaming Netflix in 1080p, which was amazing at the time, but it’s not capable of streaming in 4K, which is becoming increasingly popular.
And yet, we do still lose things when Netflix discontinues support for devices like the PlayStation 3, which was one of the last ways to natively watch TV shows and movies that were natively filmed in a 4:3 aspect ratio, meaning that you wouldn’t see black bars on the side of your screen like you will on more modern TVs.
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Devices come and go, Netflix is forever
It’s also just annoying that someone who bought a smart TV years ago, perhaps specifically because they didn’t want to use an external device to stream content from services like Netflix, may now have to get an external streaming device. But most people have probably grown accustomed to these periodic disruptions. At least they’ll have a lot of great things to stream on Netflix.
- Brand
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Apple
- Connection
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Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Remote Control
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Yes
The 2021 Apple TV 4K is one of the best Apple AirPlay receivers for your home. It’s less versatile than other AirPlay receivers since it requires an HDMI connection, however, if you plan to listen to music while doing chores or want to blast your favorite tunes when guests arrive, it’s a perfect all-in-one solution. With Dolby Atmos support, the 2021 Apple TV 4K comes equipped with an A12 Bionic chip, delivering 4K video, clear audio, and superb pictures. You can easily hook up your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your TV and enjoy an excellent entertainment system in a small package. While it’s not a cheap investment, the 2021 Apple TV 4K is the ideal pairing for any iOS or macOS device. You can be reassured that there will be no compatibility issues since it’s an official Apple product. Use the Siri remote to share your music with others, or plug in your AirPods for private listening.
