Just a few days ago, I got this warning from Netflix that my device (iPad Air 2) will no longer be supported, and I just did what any other person would do—ignore it.
I ignored the warning as long as I was streaming Netflix, just until earlier yesterday when the warning turned to something else, typically "this current app version is no longer supported."
If you're facing this same issue, keep reading, as I will show you how I got around this issue and continued streaming from the same device.
Why is Netflix Not Working on my Phone?
Well, this is a very broad question, and if I'm to answer it, I can say that there are just many reasons why Netflix wouldn't work on your phone.
However, tightening the target around the specific issue we are facing, which is the app's support for your device, I can say that Netflix isn't working on your phone simply because the OS can't support the latest version of the Netflix app.
I believe you all know how technology is, don't you? It is constantly in evolution and every app, just as every system, improves its functioning by releasing newer updates to make sure their proper functioning.
If you look into the specific message that you see on your screen when you log in to the Netflix app, you'll notice something interesting just after the first sentence. Here's the error message in a whole:
this current app version is no longer supported. please upgrade the os and app version (rxx-4)
The second sentence in this error message already explains why Netflix isn't working on your phone and instructs what to do. As for the note in the brackets, it is specific to every device but typically means the same thing. As for me, you should have noticed from the screenshot earlier that it is r36-2. Do not worry if yours is different; they all require the same solution.
This Current App Version is No Longer Supported (Fixed)
Let me take you back to the second sentence in the error message, "please upgrade the os and app version."
Well, from this, we can say we already have the solution (which is the first fix to try, of course).
My curiosity tells me that if you are here, it's simply because your device no longer receives OS updates (just as mine). After all, your phone's chip no longer supports the technology in the latest OS.
If you can't update your OS so it will support the latest version of the Netflix app, then you'll have just one workaround that should work for every device.
The walkaround is to simply use a web browser on that device to access Netflix. Of course, the browser itself needs to be updated, and you'll need to uninstall the Netflix app from your device, just so the browser won't redirect the streaming to the app.
Enough of talking, let's simplify the process in a few steps.
- Uninstall the Netflix app from your device (this is crucial).
Failing to uninstall the Netflix app from your device can result in several issues, including your browser redirecting you to the Netflix app. - Download or update your web browser.
If you are on Android, use Google Chrome.
If you are on iOS (iPhone or iPad), use Safari or Google Chrome—it should work. - Sign in to your Netflix account on your browser.
- Select a movie or TV show and start streaming.
Important!
If you are on Safari, you'll either need to access Netflix in Private mode or make sure that you have deleted the Netflix app. If you don't, the Netflix Homepage will report an error when you try to access it. The error should look like what you see in the screenshot below.
This same error can occur on Android, so always look out for it and access Netflix in incognito mode if it happens.
If everything went well, you should be able to stream Netflix on that same device as I am currently doing.
This method will work as long as your browser is updated and it supports the Netflix website.
As far as I know, you shouldn't have any other issues if you use this method, as it works for anyone whose device no longer supports Netflix.
Final Thoughts
Netflix is one of the most entertaining services out there, and having it working well in your household is something you need to take seriously.
Usually, if your Netflix app can't be updated to the latest version because your OS can't receive updates anymore, it means that the Netflix app won't be able to stream on your phone anymore unless you update your OS. If your device no longer receives OS updates and support, you'll only have to rely on the method I have shown in this guide, which involves using a browser to access Netflix.
I've explained how you should proceed with this walkaround, and if you do follow the steps properly, you should get Netflix streaming back on that same unsupported device.
