I received this error message when I tried streaming Netflix on my Smart TV earlier yesterday:
We're having a problem connecting to Netflix. Please try again later or try an alternative network connection. (3.1)
Suppose you're familiar with error messages with Netflix. In that case, you should know that the 3.1 error code indicates a poor network connection or that your current network can't permit Netflix to stream properly.
In fact, the second phrase of the message already tells it all, and for sure, that's a great point to start, but it can become even more frustrating when your network isn't really the issue—especially if you are on TV.
Well, that was somewhat the case for me, and if it is for you as well, I've explained why this issue typically shows up together with the steps I took to resolve it on my end and continue with streaming on Netflix.
Reasons Why You Are Unable to Connect to Netflix
Certainly, we know that poor network connectivity is the primary reason behind this issue. In fact, it is the reason behind over 90% of known cases like this.
If you pay critical attention to the error message, you'll notice at the end of the string that they recommend you try an alternative network connection.
While that's the first thing to do, only a few people will notice and understand the meaning of the first part of the second phrase (Please try again later).
This comes very handy if your network connection wasn't really what was stopping you from connecting to Netflix, and besides a poor network connection, here are a few other reasons why you are unable to connect to Netflix.
1. Outdated Netflix app
It is no new thing that we still use outdated versions of apps, especially apps that are installed on our Smart TV, including Netflix.
I represent a good example since I only noticed yesterday that my Netflix app on my Smart TV was outdated for about a year.
2. App Bugs
Netflix isn't perfect, just as any other service out there, and can't always escape bugs. So if you can't connect to Netflix and the network isn't the problem, a bug might be the problem.
3. Memory Not Enough to Stream Netflix.
Every app be it on your TV or mobile device, requires an amount of random memory (RAM) to work properly. If the available random memory isn't enough to stream Netflix, it will likely report the 3.1 error code.
How to Fix We're having a problem connecting to Netflix (3.1) Error
Now that we know all the possible causes of this issue, it should be way easier to tackle it.
Don't worry, I'm not letting you do this alone, and I know how difficult it can be to do this on your own, especially if you are not a tech geek.
So, as mentioned earlier, I'll start with the steps I took to resolve the issue on my Smart TV.
Fix 1: Switch Network Connection
The first step I took, just as any other person, was to switch my network connection. If you watched the video I made on this, you'll see how switching from my mobile data hotspot to my Wi-Fi resolved the issue on my Smart TV.
Yes, it did.
But it only did so for the first time I experienced the issue, since I tried switching again the second time I faced the issue, but it didn't work as expected.
That's just where I understood the logic behind the "Please try again later" at the beginning of the second phrase of the error message.
So just try switching the network connection on your end to see if it resolves the issue. If it fixes it on your end, you're good to continue streaming, but if it didn't, you may want to try the other troubleshooting steps mentioned below.
Fix 2: Check your Date and Time
Some TV shows and movies on Netflix are location-specific, which means they can only be accessed by users in specific countries.
I use a VPN to access country-specific content, and I believe some of you do too. And one way to really convince the platform that you're located where they've allowed streaming of that specific content is to change your date and time, which I forgot to do this time.
When I figured out that the date and time were the cause, I quickly changed it to match that of the country I'm accessing Netflix from (through a VPN, of course).
Need a VPN for Netflix? Here are the best free VPNs I recommend to you.
So change the date and time on your mobile device, PC, or Smart TV and open Netflix to see if it resolves the issue.
If it didn't, then continue with the next troubleshooting step below.
Fix 3: Update or Reinstall the Netflix App
This is one of the best fixes to most Netflix-related issues as it not only resolves cache issues, but fixes a few bugs and app-compatibility issues with the current OS. First, you start by updating the Netflix app to its latest version and try to stream again.
If the issue persists or if you are already on the latest version of Netflix and you still have the 3.1 error message show up, you just need to reinstall the app.
To do this on your Smart TV, just open your App Store and delete and then reinstall the app.
On your mobile device (Android, iPhone) or Tablet, uninstall the app and reinstall it from the respective App Stores.
After uninstalling, open Netflix and sign back in to your account and continue streaming as before.
If the issue still persists, then you have to take the last troubleshooting step below.
Fix 4: Restart your Smart TV or Mobile Device
This was actually the fix that worked for me the second time I faced this issue. I found out that the issue was due to a lack of memory to run the Netflix app properly, and since my TV doesn't let me clear cache, I had to turn it off and turn it back on so everything comes from afresh.
Turning off and back on doesn't only resolve the cache issue but also fixes a few bugs that prevent the Netflix app from working properly as well.
If after trying all of these methods and none worked out for you, then it should surely be an issue with your account, and if this is the case, you can report the issue to Netflix so they can help you address this issue.
Final Thoughts
The 3.1 Netflix error message has a lot of meaning besides a poor network connection, and you'll only come to realize that if you see the message and that your network works just as well.
This guide shows my experience with this issue and how other factors, besides a poor network connection, could lead to Netflix not connecting.
Your take? Simply follow the troubleshooting steps from the first to the last, and when you reach one that works best for you, you should be good to go.
So, did you finally fix the 3.1 error message on Netflix? Share your experience with us in the comments section.
