You can criticize Netflix all you want, but for me, its movies are my daily energy booster at the end of the day.
Still, it’s not a perfect platform. For instance, I tried screen mirroring Netflix from my smartphone once, and what greeted me was nothing but darkness—a bummer, right?
The good news is when I dug deeper, I found a slew of proven workarounds to get my Netflix back on its feet in a jiffy!
And in this post, we’re going to walk you through all that. Specifically, we’ll show you nine hacks you can use when you encounter a Netflix black screen when screen mirroring and explain why such a mirroring complication happens.
What causes the Netflix black screen error?
Network connectivity is the most common cause of a black screen when screen mirroring on Netflix.
Most likely, your two screens may not be using the same network; thus, you really can’t share one screen with another.
To fix the issue, adjust accordingly and ensure that both smart devices use the same network. However, a warning: Even if you settle such an issue, there could be other reasons behind the Netflix black screen, as stipulated below:
Issue 1: Outdated OS
Each iteration of an OS means working with more polished software that’s free of bugs. Therefore, ensure you’re using the latest version of your OS, be it iOS or Android or whatever OS your smart device uses, if not, Netflix sharing may falter.
Note that your device needs minimum operating system requirements to run the world’s foremost movie streaming service on the planet today.
| Smart Device | Netflix Minimum Requirements |
| Windows PC | Windows 8 (or later) |
| Apple Devices | iOS 6.0 |
| Android smartphones | Android 2.3 Gingerbread |
| Android tablets | Android 3.0 Honeycomb |
Issue 2: TV Error
Your TV may have display issues. Check the cables to see if they’re in tip-top shape, as if one is damaged, your device will have trouble displaying pictures onscreen.
Issue 3: Cast Software Issue
Are you using Chromecast, Roku, or Firestick to cast Netflix from your smartphone? Your streaming device may have been shut off or disconnected, so check if the casting icon is visible on display.
Issue 4: Netflix Account Profile Issue
The Netflix account profile must be the same on both smart devices sharing screens. If not, if one uses a different profile from the other, then there will be configuration issues preventing the casting process from happening.
Issue 5: Outdated Netflix App
Update your Netflix app to the latest version to facilitate seamless screen mirroring as much as possible. Smart devices from 2014 down may have trouble mirroring their screens.
Issue 6: Multicast Unavailable
The multicast feature has to be available on your mobile device to screen mirror. Screen mirroring is not an option if your device doesn’t support this relatively new technology for faster content delivery.
How to Fix a Netflix Black Screen When Screen Mirroring
The workarounds below should come in handy when you’re met with a black screen when screen mirroring Netflix. We highly recommend you apply these solutions in the order they are given for best results.
FIX 1. Update the Smart Device OS
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 40 to 60 seconds |
| Things Needed | An Android phoneSmart TV A working internet connection |
It’s simple. You need the latest operating system installed on your smart devices to address the black screen issue when screen mirroring Netflix.
Now, you may think it’s just your smartphone or tablet. But to function seamlessly, you must introduce the latest OS updates for your big screen (i.e., smart TV) and your small screen (i.e., smartphone).
Doing that should ensure a seamless connection. Not only will an updated OS bring about a smoother device performance but also, but it will also deal with possible bugs that could be hindering Netflix from functioning at its best.
Updating your device OS is pretty straightforward, as you can check your system files for updates, as shown below. The example is for an Android phone, but the steps should apply to iPhones and smart TVs.
Step 1: Tap Settings.  |
Step 2: Scroll down and tap System Updates. |
Step 3: Tap Check for system updates. |
Step 4: Tap YES to download available updates.  |
Step 5: Swipe from the top to check on the download in progress.  |
Take note that you can also choose to factor system updates automatically. This way you won’t have to check for updates every time.
You can enable this by going to your smartphone’s Settings > Software update > Auto download over Wi-Fi. It’s a good option but be wary, over time such a decision could mean fewer resources and a slower phone making you inefficient.
FIX 2. Check the streaming device connection
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 30 to 40 seconds |
| Things Needed | Google Chromecast Smart TV A working internet connection |
Your streaming device is central to screen mirroring. If you’re having trouble screen mirroring Netflix, checking on your streaming device is not an option you can do away with; rather, it’s a must.
First and foremost, remember that Chromecast, FireStick, and Roku won’t function without the internet. Thus, we recommend you restart your router by turning it on and off after a minute or two to ensure a stable internet connection.
Moreover, you must keep your streaming device connected steadfastly and not loose so streaming happens seamlessly. Thus, restart your streaming device; follow the steps in our Chromecast example below to ensure a steadfast connection.
Step 1: Disconnect Google Chromecast from the smart TV HDMI slot.  |
Step 2: Reconnect Chromecast to HDMI slot.  Note: Power it up and connect Chromecast (other end) to the USB slot. |
Step 3: Find the power button and turn Chromecast on. |
Step 4: Wait until the power LED turns white (from blinking yellow). |
Again, note that any ordinary TV can become a smart TV using streaming devices (Roku, Google Chromecast, and FireStick). Still, a steady internet is a must to stream Netflix movies or any IPTV movies available.
FIX 3. Ensure similar Netflix profiles on your screens
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 30 – 40 seconds |
| Things Needed | An Android phone Smart TV A working internet connection |
To screen mirror Netflix successfully, ensure your smart devices use the same Netflix account. If not, the sharing function won’t work, and you’re bound to see a Netflix black screen when screen mirroring.
Thus, checking what Netflix account is being used on your smaller device would be wise. Then, compare that with the account on the larger screen you’re casting to.
If you’re a Netflix account owner, you’d quickly identify your account by checking the details. But if you’re not sure about the Netflix account you’re using, the steps below should help you.
Step 1: Launch the Netflix app on your smartphone. |
Step 2: Log in to any of the account profiles available.  |
Step 3: Once in, tap the profile icon at the top right of the screen.  |
Step 4: Scroll down and tap the Account option |
Step 5: Check the account details.  |
After checking the account details of Netflix on your small screen, proceed to check the Netflix account details on your larger screen. The steps above should guide you.
FIX 4. Factor the latest Netflix updates
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 50 – 60 seconds |
| Things Needed | An Android phone A smart TV A working internet connection |
There’s a good chance you’re getting a black screen when screen mirroring if you’re using an old iteration of the Netflix app. An outdated app could test your patience with all sorts of bugs, not to mention give you below-par performance.
The only way out is to factor in the latest Netflix updates. To do that, uninstall your ‘old Netflix’ and then download the app again.
That may sound extreme, but that is an assurance you get the latest updates installed. Follow the steps below to get things going.
Step 1: Tap Play Store.  |
Step 2: Go to the Search Bar and type Netflix.   |
Step 3: Tap Uninstall.  Note: Uninstalling may take some time. Ensure the process is done before proceeding to the next step. |
| Step 4: To download Netflix, follow steps 1 and 2 above and tap the download button instead. |
| Step 5: Swipe from the top to check on the download in progress. |
After doing the solution above, try mirroring Netflix from your small screen to your big screen. If it still doesn’t work and you’re still facing a black screen, you may have to factor in app updates for the Netflix app on your smart TV.
Alternatively, you can choose not to uninstall the app. Just check for possible Netflix updates available.
FIX 5. Use another smart TV
If, by now, you’re still seeing a pitch-black screen when screen mirroring Netflix, you might want to consider a drastic option. And that is to use another smart TV altogether.
As you may already know, not all smart TVs are created equal. One of the essential features that separates an old-generation smart TV from a newer one is the concept of HDCP or High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection.
| IMPORTANT: High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) protects copyrighted content from being shared from one device to another. Intel created the code to stop the illegal recording of copyrighted content. |
Note that smart TVs and other devices communicate via codes when sharing content. In this regard, the biggest entertainment companies like Disney, Warner Brothers, and Netflix use HDCP code to protect their content.
Simply put, a non-HDCP-compliant TV won’t be able to send and receive signals from copyrighted content. So, there’s a good chance you can’t stream Netflix if you’re using an old-gen TV.
Thus, if you’re still facing a blank wall and are not moving forward by now, try using another smart TV. That could solve your Netflix mirroring woes for you.
FIX 6. Ensure you’re connected to the right device
You could be meeting a black screen when screen mirroring from your smartphone simply because you’re casting to the wrong device. This can happen if there are two or more smart TVs in the area, for instance.
So, double-check if you’re mirroring to the suitable device. An excellent way to ensure this outcome is to put off the other smart devices in the area, specifically other smart TVs being used.
Alternatively, check before you hit the mirroring button. The device name options should be available when you hit Play On.
Well, if you’re in a friend’s place or is a guest at a hotel, then you should ask the people in charge who are knowledgeable about the smart devices around you. You could be staring at that blank screen for longer if you choose to stay silent.
FIX 7. Clear Netflix app cache
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 40 seconds |
| Things Needed | A smart TV A working internet connection |
Any website or app, Netflix including, needs to store temporary files dubbed as cache to operate efficiently. This allows Netflix to make the user experience as seamless as possible.
For one, the streaming app remembers your viewing preferences using the cache. Over time, however, the cache can add up, compromising the viewing experience and possibly creating kinks (e.g., Netflix black screen when screen mirroring).
Clearing the Netflix cache, therefore, every once in a while is wise. This frees up storage and resolves possible playback issues that may arise.
Step 1: Open Netflix Settings (smart TV) |
Step 2: Select Apps.  |
Step 3: Select See All Apps. |
Step 4: Choose Netflix from the list. |
Step 5: Pick Clear Cache.  |
FIX 8. Ensure HDMI connection
We can talk about software bugs and secret codes as the culprit behind your black screen issue while screen mirroring Netflix. But the truth of the matter is you need seamless physical connectivity to get over this hump.
You could be getting a blank screen simply because your streaming device isn’t working. Check the HDMI cable connection at the back of the TV and see to it that your Roku, Chromecast, or FireStick dongles are snugly fit.
These streaming devices get power from the wall or a USB port at the back of your smart TV. So you may have to check that the whole set-up is not loose or needs replacement or repair.
FIX 9. Refer to a Netflix specialist
| Difficulty | Very Easy ●○○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 4 |
| Time to Perform Fix | 30 to 40 seconds |
| Things Needed | An Android phone A working internet connection |
If all else fails and you still are looking at a dark screen after screen mirroring Netflix, then it’s time you call the experts. At this point in time, getting in touch with Netflix support should be a wise move.
You don’t have to pick up the phone, by the way. Just use your Netflix app on your smartphone to get it done; if you’re unsure how just follow the steps below.
Step 1: Open Netflix (smartphone); Choose a profile |
Step 2: Scroll down and tap Help.  |
Step 4: Pick Chat or Call (depending on your choice). Note: The call option is free as it’s over the internet. |
If the internet is down, then be ready to pick up the phone to contact Netflix support. The following toll-free numbers should help if you’re in the US: 1 (855) 915-6036 or 1 (844) 505-2993.
FAQs about Netflix Black Screen when Mirroring
How do I stop Netflix from going black when screen sharing?
Stop Netflix from going black when screen sharing by checking on the internet service being used by your devices. To screen share, the devices sharing the screen must be logged into the same internet connection.
Why won’t Netflix play when screen mirroring?
Netflix may not play when screen mirroring if you’re using an outdated app. Factor in the latest Netflix app updates to continue; also, check your HDMI cables for loose connections, which could affect your streaming device (e.g., Chromecast).
Why can’t I cast Netflix on my smart TV?
Check your streaming device (e.g., Chromecast, FireStick, Roku) if you can’t cast Netflix on a smart TV. Turn the internet router on and off to ensure your streaming device gets a good internet signal; otherwise, restart your streaming device.
Other major issues could be causing Netflix casting issues. But check for Netflix software updates and ensure you’re using the latest iteration of your smart device OS, both for the screens sharing Netflix content.
