Devices That Will Lose Netflix Support on December 1

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Netflix Ending Support for Older Devices

Netflix has recently announced that it will discontinue support for some older devices on December 1, 2019 due to technical limitations. This means you will no longer be able to watch movies and TV shows with the Netflix app on these devices either because the app has been removed or is showing an error message. It is not entirely clear what these technical limitations are, but there is one thing we are certain of: technology is continuously evolving and it's picking up the pace every year.

Up until that date, you should see a message on your TV screen that says: "Due to technical limitations, Netflix will no longer be available on this device after December 1, 2019."

What are technical limitations?

Every electronic device is a combination of hardware, which is made of the physical components, and software (also called firmware in some instances) which is comprised of instructions that tell those components how to operate. Certain electronics have ways of updating their software over time to keep up with the advancements in technology, whereas other electronics end up being stuck with outdated software. Hardware however, can only keep up with a certain amount of software updates until they are no longer compatible due to physical limitations. When you can no longer update the software running on your hardware, that electronic device can only be replaced. This can definitely be frustrating when you were hoping to be able to use your electronics for a lot longer, maybe even until they stopped working entirely. Unfortunately, this is the state of technology usage today and the best we can do is to adapt.

Which devices will no longer support Netflix?

There are several types of devices from a range of manufacturers that Netflix will stop working on starting with the above mentioned date:

• Certain Sony smart TVs released between 2009 - 2011 and some receivers, Blu-ray players and home theater systems released between 2009 - 2012. For an expansive list, please visit sony.com/electronics/support/articles/00232373.
• Certain Samsung smart TVs released in 2010 and 2011. For updates, please visit samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01203568.
• Certain Vizio smart TVs released between 2012 - 2014 that are running on the VIZIO Internet Apps platform.
• First generation Roku players released in 2009 and 2010: Roku SD (N1050), Roku HD (N1100), Roku HD-XR (N1101), Roku HD (2000), Roku XD (2050), Roku XDS (2100). Roku has also stopped supporting these devices back in 2015.
• Many other older devices from different manufacturers that are not mentioned here.

What alternatives are out there?

To continue watching Netflix, you will need to purchase a newer smart TV or a device that connects to your TV and plays Netflix. Netflix offers a list of devices that are compatible with their service at netflix.com/compatibledevices. If you're undecided whether you want to do this, another benefit to consider would be that these newer devices would also allow you to watch some of the newer or upcoming alternative services, such as Apple TV+, Disney+ or HBO Max.

To continue using your current device, you may also consider some alternative streaming services similar to Netflix, however you need to make sure that your device is also supported:

• Subscription based services such as: Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Now, Showtime Anytime, Starz, Epix Now.
• Free and/or ad-based services such as: IMDb TV, Tubi, Crackle, Vudu, Hoopla, Kanopy, FilmRise, Pluto TV, Xumo, Stirr.

If you need assistance setting up, configuring or using devices that you would like to watch Netflix or other similar services on, feel free to check out our extensive gallery of Step-by-Step Guides.