Netflix will stop working on a wide range of older smartphones beginning April 1, according to an announcement made on March 27. The change is not related to price increases or content changes, but instead comes from a technical update that raises the minimum requirements for devices running the Netflix app.
The update will affect millions of users worldwide who use phones that no longer meet Netflix’s minimum performance, security, and playback quality standards. Devices that do not comply with these new requirements will lose access to the application even if it is already installed.
According to Netflix, only phones with Android version 7.0 or higher and Apple devices running iOS 17 or later will be able to use the app going forward. This means many older phones—especially those released more than ten years ago—will no longer be supported.
Among Android models affected are Samsung Galaxy S3, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime, LG Optimus L5 and L7, LG G2, Sony Xperia Z and Z1, and Sony Xperia E3. For Apple users, iPhone X, iPhone 8 and 8 Plus as well as earlier models like iPhone 7, iPhone 6s and first-generation SE are among those losing access due to their inability to upgrade beyond iOS versions below iOS 17.
Netflix said this decision is based on technical factors such as improved video compression technologies requiring greater processing power and updated digital rights management systems for security against piracy. The company also pointed out that keeping compatibility with outdated devices can harm user experience by causing poor performance or low-quality streaming.
Users affected by this change can still watch Netflix through other compatible devices such as smart TVs, tablets or computers; they may also access the platform using updated web browsers or connect their phone to a TV via external devices like Chromecast.
