It’s the end of a long day, and you’re flopped onto a couch for your hour of Schitt’s Creek.
All seems well- until you turn on Netflix and are met with nothing but a void of utter darkness!
The most common reason as to why Netflix might show a black screen when screen mirroring is because you’re connecting the second device to a different network than the device you’re attempting to cast Netflix from.
Instead, both devices must be connected to the same network for the screen mirroring to work!
However, this isn’t the only possible reason for this issue; there could be other causes behind the black screen you’re seeing when attempting to cast Netflix, and we’ll walk you through how to tackle each of them in our comprehensive Netflix screen mirroring troubleshooting guide!
How To Fix A Netflix Black Screen When Screen Mirroring: 9 Potential Solutions
There are various possible reasons as to why Netflix could be showing a black screen when screen mirroring. Here’s how to fix the problem in different situations:
1. Update Your Device’s Operating System
The first thing you need to do if Netflix is showing a black screen when screen mirroring is to update your device’s operating system version.
Check for updates, and if there are any updates available for download, download and install them. Then, attempt to mirror Netflix again!
2. Check Chromecast Connection
If you’re a Chromecast user, Netflix will display a black screen if your Chromecast isn’t connected to the internet.
You can try to refresh the connection by restarting your router and Chromecast. It may also help to try unplugging Chromecast for a couple of minutes.
Signing out and back into Netflix can be beneficial as well!
3. Switch Netflix Account Profile
For Netflix screen mirroring, you must use the same Netflix profile on both devices for it to work properly.
If one of your devices is logged into a different profile, Netflix will show a black screen when you try to share the screen.
You can find which profile is active from the account settings.
4. Update The Netflix App
Another reason why Netflix could be showing a black screen when screen mirroring is an outdated Netflix app.
Uninstall the app and download it again to see if it fixes the problem.
If not, you can try to reinstall the app- only this time, opt for the older version. Then, try updating the older Netflix version inside the app without uninstalling it. This should do the trick!
5. Try A Different TV
If you’re attempting to mirror Netflix to your TV, try using a different TV that supports HDCP code.
If your TV is old-gen, there’s a good chance it doesn’t support HDCP. If you’re not sure, you can either try using Netflix on a newer TV or check if your TV is capable of supporting HDCP code.
To find out if your TV supports HDCP, check the TV’s packaging. If you can’t find anything, check the video cable section in the owner’s manual.
You might also want to get in touch with the manufacturer’s support team to ask about HDCP support for your TV model. Another trick is to try connecting non-HDCP-supported devices to your TV.
If you see a fuzzy picture, there’s a high chance your TV can support HDCP!
6. Disconnect Other Devices
Sometimes, your device could be connected to another device than the one you’re attempting to cast Netflix onto.
In this scenario, disconnecting the other device can potentially fix your screen mirroring problem.
7. Delete Netflix App Cache Files & Clear Data
Clearing your Netflix app cache data could fix the black screen problem. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Settings and go to Apps
- From the Apps list, choose Netflix
- Select the Storage option
- Choose the Clear Cache and Data option
- Reboot both devices and try to mirror the screen again
8. Inspect The HDMI Port And Cable
If you’re not using remote screen mirroring, you’ll have to rely on wired HDMI connectivity. Even if one of your devices doesn’t natively support HDMI, you can still use an adapter.
In that case, it’s vital to ensure that the HDMI connectivity is working properly!
Check the HDMI cable and make sure that it’s not damaged. You might also want to take a look at the port to ensure that it’s dirt and rust-free.
9. Try A Different Browser
Some browsers don’t support Netflix screen mirroring because of copyright protection.
If you’re using a particular browser, try giving another browser a shot and see if the black screen issue dissipates.
Does Netflix Even Support Screen Mirroring Natively?
Yes, Netflix supports screen mirroring, which is where you can mirror from one device to another and use the original device as a remote controller.
However, there are limitations.
For example, you can’t use screen mirroring with multiple devices at the same time. Additionally, you’re required to use the same account profile for this feature to work.
How Do You Fix Screen Mirroring Lag?
It’s normal while screen mirroring to notice a little bit of lag when watching Netflix content.
However, if the lag is a bit too exaggerated, you can try updating the Netflix app (as well as the operating systems of the devices you’re using) and see if it fixes the problem.
Are There Any Alternatives to Netflix Screen Mirroring?
If you want to watch Netflix on larger screens without having to use screen mirroring, you may want to look into buying a Smart TV that can download and install apps.
Another option is to get an entertainment box such as Xiaomi Mi Box S, or Fire TV 4K. Newer gaming consoles may also let you install Netflix.
To Wrap It Up
So, that was a quick overview of what could be causing Netflix to display a black screen when screen mirroring!
Update everything, try different TVs, and make sure that you’re using the same account profile for both devices. It’s also important that you connect both devices to the same network.
If nothing works, your next best course of action is to contact Netflix’s customer support team for further assistance. Hopefully, you’ll be back to your regular viewing in no time!