Netflix updates on Roku do not work like phone app updates. Roku handles channel updates through Roku OS, so the fix is usually a Roku update check, not a Netflix setting. Start with the fastest update path, then reinstall Netflix if the app still will not open or does not appear.
Let Roku handle updates automatically
Roku devices check for updates during initial setup, whenever they are powered on, and randomly every 24 to 36 hours. Keep your Roku connected to the internet and leave it powered. When a Netflix channel update is available, Roku downloads and installs it automatically through Roku OS.
There is no separate Netflix app update switch on Roku. If Netflix still looks outdated or will not open, run a manual Roku update check next.
Force an update from Roku Settings
Press Home on your Roku remote, then scroll and select Settings. Select System, then Software update, and select Check Now. Use this first because it checks for Roku software and installed app updates, including Netflix when an update is available.
Refresh Netflix from the app tile
This fixes cases where Netflix will not open or only shows a black screen. Press Home on your Roku remote, then highlight Netflix with the directional pad. Press Star to open the settings menu, then select Check for Updates. Open Netflix again after the update finishes.
Reinstall Netflix on the Roku device
Reinstall Netflix when update checks finish but the app still behaves badly. From the Roku home screen, highlight Netflix, press Star, choose Remove app, and confirm. Install it again by pressing Home, opening Store, choosing Apps, finding Netflix, pressing OK, and selecting Add app.
If Netflix does not appear after you add it, go to Settings, System, System update, and Check now. Roku does not let you remove an app while there is an active subscription billed through Roku.
Use the Roku mobile app
Open the Roku mobile app on iOS or Android. Tap Devices, then open Apps on Roku.
Tap and hold Netflix, then remove the app. Open Store.
Browse Categories or Recommended, or search for Netflix. Select Add. If Netflix does not show up on the TV afterward, run Settings, System, System update, and Check now on the Roku device.
Add Netflix from Roku's website
You can reinstall Netflix from a browser through the Roku Channel Store. Sign in to your Roku account, search or browse for Netflix, open Details if it appears, and select Add app.
Adding an app through Roku's website adds it to your Roku account and compatible linked devices. Roku does not provide a direct downloadable Netflix app file for consumers. If Netflix does not appear on your Roku afterward, use Settings, System, System update, and Check now to sync the device.
Clear a Roku PIN block
Use this when you removed Netflix but cannot add it back from the Roku device because the account asks for a PIN. The PIN controls app additions and purchases; it does not update Netflix by itself.
Sign in at my.roku.com and go to Device settings. Select PIN/Parental controls, then choose the PIN setting for Subscribing, making purchases, and adding apps. Select Save.
To remove the requirement, choose Don't require a PIN and select Save. Roku does not require the PIN for the Roku website or Roku mobile app.
Skip unsupported update tricks
This prevents wasted time on methods that do not update Netflix on current Roku devices. Avoid hidden remote-code menus for Netflix updates. Use Settings, System, Software update, and Check Now instead.
Use Roku Voice only for supported voice access, such as launching apps or navigating some settings. Do not rely on a voice command to update Netflix. Do not use Google Assistant to launch or control Netflix on Roku. Replace the device if Netflix shows R40, R12, R25-9, or Netflix is no longer available on this device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Netflix update automatically on Roku?
Yes. Roku handles app updates automatically when the device is powered, online, and able to complete its regular update checks.
Is there a Netflix update button inside the Netflix app on Roku?
No. Use Roku Settings or the Netflix tile options menu instead.
Why can't I remove Netflix before reinstalling it?
Roku does not let you remove an app while there is an active subscription billed through Roku.
Can I download a Netflix app file and install it on Roku?
No. Add Netflix through the Roku device, Roku mobile app, or Roku Channel Store website.