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How to download and use Netflix on a rooted smartphone

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© nextpit

Netflix recently updated its app on the Play Store, preventing rooted users from installing it. Fortunately, as usual in the wonderful world of Android, there’s a way to continue downloading and using your favorite streaming app and watching your favorite shows on your smartphone. Find out how in this article.

"I can’t download Netflix from the Play Store”

On May 13, 2017, Netflix updated their app on the Play store. The result: many users, who rooted or unlocked the bootloader on their smartphone, can’t download the app onto their smartphone. They see the following message when they open the app page on the Play Store: “Your device is not compatible with this version”.

Netflix: "Version 5.0 only works with devices that are certified by Google and that meet Androids’ requirements”.

The reason is simple. Netflix now uses the new DRM Widevine system by Google, which is incompatible with rooted smartphones or even devices with the bootloader unlocked. Remember, rooting allows Android users to have complete administrative access, allowing them to access all files and authorizations of the smartphone.

With this new system, Netflix also wants to prevent any potential pirating as, thanks to rooting, it could be possible to access multimedia files stored locally, like films and TV shows.

How to download and use Netflix on the Play Store

If you’ve already installed the app, you’ll have no problem using the service. If you haven’t installed the app, you should revert to using the APK file method. Alternatively, you could reverse the root on your phone.

Where to download Netflix APK files for Android

This version of the application is compatible with Android versions 4.2 (Jelly Bean) and up.

Download Netflix’s latest version:

Older versions of Netflix:

How to install the APK for Netflix on Android

Follow these steps to install an external application:

  • Activate the installation of applications from unknown sources. This can be found in Settings > Security > Unknown Sources.
  • Find the APK in your downloads
  • Open the file and install the new version of Netflix!
galaxy s7 install unknown sources
Before downloading the Netflix APK, you have to activate unknown sources in the system settings. / © NextPit

Were you successful with the method above? Let us know in the comments

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Pierre Vitré

Pierre Vitré
Head of Content

Pierre has a strong passion for new technologies and mobile since its first StarTac. Android user since 2011, Pierre became totally hooked. He never leaves his smartphone and smartwatch and still believes in the success of Google Glass. That's why he joined AndroidPIT.fr to be the head of content.

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  • William Kenny 1
    William Kenny Dec 5, 2017 Link to comment

    Instead of using SuperSU, you can use Magisk instead. It lets you hide root and unlocked bootloader with one checkbox. Just used it and verified it works. It also lets you use Android Pay on a rooted device as well!!!


  • 31
    Deactivated Account Jul 12, 2017 Link to comment

    I appreciate the tips.. but
    there's nothing to stop the inevitable decline of rooting and using unlocked bootloader.
    for most folks and OEMs its security and easy UX that's more important than being able to customise whatever you want.

    William Kenny