Netflix Error 12001: What It Is and How to Fix It

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by
Jordan Baranowski
Jordan Baranowski
Writer
Jordan Baranowski is a former Lifewire writer and educator with experience writing for SVG, The Nerd Stash, and Feast Magazine.
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Jordan Baranowski
Updated on June 08, 2020

When you're watching Netflix on your smartphone or tablet, you may see the following error message:

  • Sorry, we could not reach the Netflix service. Please try again. If the problem persists, please visit the Netflix website (12001).

Netflix error 12001 only appears on Android and Nook devices, and there are a few potential fixes you can try.

Instructions in this article apply to the Netflix apps for Android devices and the Nook e-readers.

Parent and children using a tablet
Caiaimage / Paul Bradbury / Getty Images

What Causes Netflix Error 12001?

Netflix error 12001 occurs when there is a problem retrieving data from the device's memory. This problem is generally due to an essential piece of data being outdated or corrupted. It's usually an easy fix that requires a device reset, which automatically refreshes the data.

How to Fix Netflix Error 12001

Try these solutions in order until your device can access Netflix:

  1. Restart the device. Reboot your Android device or soft reset your Nook, then reload Netflix.

  2. Clear the Android app data. If restarting the device doesn't work, you may need to clear the Android cache and app data.

    If you downloaded any Netflix titles to watch while offline, clearing the app data and cache deletes those videos, so you'll need to download the videos again.

  3. Try another Wi-Fi network. If neither of the above solutions works, the problem most likely lies with the wireless network. Try Netflix on another Wi-Fi network and see if the problem persists.

  4. Reset the router. If you have trouble connecting to Wi-Fi at home, resetting your home router can clear up any local network issues.

  5. Contact your ISP. If switching networks solves the problem with the Netflix app, contact your internet service provider. They will most likely walk you through your router settings to fix the issue.