Netflix Error 1012 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Netflix Error 1012 typically appears on iOS devices (iPhone, iPad) and Apple TV and indicates an issue with the app's stored data or your account session. The error prevents playback and is usually caused by corrupt cached data or an expired authentication session. Signing out of Netflix, clearing the app data, and signing back in resolves this error in the majority of cases. Updating the Netflix app to the latest version also fixes Error 1012 on older iOS app versions.

Affected Models

Netflix Web Browser
Netflix Android App
Netflix iOS App
Netflix Smart TV App
Netflix Apple TV App

Common Causes

The Netflix app's local data cache has become corrupt and is preventing playback from starting
Your Netflix account session token has expired and needs to be refreshed by logging out and back in
The iOS or Apple TV Netflix app is outdated and has a bug that was fixed in a later version
Your Netflix account is being accessed from too many devices simultaneously, triggering a session conflict
An iOS system update changed how the Netflix app accesses protected content and requires a re-authentication

How to Fix It

Sign out of Netflix on the affected device. Go to Netflix > tap your profile icon > Sign Out. Then close the Netflix app completely.

On Apple TV: go to the Netflix app's Settings screen (gear icon) and select Sign Out.
On iPhone or iPad, delete the Netflix app completely. Press and hold the Netflix icon > Remove App > Delete App. This removes all cached data associated with the app.

Do not worry — deleting the app does not affect your Netflix account, subscription, or saved shows. It only removes the local app and its cached data.
Restart your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. Hold the power button and slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds before turning back on.

A restart clears memory and resolves session conflicts that persist even after signing out.
Reinstall Netflix from the App Store. Search for Netflix and tap Get or the download icon. Sign back in with your Netflix email and password.

A fresh install uses the latest app version and a clean data state, which resolves most Error 1012 issues.
If Error 1012 still appears, sign out of Netflix on all devices. Go to netflix.com > Account > Sign out of all devices. This resets all active sessions.

After signing out of all devices, you will need to sign back in to Netflix on each device you use. Have your password ready.
Make sure your iOS version and Netflix app are both up to date. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and App Store > Updates to check for pending updates.

Netflix Error 1012 on older iOS versions is sometimes caused by DRM (content protection) incompatibilities fixed in later iOS updates.

When to Call a Professional

Netflix Error 1012 is a software and account issue that you can fix yourself. No professional help is needed. If signing out and back in does not resolve it, contact Netflix support through help.netflix.com. Netflix support can reset your account sessions remotely, which clears all active sessions on all devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my Netflix watch history if I delete the app?

No — your watch history, My List, and account data are stored on Netflix's servers, not on your device. Deleting and reinstalling the app only removes the local app files and cache. All your viewing history, preferences, and saved shows will be there when you sign back in.

Why does Error 1012 only appear on my iPhone but not my TV?

Error 1012 affects the iOS app specifically because it is related to how the iOS app handles DRM content protection and session authentication. Other devices (smart TVs, Android) use different Netflix app versions with different session handling. Fixing it on your iPhone by reinstalling the app does not affect other devices.

How many devices can be signed in to Netflix at once?

Netflix allows up to 5 devices to be saved in your account. The number of devices that can stream simultaneously depends on your plan — Standard allows 2 simultaneous streams, Premium allows 4. Error 1012 can sometimes be triggered by exceeding your simultaneous stream limit. Sign out of devices you do not actively use through your Netflix account settings.