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Netflix blocks rooted Android devices after latest update

By Cosmin Vasile

Updated: May 14, 2017, 4:44 PM

Android Apps

Netflix blocks rooted Android devices after latest update

It looks like the latest version of Netflix has blocked access to its Android app to all rooted/unlocked devices. However, if you already have the application installed on your rooted phone, you will still be able to use it without any issue.

Over the weekend, Netflix pushed a new update accompanied by a rather mysterious changelog that states the following: “version 5.0 only works with devices that are certified by Google and meet all Android requirements.”

Soon after the new version of Netflix was released, many Android users reported the application shows as incompatible with their phones on the Google Play store. Although many thought this would be a minor bug, Netflix offered a statement on the matter the solves the mystery.

With our latest 5.0 release, we now fully rely on the Widevine DRM provided by Google; therefore, many devices that are not Google-certified or have been altered will no longer work with our latest app, and those users will no longer see the Netflix app in the Play Store.

As mentioned, while access to the Netflix app on the Google Play store has been blocked to all rooted and unlocked Android devices, the application is still working if you had it installed before version 5.0.4 was released.

source: Google Play via AndroidPolice

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Cosmin, a tech journalist with a career spanning over a decade, brought a wealth of experience to PhoneArena. His expertise lies in brands like Samsung and Nokia, and he has a keen interest in innovative technologies. After a brief stint in PR, Cosmin returned to tech journalism in 2016, committed to delivering clear and objective news. When he's not writing or appearing as a guest on TV and radio shows, Cosmin enjoys playing RPGs, watching Netflix, and nurturing his passion for history and travel.