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If Netflix looks cropped or zoomed on your Smart TV, open the TV’s picture settings and switch its picture size or aspect ratio to the normal, original, or screen-fit option. The exact name and menu path depend on the TV model. If the picture is small or off-center, or the problem only appears with an external streaming player, use the checks below for that specific symptom instead.
Fix a zoomed or cropped Netflix picture
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While Netflix is playing, open your TV’s Settings menu and look for Picture, Display, Aspect Ratio, Picture Size, or Screen Fit. Menu names and paths vary by manufacturer.
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Turn off any zoom mode and choose the normal or original aspect ratio, or a screen-fit option, if your TV offers one.
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Check Netflix again. If the picture remains enlarged, consult the TV manufacturer’s instructions for adjusting picture size or aspect ratio. Netflix notes that these TV settings can cause playback to appear zoomed in: Netflix: Netflix is zoomed in or cropped.
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If you watch Netflix through a Fire TV or Fire TV Stick, also check whether Screen Magnifier is on. Netflix’s guidance says to turn it off under Settings > Accessibility if it is enlarging the image. This applies to the external Fire TV device, not the built-in Netflix app on the TV.
Decide whether the black bars are normal
If the image is centered and complete but has black bars, the bars may preserve the movie or show’s original wide format. Netflix explains that filling the whole TV screen by zooming can cut off parts of the picture. Leave the bars when they appear only on certain titles and the full image is visible: Netflix: Why are there black bars on my TV?
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Fix a small or off-center picture
A small or off-center image is different from a zoomed picture. Netflix says stored information on the device may need refreshing and directs viewers to follow the troubleshooting steps for their device. Use the instructions for your TV or player rather than applying a universal reset sequence: Netflix: The picture is too small or off-center.
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Check an external Roku or streaming player
If Netflix is playing from a Roku or another box or stick connected to the TV, check the video connection as well as the TV’s picture settings. For Roku, Netflix recommends trying a direct connection to the TV, another HDMI port, or a different HDMI cable. These are connection checks for external hardware; they are not the usual fix for Netflix running in the TV’s built-in app: Netflix: Netflix picture issues on Roku.
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Check device support if Netflix is unavailable
If the Netflix app itself is missing or no longer works, changing the picture size will not restore it. Netflix says the service may no longer be available on some TVs and streaming devices made before 2015. Check the support status for your specific model: Netflix: Netflix supported devices.
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