Netflix to stop work on these 2 BT boxes by start of March

BT and EE customers may be affected by the change, which means the popular streaming app will no longer work on its BT TV Box (Z4) and the BT TV Recordable Box (G4).

Now branded under EE TV, the boxes offer Freeview, as well as on-demand, apps, remote recording and more.

However, Netflix will stop being compatible with the two boxes at the start of March, meaning it won’t work for certain users.

Netflix to stop work on 2 BT boxes by start of March

Confirming the news, an EE spokesperson said: “Netflix is updating its app to create the best experience for its subscribers.

“Because of this change the Netflix app will no longer be compatible with older TV devices, including some legacy BT and EE TV boxes.

“We’re contacting our impacted customers to inform them of this change from Netflix and advise on how they can continue accessing Netflix as part of their TV package.”

It has been reported that Netflix will cease to work on the old boxes mentioned above from March 4.

The change will not cancel your existing Netflix subscription and if the streaming service is part of your EE TV package bundle, you can still watch it on other devices.

For newer EE boxes, such as the 4K Recordable TV Box (G5) and the Apple TV 4K EE Box, Netflix will continue working as normal.

What to do with an old BT TV Box or BT TV Recordable Box

BT confirmed that contracted customers with Netflix included in their EE TV package will have the option to upgrade to the latest EE TV Box Pro free of charge.

Out-of-contract customers, however, will need to recontract to get a replacement box.

EE also offers customers the chance to return and recycle EE TV and broadband products.

If a return is needed, EE will send you an email containing a QR code and a printable label, its website explains.

If you are using a QR code:

• Package all the equipment to send back using any spare bags or boxes, or, if you’re receiving new equipment, you can use the box it arrived in.
• Take the QR code from your email on your phone to a Royal Mail Customer Service Point. These points are usually at your local Delivery Office or Post Office branch.
• The staff will scan your QR code and attach the necessary label to your parcel.

If you are using a printable label:

• Once again, package all the equipment in spare bags, boxes or what arrived in.
• Cover any existing labels on the packaging and securely attach your new label, making sure the barcode is clearly visible.
• Take the parcel to a Royal Mail Customer Service Point, usually at your local delivery office or Post Office branch. You can also use an alternative method mentioned below.

How to continue to watch Netflix once it stops working on old BT boxes

If you did not want to upgrade an old BT box to continue watching Netflix, there are other ways to use the app.

A smart TV will likely support Netflix, with an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Roku Streaming Stick also options.

Netflix is also available on devices such as smartphones and tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles.

It is not the first time Netflix has stopped working or been removed from certain devices.

In late 2023, the streaming platform revealed that several TVs from 2012 and 2013 would also no longer be able to support the app, with it later removed in February 2024.

In the summer of 2024, the app was also removed from 42 Sony TV models.

Amazon Fire TV device also being discontinued

The Netflix update is not the only change to obsolete technology lately, with Amazon discontinuing support for the Fire TV Blaster as of January 31.

First introduced in 2019, the Fire TV Blaster helped customers with older TVs and soundbars by allowing them to control them with their voice.

It was designed to give hands-free voice control over Fire TV-compatible streaming devices, such as Fire Sticks and Echo smart speakers.

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However, due to newer HDMI-CEC technology and the further evolution of Amazon’s Fire TV product lineup, the need for the product has dwindled.

If you have a Fire TV Blaster, Amazon is automatically applying gift card credit for the full amount of the Fire TV Blaster (£34.99) to customer accounts.

This should appear in accounts within 24 hours, with no further action needed.

What is your favourite Netflix film or TV show? Let us know in the comments.