RCA Tablet Apollo Review: Essential Netflix Fix – Solved Easily!

Yes, the RCA Tablet Apollo can be a great, affordable device for watching Netflix. If you’re experiencing issues like buffering or app crashes, this guide provides simple, effective solutions to get your Netflix streaming smoothly. We’ll cover common fixes and settings adjustments to ensure your movie nights are uninterrupted.

RCA Tablet Apollo Review: Your Essential Netflix Fix Guide

Are you excited to settle in with your favorite shows on your RCA Tablet Apollo, only to be met with frustrating buffering or a Netflix app that just won’t cooperate? You’re not alone! Many users have encountered these hiccups, especially with budget-friendly tablets. It can be disheartening when your entertainment device doesn’t perform as expected. But don’t worry, getting your RCA Tablet Apollo to stream Netflix beautifully is often a straightforward fix. This guide is designed to walk you through the most common problems and their simple solutions, all explained in easy-to-understand terms. We’ll dive into everything from checking your internet connection to optimizing your tablet’s settings. Get ready to enjoy your Netflix marathons without the stress!

Is the RCA Tablet Apollo Really Suitable for Netflix?

When you’re looking for an affordable tablet to enjoy streaming services like Netflix, the RCA Tablet Apollo often pops up. But does it live up to the task? For casual viewing – think browsing your favorite shows, watching a movie on a road trip, or catching up on episodes – the Apollo can certainly do the job. It’s designed to handle everyday apps, and Netflix is a prime example of an app many people want to use on a tablet like this.

The key is managing expectations. This isn’t a high-end, performance beast. Its capabilities are more modest. However, this doesn’t mean you should expect a poor Netflix experience. Often, the perceived issues are due to simple settings or network problems that can be easily resolved. Our goal here is to make sure your RCA Tablet Apollo delivers a pleasant Netflix experience, turning potential frustrations into smooth sailing.

Common RCA Tablet Apollo Netflix Issues and How to Fix Them

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. What are the most common reasons your Netflix might be acting up on your RCA Tablet Apollo, and more importantly, how can you fix them? We’ve broken down the most frequent culprits:

• Slow Internet Connection: This is by far the most common cause of buffering. Netflix requires a stable internet connection to stream smoothly.
• Outdated Netflix App: Like any app, Netflix gets updates to improve performance and fix bugs. An old version can cause problems.
• Corrupted App Cache/Data: Over time, apps store temporary files (cache and data) that can become corrupted, leading to crashes or errors.
• Low Storage Space: If your tablet is full, it can slow down and affect app performance.
• Tablet Software Issues: Sometimes, the tablet’s operating system itself might have a glitch that impacts apps.
• Netflix Server Problems: While less common, Netflix itself can sometimes experience outages or issues.

Don’t let these issues get you down! We’ll tackle each one with simple, step-by-step solutions.

1. The Golden Rule: Check Your Internet Connection

This sounds simple, but you wouldn’t believe how often a patchy Wi-Fi signal is the culprit. Before you dive into complex tablet settings, make sure your internet is actually working well.

Action Steps:

1. Speed Test: Open a web browser on your tablet and search for “internet speed test.” Run a test. Netflix recommends a download speed of at least 3 Mbps for HD streaming. If your speed is significantly lower, the problem might be your internet plan or your router.
2. Restart Your Router: Unplug your Wi-Fi router for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait a few minutes for it to fully reconnect to your internet provider and broadcast Wi-Fi.
3. Get Closer: If you’re far from your router, try moving closer. Walls and distance can weaken the signal.
4. Check Other Devices: Are other devices on your network (phone, computer) also experiencing slow internet? If so, the issue is likely with your internet service or router.

A strong, stable internet connection is the foundation for a great Netflix experience. Once you’ve confirmed your Wi-Fi is robust, you can move on to tablet-specific fixes.

2. Update Your Netflix App: The Quickest Fix

App developers frequently release updates to fix bugs, improve stability, and add new features. An outdated Netflix app on your RCA Tablet Apollo is a common cause of performance issues.

Action Steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store: Find and tap the Play Store icon on your tablet’s home screen or in the app drawer.
2. Search for Netflix: In the search bar at the top, type “Netflix” and select the official app from the results.
3. Check for Updates: If an update is available, you’ll see an “Update” button. Tap it. If it says “Open,” the app is already up-to-date on your device.

This simple step can resolve many immediate problems. After updating, try opening Netflix and playing a video again.

3. Clear Netflix App Cache and Data: A Fresh Start

Apps store temporary files called “cache” and “data” to help them load faster. However, these files can sometimes become corrupted, leading to app instability. Clearing them is like giving the app a fresh installation without actually uninstalling it.

Action Steps:

1. Go to Settings: Find the “Settings” app on your RCA Tablet Apollo (it usually looks like a gear icon).
2. Navigate to Apps: Scroll down and tap on “Apps,” “Applications,” or “App Manager” (the exact name might vary slightly).
3. Find Netflix: Scroll through the list of installed apps and locate “Netflix.” Tap on it.
4. Storage: You should see an option for “Storage.” Tap on “Storage.”
5. Clear Cache: You’ll see two buttons: “Clear cache” and “Clear data.” First, tap “Clear cache.” This removes temporary files.
6. Clear Data: After clearing the cache, tap “Clear data.” You’ll likely get a warning that this will delete app settings and account information. Confirm by tapping “OK” or “Delete.”

Important Note: Clearing data will log you out of Netflix. You will need to re-enter your Netflix username and password to log back in after this step. This action is often highly effective for resolving persistent app glitches.

4. Free Up Storage Space on Your Tablet

When your tablet is nearly full, it can struggle to perform basic tasks, including running apps smoothly. If you’ve downloaded a lot of apps, photos, or videos, it’s time to do some digital decluttering.

Action Steps:

1. Check Storage: Go to “Settings” > “Storage.” See how much space is available. Aim to keep at least 1-2 GB of free space.
2. Delete Unused Apps: Go to “Settings” > “Apps” and uninstall any apps you no longer use.
3. Manage Photos/Videos: Transfer photos and videos you want to keep to a computer, cloud storage (like Google Photos or Dropbox), or a microSD card if your tablet supports it. Then delete them from the tablet’s internal storage.
4. Clear Browser Cache: Your web browser also stores cache. In your browser’s settings, find the option to “Clear browsing data” and select “Cached images and files.”
5. Delete Downloads: Check your “Downloads” folder and delete any files you no longer need.

Freeing up space gives your RCA Tablet Apollo more room to breathe, allowing all its apps, including Netflix, to run more efficiently.

5. Restart Your RCA Tablet Apollo: The Universal Fix

This is the tech equivalent of a deep breath. A simple restart can clear temporary glitches in the tablet’s operating system that might be affecting app performance. It’s the first step in many troubleshooting guides for a reason!

Action Steps:

1. Press and Hold Power Button: Press and hold the power button on your tablet until a menu appears.
2. Select “Restart” or “Power Off”: If you see “Restart,” tap it. If you only see “Power Off,” tap that, wait about 30 seconds, and then press and hold the power button again to turn it back on.
3. Wait for Boot Up: Let the tablet fully restart and load back to the home screen.

Try launching Netflix after a restart to see if the issue is resolved.

6. Check Tablet System Updates

Just like apps, the tablet’s operating system (Android) receives updates that can improve overall performance, stability, and compatibility with apps. Keeping your tablet’s software current is important.

Action Steps:

1. Go to Settings: Open the “Settings” app on your tablet.
2. Find System or About Tablet: Scroll down and look for “System” or “About tablet.”
3. Software Update: Within the System menu, find “Software update” or “System update.”
4. Check for Updates: Tap “Check for updates.” If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it. This process may require your tablet to restart.

Ensuring both your apps and your tablet’s system are up-to-date is crucial for optimal performance.

7. Uninstall and Reinstall Netflix

If clearing cache/data didn’t work, a full uninstall and reinstall of the Netflix app can sometimes clear deeper-seated issues. This ensures you’re getting a completely clean version of the app.

Action Steps:

1. Uninstall: Go to “Settings” > “Apps.” Find “Netflix,” tap on it, and then tap “Uninstall.” Confirm the uninstallation.
2. Restart Tablet: After uninstalling, it’s a good idea to restart your tablet.
3. Reinstall: Open the Google Play Store, search for “Netflix,” and tap “Install.”
4. Log In: Once installed, open Netflix and log in with your credentials.

This process removes all traces of the old app and installs a fresh copy, which can often resolve persistent problems.

8. Verify Netflix Account and Plan

While unlikely to cause buffering directly, it’s good to ensure your Netflix account is active and your plan supports HD streaming if that’s what you’re expecting. Sometimes, a payment issue can temporarily suspend access or limit quality.

Action Steps:

1. Visit Netflix Website: On a computer or another device, go to the Netflix website (www.netflix.com) and log in.
2. Account Settings: Navigate to your “Account” settings.
3. Check Plan: Ensure your subscription is active and review the plan details. Most plans support streaming on multiple devices.
4. Payment Information: Verify that your payment method is up-to-date and there are no outstanding charges.

This is more of a background check but can save confusion if you suspect account-related issues.

Can You Watch Netflix in HD on the RCA Tablet Apollo?

This is a common question. The RCA Tablet Apollo typically features a standard definition (SD) or lower resolution screen. While your Netflix subscription might include HD streaming, the tablet’s hardware will limit what you can actually see. You can still stream Netflix, and it will look perfectly acceptable for casual viewing, but don’t expect sharp, crystal-clear HD playback. The tablet’s screen resolution is the primary factor here. Most RCA tablets in the Apollo line often have screens around 720p or lower, which means your Netflix streams will be displayed at or below that resolution.

For reference, here’s a general guideline on recommended speeds for Netflix streaming quality:

Netflix Plan	Required Download Speed	Recommended for RCA Apollo (Typically)
Standard Definition (SD)	0.5 Mbps	Yes
High Definition (HD)	5.0 Mbps	Will play, but limited by tablet’s screen resolution
Ultra HD (UHD)	15.0 Mbps	Not supported by tablet hardware

So, while your Apollo can connect to Netflix and play content, the visual fidelity will be capped by its display capabilities. The focus should be on getting the content to play smoothly, rather than expecting premium visual quality.

When to Consider Other Options

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your RCA Tablet Apollo is still struggling with Netflix, or if you’re consistently frustrated by the performance, it might be worth considering if this tablet is the best fit for your primary streaming needs.

Here are a few signs that it might be time to think about an upgrade or a different device:

• Persistent Buffering: Even with a strong internet connection and all troubleshooting done, if Netflix constantly buffers, the tablet’s processing power might be a bottleneck.
• Frequent App Crashes: If the Netflix app crashes multiple times during a single viewing session, it points to underlying performance issues.
• Slow Navigation: If navigating the Netflix app itself is sluggish, making it hard to browse or select titles, the tablet’s overall performance might be lacking.
• Desire for Higher Quality: If you prioritize watching content in sharp HD or 4K, you’ll need a tablet with a higher-resolution screen and more powerful hardware.

For those who need a device specifically for robust streaming or a more seamless entertainment experience, looking into tablets with higher specifications might be beneficial. Reputable tech sites like RTINGS.com offer detailed reviews and comparisons that can help you find a tablet suited for your entertainment needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: My RCA Tablet Apollo isn’t connecting to Netflix at all. What should I do?

A1: Start by checking your Wi-Fi connection (restart your router, check other devices). Then, try restarting your tablet. If those don’t work, clear the Netflix app’s cache and data, or uninstall and reinstall the app. Ensure your tablet’s date and time are set correctly, as incorrect settings can sometimes cause connection errors.

Q2: Netflix says on my RCA Tablet Apollo that my device is not supported. Why?

A2: This is usually due to an outdated version of the Netflix app or an outdated operating system on your tablet. Make sure both your Netflix app and your tablet’s system software are updated to the latest versions. If it persists, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the Netflix app.

Q3: Can I download Netflix shows to watch offline on my RCA Tablet Apollo?

A3: Yes, you can download Netflix shows and movies for offline viewing on most Android tablets, including the RCA Tablet Apollo, as long as you have the Netflix app installed and are a subscriber. You’ll need to be connected to Wi-Fi to start the downloads. Look for the download icon next to the title.

Q4: How do I improve Netflix picture quality on my RCA Tablet Apollo?

A4: While the RCA Tablet Apollo’s screen resolution is the main limiting factor for picture quality, ensure your internet connection is strong (at least 5 Mbps for HD). Also, verify in your Netflix account settings on the website that your playback quality is set to “High” or “Auto” rather than “Low.”

Q5: Netflix keeps crashing on my RCA Tablet Apollo. What’s the fix?

A5: The most effective fixes for crashing are usually clearing the Netflix app’s cache and data (which requires you to log back in) or uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Also, ensure your tablet has enough free storage space and that its system software is up to date.

Q6: Is it worth buying an RCA Tablet Apollo just for Netflix?

A6: If Netflix is your only planned use and you have a very tight budget, it can be a viable option for basic streaming, provided you address any potential performance issues. However, if you stream frequently or want a smoother, higher-quality experience