Netflix ceases support for rooted Android devices

If you have been following news from the world of technology lately, you must know about deadly security attacks on computers all around. A sudden need for protected devices has emerged into the limelight. While Apple’s iOS is untouched by these security threats, the Android platform is based on Linux and is vulnerable to attacks. Despite knowing these security vulnerabilities, certain users “root” their devices in order to gain administrator privileges, with a vision to boost performance. Since rooting exposes the devices to risks, Netflix has taken a step to discourage users from unlocking their bootloaders and rooting their phones.

According to a conversation with Android Police, Netflix has stated that they will no longer support their app on rooted devices. With the latest version, users won’t be able to download or update the app on their rooted or unlocked Android smartphones. The Netflix app will be running on Google’s Widevine DRM technology with the 5.0 version. The technology provides one of three security levels for each device, depending on which processes run in the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE).

The latest changelog on the app’s homepage in PlayStore states that "Version 5.0 only works with devices that are certified by Google and meet all Android requirements."

While the company claims that the app is blocked for rooted Android users, the latest version and the previous version still work normally on such devices. It is still possible to side-load the APK file on rooted phones and access the streaming service on them.

However, we would suggest our readers get their Android devices running on verified versions of Android if their phones are rooted. With worsening situations in the world of digital security, it is safer to stay within the protected walls of Google’s virtual security layer.