Netflix displays Codex and the bandwidth? Close the box on Shield

While watching Netflix, a box with Codex, the bitrate, and other technical information may get stuck above the image. On a Nvidia Shield used with a Wii U Pro controller, the problem can often be resolved in a few seconds. The quickest method is usually to force stop Netflix and then restart the application.

Before getting to that point, sometimes a click on the right stick is enough to make the display disappear. However, this command depends on the controller and its mapping. It is worth a try, but not a universal promise.

Try clicking on the right stick first

On a Wii U Pro controller, you need to press the right analog stick like a button. Do not push it in any direction: press vertically on it while watching Netflix.

In this configuration, this click can show or hide the panel that displays the bitrate and other playback data. Make a single press, then see if the box disappears. A second press may bring it back.

If nothing changes, the controller may send another mapping to Android TV. Two additional tries are useful on the Wii U Pro:

• press the left stick like a button;
• press the – button.

These two gestures are not valid Netflix shortcuts for all remotes or Bluetooth controllers. They are used to check a different mapping, not to change the playback quality.

The solution that removes the box when the controller is unresponsive

If the display remains present despite the attempts, do not spend ten minutes in the Netflix settings. Completely close the application from the Shield, then open it again.

1. Open Settings on the Nvidia Shield.
2. Go into Applications.
3. Select Netflix.
4. Choose Force Stop, then confirm.
5. Restart Netflix and resume playback.

This action closes the active session of the application. It avoids having to restart the entire Shield or uninstall Netflix. Google also recommends, on Google TV, to go through Settings > Applications, select the application in question, and then Force Stop when an app is misbehaving.

The wording may vary slightly depending on the version of the Shield interface, but the logic remains the same: open the Netflix info, stop the app, and then restart it.

Do not confuse this box with the Netflix quality setting

Seeing a bitrate or technical lines on the screen does not mean that the Netflix subscription, 4K, or the connection has changed. The box displays playback information. Hiding it does not change the program being watched or the plan.

Therefore, avoid clearing the Netflix data or resetting the Shield as a first intention. These operations can disconnect you or force you to reconfigure the device, while a forced stop is often sufficient.

If the panel reappears regularly, also test the original remote of the Shield or another controller. The problem may come from the Bluetooth mapping of the Wii U Pro, not from Netflix itself. To review the uses of the box, our article also explains how to watch TV on Nvidia Shield.

When forced stop is not enough

If Netflix still freezes after restarting the app, check for updates for Netflix and the Shield. Then reproduce the issue with another command. This verification helps to determine if the controller is sending a phantom press or if the application retains the technical display after playback.

For the box that simply refuses to go away, the short path is clear: Settings > Applications > Netflix > Force Stop. This is the method that resolved the issue on the Shield with a Wii U Pro controller.

Useful source: Google TV help on force closing an application. The controller commands described here have been observed on a Nvidia Shield with a Wii U Pro and may vary depending on the Bluetooth mapping.