Netflix is arguably one of the most popular streaming services worldwide with over 100 million paying subscribers in over 190 countries. However, the service comes with several flaws that can arise out of limitations set by Netflix or even your network issues.
If you’re seeing the error code NW-2-5 on Netflix on a Android or iOS device, Windows, Mac, Blu-ray player, Nintendo Wii U, PS 3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One Xbox Series X and S, Roku, Smart TV, set-top box and streaming media players, we’ve 11 possible ways you can fix the issue.
Also read: Netflix error codes for Android, iOS, PC, consoles and more; How to fix them?
How to fix the Netflix error NW-2-5 ?
You can follow any of the following methods to fix the “nw -2-5” error on Netflix. While these may seem elementary, they seem to get the work done in most cases.
Check if Netflix is down
You can check Netflix’s server status on their official page here or through third-party sites like DownDetector here.
If Netflix is down, then all you can do is wait for the service to come online.
Restart your device
While this might seem like an understatement when we said the steps to fix the error are elementary, but restarting your device can go a long way in fixing a lot of issues you might be having.
A simple restart can help in clearing any cache files or background processes that might be hindering Netflix from running smoothly. Moreover, if you’ve recently updated an app, especially Netflix, restarting will really help.
Also read: How to change the video quality in Netflix?
Restart your WiFi/Internet connection
Similar to the fix above, it’s possible that your router or modem’s firmware or software are causing issues, which can be the case especially when they’ve been updated recently. Restarting the router can also help reset things and solve the Netflix nw-2-5 error.
Reinstall/Update the app
If the Netflix error persists, you might want to uninstall and reinstall the app on your device. Any issues should go away with a fresh installation, alongwith all the app data and cache.
Similarly, you can also see if the Netflix app has a pending update on your device. Updates carry bug fixes and patches, which could potentially fix the error.
Try connecting your device directly to the router via LAN
You can also connect your device directly to the router or modem using a LAN cable, especially if you’re using a Windows or Mac PC, or any gaming console, including PS5, PS4, PS3. Xbpx 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Wii U or a smart TV,
It’s quite possible that your router’s WiFi antennas are misfiring and that could cause an issue with network stability when connected wirelessly. So, try connecting to the internet using the LAN cable and see if that fixes the Netflix error.
Also read: How does Netflix work? The science behind the play button
Try to improve your WiFi signal
Similar to the case above, a weak WiFi signal could also cause the issue, especially if you’ve set your streaming or download settings to the highest quality.
You can try improving your WiFi signal by either moving the router’s location, which might not be ideal if it’s tied down with wires. In that case, however, you can use a repeater to boost the WiFi signal in your room.
If you can relocate the router, try putting it in a central spot in your home. It’s also recommended to keep your router on top of a cabinet or shelf to avoid its signal from getting restricted due to furniture.
Make sure your network allows streaming
Depending on your internet service provider, it’s entirely possible that its bandwidth clogs during certain times in a day due to high usage, which could cause your speed to get throttled.
Cellular and satellite networks are majorly affected by a larger number of users.
If you’re using a public WiFi — hotel, cafe, airport, college, among others — you need to contact the admin over there to see if Netflix is available on their network. Sometimes public WiFi networks block video streaming services, including Netflix, to save bandwidth and allow more users to get optimum speeds.
Also read: Top 11 lawyer movies on Netflix
Verify your DNS settings (PlayStation and Xbox)
If you’re facing the Netflix error nw-2-5 on your PC (Windows and Mac) or a Playstation or Xbox gaming console, you’ll need to check the DNS settings and verify them to make sure that Netflix streams smoothly.
Setup the DNS settings on your gaming console as suggested below to fix the Netflix nw-2-5 error on PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.
Settings for PS3
On Playstation 3, you need to go to Settings > Network settings > Internet Connection settings > OK > Custom > Use Wi-Fi (manually)/Use a LAN Cable (auto-detect) to get to the DNS settings.
- IP address settings: Automatic
- DHCP host name: Do not specify
- DNS settings: Automatic
- MTU settings: Automatic
- Proxy server: Do not use
- UPnP: Enable
Settings for PS4
You can check our guide to change the DNS on PS4 or follow the steps mentioned below.
On Playstation 4, you need to go to Settings > Network > Set up Internet Connection > User Wi-Fi (custom)/User a LAN Cable to get to the DNS settings.
- IP address settings: Automatic
- DHCP host name: Do not specify
- DNS settings: Automatic
- MTU settings: Automatic
- Proxy server: Do not use
Settings for PS5
On Playstation 4, you need to go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set up Internet Connection > User Wi-Fi/User a LAN Cable > Advanced settings to get to the DNS settings.
- IP address settings: Automatic
- DHCP host name: Do not specify
- DNS settings: Automatic
- MTU settings: Automatic
- Proxy server: Do not use
Xbox 360
- Press the Guide button on the Xbox controller.
- The go to Settings > System Settings > Network Settings.
- Then choose your preferred network and select Configure Network.
- Then Select DNS Settings and select Automatic.
- Restart your Xbox.
Xbox One/ Series X/ Series S
- Open the guide by pressing the Xbox button on the controller.
- The select Settings from the Profile & system menu.
- Then select General.
- Then Network Settings > Advanced Settings > DNS Settings > Automatic.
Also read: Top 11 lawyer shows on Netflix that you must binge-watch
Clear your browser’s cache, cookies and other data
On PC
If you’re using Chrome or Edge, here’s how you can clear your browser’s cache, cookies and data.
Step 1: Type in chrome://settings/clearBrowserData in your browser’s address bar and hit Enter.
Step 2: Select the cache and cookies options and make sure the Time range is set to All time. Click on the Clear now button to clear out all the data.
On Android
If you’re on Android, it’s a good idea to clear out the YouTube app’s data and check if that works. Here’s how.
- Tap and hold on the app icon and press the i button.
- Tap on Storage & Cache.
- Tap both the Clear data and Clear cache buttons.
On iOS
iOS doesn’t really allow you to manually clear out an app’s data but you can try reinstalling the Netflix app to fix the issue.
Also read: How to sign out of Netflix from a single device and all devices?
Update your phone
While this has nothing to do with the app directly, sometimes newer versions of the app contain features that are better suited to work with the latest version of your phone’s operating system. If you’ve got a pending Android or iOS update, follow the guides below to get your device up to date.
On Android
Open your device’s settings and follow the steps mentioned below to update your Android smartphone.
- Scroll down and tap on System.
- On the next page, tap on Advanced.
- Then tap on System Updates to check if any updates are available.
On iOS
Open your device’s settings and follow the steps mentioned below to update your iPhone.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on Software Update to check for any pending updates and install them.
If you see an update, install it and see if this fixes your issues; if not, move on to the next method.
Factory reset your phone
If none of the methods above seems to resolve the Netflix error nw-2-5 error, as a last resort you can factory reset your iPhone or Android device, which should fix any issues in the phone and the app.
On Android
Open your Android’s settings and follow the steps mentioned below.
- Scroll down and tap on System.
- On the next page, tap on Reset options.
- Then tap on Erase all data (factory reset) on the next.
Note that these screenshots have been taken from a OnePlus device but it should be similar (if not exactly the same) for most other Android devices.
On iOS
Open your device’s settings and follow the steps mentioned below.
- Scroll down and tap on General.
- On the next page, scroll down to the bottom and tap on Reset.
- On the next page, tap on the second option from the top Erase All Content and Settings.
The methods listed above should help you fix the Netflix nw-2-5 error code on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Xbox, Playstations, Nintendo Wii, Smart Tv, Roku, Blu-ray player or any other streaming media player.
If these don’t help your case, you can contact Netflix on call at 000-800-040-1843. You can also call them free of cost through the Netflix app for Android and iOS. Alternatively, you can also start a live chat using the dedicated button at the bottom of Netflix’s help page here.
Also read: How to pitch an idea to Netflix?
