“What in the world is NW-2-5?”
I’m sure many Netflix subscribers have seen that code.
And while it looks like some super technical, hard-to-fix error…
It’s actually not.
Aside from being one of the most common Netflix issues…
It’s also one that you can easily resolve.
Continue reading to find out:
- What the NW-2-5 error actually means.
- 11 effective ways to fix the Netflix NW-2-5 error code.
- A particular device you can use to fix network issues with Netflix.
- And this is just the beginning…
What does Netflix error NW-2-5 mean?
The Netflix error NW-2-5 means a network connectivity problem. It means your device is struggling to connect to Netflix’s servers. Therefore, causing interruption to your stream. To fix this, power cycle your modem and router. And restart your device.
How do I fix a Netflix error code NW-2-5?? 11 fixes
#1: Press the Try Again button
Don’t let the error’s code name intimidate you.
NW-2-5 is just Netflix’s fancy way of saying that your device has connection issues.
This error is actually similar to when Netflix is stuck on the loading screen.
And no, it’s not an issue with their servers. So it’s not necessary to check whether Netflix is down.
It’s a problem completely on your end.
Either your device is struggling to connect to the internet. Or your home network itself is unstable.
And in some cases, these problems may be temporary. Just some minor glitch.
So the first thing you should do when you encounter the NW-2-5 error…
Simply press the Try Again button. It’s right below the error code.
Pressing that means your device will try to reconnect to Netflix’s servers.
And in many instances, it’s enough to resolve the issue.
#2: Verify if there’s a problem with your internet connection
Now if clicking the Try Again button didn’t work…
You may be having a network connection problem.
Try to check if all of your devices are having internet issues.
If you’re watching Netflix from a Smart TV, grab your phone or your laptop.
And try to browse the web from there.
In addition, you may also check your internet speed.
As you may be aware, Netflix has download speed requirements for smooth streaming.
At least 1 Mbps for Standard Definition.
3 to 5 Mbps if you prefer High Definition.
And for 4K, the best resolution, you’d need at least 15 Mbps.
You may visit Fast using any browser. It’s a website powered by Netflix for checking your download speed.
#3: Do a power cycle on your modem and router
Are all of your devices experiencing network issues?
Then the next logical step is to perform a power cycle on your router and modem.
Power cycling is just another name for restarting a device.
And it works. At least most of the time.
The process of doing that is simple:
- Unplug your modem and router from their power source.
- Allow for 30 seconds to pass.
- Reconnect both devices back into the outlet.
Wait for about a minute or 2 until your modem’s indicator lights turn green.
And then wait until your device reconnects to the internet.
Then try to stream from Netflix again.
#4: Restart your device
It’s also possible that your home network’s fine. And it’s just the device you’re using to stream that’s having a problem.
In that case, you should also perform a power cycle on that device.
Whether Netflix isn’t working on your Smart TV, streaming stick, or gaming console…
Power cycling or restarting is always an effective fix.
Just do the following:
- Disconnect your device from its power source.
- Wait for about 30 seconds up to a minute or 2.
- Plug your device back into the outlet.
And if you’re watching from a phone or a laptop, just look for the restart option.
#5: Move your device closer to the router
You may have connected your device to the internet. But if the signal’s poor, you’ll also get the NW-2-5 error.
Want an easy way to boost your device’s signal?
Move it closer to the router.
On average, a router’s indoor range is around 150 feet.
Within that distance, devices can get a good signal.
So ensure that your device isn’t too far.
Depending on your home setup, move it as close as possible to the router. Or move the router closer to your device. Whichever’s easier to do.
You may also consider buying a long-range router. Such as the TP-Link AX5400.
#6: Use a WiFi Extender
Another device that can boost your device’s internet is a WiFi extender.
As the name suggests, it helps boost your router’s WiFi signal.
Basically, it receives an internet signal from your router. And then rebroadcasts it to other areas in your home.
It’s excellent in resolving dead spots in your household. Those are areas where signals are usually either weak or non-existent.
Pro tip: When using a WiFi extender, place it directly between your router and the device with a weak signal.
Would you like to know more about WiFi extenders? Watch this video below:
#7: Connect your device directly to the modem
Another way to boost your device’s connection is to plug it directly into a modem.
This is especially helpful if it’s only the router that’s having issues.
You’ll only need an ethernet cable for this. You may even use the one connecting your modem to your router.
Just unplug it from the router. And connect it to your device instead.
Most smart TVs have an ethernet port. The same with gaming consoles like the PS5 and the Xbox Series X.
Regarding Roku players, both the Ultra and the LT also have a dedicated ethernet port.
And for other Roku models and Fire Stick players, you may use an ethernet adapter.
#8: Disconnect other devices from your home network
Ever wonder how many devices you can actually connect to your home WiFi?
Well, it certainly isn’t unlimited.
Top network providers like AT&T, Verizon, and Xfinity all have a similar policy.
You can only connect up to 10 devices to your home network. And the fewer, the better.
So if you have too many gadgets connected to your WiFi…
Try to disconnect some of them. At least those that you’re currently not using.
Since NW-2-5 is a network issue…
You’ll want your device to have the best internet connection possible.
And one way of doing that?
Ensuring that it’s not competing for bandwidth with other devices.
#9: Exit Netflix then relaunch it
You may also try to fix the NW-2-5 error by closing Netflix. And then relaunching it.
You can even do it through the error screen.
Here’s how:
Step #1: Click the More Details button.
When you encounter the NW-2-5 error, you’ll see 3 options on your screen:
- Exit.
- Try Again.
- More Details.
Now highlight More Details and select it.
You’ll then see a screen with information about your internet connection. As well as menu options on the side.
Step #2: From the menu options, select Exit Netflix.
That’ll close the Netflix app. But don’t relaunch it yet. Wait for about a minute.
Step #3: Relaunch the Netflix app.
Depending on your device, you may find Netflix on the home screen. Or the Apps section.
After the relaunch, try streaming again.
#10: Reset Netflix
On some devices, you may also find an option to reset the Netflix app.
What that does is remove the app’s cache and data. Including videos that you’ve downloaded for offline viewing.
Resetting will also unlink the app from your account. So you’ll have to sign in again.
This is an easy way to reset Netflix:
- From the NW-2-5 error screen, select More Details.
- Highlight Reset and click it.
Your device should start resetting the Netflix app. How long it takes will depend on how much data to delete. It may be a few seconds up to several minutes.
Can’t find the Reset option?
Then your device probably doesn’t allow that. You may simply go to the next fix.
#11: Delete and reinstall the Netflix app
A workaround if you can’t reset Netflix is to delete it. And then reinstall it.
The way to do it will vary per device.
But normally, there’s an app manager menu that you can go to.
Look for Netflix. Then pull up the menu. And select the Remove or Delete option.
And before reinstalling, it’s best to power cycle your device first. This is to ensure the app’s complete removal from your device. Paving the way for a clean installation.
To reinstall Netflix, just search for it in your device’s authorized app store. And click the download button.
Bonus: Contact your internet service provider
Are you still seeing that NW-2-5 error code?
At this point, you should contact your internet service provider (ISP).
For one, it may very well be an area outage problem. And they’ll be able to confirm that with you. As well as let you know how long it’ll last.
There may also be a problem with your household’s network wires or cables.
And you can’t fix that by merely power cycling your modem. You’d need a technician to come over and check. Something that your ISP agents can help you with.
Moreover, you may have simply used up your monthly data allocation.
“But I thought my plan was unlimited.”
Well, technically, yes. You’re getting unlimited data. But it’s the high-speed internet that has a monthly cap.
After reaching that, your internet will begin slowing down. Sometimes slow enough that you won’t be able to stream at all.
The ISP agent can confirm if you’ve hit the data cap. And they’ll be able to help you increase your allocation if you’d like.
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