How to Fix Netflix Error NW-2-5?

What makes Netflix so popular? One of the reasons is its availability in almost all devices. Aside from computers, smartphones, and tablets, Netflix is also compatible with other streaming and devices, including Amazon Fire TV/Stick, Blu-ray Player, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, Roku, Set-top Box, Smart TV, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U, and Xbox One.

It can be quite annoying when you’re trying to watch your favorite Netflix flick but encountered an error instead. Netflix errors can be caused by various factors and accompanied by a range of error messages, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution to these issues. You could be having trouble with streaming on Netflix because of a network connectivity issue, a glitch with your device, or a problem with your Netflix account or app. One such issue is the Netflix error NW-2-5.

What Is Netflix Error NW-2-5?

The Netflix error code NW-2-5 usually means that there is a network connectivity issue that makes your device unable to reach the Netflix service. This is a fairly common and tricky Netflix issue to deal with. When this error pops up on your screen, it indicates that your streaming device is not connected to the internet or there might be something hindering it from connecting to the Netflix servers.

This issue can be due to a problem with your playback device, your internet connection, or your home network.

The Netflix error code NW-2-5 usually displays this error message on the screen:

• Netflix has encountered an error. Retrying in 5 seconds.
  Code: NW-2-5
• Couldn’t connect to Netflix. Please try again or restart your home network and streaming device. For more information, visit netflix.com/nethelp.
  Code: nw-2-5

This issue happens on most streaming devices installed with the Netflix app, such as computers, Xbox, PlayStation 3 and 4, Nintendo Wii U, Roku, Blu-Ray Players, and smart TVs. This article applies to all devices used to stream Netflix, but game console users, such as Xbox and PlayStation, need to take specific steps for these devices.

What Causes Netflix Error NW-2-5?

When you look at the error message on the screen, it is difficult to determine what caused the problem because the message is so generic, especially the first one. It only says that Netflix has encountered an error. The second one is a bit more helpful because it tells you what happened and recommends a course of action to fix it. But still, you have no idea why your device can’t connect to the internet while other apps can.

As mentioned above, this error message appears because your device used for streaming Netflix cannot connect with the Netflix service and download the content that you want to access. The first thing you need to check is whether your internet connection has been interrupted or cut off. But if you are able to access the internet using your home network except for Netflix, then the issue lies somewhere else.

It is also possible that your firewall is preventing Netflix from connecting with the server, leading to this error. Incorrect or corrupted DNS settings also result in this problem.

What To Do About Netflix Error NW-2-5?

When you encounter this error, there are several troubleshooting steps you can do. But since this error can appear on many devices, some of these might not be applicable to your device. In that case, simply skip the step and proceed to the next one.

But before you proceed, here are some basic troubleshooting steps you should try:

1. Try Netflix on another device. If you’re experiencing problems streaming on your mobile phone, iPad, tablet, or other mobile devices, try opening Netflix on a computer or laptop instead. If you see an error message on the Netflix website, then Netflix is probably experiencing some error and you’ll need to wait for them to fix it.
2. Check if your network supports Netflix streaming. This is particularly important if you’re connected to your school network or office Wi-Fi. Most public networks don’t allow streaming, so you need to check with your IT department or network administrator if that is indeed the case. If it is indeed blocked, the only way to bypass it is by using a VPN.
3. Check if your internet is fast enough to watch a video. Open a web browser on your device, then try visiting a website, such as Facebook.com or YouTube.com, to verify that you have a working internet connection. If the website loads, the next thing you need to check is whether your internet connection speed meets Netflix’s required bare minimum of 0.5 Mbps to stream videos. You need at least 3.0 Mbps to be able to watch a standard definition video and at least 5.0 Mbps for high definition.
4. Improve your Wi-Fi signal or try a different internet connection. If your internet connection is not working, try to connect to a different network. Use a cable if possible. But if you don’t have another option, you can only try to improve your Wi-Fi’s signal by moving closer to the router. You should also try restarting your devices, including your modem, router, and your streaming device.

Here are the things you can do to resolve the Netflix error NW-2-5:

Fix #1: Press Try Again on the error message.

If you see a Try Again button on the screen, try pressing it to see if it helps resolve the error. If the issue was caused by a temporary bug, the error will go away after refreshing the app.

Fix #2: Restart your device.

In most cases, fixing the error code NW-2-5 is as easy as rebooting your streaming device. This means completely turning off the playback device, then unplugging it, if applicable. We recommend leaving it unplugged for a bit, usually up to one or two minutes, before plugging it back then turning it on again. If your device has a sleep mode, make sure that it is shut down completely and not just on sleep mode.

Fix #3: Sign out of your Netflix account.

Sometimes signing out of Netflix then signing back in after a while is enough to refresh the data on the app and clear this error. Simply tap or click on your account name on the upper right corner of the screen, then click or tap Sign Out. If you’re finding it difficult to sign out of Netflix using your device, you can do so using the Netflix website. Just go to Netflix account page, then click Sign out all devices. This will sign you out of all the devices associated with that Netflix account and you need to sign back in on all devices separately.

Fix #4: Clear your app data or cache.

Some devices allow you to clear Netflix’s app data and cache. The instructions below apply to Amazon Fire TV/Stick, but you can look around your app’s settings to see if this applicable:

1. Press Home on your Amazon Fire TV remote.
2. Scroll to the right and choose Settings.
3. Scroll right, then choose Applications > Manage installed applications.
4. Find the Netflix app and select it.
5. Scroll down, then select Clear data.
6. Choose Clear data once again.
7. Scroll down, then select Clear cache this time.
8. Turn off and unplug your device from power for at least 30 seconds.
9. Plug your device back in, then try Netflix again.

If you’re using a computer, you can use a PC optimizer or a Mac cleaner to quickly delete the Netflix app data.

Fix #5: Uninstall, then reinstall the Netflix app.

If your device does not have the option to clear the data and cache of the Netflix app, you will have to uninstall the app instead, then reinstall a fresh copy of the Netflix app. This is also recommended if clearing the cache does not solve the problem.

To uninstall the Netflix app, you just need to go to your device’s application manager and manage the app from there. This is also where you will download and reinstall the Netflix app. You can do this for Amazon Fire TV/Stick, Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. Other devices, such as Roku, Nintendo Wii, and Smart TVs do not allow you to uninstall the app.

Fix #6: Reset your streaming device.

Resetting your devices, such as the Fire TV or Roku, restores the app to its default settings. The Netflix app will revert to its state when you first downloaded and installed it on your device. If you’re using a Samsung TV, you will need to reset your Samsung Smart Hub instead. Keep in mind that doing this will delete all your apps, not just Netflix. You will have to re-download those apps again if you want to use them.

Fix #7: Restart your internet.

Refresh your home network by disconnecting your device, then unplugging the modem and router. After a few minutes, plug them back in and reconnect your device to see if the error has been fixed.

Fix #8: Verify your DNS settings.

This fix only applies to Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.

For PS3 and PS4:

1. From the main menu, go to Settings > Network.
2. Choose Set Up Internet Connection.
3. Select either Use Wi-Fi or Use a LAN Cable.
4. For a wireless connection, do the following steps:
   • Under Use Wi-Fi, click Custom.
   • Choose your Wi-Fi network name.
5. For wired connection, choose Custom under Operation mode.
6. Choose Automatic under IP Address Settings.
7. Choose Do Not Specify under DHCP Host Name.
8. Choose Automatic under DNS Settings and MTU Settings.
9. Choose Do Not Use under Proxy Server.
10. Click on Test Connection.

For Xbox One and 360:

1. Press Guide on your controller, then go to Settings.
2. Choose System Settings > Network Settings.
3. Select your network, then click Configure Network.
4. Choose DNS Settings > Automatic.
5. Turn your device off and back on.
6. Try Netflix again.

Final Thoughts

Netflix error NW-2-5 is a common issue when streaming Netflix on devices. However, the steps above should cover all possible causes and help you get back to your streaming as soon as possible.