If you’re having issues streaming Netflix, it’s usually because of a problem with your connection. Netflix doesn’t like it when you stream with a VPN, a browser that doesn’t support DRM, or an outdated app or device. On the other hand, the Netflix error code NW-2-5 is one of the most common ones you’ll see. This error code points that your device is having an issue connecting to Netflix’s servers, which is a big problem. It could be caused by a broken WiFi or Ethernet connection, a server outage, or deeper problems with your ISP. If you see the Netflix error code NW-2-5, you can troubleshoot the problem by doing the steps below.
What Exactly Is Netflix Error Code NW-2-5?
The Netflix error code NW-2-5 is caused by a connection issue that prevents the Netflix app or website from talking to the servers. If it can’t connect, it can’t stream, and the NW-2-5 error message or a similar error, like “network error” or a more specific error code, will appear (e.g., M7111-1101). This error is often caused by something in the local issue. For instance, Netflix won’t be able to stream if your connection is broken. This could be because your ISP isn’t working, your WiFi or cable isn’t broken, or there’s an issue with your ISP’s DNS servers, which are needed to match domain names (like Netflix.com) to server IP addresses.
In rare cases, the problem could be caused by Netflix being down. You might see another error message in this situation, but an NW-2-5 message is likely. Visit the Netflix status page to see if this is the case before you start troubleshooting. You’ll most likely see a Netflix error code NW-2-5 on a smart TV, but you could also see it on any other Netflix-compatible device, like a smartphone or game console. Follow the steps below if you need to learn how to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Restart Device
Before you attempt a more drastic fix, try to restart your device. It might seem like an IT helpdesk cliché, but switching it off and on again is a good way to reset your connection to Netflix’s servers and restart a Netflix app that has crashed or broken working.
You can use your device’s way to restart to do this. For example, you want to ensure that your device restarts completely, turn it off safely, and disconnect the power for a few seconds before turning it back on. After restarting your device, repeat the steps you took before the Netflix error code NW-2-5 message showed up. Then, if the problem is still there, try the next steps.
Check Network And Internet Connection
Since an NW-2-5 error code usually identifies a problem with the connection, the problem is probably closer to home. If this is the case, you’ll need to check sure that your network connection is working well. This step has two parts. First, you must ensure that your device’s connection to your local network is stable and working. Start by ensuring you’re connected to your network router, either wirelessly or with an ethernet cable, and that there are no WiFi interferences or broken cables.
Move closer to your WiFi router if you want the fastest speeds and the most stable connection. Most devices that can work with Netflix, like smart TVs, have a network diagnostic test you can run to ensure your connection is working. First, check your user manual for more information. If your network connection is functioning, the next step is to check the connection between your local network and your Internet service provider (ISP). You can check this quickly by testing it with another device on your local network. For example, you can go to the Netflix website on your PC or load the Netflix app on another device.
If your internet connection is not working, double-check to see if you can fix the problem yourself by restarting your modem and checking that all of your cables, including your internet cabling, are connected correctly. If you can’t consult the issue, talk to your ISP for more help and possible options to fix it. For example, in a Netflix connection emergency, you could set up a WiFi hotspot on your phone and use your mobile data connection to stream Netflix instead. But, again, you will need to check with your network provider to see if this is possible and ensure you have enough data to stream Netflix without being charged extra.
Switch DNS Server To A Public One
For you to be able to read this article, your web browser uses the DNS (Domain Name System) service to translate the domain name (TechPager.com) to the correct web server hosting this page. Your internet service provider gives you access to DNS servers to ensure sure you can load websites and web-based services. Netflix is the same. Without DNS, neither the Netflix app nor the website would load. Unfortunately, ISPs sometimes pay more attention to the DNS servers they offer, so problems often arise and must be fixed. If so, you will need to switch to a public DNS server.
Public organizations and tech businesses, like Google, offer public DNS servers as a way to bypass ISP DNS servers that aren’t working properly. For example, if your ISP’s DNS servers are slow or broken, you can bypass the issue by using a public DNS server like Google’s 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4. On Windows, you can change your DNS provider through the Settings menu. On Mac, you can do this through the System Preferences app. Switching DNS servers on “smart” devices like a TV, on the other hand, can be done in different steps depending on the manufacturer and model. If you need help with how to do this, check the user manual for your device for more information.
Check If Your Streaming Connection Lets You Stream
Internet service providers in some areas of the world will try to slow down or stop you from streaming from Netflix and its competitors, which will cause the NW-2-5 error message to show up. This usually happens in areas where the ISP network is poorly maintained, has too many users, or doesn’t have enough bandwidth to handle multiple people streaming simultaneously. It can also happen on connections with limited bandwidth, such as mobile data connections. Some countries will also choose to block Netflix for political or social reasons if they think Netflix content is not appropriate for viewing.
There’s no easy way to fix this problem on your own, which is a shame. You could sometimes hide your network traffic with a virtual private network (VPN), but VPN connections may be throttled or blocked in places where streaming is usually blocked or slowed down. If you need to find out if this is the case, talk to your ISP to find out if Netflix traffic is being blocked or slowed down. You can also research online to find out your ISP’s policy on streaming. To get around the issue, you may need to bypass switching to a different provider (where this is possible).
Request Support From ISP (Or Netflix)
If you are sure that your device, network setup, and internet connection are all working properly, you should ask your ISP for help so they can look into the problem and give you more support. Your Internet service provider can test your connection in more detail. For example, suppose there’s a problem with the connection between your local network and Netflix. In that case, your Internet service provider (ISP) should be able to determine if the problem is on their end (like the faulty DNS servers we mentioned previously).
You should also speak to Netflix’s customer service if you need help figuring out what went wrong. Netflix can figure out the problem caused by a bug or problem with an app on your device and send you a fix. Then, visit the Netflix help center page to use the live chat system or phone helpline, depending on where you are, to ask for more help.
Fix Common Netflix Problems
If you get a Netflix error code NW-2-5 message, it’s most likely because there’s a problem with your internet connection. Well, if your connection is spotty or unstable, you may need to use a different connection or talk to your Internet service provider (ISP) to speak for more help. If you can’t stream Netflix correctly, you can download shows and movies from Netflix somewhere else to watch them when you’re not online. Once set up, you can watch some of Netflix’s best original shows and movies, or you could switch to a different streaming service like Amazon Prime.