Netflix Error Code NW 2 5: What Does It Mean?
After a long day, you’re finally back home and can’t wait to get on the sofa, order some takeout, and binge watch your favorite Netflix show. But the video doesn’t load and you get the Netflix error code nw 2 5 instead of your favorite show. Here’s the exact message you may see:
Netflix has encountered an error. Retrying in X seconds.
Code: NW-2-5
But don’t fret — the evening isn’t ruined yet! Here’s why this error pops up and what you can do to fix it.
What is error code NW-2-5?
Error code NW-2-5 is one of the most common errors on Netflix and, without getting too technical, it points to a network connectivity issue. Basically, the Netflix service is unable to reach your device, either because your Internet is down or there’s a problem with your device.
The error can appear when you try to open the Netflix app on any device, from the smart TV in the living room to your gaming console or Blu-Ray Player.
How to fix Netflix Error Code NW 2-5
If you’re lucky, you can get rid of this error and restart streaming with one press of a button. Other times, you have to do quite a bit of troubleshooting to get Netflix working again. Here areseven waysto get rid of Netflix Error Code NW 2-5:
Try Again
The connectivity issue can be temporary, and it goes away if you press “Try again.” Try it a few times; sometimes, it does the trick!
Restart your device
Game consoles and smart TVs have come a long way, but their operating systems aren’t as optimized as those of smartphones. So if you can use your phone for months without restarting it, consoles and TVs should be restarted about once a month to avoid clutter, unresponsive streaming services, freezing screens, and sign-in errors. If you see error code NW 2-5, restarting the device can bring things back to normal. To make sure it works, don’t just restart it from the button: unplug it, wait for about a minute, then plug it back in.
Make sure your device is connected to the Internet.
Devices sometimes randomly disconnect from the home network, and that could cause the error to appear. Make sure your Internet works and that your device is connected by using the troubleshooting option or by opening a web app other than Netflix.
Your network might not allow streaming.
Are you trying to open Netflix from a shared Internet connection such as a hotel, university campus, or company Wi-Fi? The admin may have blocked streaming services for speed or cost-saving reasons. Check their policy or ask the admin directly if you’re not sure. If they can’t make an exception, at least you can rule out another issue with your device.
Restart your connection
Like all other devices, routers and modems can encounter temporary errors and need restarting. Unplug your modem and router, wait a few seconds then plug them in again. If you see a red blinking light, the Internet may be down, or there may be a problem with your equipment.
Boost your connection speed
Sometimes, the Internet isn’t down but it’s so slow that Netflix services can’t reach your device. This can be caused by a problem with the DNS server, signal strength, or too many devices connected to the network that are saturating the bandwidth. Here are some ways to boost your connection speed:
- Remove any unnecessary connected devices and stop large downloads (a 40GB game on Steam, for instance).
- Position the router so that it’s close enough to your device and that there are no obstacles between them (walls, large items of furniture, etc.). If that’s not possible and you get connectivity errors quite often, a Wi-Fi signal booster can solve your problem in the long run.
- Use an Ethernet cable. It’s the simplest and cheapest way to boost your Internet speed. This allows for both faster streaming and smoother online gaming.
Contact your Internet Service Provider
If you’ve tried all the above tricks and Netflix still isn’t working, there may be a problem with your home network or your Internet may be down due to technical difficulties. When in doubt, contact your Internet Service Provider and they’ll tell you if the problem is at their end or if they need to come and fix/replace your equipment. Many times, these connectivity issues mysteriously disappear after one phone call. Good luck!
