Speed Up Slow Netflix Downloads: Simple Tips That Work

Grace

July 23, 2024

Netflix offers a massive library of movies and shows, and the best part is that you can download them for offline viewing. But slow downloads can disrupt your binge-watching plans. Here are some simple tricks to boost your download speed and get you back to a smooth viewing experience.

1. Strengthen Your Wi-Fi Signal

Before troubleshooting, let’s check your internet connection. A strong and stable Wi-Fi signal is crucial for fast downloads. A download speed of around 25 Mbps is considered good. At this speed, a 10GB file would take roughly an hour to download.

If you need to check your internet speed, the Netflix app has a built-in feature for quick network diagnostics. This will give you a clear picture of your current network connection and download speed.

Open the Netflix app and select My Netflix in the lower right corner.
On the upper right, tap More (three lines) and select App Settings.
Scroll down to find “Diagnostics.”
- Tap “Check Network” to check your general network connection.
- Select “Internet Speed Test” to run a test to measure your download speed.

If the download speed is rather slow, here are some solutions you can try:

Restart Your Router:
- Sometimes, a simple restart can work. Turn off your router using the power button (not reset) and wait at least 30 seconds before turning it back on. This can clear temporary glitches and improve performance.
Optimize Wi-Fi Signal:
- Distance can weaken your Wi-Fi signal. If possible, try bringing your device closer to your router. This can significantly improve download speeds, especially in areas with weak reception.
Use a Wired Connection:
- For the most stable and fastest connection, consider using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. While Wi-Fi offers convenience, a wired connection provides a more direct and reliable link to your router, leading to faster download speeds.
Contact Your ISP:
- If none of the above solutions work, it might be an issue with your internet service provider (ISP). Contact your ISP to check for any network slowdowns on their end.
- Additionally, if you have many devices connected to the same network, you might need to upgrade your internet plan or consider switching to an ISP with better bandwidth for your needs.

2. Close Unnecessary Apps & Devices

Multiple devices and apps on your network can compete for bandwidth, slowing down your Netflix downloads. Here’s how to free up bandwidth for faster downloads:

Power Down Unneeded Devices: Turn off or disable Wi-Fi on any devices you’re not actively using.
Close Background Apps: Close any unnecessary applications running on your device.
Pause Automatic Updates: Consider temporarily disabling automatic updates for apps or games while downloading on Netflix.

3. Adjust Netflix Download Quality

Netflix offers two download quality options: High/Higher (HD) and Standard (SD). Standard quality uses less storage space and downloads faster, making it a great choice if you prioritize speed over resolution.

Here’s how to switch to Standard quality on Netflix:

Launch the Netflix app and go to My Netflix from the lower right.
Tap More (three lines) at the upper right and select App Settings.
Choose Download Video Quality or Video Quality under the Downloads section.
Change the video quality to Standard, which allows faster downloads and uses less storage.

4. Restart Your Device

Rebooting your device can be effective for resolving various issues. It shuts down all background processes and refreshes stored data, giving your device a fresh start. This can sometimes lead to improved download speeds. Turn off your device, wait for at least 30 seconds, turn it back on, and resume your download.

5. Update the Netflix App

Application updates are not only about new features but also performance improvements, which can mean faster download speeds for your favorite shows and movies. Additionally, having the latest Netflix app ensures compatibility with your device’s operating system, promoting download stability.

To update the Netflix app:

Open your device’s app store (Google Play or App Store).
Search for “Netflix” and select the app.
Tap Update if available. If not, your app is already up-to-date

6. Clear Your Netflix Cache

The Netflix app stores temporary data, such as cookies and viewing settings, on your device. This “cache” helps you pick up right where you left off, even after closing the app. It’s a handy feature, but the cache can build up over time and consume storage space. This can potentially slow down the app’s performance, including download speeds. Clearing the Netflix cache may not magically boost download speeds, but it can help eliminate potential slowdowns caused by a full cache.

Clear Netflix Cache Android

Note: Clearing the Netflix cache will delete your downloads and sign you out of Netflix.

Go to “Settings” on your Android phone or tablet.
Scroll down and tap Apps > Application Manager.
Select Storage > Clear cache > OK.

Clear Netflix Cache on iOS

Unlike Android devices, iPhones and iPads don’t offer a way to directly clear the cache of individual apps. However, if you’re experiencing slow downloads with the Netflix app, try to Offload the Netflix app, this will free up storage used by the app but keep its downloads and login information. Keep in mind that you need to reinstall the Netflix app after offloading it.

Go to Settings > General > Storage on your iPhone or iPad.
Select Netflix from the app list.
Tap the “Offload App” button and confirm your selection.
Tap “Reinstall App” to install Netflix again. Your login information is saved after reinstalling. Just launch the app and start downloading.

Clear Netflix Cache on Windows 10 or 11 computer

Note: Resetting Netflix will delete your downloads and sign you out of Netflix.

Click the Start button and go to Settings on your computer.
Select Apps and search for Netflix under Apps & features.
After the Netflix app appears on the list, click Advanced options under it.

Scroll down and click the Reset button. Your Netflix cache will be cleared.

7. Use a Smart Downloader

For easy and rapid downloads of Netflix movies and TV shows in high quality, consider using a professional Netflix downloader. Pazu Netflix Video Downloader is a desktop program designed for this purpose. It can download Netflix videos into MP4 and MKV formats at 8X fast download speed. The converted files are preserved in high quality, up to 1080p, and maintain the original subtitles and audio tracks. Furthermore, it eliminates all Netflix download limitations, including expiration constraints and device restrictions. This means you can effortlessly convert downloaded movies and shows to any compatible device for offline enjoyment.

Netflix Video Downloader

Download Netflix movies & TV shows to MP4 with HD quality.

Download movies & TV shows from Netflix.
Batch downloads at 8X fast speed.
Download videos in 1080P.
One-click to download all seasons and episodes.
Preserve audio tracks and subtitles.
Preserve 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos audio quality.

Download for Mac

Download for Win

Step 1. Launch Pazu Netflix Video Downloader

Download, install, and launch Pazu Netflix Video Downloader on your Mac or Windows. Log in to your Netflix account.

Click the key icon and enter your registration code to unlock the full version of the downloader if you have purchased a registration. If you haven’t, go ahead with the free trial version.