Netflix Error NW-8-20

If you experience the error code NW-8-20 while attempting to stream Netflix, it is typically caused by an Internet connectivity problem preventing your device from reaching the Netflix service. Follow the troubleshooting steps for your device below to resolve the issue.

Public networks:

For Wi-Fi in places like a café, hotel, or school, ask if video services like Netflix are blocked.

Private networks:

Check if your connection is slower than our recommended speeds and contact your internet service provider if you need help.

Connections like mobile hotspots, cellular, or satellite networks might be too slow to use Netflix.


You can test your device's connection by trying another app that connects to the internet. Some devices have a network test available in settings.

If other apps don't work or you get a network error, it usually means your device isn't connected.

Note:Because the steps to connect to the internet or troubleshoot a network issue are often unique for each device, Netflix Customer Service isn't able to assist with following the steps for your device.

To get the connection steps for your device:

  • Check the instructions or manual that came with your device.

  • Contact the device's manufacturer for help connecting your device to the internet.

If your device is connected and you still have issues, go to the next steps.

  1. Go to the Netflix home screen, then go left to open the menu.

  2. At the bottom, select Get Help > Sign out > Yes.

  3. Sign back in, then try Netflix again.

If your device is on an error screen:

  1. Select More Details.

  2. Select Sign out or Reset.

  3. Sign back in, then try Netflix again.

If you can't find Get Help or Sign out:

  1. Using your remote, press these buttons in this order: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Up, Up, Up, Up.

  2. On the menu that appears, select Sign out, Reset, or Deactivate.

  1. Unplug your device from power.

  2. Press the power button on the device once and wait 1 minute, or leave it unplugged for 3 minutes instead.

  3. Plug your device back in.

  4. Turn your device on and try Netflix again.

  1. Turn off or unplug your Blu-ray player.

  2. Unplug your modem (and your wireless router, if it's a separate device) from power for 30 seconds.

  3. Plug in your modem and wait until no new indicator lights are blinking on. If your router is separate from your modem, plug it in and wait until no new indicator lights are blinking on.

  4. Turn your Blu-ray player back on and try Netflix again.

If you've changed the connection settings on your device, you'll need to change them back to default.

These settings could include:

  • Custom modem settings.

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN) or proxy service settings.

  • Custom DNS settings.

If you need help changing these settings, contact the device manufacturer.

Once you've reset these settings, try Netflix again.

Tablet and modem show succesful Wi-Fi connection

To get a better signal you can:

  • Move your router and your device closer to each other. If possible, put them in the same room.

  • Move your router away from other wireless devices and appliances.

  • Keep your router in an open space off the floor. Routers get better reception when on a desk or bookshelf.

If the steps don't fix the problem, contact your internet service provider (ISP) for help fixing a network connection issue.

Your ISP can:

  • Check for an internet outage in your area.

  • Fix common router or modem issues and incorrect network settings.

  • Restart or reset your network's connection.

While talking with your ISP, let them know:

  • Whether the issue happens only on one device, or other devices on the same network.

  • Whether your device connects using Wi-Fi or directly using a cable.

Before you finish talking with your ISP:

  • Using a web browser, go to fast.com to test your internet speed and connection directly to Netflix.

  • Try playing Netflix again to make sure the problem is fixed.

Public networks:

For Wi-Fi in places like a café, hotel, or school, ask if video services like Netflix are blocked.

Private networks:

Check if your connection is slower than our recommended speeds and contact your internet service provider if you need help.

Connections like mobile hotspots, cellular, or satellite networks might be too slow to use Netflix.


You can test your device's connection by trying another app that connects to the internet. Some devices have a network test available in settings.

If other apps don't work or you get a network error, it usually means your device isn't connected.

Note:Because the steps to connect to the internet or troubleshoot a network issue are often unique for each device, Netflix Customer Service isn't able to assist with following the steps for your device.

To get the connection steps for your device:

  • Check the instructions or manual that came with your device.

  • Contact the device's manufacturer for help connecting your device to the internet.

If your device is connected and you still have issues, go to the next steps.

  1. Unplug your device from power.

  2. Press the power button on the device once and wait 1 minute, or leave it unplugged for 3 minutes instead.

  3. Plug your device back in.

  4. Turn your device on and try Netflix again.

  1. Turn off or unplug your streaming media player.

  2. Unplug your modem (and your wireless router, if it's a separate device) from power for 30 seconds.

  3. Plug in your modem and wait until no new indicator lights are blinking on. If your router is separate from your modem, plug it in and wait until no new indicator lights are blinking on.

  4. Turn your streaming media player back on and try Netflix again.

Public networks:

For Wi-Fi in places like a café, hotel, or school, ask if video services like Netflix are blocked.

Private networks:

Check if your connection is slower than our recommended speeds and contact your internet service provider if you need help.

Connections like mobile hotspots, cellular, or satellite networks might be too slow to use Netflix.


You can test your device's connection by trying another app that connects to the internet. Some devices have a network test available in settings.

If other apps don't work or you get a network error, it usually means your device isn't connected.

Note:Because the steps to connect to the internet or troubleshoot a network issue are often unique for each device, Netflix Customer Service isn't able to assist with following the steps for your device.

To get the connection steps for your device:

  • Check the instructions or manual that came with your device.

  • Contact the device's manufacturer for help connecting your device to the internet.

If your device is connected and you still have issues, go to the next steps.

  1. Go to the Netflix home screen, then go left to open the menu.

  2. At the bottom, select Get Help > Sign out > Yes.

  3. Sign back in, then try Netflix again.

If your device is on an error screen:

  1. Select More Details.

  2. Select Sign out or Reset.

  3. Sign back in, then try Netflix again.

If you can't find Get Help or Sign out:

  1. Using your remote, press these buttons in this order: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Up, Up, Up, Up.

  2. On the menu that appears, select Sign out, Reset, or Deactivate.

  1. Unplug your device from power.

  2. Press the power button on the device once and wait 1 minute, or leave it unplugged for 3 minutes instead.

  3. Plug your device back in.

  4. Turn your device on and try Netflix again.

  1. Turn off or unplug your smart TV.

  2. Unplug your modem (and your wireless router, if it's a separate device) from power for 30 seconds.

  3. Plug in your modem and wait until no new indicator lights are blinking on. If your router is separate from your modem, plug it in and wait until no new indicator lights are blinking on.

  4. Turn your smart TV back on and try Netflix again.

If you've changed the connection settings on your device, you'll need to change them back to default.

These settings could include:

  • Custom modem settings.

  • Virtual Private Network (VPN) or proxy service settings.

  • Custom DNS settings.

If you need help changing these settings, contact the device manufacturer.

Once you've reset these settings, try Netflix again.

Tablet and modem show succesful Wi-Fi connection

To get a better signal you can:

  • Move your router and your device closer to each other. If possible, put them in the same room.

  • Move your router away from other wireless devices and appliances.

  • Keep your router in an open space off the floor. Routers get better reception when on a desk or bookshelf.

If the steps don't fix the problem, contact your internet service provider (ISP) for help fixing a network connection issue.

Your ISP can:

  • Check for an internet outage in your area.

  • Fix common router or modem issues and incorrect network settings.

  • Restart or reset your network's connection.

While talking with your ISP, let them know:

  • Whether the issue happens only on one device, or other devices on the same network.

  • Whether your device connects using Wi-Fi or directly using a cable.

Before you finish talking with your ISP:

  • Using a web browser, go to fast.com to test your internet speed and connection directly to Netflix.

  • Try playing Netflix again to make sure the problem is fixed.

Public networks:

For Wi-Fi in places like a café, hotel, or school, ask if video services like Netflix are blocked.

Private networks:

Check if your connection is slower than our recommended speeds and contact your internet service provider if you need help.

Connections like mobile hotspots, cellular, or satellite networks might be too slow to use Netflix.


You can test your device's connection by trying another app that connects to the internet. Some devices have a network test available in settings.

If other apps don't work or you get a network error, it usually means your device isn't connected.

Note:Because the steps to connect to the internet or troubleshoot a network issue are often unique for each device, Netflix Customer Service isn't able to assist with following the steps for your device.

To get the connection steps for your device:

  • Check the instructions or manual that came with your device.

  • Contact the device's manufacturer for help connecting your device to the internet.

If your device is connected and you still have issues, go to the next steps.

  1. Turn off your device. If your device has a power cable, unplug it.

  2. Make sure your device is completely off, not just in sleep or standby mode.

  3. Leave your device off for 15 seconds.

  4. Turn on your device and try Netflix again.

  1. Unplug your device from power.

  2. Unplug your modem and router from power.

  3. Wait 30 seconds.

  4. Plug in your modem.

  5. Wait 1 minute.

  6. Plug in your router.

  7. Wait 1 minute.

  8. Plug in your device.

  9. Try Netflix again.

Some modems and routers might take longer to reconnect.

Tablet and modem show succesful Wi-Fi connection

To get a better signal you can:

  • Move your router and your device closer to each other. If possible, put them in the same room.

  • Move your router away from other wireless devices and appliances.

  • Keep your router in an open space off the floor. Routers get better reception when on a desk or bookshelf.

If the steps don't fix the problem, contact your internet service provider (ISP) for help fixing a network connection issue.

Your ISP can:

  • Check for an internet outage in your area.

  • Fix common router or modem issues and incorrect network settings.

  • Restart or reset your network's connection.

While talking with your ISP, let them know:

  • Whether the issue happens only on one device, or other devices on the same network.

  • Whether your device connects using Wi-Fi or directly using a cable.

Before you finish talking with your ISP:

  • Using a web browser, go to fast.com to test your internet speed and connection directly to Netflix.

  • Try playing Netflix again to make sure the problem is fixed.

We're looking into this problem. To help us investigate, contact us.

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