Easy Steps to Make Slow Netflix Download Faster

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Grace
November 10, 2023

As a leading streaming platform, Netflix presents an extensive library of movies and TV shows for your viewing pleasure. It also provides a convenient download feature to all its users including those on Standard with ads, allowing them to enjoy content without an internet connection. However, experiencing slow downloads on Netflix, especially when adding newly released episodes to the download list, can be frustrating. Don’t worry, there are some easy steps you can take to make Netflix downloads faster and have a cozy binge-watch.

  1. Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal
  2. Close Other Applications and Devices
  3. Adjust Netflix Download Quality
  4. Restart Your Device
  5. Update the Netflix App
  6. Clear your Netflix app cache
  7. Use a Third-party Downloader

1. Improve Your Wi-Fi Signal

If your Netflix download speed is slow, check your internet connection first. A stable and rapid internet connection is the key to fast downloads.

Typically, 25 Mbps could be a good download speed. At this speed, downloading a 10GB file takes one hour, and a 50 GB one takes about five. You can test your internet speed through a third-party website like Speedtest.net.

If the download speed is rather slow, you can try the following methods to improve it.

Restart your router

Make sure to press the power button (not reset) when rebooting your router. Wait for at least 30 seconds before turning it back on.

Bring your router closer

Bringing the router closer to your device can improve the quality of the internet connection, especially when you are in areas with low signal strength.

Use a wired connection

It can improve the stability of the connection. Wi-Fi may be more convenient than an Ethernet cable, but it’s also slower. Switch to a wired connection for a faster internet speed.

Contact your ISP

Reach out to your internet service provider to inquire about potential slowdowns on their end. If your internet speed falls below normal levels, consider contacting your ISP for assistance. Additionally, if you have multiple devices connecting to the same network, you might need to upgrade your plan or switch to a different ISP for improved connectivity.

2. Close Other Applications and Devices

When multiple devices or applications are using the same network, they can share the bandwidth with Netflix and slow down the download speed. To optimize your Netflix downloads, try turning off other internet-connected devices and closing any unnecessary applications running on your current device. You may also disable automatic app updates to prevent them from affecting your download speed.

3. Adjust Netflix Download Quality

Netflix provides different video quality options for downloads: Standard (SD) and High/Higher (HD). Standard quality videos require less time to download and use less storage space. To fasten your download speed, consider switching to Standard video quality for your downloads.

Adjust Download Video Quality on Netflix

  1. Launch the Netflix app on your device and go to My Netflix from the lower right.
  2. Tap More  or at the upper right, and select App Settings .
  3. Choose Download Video Quality or Video Quality under the Downloads section.
  4. Change the video quality to Standard, which allows faster downloads and uses less storage.

4. Restart Your Device

Rebooting your device is an effective solution for resolving various issues. It stops all background processes and refreshes stored data, offering your device a fresh start and potentially improving download speeds.

Here’s how to restart your device:

  1. Turn off your device. If it’s connected to a power source, disconnect it.
  2. Make sure your device is completely powered off, not just in sleep or standby mode.
  3. Keep your device turned off for about 15 seconds.
  4. Power on your device, relaunch Netflix, and resume your download.

5. Update the Netflix App

Another key factor to accelerate your download speed is keeping your Netflix app updated. Always have Netflix updated to access the latest improvements, bug fixes, new features, and optimizations that can positively impact the app’s performance, including download speeds. Updating the app also helps to remain compatible with the latest operating systems and devices, thereby enhancing your download stability.

To update the Netflix app:

  1. Open the app store on your device, such as Google Play on Android or the App Store for iOS.
  2. Enter “Netflix” in the Search bar and select the Netflix app in the result list.
  3. Tap Update. If you don’t see this option, the app is already up to date.

6. Clear your Netflix app cache

The Netflix cache contains temporary files, cookies, and settings stored on your device. This cached data helps you continue watching from where you left off even if you close Netflix. However, accumulated cache data consumes space on your device and can slow down your device or cause potential crashes within the Netflix app. Additionally, a corrupted cache can affect the app’s functionality. All these factors could contribute to slow Netflix downloads. Clearing your Netflix cache may help address these issues and potentially improve your download speed.

Clear Netflix Cache Android

  1. Go to the Home screen or apps list of your Android phone and tablet.
  2. Tap and hold the Netflix app, then select App info.
  3. Select Storage > Clear cache > OK.
  4. Open your Netflix and try downloading the video again.

Clear Netflix Cache on Windows PC

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

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

7. Use a Third-party 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, offering Netflix users the ability to download Netflix videos without the need for the Netflix app. It can bypass Netflix’s DRM protection and convert movies and TV shows into MP4 and MKV formats. 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 Netflix videos to MP4 and transfer them to any compatible device.

Netflix Video Downloader

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

  • Download movies & TV shows from Netflix.
  • Fast downloading 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.

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.

Step 2. Add Netflix movies/TV shows

Search for a show or movie you want to download from Netflix.

Step 3. Choose video format/quality

Click the gear icon on the top right corner to customize:

  • Video format: MP4 or MKV
  • Video codec: H264 or H265
  • Audio language: English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese
  • Subtitle language: English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese

Step 4. Start to Download Netflix videos

Click the Download icon on the right of the title you want to download.

As you can see from the screenshot, all episodes are checked by default. Uncheck those episodes you don’t want to download if there are any.

You can also click the three lines and gear icon to choose audio/subtitle languages for each episode. To close the window, click the OK button.

Click the Download button on the bottom right corner. The downloading begins.

After downloading, click History and find the video in MP4 format. You can now transfer the downloaded videos and watch them whenever you want.