How to Make Netflix Download Faster? Proven Tips 2025

Part 1. Why Is Netflix Download So Slow

A sluggish Netflix download can happen due to several factors. Understanding the reasons behind the issue is the first step to resolving it. Here are the most common causes:

Network Congestion: High traffic on your internet connection can consume significant bandwidth and slow down downloads. Additionally, heavy traffic during peak usage hours can overload Netflix, ISP, or VPN servers, resulting in slower downloads. To tackle this cause, check Part 2.

Device Limitations: Older devices might struggle with efficient downloading due to limited hardware processing power. Insufficient storage space or background processes can also negatively impact your download speed. In Part 3, we introduce 3 ways to improve device performance for faster Netflix downloading.

Netflix Settings Limitations: Certain Netflix configurations can restrict download speeds, especially if features like smart downloads or high-quality downloads are enabled. You can check Part 4 to make Netflix download faster via Netflix settings.

By addressing these challenges, you can ensure that your Netflix downloads are faster and hassle-free. And in Part 5, we'll introduce a professional tool allows 5X Netflix download speed on computer.

Part 2. How to Fix Netflix Download Slow Caused by Network Issue

Network issues are often the most common reason for slow Netflix downloads. These problems can stem from your home network, ISP server, VPN server, or even Netflix's server status. Below, we've outlined practical tips to optimize network performance and make Netflix download faster.

Way 1. Switch Between WiFi and Mobile Data

If your Wi-Fi connection is slow or unstable, switching to mobile data can sometimes provide an instant boost. Weak Wi-Fi signals can hinder download speeds, whereas mobile data (when strong and reliable) might offer a faster alternative.

👉 Tip: Ensure you have a strong mobile signal and sufficient data allowance before making the switch.

Way 2. Increase Your Bandwidth Availability

Netflix recommends the following minimum download speeds for different video qualities:

◼ Standard Definition (720p): 3+ Mbps;
◼ High Definition (1080p): 5+ Mbps;
◼ Ultra High Definition (4K): 15+ Mbps

You can go to the fast.com or Internet Speed Test on Netflix App Settings to check your current network speed. If your internet speed falls below these thresholds:

◼ Upgrade your internet plan to one with higher bandwidth.
◼ Minimize network usage by closing unnecessary apps or disconnecting devices using the same network.

This allows Netflix to utilize more bandwidth, ensuring faster downloads to watch Netflix offline.

Way 3. Change Your ISP/VPN Server

If your overall internet experience feels sluggish, your ISP or VPN may be throttling streaming speeds. To address this:

◼ Contact your ISP or VPN provider to check for speed restrictions.
◼ Switch to a VPN server that is geographically closer or offers a more stable connection.
◼ Consider switching to an ISP known for consistent high-speed internet, especially for streaming services.

Way 4. Avoid Downloading at Peak Time

Internet speeds often slow down during peak usage hours (typically evenings) due to network congestion. This can affect data transfers between your ISP and Netflix servers, reducing download speeds. Therefore, you can schedule downloads during non-peak hours, such as early mornings or late at night, for a smoother experience.

Part 3. How to Fix Netflix Download Slow via Device Settings

If your network is functioning well, the issue of slow Netflix downloads could stem from your device settings or limitations. Below are three common causes and their solutions to ensure smoother downloads.

Way 1. Turn On Netflix Background Refresh

On Android and iPhone devices, the Background Refresh feature is designed to conserve battery life and data by limiting app activity when running in the background. If this feature is disabled for the Netflix app, downloads may pause when you exit the app. To fix this, enable background activity for Netflix:

On Android: Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Netflix > Battery > Allow background activity.

On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh > Toggle on for Netflix.

This ensures that Netflix can continue downloading content even when the app is minimized.

Way 2. Force Stop Netflix app

If the Netflix app is running sluggishly, force stopping it can help. This clears temporary files and refreshes the app, often leading to improved performance and make Netflix download faster.

On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Netflix > Force Stop.

On iOS: Swipe up from the home screen and close the Netflix app from the app switcher.

Then, reopen the app to resume Netflix downloads with better efficiency.

Way 3. Free up Device Storage

Low storage space can significantly affect your device's performance, including the speed of Netflix downloads. To optimize your device storage, you can try the following:

◼ Delete unused apps, photos, videos, or other large files.
◼ Ensure there's ample free space to allow your device to operate smoothly.

🌟 Note: If you're downloading Netflix content to an SD card directy, the slow download speed could be due to the card's write speed. In this case, you can try to download to your Internal Storage instead. Or replace your current SD card with one that has a faster write speed.

By adjusting these settings and ensuring your device is in top shape, you can significantly get Netflix download faster.

Part 4. How to Download Netflix Faster by Adjusting Netflix Settings

Adjusting Netflix's settings can have a significant impact on your download speed. Key factors include video quality, data usage limits, and the Smart Download feature. Here's how to make Netflix download faster via tweaking these Netflix settings:

Way 1. Lower Netflix Download Video Quality

Higher video quality requires more bandwidth and storage space, which can slow down downloads, especially during peak times or on slower networks. Therefore, lowering the download quality is a quick and effective way to boost Netflix download speeds.

Steps to adjust Netflix download video quality on Android/iOS:

Step 1. Launch Netflix app and tap My Netflix.

Step 2. Tap the top-right Menu icon, select App Settings.

Step 3. Scroll down your screen, find Download Video Quality or Video Quality, and select Standard.

Way 2. Enable Maximum Data Usage on Netflix

To manage mobile data consumption, Netflix provides a data usage limitation feature. However, if your data usage is set to "Save Data" or "Automatic", it might slow down your downloads. Simply switching to "Maximum Data" can allow Netflix download faster.

🌟 Note: The Maximum Data option consumes at least 1 GB per 20 minutes of streaming or downloading. It's best to use this setting with an unlimited data plan or while connected to Wi-Fi. Alternatively, choose the Wi-Fi Only option to avoid extra charges.

Steps to adjust data usage on Android/iOS:

Step 1. Launch Netflix app and tap My Netflix.

Step 2. Tap top-right Menu icon and select App Settings.

Step 3. Navigate to Video Playback section, tap Cellular/Mobile Data Usage, turn off Automatic, and tap Maximum data.

Way 3. Turn Off the Smart Downloads Feature

Netflix's Smart Downloads feature automatically deletes watched episodes and downloads the next in your queue. While convenient, it can consume bandwidth and slow Netflix downloads. Disabling this feature can prioritize speed for your specific downloads.

Steps to disable Smart Downloads on Android/iOS:

Step 1. Go to Netflix > My Netflix > App Settings.

Step 2. Tap Smart Downloads.

Step 3. Under Smart Downloads:
◼ On Android: Turn off Download Next Episode and Downloads for You.
◼ On iPhone: Toggle off Smart Downloads at the top.

Part 5. How to Make Netflix Download Faster via Third-party Tool

If you've tried all the traditional fixes and still find your Netflix downloads frustratingly slow, it's time to explore third-party tools like the AudFree Netflix Downloader. This powerful software is designed for both Windows and Mac users, providing an impressive 5X faster download speed through advanced hardware acceleration and AV1 encoding technology.

Most importantly, you'll get Netflix downloads in MP4 or MKV formats stored on your devices without Netflix download limit. This way, you can freely binge-watch Netflix offline on any device and place.

AudFree Netflix Video Downloader

• Convert Netflix videos to MP4 and MKV formats without DRM protection
• Download Netflix videos on Windows and Mac computer at 5X speed
• Retain up to 1080p video resolution with 5.1 surround Atmos audio
• Flexible embedded or external SRT subtitle formats with multiple languages

Download

Download

How to Download Netflix Faster Using AudFree Netflix Downloader

Here's how you can solve slow Netflix downloads and enjoy your favorite shows without interruptions:

Step 1Install and Launch AudFree Netflix Downloader

Click the above download button and install the AudFree Netflix Video Downloader on your computer. Once it's installed, open the app and log in to your Netflix account right from the software.

Step 2Adjust Your Netflix Output Settings for the Best Results

Customize your output preferences by clicking Menu > Preferences in the top-right corner of the interface. You can choose your desired video format, quality, encoding technology, and audio/subtitle options for the best experience.

View also: How to Get Netflix Subtitles

Step 3Find the Netflix Video You Want to Download

Now, head over to Netflix library and pick the video you want to download. Or, you can copy the link (URL) of the video, just like you'd copy a link to share with a friend, and paste it into the downloader's search bar.

Then, click the bottom-right Download Arrow button, select episodes, and click the red Download button to start downloading Netflix at 5X speed. In just a few minutes, your video will be ready to watch offline.

Part 6. Conclusion

Slow downloads on Netflix can be extremely frustrating, but with the tips outlined in this article, you now know how to make Netflix download faster. From optimizing your network settings and tweaking device configurations to leveraging the AudFree Netflix Downloader, these actionable solutions will ensure a seamless streaming experience.

Ready to take control of your Netflix downloads? Try the AudFree Netflix Downloader today and experience 5X faster downloads for offline binge-watching without limits.