Streaming giant Netflix faced a major technical glitch on Thursday, April 24, 2025, disrupting access for millions of users across the globe. Viewers were unable to log in or stream their favorite content, as many encountered error codes while trying to use the platform.
The outage began around 2 PM ET, according to outage tracker Downdetector, and affected major U.S. cities including New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles, where Netflix’s headquarters is located. Frustrated users took to online forums and social media to share their experiences.
One user shared on Downdetector’s message board, "I called Netflix today, and they confirmed there’s a new issue. They’re currently working to fix it." Another user in Washington state said, "I was suddenly signed out on my PS5, which never happens. Every time I try to log back in, it fails to connect and shows the same error repeatedly." On its website, Netflix acknowledged the disruption by informing users that chat support wait times were longer than usual due to the technical issues.
Some users took to Twitter to express their frustrations. One user tweeted, "Netflix down and I’m trying to watch YOU," while another lamented, "Of course Netflix is down when I want to watch the new season of You." The outage sparked a wave of complaints, with many users feeling the timing was particularly unfortunate as they sought to binge-watch popular shows.
Netflix users began reporting widespread connection issues around 2 PM ET on Thursday, with many saying the streaming service was showing them the wrong user's account profile. This added to the confusion, with reports indicating that profiles were displaying incorrect information or redirecting users to other accounts.
On Reddit, multiple users complained about being redirected to the wrong profiles or seeing inaccurate watch lists. One user noted, "I selected profile 2, but Netflix showed me profile 1’s watch history." Another added, "When I refreshed the app, it displayed an error and wouldn’t play anything." The recurring error code tvq-st-149 became a common complaint among affected users.
As of 2025, Netflix serves over 300 million subscribers worldwide, with more than 81 million users based in the United States. Thursday’s outage marked one of the most significant interruptions for the platform in recent months. The incident has raised questions about the reliability of streaming services, particularly as they become increasingly integral to entertainment consumption.
In a statement, Netflix assured users that they are working diligently to resolve the issues. "We are aware of the disruptions and are actively working on a solution to restore service as quickly as possible," the company stated. However, for many users, the outage served as a reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in digital streaming.
As the situation unfolded, many users expressed their discontent on social media, highlighting the growing dependency on streaming platforms for daily entertainment. The outage not only disrupted individual viewing experiences but also sparked discussions about user expectations in an era where streaming services have become the norm.
While Netflix has faced technical issues in the past, this latest outage underscores the challenges that come with maintaining a vast digital infrastructure. The company has been at the forefront of the streaming revolution, but as competition intensifies, reliability remains a critical factor for retaining subscribers.
In the wake of the outage, experts suggest that streaming services must prioritize infrastructure improvements to prevent future disruptions. As users increasingly rely on these platforms for not just entertainment but also social engagement, the stakes are higher than ever.
As Netflix works to rectify the situation, users are left waiting for answers and a return to normalcy. The company has promised updates as they continue to address the issues, but for now, many subscribers are left in the lurch, longing for their favorite shows.
The impact of Thursday’s outage may reverberate beyond just a temporary inconvenience for users. It serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of robust technology and customer service in the competitive streaming landscape. As Netflix navigates this challenge, the company’s response will be closely watched by both users and industry analysts alike.
In conclusion, the outage highlights the fragility of digital services and the expectations that come with them. As Netflix aims to restore service, users are hopeful for a quick resolution and a return to uninterrupted streaming.
