Netflix offers a wide variety of movies, television shows, and original content at affordable subscription costs. You can watch Netflix content through a computer with an internet connection, a smartphone, tablet, smart TV (smart TV), streaming box, or modern video game console. This wikiHow teaches you how to watch Netflix content on a variety of devices.
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Method 1 of 7: Using a Smart Television
Step 1. Connect the television to the home network
In order to be able to watch Netflix content through the smart television application, make sure the television is connected to the internet network. You can use a wired connection (ethernet) or a wireless network. If your television is not a smart television, you can connect a streaming box such as a Roku, Google Chromecast, Firestick, or Apple TV to your television.
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Wired or Ethernet connection:
This type of connection connects the television to the internet more stably. To connect the television to the internet using a cable, plug the ethernet cable from an empty LAN port on your modem or router, then connect the other end of the cable to the television's ethernet port.
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Wireless connection:
Open the television settings menu and look for the “Network” segment. Select a wireless network and use the remote control to enter the password. These menus and settings may differ from one television model to another.
Step 2. Open the television app
Most smart television controllers have a button to display a list of applications. This button usually displays the television's logo or brand name. You need to use a television controller, not a cable box or universal controller.
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Samsung:
The app buttons look like colorful cubes.
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LG:
Look for the "My Apps" button.
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Sony:
Press the “Internet Apps” or “Netflix” button.
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Panasonic:
Use the " Apps " button.
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Vizio:
Press the Vizio or Netflix logo button, or select "SmartCast" as the television's video input source.
Step 3. Select the Netflix Netflix app
This app is marked by a white icon with the text "Netflix" in red. Use the directional buttons to select an application on the television user interface. Mark the Netflix app icon and press the “ Enter " or " Ok ” on controller.
- If the app is not available, you will first need to download it from the television app store.
- You may need to update your television's firmware in order to access streaming applications. The update process is different for each model, but usually, you'll need to download the update file from your computer, copy it to a USB drive, and load it on your television. Refer to your television model's support page for detailed instructions.
Step 4. Sign in to your Netflix account
Use the keyboard that appears on the screen to type in the email address and password for the account, then select “ Sign In ” and press the “button Enter " or " Ok ”.
- You must have a Netflix plan that supports the video streaming feature. Any streaming plan allows you to use the television app. If you don't have a Netflix account, you can first register on the Netflix website.
- If you have more than one profile on your account, select the profile you want to use.
Step 5. Browse options using controllers
Use the control arrow keys to access menus and videos on Netflix. Mark the video you want to watch and press the " Select " or " Enter " button to play it.
If you want to watch a television series, you can select the specific episodes you want to play. Use the handles to click on the " Seasons " option, then select the desired season. After that, select an episode from the list and press the “ Enter " or " Ok ”.
Method 2 of 7: Using Google Chromecast
Step 1. Download the Netflix app on your Android device or iPhone
You can download this application for free from Google Play Store or Android App Store. Here's how to get it:
- open Google Play Store or App Store.
- Touch the tab " Search ” at the bottom of the screen (iPhone and iPad only).
- Type Netflix into the search bar.
- Touch " Netflix ” from the search results.
- Touch the button “ Install " or " Get ” next to the Netflix app.
Step 2. Connect the Chromecast to the television's HDMI port
Chromecast is shaped like a key. This device has a built-in cable that can be connected to the television's HDMI port. HDMI ports on televisions are usually numbered. Take note of the port number the Chromecast is connected to.
You can use the extension kit included with your Chromecast purchase if the cable isn't long enough
Step 3. Connect the Chromecast to a power source
Your Chromecast purchase package includes a USB power cable that you can plug into the TV's AC adapter or USB port. Some of the USB ports on the television don't provide enough power to turn on the Chromecast. In such a situation, you will need to use a wall outlet adapter.
Step 4. Press the power button
on television.
This button is usually indicated by a circle icon crossed by a line at the top.
Step 5. Select the HDMI source the Chromecast is connected to
Press the button " Source " or " Input ” on the television to select the video input source.
Step 6. Set up Google Chromecast first if not already
Follow these steps to set up and prepare your Google Chromecast:
- Download app Google Home from the Google Play Store on an Android device, or the App Store on an iPhone or iPad.
- Open the app Google Home.
- Touch the icon “ Add ” with a plus sign (+).
- Touch " Set up device ”.
- Choose " Set up new devices in your home ”.
- Touch the house name and select “ Next ”.
- Touch the Chromecast device name displayed on the television screen and select “ Next ”.
- Make sure the code displayed on the phone matches the code shown on the television, then touch “ Yes ”.
- Select the room for the device and touch “ Next ”.
- Select a wireless network and touch “ Next ”.
- Choose " Next ”.
- Touch Netflix and other streaming services, then select “ Next ”.
- Choose " Continue ” and touch the “button again Continue ”.
Step 7. Open the Netflix app on your smartphone or tablet
This app is marked by a black icon with the words "Netflix" in red.
- If it doesn't automatically sign in to your Netflix account, type in your email address and password, then sign in.
- If you have more than one profile on your account, select the profile you want to use.
Step 8. Select the video you want to play
When you find the video you want to play, touch the video image.
Step 9. Touch “Play” icon
This icon is above the video image on the information page, or to the right of the episode in the list of viewing episodes.
Step 10. Touch the “Cast” button
It's in the top-right corner of the video. A list of devices will be displayed.
Step 11. Touch the Chromecast device
The video currently playing on your smartphone or tablet will be displayed on the television screen.
Make sure your smartphone or tablet is connected to the same WiFi network as your Chromecast device
Step 12. Take control of content playback through the Netflix app
You can pause and play certain parts of the video through the Netflix app. You don't have to keep the app open on your smartphone to keep videos playing on your television. Playback controls are also available in the notification panel. Once your Chromecast is set up, you don't need to go through all the steps described earlier when you want to enjoy viewing from Netflix. Just turn on the television and switch to the Chromecast input, then launch the Netflix app on your phone and stream content on your Chromecast device.
If you want to watch a television series, select the episode you want to watch. Use the television controller to select " Seasons " and specify the desired season. Select an episode from the list and press the “ Enter " or " Ok ” on controller.
Method 3 of 7: Using a Laptop
Step 1. Connect the HDMI cable from the laptop to the television
If your laptop has an HDMI output port, connect one end of the HDMI cable to that port, and plug the other end into an available port on your television. Remember or note down the HDMI port number used.
- If your computer does not have an HDMI output port, check to see if it has a DisplayPort or Micro HDMI port. You may need an adapter to connect the ports to the television. You can also connect your computer to your television via Bluetooth, but there may be a lag between video and audio.
- For older computers, you can connect your laptop to your television using a DVI or VGA port and an HDMI adapter. This connection does not include audio signals. For audio output, you'll need a 3.5 mm stereo-to-RCA cable to connect your computer's headphone port to the video-compatible RCA input on the television.
Step 2. Turn on the television and select the HDMI source or channel
Press the button " Input " or " Source ” on the controller to select the video input source. After selecting the appropriate port, the laptop screen will be mirrored on the television screen.
Step 3. Visit https://www.netflix.com via a browser on your laptop
If you're not signed in to your Netflix account, click “ Sign In ” in the upper right corner of the screen to sign in first.
If you have more than one profile on your account, select the profile you want to use
Step 4. Click the video you want to watch
The video information page will open.
Step 5. Click the “Play” icon
This icon is above the video image. After that, the video will play and you can control the playback through your web browser directly.
- If you want to watch a television series, you can select a specific episode. Select " Seasons " and click the desired season. After that, select an episode from the list and press the “ Enter " or " Ok ” on controller.
- You can also mirror or mirror the computer screen to watch videos from your laptop through the television screen.
Method 4 of 7: Using Apple TV
Step 1. Connect the Apple TV to the television via an HDMI connection
Make sure there is an HDMI port on the television if you want to use a newer model of Apple TV. Remember or note the port number the Apple TV is connected to.
Step 2. Connect the Apple TV to a wall outlet
This device requires a power grid in order to use it.
If you want to connect your Apple TV to the internet via an ethernet cable, plug the cable from your router into the ethernet port on your device
Step 3. Switch the television channel to the Apple TV input
Check the HDMI port label or number if you don't know which input or channel to select. Use the television controller to select the HDMI video input source already connected to the Apple TV. You can see the Apple TV settings page if you're on the right channel or input.
Step 4. Use the Apple TV controller to select and run the Netflix app
This app is at the top of the list of apps.
Step 5. Sign in to your Netflix account
Use the controller to type in the email address and password for the account. After that, you will be logged into your Netflix account and can choose the profile you want to use.
Step 6. Select the profile you want to use to watch the show
Step 7. Use the controller to search and play videos
You can browse your Netflix library or use the search feature to find a specific show title. Use the playback buttons on the controller to control videos on Netflix.
If you want to watch a television series, you can select the specific episode you want. Use the television controller to select " Seasons " and select the desired season. After that, select an episode from the list and press the “ Enter " or " Ok ” on controller.
Method 5 of 7: Using a Video Game Console
Step 1. Turn on the console that supports Netflix
You can watch a wide variety of Netflix content through your video game console. This method is useful if you don't want to buy a video streaming device. Here are some consoles that support Netflix:
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 3
- Xbox One
- Xbox 360
- Wii U
- Wii
Step 2. Install the Netflix app
The installation process followed will depend on the console you are using.
- On the PlayStation 4, you can find the Netflix app under the "TV & Video" section of the main menu. If it's not available, you can download the app from the PlayStation Store.
- On the PlayStation 3, you can find the Netflix app under the "TV/Video Services" section of the XMB menu. Select the app to download it. If it's not available, you can download the app from the PlayStation Store.
- On the Xbox console, you can download the Netflix app from the " Apps " section.
- If you're using a Wii U, download the Netflix app from the Nintendo eShop.
- If you're using a Wii, download the Netflix app from the Wii Shop.
Step 3. Run the Netflix app and sign in to your account
When you run the app for the first time, you will be asked to sign in to your Netflix account. Use the on-screen keyboard to type in the email address and password for the account.
- In order to watch Netflix content on your console, you will need to connect your Playstation 4, XBox One, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, or other console to the internet.
- If you have more than one profile on your account, select the profile you want to use.
Step 4. Select the video you want to watch
Use the controller to browse your Netflix library. Mark the desired video and press the confirmation button to display the video information page.
Step 5. Play the video
Bookmark the video or episode on the information page, and press the confirm button to select it.
- If you want to watch a television series, you can select a specific episode that you want to play. Use the handles to click on the " Seasons " option, then select the desired season. After that, select an episode from the list and press the “ Enter " or " Ok ”.
- If you select the Netflix app on your phone, you can play a movie or television show on your phone, press the “Cast” button, and select a game console. The show will be shown on the television and you can control the playback via your phone. The “Cast” button is indicated by a television icon with three curved lines in its lower left corner.
Method 6 of 7: Using Amazon Fire Stick
Step 1. Connect the Fire Stick to an empty HDMI port on the TV
The Amazon Fire Stick is designed to attach directly to the television's HDMI port.
If you can't connect your Fire Stick directly to the HDMI port, you can attach it to the HDMI extension cable that came with your device purchase, and then plug the cable into your television's HDMI port
Step 2. Attach the AC adapter to the Firestick
Connect the AC adapter to the micro USB port on the bottom of the Fire Stick. After that, plug the AC adapter into an outlet near the television.
Step 3. Select a wireless network
To use the Fire Stick controller, press the up, down, left, and right buttons on the control circle. Press the circle button in the center to make a selection. When you first connect the device, you will need to go through the initial setup process. Start by selecting the wireless network you want to use.
Step 4. Enter the network password
After selecting a network, use the on-screen keyboard to enter the network password. If the device is successfully connected to the internet, the latest update will be downloaded automatically.
Alternatively, you can purchase an ethernet adapter for the Fire Stick to connect your device to the internet via a wired connection. Thus, you can get a more stable connection
Step 5. Enter the Amazon account username and password
You need to sign in to your Amazon account to purchase and download apps on your device. Use the on-screen keyboard to type in the username and password. Once logged in, you can see a quick welcome video explaining how to use your Fire Stick device.
Step 6. Select the search icon (“Search”)
This icon looks like a magnifying glass and is displayed on the screen. This icon allows you to search for apps for your Fire Stick device.
Step 7. Type Netflix into the search bar
The Netflix app will be searched on the Amazon App Store.
Step 8. Select Netflix
The Netflix app information page will open.
Step 9. Choose Free or Downloads.
The Netflix app will be downloaded to the Fire Stick device.
Step 10. Open the Netflix app
You can open the Netflix app by selecting “ Open ” on the information page after the app has finished downloading, or use the controller to mark the Netflix app on the Fire Stick home screen and press the middle button to select it.
Step 11. Select Sign In
It's in the lower-right corner of the Netflix title page. You'll be able to sign in to your Netflix account after that.
Step 12. Enter your Netflix account username and password
Use the Fire Stick controller and on-screen keyboard to type in the account username and password.
Step 13. Select a user profile
If you select more than one profile on your account, use the handles to select the desired profile icon.
Step 14. Select the movie or television show you want to watch
Use the Fire Stick controller to browse the selection of movies and television shows on Netflix. When you find a movie or show you want to watch, press the button in the center of the controller to display the information page of the selected movie or television show.
Step 15. Select the episode or “Play” icon
If you want to watch a movie, use the controller to mark the play icon and press the button in the center of the controller to play the movie. If you want to watch a television show, use the controller to select an episode and press the button in the center of the controller to play it.
If you select the Netflix app on your phone, you can play a movie or television show on your phone, press the “Cast” button, and select the Fire Stick. The show will be shown on the television and you can control the playback via your phone. The “Cast” button is indicated by a television icon with three curved lines in its lower left corner
Method 7 of 7: Using Roku
Step 1. Connect your Roku to your television's HDMI port
Roku requires an HDMI connection to connect to the television. Almost every HDTV is equipped with at least one HDMI port.
Step 2. Connect the Roku to a wall outlet
Use the cable that came in the package with the device to connect your Roku to a wall outlet.
Make sure you have inserted the battery into the controller
Step 3. Plug in the ethernet cable (optional)
Some Roku devices allow you to connect your device directly to your router via Ethernet. With this connection, you can get better streaming quality, especially if your router's wireless signal isn't very good. If an ethernet connection is not possible, you can still use a wireless connection.
Step 4. Select the HDMI source on the television that is already connected to the Roku
Press the button " Source " or " Input ” on the television to change the channel or television input source. Select the HDMI port your Roku is connected to. You can see the label or HDMI port number in use if you don't know which input or channel to select.
Step 5. Choose a language
Use the Roku controller to select one of the displayed languages.
Step 6. Connect your Roku to the internet
You will be asked to select a Roku connection method to the home network. If you are using ethernet, select " Wired (Ethernet) " and the connection process is complete. If you want to connect the device to a WiFi network, select " Wireless (Wi-Fi) " and enter the home network information.
Step 7. Wait for the Roku to finish updating
It is possible that the update will be available once the device is connected to the network. This update is required before you can use Roku, but the process only takes a few minutes.
Step 8. Create a Roku account
You need a Roku account to download apps and make purchases. If you don't have an account yet, visit https://www.roku.com, click “ Sign In, and select Create an Account ” to create an account.
Step 9. Connect the device to your Roku account
You will see the code you need to enter on the https://my.roku.com/link page. Use a Roku account or create one for free if it's not already available. A Roku account is required to purchase content and use Roku devices.
Step 10. Open the Netflix app on the device
Use the handles to select and open applications.
If the Netflix app is not available on the home screen, go to “Roku Channel” and search for Netflix to download it
Step 11. Sign in to your Netflix account
Use the on-screen keyboard to type in the account email address and password, then select “ Sign In ”.
If you select more than one profile on your account, select the profile you want to use
Step 12. Search and play videos from Netflix
Bookmark the video and press the “ Ok ” on the controller to view video information. Press the button again Ok ” to play videos. You can use the controller to adjust the video playback after the video is played.
- If you want to watch a television series, you can select the specific episode you want. Use the television controller to select " Seasons ", then select the desired season. Select an episode from the list and press the “ Enter " or " Ok ”.
- If you have the Netflix app on your phone, you can play a movie or television show on your phone, press the “Cast” button, and select a Roku device. The content will be shown on the television screen and you can control its playback via your mobile phone. The “Cast” button is indicated by a television icon with three curved lines in its lower left corner.
