How to play netflix from phone to tv

Using a Smart TV | Using a Google Chromecast | Using a Computer | Using an Apple TV | Using a Video Game Console | Using an Amazon Fire Stick | Using a Roku |

Netflix offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content at affordable subscription prices. You can watch Netflix on nearly any internet-connected computer, smartphone, tablet, Smart TV, streaming device, or modern video game console. This wikiHow teaches you how to watch Netflix on a variety of devices.

1. 1

   Connect your Smart TV to your home network. In order to stream Netflix from your Smart TV's app, it will need to be connected to the internet. You can do this using a wired Ethernet connection, or by connecting your TV to your wireless network. If your TV is not a Smart TV, you can connect a streaming device such as Roku, Google Chromecast, Fire Stick, or Apple TV to your TV.

   • Wired Connection: A wired connection will provide a much more stable connection to the internet. To connect your TV to the internet using a wired connection, connect an Ethernet cable from an open LAN port on your modem or router, and then to the Ethernet port on your TV.
   • Wireless connection: Open the settings menu on your TV and locate the Network settings. Select your wireless network and then use the remote to enter your wireless password. These menus and settings may be different from one model of TV to another.

2. 2

   Open your Smart TV apps. Most Smart TV remotes will have a button that opens the apps list. This button is often a logo or has the TV's brand name on it. You'll need to use the remote for your TV, not your cable box or universal remote.

   • Samsung: Press the button that looks like a multicolor cube.
   • LG: Press the My Apps button.
   • Sony: Press the Internet Apps button.
   • Panasonic: Press the Apps button.
   • Vizio: Press the button with the Vizio logo, or select SmartCast as the video source for your TV.

3. 3

   Select the Netflix app. It's a white icon that says "Netflix" in red letters. Use the arrow buttons on your TV remote to navigate the apps on your Smart TV's user interface. Highlight the Netflix app icon and press the Select, Enter, or Ok button on your remote.

   • If you can't find the Netflix app, you may have to download it from your Smart TV's app store.
   • You may need to update your TV's firmware in order to access streaming apps. The process for this varies, but generally, you'll download the file on your computer, copy it to a USB flash drive, and then load that into the TV. Refer to your TV model's Support page for detailed instructions.
   • You can also open Netflix by pressing the Netflix button on your remote.

4. 4

   Log in with your Netflix account. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the email address and password associated with your Netflix account, then select Sign In.

   • You'll need to have a Netflix plan that supports streaming video. Any of the streaming plans will allow you to use the Smart TV app. If you do not have a Netflix account, you can sign up for Netflix at the Netflix website.
   • If you have more than one profile on your Netflix account, select the profile you want to use.

5. 5

   Find and play videos. Use the arrow buttons on your TV remote to navigate the menus and videos on Netflix. Highlight a video and press the Select, Enter, or Ok button on your remote to view the information. If you want to watch a movie, highlight the Play icon and press the Select, Enter, or Ok button to play the entire movie. If you want to watch a TV show, highlight Seasons, select a season, select an episode and press the Select, Enter, or Ok button to play the episode. You can then use your remote to control the playback while the video is playing.

1. 1

   Download the Netflix app for your Android device or on an iPhone or iPad. You can download the app for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Here's how to get it:

   • Open the Google Play Store or App Store.
   • Tap the Search tab at the bottom (iPhone and iPad only).
   • Type Netflix in the search bar.
   • Tap Netflix in the search results.
   • Tap Install or Get next to the Netflix app.

2. 2

   Connect the Chromecast to an HDMI port on your TV. The Chromecast is a small dongle. It has an attached cable that connects to an HDMI port on your TV. The HDMI ports on your TV are usually numbered. Make a note of which numbered HDMI port you are connecting to.

   • You can use the included extender if the cable isn't long enough.

3. 3

   Connect the Chromecast to a power source. The Chromecast includes a USB power cable that you can plug into either the included A/C adapter or into a USB port on your TV. Some USB ports on TVs will not provide enough power to turn the Chromecast on, in which case you'll need to use the wall adapter.

4. 4

   Press the power button on your TV remote. The power button typically has an icon that resembles a circle with a line through the top.

5. 5

   Select the HDMI source you connected the Chromecast to. Press the Source or Input button on your TV remote to select the video source.

6. 6

   Set up your Chromecast if you haven't already. Use the following steps to set up your Chromecast:

   • Download the Google Home app from the Google Play Store on Android, or App Store on iPhone or iPad.
   • Open the Google Home app.
   • Tap the Add icon with the plus (+) sign.
   • Tap Set up device.
   • Tap Set up new devices in your home.
   • Tap your home name and then tap Next.
   • Tap your Chromecast device name that is displayed on your TV screen and tap Next.
   • Confirm the code on your smartphone matches the code on your TV and tap Yes.
   • Select a room for the device and tap Next.
   • Select your wireless network and tap Next.
   • Tap Next.
   • Tap Netflix and other streaming services and tap Next.
   • Tap Continue and then Continue again.

7. 7

   Open the Netflix app on your smartphone or tablet. It's a black icon with a red N.

   • If you are not automatically logged in to Netflix, enter the email address and password associated with your Netflix account, then tap Sign In.
   • If you have more than one profile on your Netflix account, select the profile you want to use.

8. 8

   Select a movie or TV show you want to watch. Swipe up or down and tap the left or right arrows in the categories on your smartphone or tablet to browse movies and TV shows on Netflix. When you find a movie or TV show you want to watch, tap its image to display the information page of the movie or TV show.

9. 9

   Tap the Play icon . It's over the movie's image at the top of the information page, or to the right of an episode in the episode list.

   • If you selected a movie, doing so will play the entire movie.
   • If you want to watch a TV show, tap Seasons, select a season, select an episode and tap Play to play the episode.

10. 10

    Tap the cast button . It is the icon that resembles a TV with three arching lines located in the upper-right corner of the movie or TV show. A list of devices will appear.

11. 11

    Tap your Chromecast device. This casts the movie or TV show you are playing on your smartphone or tablet to your TV.

    • Make sure your smartphone or tablet is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.

12. 12

    Control playback using the Netflix app. You can pause and seek using your Netflix app. You don't have to keep Netflix open on your smartphone or tablet to keep playing the movie or TV show on your TV. Playback controls will also be available in your Notification Panel. Once your Chromecast is all set up, you won't have to go through all of these steps every time you want to watch. Just turn on your TV and switch to the Chromecast input, then load the Netflix app on your smartphone or tablet and cast to your Chromecast device.[1] X Research source Go to source

1. 1

   Connect an HDMI cable from your computer to your TV. If your computer has an HDMI out port, connect one end of an HDMI cable to it, and the other to an available HDMI in port on your TV. Make note of which HDMI in port you connect to.

   • If your computer doesn't have an HDMI out port, check to see if it has a DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort or Mini HDMI out port. You may need an adapter to connect these out ports to your TV. You may also be able to connect to a TV using Bluetooth, but there may be a lag between the video and audio.
   • For older computers, you may be able to connect your laptop to your TV using the DVI or VGA port and an HDMI adapter. These connections do not carry an audio signal. To get audio, you will most likely need to use a 3.5mm stereo-to-RCA cable to connect to the headphone port on your computer to an RCA input that corresponds to the video in on your TV.

2. 2

   Press the power button on your TV remote. The power button typically has an icon that resembles a circle with a line through the top.

3. 3

   Select the HDMI source you connected your computer to. Press the Source or Input button on your TV remote to select the video source. Once you select the right source, you should see your computer screen mirroring to your TV.

4. 4

   Go to https://www.netflix.com in a browser on your computer. If you're not already signed in to your Netflix account, click Sign In at the top-right corner and enter the email address and password associated with it to sign in now.

   • If you have more than one profile on your Netflix account, select the profile you want to use.

5. 5

   Click a movie or TV show you want to watch. Use the mouse's scroll wheel or two fingers on the touchpad and click the left and right arrows in the categories to browse movies and TV shows on Netflix. When you find a movie or TV show you want to watch, click its image to display the information page of the movie or TV show.

6. 6

   Click an episode or the Play icon . If you want to watch a movie, click the Play icon to do so. If you want to watch a TV show, click Seasons, click one of the seasons, and click one of the episodes. You can then control playback of the movie or TV show in the Netflix browser.

   • You can also use screen mirroring to watch movies and TV shows from your computer on your TV.

1. 1

   Connect your Apple TV to your TV via HDMI. You'll need an HDMI port on your TV to use newer Apple TVs. Make a note of which HDMI port you connected the Apple TV to.

2. 2

   Plug the Apple TV into a power outlet. It needs a power connection to work.

   • If you want to connect your Apple TV to the internet using an Ethernet cable, connect an Ethernet cable from your router to the Ethernet port on your Apple TV device.

3. 3

   Press the power button on your TV remote. The power button typically has an icon that resembles a circle with a line through the top.

4. 4

   Switch your TV to the Apple TV's input. Press the Input or Source button on your TV remote to select the HDMI input you connected your Apple TV to. You should see the Apple TV Setup screen if you're on the correct input.

5. 5

   Select the Netflix app. It is the white icon that says "Netflix" in red letters at the top of the apps list. Use the arrow buttons on your Apple TV remote or swipe left, right, up, and down on your Siri Remote to navigate the apps on your Apple TV's user interface. Highlight the Netflix app icon and press the circle button in the middle or touch the touchpad on your remote.

6. 6

   Log in with your Netflix account. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter your email address and password associated with your Netflix account, then select Sign In.

7. 7

   Select a user profile. If you have more than one user profile on your Netflix account, use your Apple TV remote to select the icon that corresponds to your user profile.

8. 8

   Find and play videos. Use the arrow buttons on your Apple TV remote or swipe left, right, up and down on your Siri remote to navigate the menus and videos on Netflix. Highlight a video and press the center button or touch the touchpad on your remote to view the information. If you want to watch a movie, highlight the Play icon and press the button in the center or touch the touchpad to play the entire movie. If you want to watch a TV show, highlight Seasons, select a season, select an episode and press the button in the center or touch the touchpad to play the episode. You can then use your remote to control the playback while the video is playing.

1. 1

   Power on your console that is supported by Netflix. You can watch Netflix on a variety of different video game consoles, which can be useful if you don't want to purchase a streaming video device. The following video game consoles can use Netflix:

   • PlayStation 4
   • PlayStation 3
   • Xbox One
   • Xbox 360

2. 2

   Download the Netflix app. You will need an internet connection for your console to download and watch Netflix. The process to download the app will vary depending on the console that you are using. If you're using an Xbox 360, skip this step.

   • On the PlayStation 4, you can find the Netflix app in the "TV & Video" section of the main menu. Selecting it will prompt you to download the app. If you don't see it, you can download it from the PlayStation Store.[2] X Research source Go to source
   • On the PlayStation 3, you can find the Netflix app in the "TV/Video Services" menu of the XMB. Selecting it will prompt you to download the app. If you don't see it, you can download it from the PlayStation Store.
   • On the Xbox One, you'll need to download the Netflix app from the Microsoft Store.

3. 3

   Open the Netflix app. You can open the Netflix app by selecting Start on the information page once the app is finished downloading, or you can use the left analog stick or D-pad to highlight the Netflix app on the Dashboard, XMB or PlayStation 4 main menu and press the confirmation button to select the app.

4. 4

   Log in with your Netflix account. When you launch the Netflix app for the first time, you'll be prompted to log in with your Netflix account. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the email address and password associated with your Netflix account, then select Sign In.

   • If you have more than one profile on your Netflix account, select the profile you want to use.

5. 5

   Select a movie or TV show you want to watch. Use the left analog stick or D-pad on your game controller to browse movies and TV shows on Netflix. When you find a movie or TV show you want to watch, press the confirmation button to display the information page of the movie or TV show.

6. 6

   Play the movie or TV show. If you want to watch a movie, use the left analog stick or D-pad on your game controller to highlight the Play icon and press the confirmation button to play the entire movie. If you want to watch a TV show, use the left analog stick or D-pad on your game controller to highlight Seasons, select a season, select an episode and press the confirmation button on your game controller to play the episode. You can then control playback with the left analog stick or D-pad while the movie or TV show is playing.

   • If you have the Netflix app on your smartphone or tablet, you can play a movie or TV show on your smartphone or tablet and then press the cast button and select your game console. This will play the movie or TV show on your TV and allow you to control the playback using your smartphone or tablet. The cast button is the icon that resembles a TV with three arching lines in the lower-left corner.

1. 1

   Connect your Amazon Fire Stick to an open HDMI port on your TV. Your Amazon Fire Stick is designed to plug directly into an open HDMI port on your TV.

   • If you are not able to connect your Amazon Fire Stick directly to an HDMI port on your TV, you can connect it to the HDMI extender cable that came with the device and then plug the extender cable into an open HDMI port on your TV.

2. 2

   Connect the A/C Adapter to the Fire Stick. Connect the A/C adapter to the micro-USB port on the bottom of the Fire Stick. Then plug the A/C adapter into an electrical outlet near your TV.

3. 3

   Select your wireless network. To navigate using your Fire Stick remote, press up, down, left, and, right on the circle part of your remote. Press the circle button in the middle to make a selection. The first time you connect your Fire Stick, you will need to go through the setup process. Start by selecting your wireless network.

4. 4

   Enter your wireless password. After you select your wireless network, use the on-screen keyboard to enter the password for your wireless network. Once your device is connected to the internet, it will download the latest updates automatically.

   • Alternatively, you can purchase an Ethernet adapter for your Fire Stick that allows you to connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable. This will provide a much more stable connection.[3] X Research source Go to source

5. 5

   Enter the username and password associated with your Amazon account. You will need to sign in to your Amazon account in order to purchase and download apps on your device. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the username and password associated with your Amazon account. After you are signed in, you will see a quick Welcome video explaining how to use your Fire Stick device.

6. 6

   Select the Search icon. It's the icon that resembles a magnifying glass on the screen. This allows you to search for apps on your Fire Stick device.

7. 7

   Type Netflix in the search bar. This searches for the Netflix app in the Amazon App Store.

8. 8

   Select Netflix. This opens the information page about the Netflix app.

9. 9

   Select Free or Download. This downloads the Netflix app to your Fire Stick device.[4] X Research source Go to source

10. 10

    Open the Netflix app. You can open the Netflix app by selecting Open on the information page once the app is finished downloading, or you can use the remote to highlight the Netflix app on the home screen and press the center button to select the app.

11. 11

    Select Sign In. It's in the lower-right corner on the Netflix title screen. This allows you to sign in to your Netflix account.

12. 12

    Enter the username and password associated with your Netflix account. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the username and password associated with your Netflix account.

13. 13

    Select a user profile. If you have more than one user profile on your Netflix account, use your Fire Stick remote to select the icon that corresponds to your user profile.

14. 14

    Select a movie or TV show you want to watch. Use the arrow buttons on your Fire Stick remote to browse movies and TV shows on Netflix. When you find a movie or TV show you want to watch, press the button in the center to display the information page of the movie or TV show.

15. 15

    Select an episode or the Play icon . If you want to watch a movie, use the arrow buttons on your Fire Stick remote to highlight the Play icon and press the button in the center to play the entire movie. If you want to watch a TV show, use the arrow buttons on your Fire Stick remote to highlight Seasons, select a season, select an episode and press the button in the center to play the episode. You can then use your Fire Stick remote to control playback while the movie or TV show is playing.

    • If you have the Netflix app on your smartphone or tablet, you can play a movie or TV show on your smartphone or tablet and then press the cast button and select your Amazon Fire Stick device. This will play the movie or TV show on your TV and allow you to control the playback using your smartphone or tablet. The cast button is the icon that resembles a TV with three arching lines in the lower-left corner.

1. 1

   Connect your Roku to your TV's HDMI port. Roku requires an HDMI connection to your TV. Nearly every HDTV will have at least one HDMI port. Make note of which HDMI port you connect your Roku to.

2. 2

   Connect the Roku to a power outlet. Use the included cable to power the Roku.

   • Make sure to put the batteries in your Roku remote as well.

3. 3

   Connect the Ethernet cable (optional). Some Roku devices allow you to connect the box directly to your router via Ethernet. This may result in better streaming quality, especially if you have a weak wireless signal. You can use wireless if Ethernet is not an option.

4. 4

   Press the power button on your TV remote. The power button typically has an icon that resembles a circle with a line through the top.

5. 5

   Select the HDMI source you connected your Roku to. Press the Source or Input button on your TV remote to select the video source. When you select the right source, you should see the "Let's get started" screen.

6. 6

   Select your language. To navigate using your Roku remote, press up, down, left, and, right on the cross part of the remote. Press the Ok button in the middle to make a selection. The first time you connect your Roku, you will need to go through the setup process. Start by selecting your language.

7. 7

   Connect to your network. You'll be prompted to select how you want to connect to your home network. If you're using Ethernet, select Wired (Ethernet) and you're good to go. If you want to connect via Wi-Fi, select Wireless (Wi-Fi) and then enter your network information.

8. 8

   Wait for your Roku to update. There will likely be an update available after you've connected to your network. The update will be required before you can use your Roku, but should only take a few minutes.

9. 9

   Create a Roku account. You will need a Roku account to download apps and make purchases on your Roku. If you don't have an account, go to https://www.roku.com, click Sign In, and then Create an Account to create one now.[5] X Research source Go to source

10. 10

    Link your Roku to your Roku account. You'll be shown a code that you'll need to enter at https://my.roku.com/link. You'll need to use your Roku account or create a free one if you don't have one yet. Your Roku account lets you purchase content, and is required to use your Roku.

11. 11

    Select the Netflix app. Use the arrow buttons on your Roku remote to highlight the Netflix app on the Roku home screen and press the Ok button to select the app.

    • If you don't see the Netflix app on the Roku home screen, open the Roku Channel and search for Netflix to download it.
    • Alternatively, you can press the Netflix button on your Roku remote.

12. 12

    Log in with your Netflix account. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the email address and password associated with your Netflix account, then select Sign In.

    • If you have more than one profile on your Netflix account, select the profile you want to use.

13. 13

    Find and play videos. Use the arrow buttons on your Roku remote to navigate the menus and videos on Netflix. Highlight a video and press the Ok button on your remote to view the information. If you want to watch a movie, highlight the Play icon and press the Ok button to play the entire movie. If you want to watch a TV show, highlight Seasons, select a season, select an episode and press the Ok button to play the episode. You can then use your remote to control the playback while the video is playing.[6] X Research source Go to source

    • If you have the Netflix app on your smartphone or tablet, you can play a movie or TV show on your smartphone or tablet and then press the cast button and select your Roku device. This will play the movie or TV show on your TV and allow you to control the playback using your smartphone or tablet. The cast button is the icon that resembles a TV with three arching lines in the lower-left corner.

• How many devices can I watch Netflix on?

  You can log into as many different devices as you like, but you are limited to a certain number of screens streaming at once. The basic plan allows a single stream, while the most expensive plan allows for up to four screens watching different programs.

• Does streaming a movie count against my data cap?

  If your internet service provider imposes a data cap on your service, streaming Netflix will count against it. Make sure to monitor your available data, as Netflix can quickly eat up your available amount.

• Can my husband and I watch on separate devices at the same time?

  Yes, with the right plan. The number of streaming screens ranges from 1 to 4 at a time. If your current plan only allows one, you can upgrade anytime.

• What is the minimum internet connection speed required to stream movies?

  Netflix requires at least 0.5 Mbps, but recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming.

• Can I still receive Netflix DVDs in the mail?

  The Netflix DVD delivery service and the Netflix streaming service are separate. You'll need separate subscriptions for each.

• What do I need to watch Netflix on a smartphone?

  You will need a Netflix account as well as to download the Netflix app from either iTunes or Google Play, depending on your device operating system. Note that the Netflix app is mandatory as Netflix no longer runs on smartphone browsers.

• How can I tell if my TV supports Netflix?

  Many newer TVs are called "Smart TVs," and allow you to run internet apps on them. You can find out if your TV is a smart TV by looking at the documentation. You can also check the remote for buttons that would open internet apps. Finally, if you can't find anything, you can search for your TV model number online to see its features.

• What is the simplest way to get Netflix on TV?

  The simplest way to get Netflix on your TV is by using a Smart TV with the Netflix app built-in. If you don't have this, the next easiest way is to use a media streaming device such as a Chromecast, Roku, or Apple TV.

• Do I have to have WiFi to watch Netflix on my TV?

  No. If your TV is wireless, then it needs to only be connected to your router. However, if the TV or computer/phone streaming the Netflix requires a wired connection, then it may require an ethernet cable.

• How can I watch Netflix on my television from my Android device using my HDTV Cox cable box?

  There is an adapter (mostly for Samsung devices) which connects your HDMI Cord to your charging port. Prices and availability may be different, depending on your region.

Written by:

wikiHow Technology Writer

This article was written by Travis Boylls. Travis Boylls is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Travis has experience writing technology-related articles, providing software customer service, and in graphic design. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux platforms. He studied graphic design at Pikes Peak Community College. This article has been viewed 4,830,759 times.

Co-authors: 52

Updated: July 28, 2022

Views: 4,830,759

Categories: Netflix

Article SummaryX

To watch Netflix on your TV, start by downloading the Netflix app onto your Smart TV, streaming box, video game console, smartphone, or tablet. When the download is complete, open the Netflix app and sign in with your username and password. Select the Netflix profile you want to use from the list of available profiles. Select the video you want to play to view its details, and then select the "Play" icon to start watching. If you're using an iPhone or iPad to mirror your screen to an Airplay-enabled TV, you can now open the control center, tap "Screen Mirroring," and then select your TV. If you're using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to cast to a Chromecast-enabled TV, tap the video once to bring up its controls, tap the casting icon, and then select your TV.

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