How to Watch Netflix on TV: The Ultimate Guide

These tutorials will walk you step-by-step on how to watch Netflix on your TV using anything from a phone to a set-top box to a Kindle. Netflix is ​​one of our favorite video streaming platforms and is responsible almost alone for creating a viable platform for both cable cutters and cable subscribers.

While Hulu, Amazon and HBO have all followed the path of Netflix, their streaming service has truly created a new strategy for users ages 5 to 95 looking to find new entertainment options in the world of flagship television.

There are hundreds of movies and shows to choose from on Netflix, making it one of the easiest ways to kick back and relax and then end a long day. Whether you're running a marathon with a streak or catching up on some old favorites, you're bound to have fun.

One of the reasons for Netflix's success is its availability on almost every platform imaginable. Once you open an account, you can stream Netflix to virtually any device with an internet connection and a screen. Most users can enjoy Netflix almost anywhere from a laptop, tablet, smartphone to a video game console.

However, nothing beats finding your favorite movie and viewing it on the big screen - in other words, watching Netflix on your TV. But this takes another step because most TVs can't connect to Netflix directly.

There are many ways to do this and all you need is one of the devices we will list. These tutorials will walk you step-by-step on how to watch Netflix on your TV using anything from a phone to a set-top box to a Kindle.

Compatible devices

Before we go any further, let's quickly get down to the list of devices you can use to view Netflix on your TV. Compatible devices and connections are:

• PC desktop / laptop - Windows
• Cable / connection direct
• wireless: Fire Stick, Roku Stick, Chromecast
• Telephone e tablets (Android / iPhone – iPad, Kindle)
• Smart TV (Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, LG, ecc.)
• Apple TV
• Game console: Xbox One / PS4

Simply put, if you have one of these devices you can probably connect and play Netflix on a TV. For now, scroll through the list and make sure you have at least one of the devices (and a properly sized TV for maximum effect).

Now that you know what basic tools you have, make sure you have these too:

• A broadband internet connection. If it is wireless, have at least 6 Mbps.
• Un Netflix subscription. Netflix charges $ 8 to $ 12 per month, depending on your plan. You can't watch anything if you don't have an account.
• HDMI cables for your TV. You will also need cables HDMI-Micro-HDMI to connect mobile devices to your TV (or adapter).
• If you are using a computer, your operating system must be Windows 7 or later or Mac OS 10 or later.
• THE app Netflix installed on your devices.

With these ready, we can get started. If you are unsure of your internet speed, you can test your speed online. Alternatively, try playing a YouTube video in HD and see how fast the response is. If it is stable, you are ready to go.

That said, let's get started. Find the device you will use to connect to the TV below.

PC desktop / laptop

First on our list is a quick way to watch Netflix using a personal computer. The idea is to transfer what you see on the PC screen directly to the TV. The easiest way to do this is with a Netflix compatible device like a Roku, but we're assuming you don't have it.

You'll need an HDMI cable (plus TV, computer, Netflix subscription, and broadband internet, of course). As long as your TV and PC / laptop both have an HDMI port, that should be pretty straightforward.

First, make sure everything is connected correctly.

1. La TV and laptop / PC must be connected via a  HDMI cable.
2. Il laptop / PC it should be connected to Internet through a router or modem.
3. Netflix it should be available on the laptop / PC.

Here's how to view the computer display on the TV, in more detail:

Direct cable connection

1. Have the HDMI cable. fence the HDMI port appropriate on your laptop or PC. A PC will typically have it on the back where the GPU (video card) is installed. Laptops typically have them on the sides.
2. Connect the HDMI cable to laptop or PC. Next, locate the HDMI port on the TV.
3. La HDMI port of the TV yes typically find where all other video plug-ins go. It varies depending on the TV. Match the ports correctly.
4. Connect the HDMI cable to the TV.

From here, Windows 7 and later can automatically detect the connection. Mac OS X versions 10 and later should also automatically detect the HDMI cable.

Now that the systems are connected, the AV source needs to be changed. This is the input your TV is using to decide what goes on the screen. You will need to change the AV source, or “input”, to the corresponding HDMI plug-in.

Look for a button such as "Source" or "Input" on the TV remote control or the TV itself. We recommend using that button to change the AV input to the HDMI slot you connected your laptop or PC to. These are usually numbered HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and so on.

The TV is now ready to show what's on your PC or laptop. However, before the TV can display what is on the computer screen, it is necessary to "tell" the PC what to show.

On a laptop, you can do this by adjusting the external display. Normally this is done by holding down the Win + P keys on a PC.

The symbol, normally colored blue, will change between video settings until it shows what's on your PC.

If the TV still does not display content on the screen or you are using a desktop, you will need to change the settings using the control panel.

If you are using Windows 7:

• Open the control panel in Windows.
• Find and select Appearance and personalization.
• Select Display and go to Adjust screen resolution.

Look for the setting Extend these displays. You can change the setting to show only one monitor, usually labeled as Show on desktop only 1.

You can also select the monitor TV like display principale. This way your computer will appear on your TV screen instead of your own monitor. At the end, click Apply. Your settings should now be properly adjusted to show your display on the TV screen.

You can also drag and drop monitor screens to the panel if more are available. This may take some experimentation, as all hardware configurations are different.

Before you finish, you need to make sure that HDMI audio is also working.

1. On Windows, go to control panel.
2. Individual hardware and sound.
3. Click on it, then locate the Sound section.
4. Here, locate and select the section Manage audio devices.
5. A dialog box will appear showing the default settings.
6. You should see a setting for the digital output device (HDMI). Set it as the new default output.
7. If you want to test it, find the Properties tab. click on Advanced. You should find an option to test the sound.
8. When you have finished, click OK.

You may need to adjust the audio settings to make sure the volume can be heard on the TV. Also, make sure your screen saver settings are turned off or delayed long enough not to interrupt your viewing. You can do this by going back to Appearance and Personalization in the Control Panel and selecting the “Change Screen Saver” option.

From here, you can log into your Netflix account and watch it on your favorite TV!

As a final note, make sure you have the latest video / audio drivers installed for your system. You may also need to restart your PC for some settings to take effect. It will take some experimentation if any problems occur.

Using Roku, Fire Stick or Chromecast

Watching Netflix via laptop or PC can be tricky, as it requires many settings to be changed. If you'd rather upgrade to something a little leaner, using something like a Roku stick is the way to go. For the most part, it's just a matter of plugging in the appropriate hardware and having a Netflix account.

Using a Roku

1. Install correctly the Roku device on your TV. There are several versions, so the configuration for each will vary.
2. If you have a Netflix account and the Roku device is installed correctly, you should see a selection option on your TV for Netflix.
3. Select this option and enter your login information. Follow all other directions on the Roku screen.

Success! This doesn't take long and only requires an account and the Roku device.

Roku isn't the only device that allows Netflix to stream to your TV. You can do the same thing if you have a Firestick. Amazon's USB-sized device plugs directly into your TV's HDMI port and allows you to connect to streaming services.

Using the Amazon Fire Stick

1. Make sure that Firestick is installed. To do this you will need to connect the power supply of the device, then connect the device to the HDMI port of the TV. Change the TV's input to the HDMI port you connected the Firestick to and follow the instructions for remote installation.
2. When Firestick is installed, you can cercare Netflix. Look for the main screen and select "Search", then enter "Netflix".
3. Select Netflix and select the download icon. Once started, enter your login information.

You should be able to log into your Netflix account and watch anything on your TV.

Using a Chromecast

Finally, you can watch Netflix using Chromecast. It works similar to the other two devices. Just like the others, you'll need to connect your Chromecast device to your TV and then install it (if you haven't already).

Chromecast is a bit different, however, in that you can run Netflix from the respective app.

1. From your smartphone the mobile device, select the Chromecast app. Alternatively, you can access the Chromecast website from your laptop or PC.
2. Search for icona Cast, which is located in the top or bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Select this option to open the Chromecast device list. Select “Television” to watch Netflix there. This is only visible if you have configured the Chromecast correctly.

Watch Netflix with a Smart TV

Perhaps you have made things even easier by owning a Smart TV. These revolutionary entertainment TVs combine ease of viewing by integrating services and apps into the same technology.

So, if you want to watch Netflix on a smart TV, your options are much simpler.

For the most part, models like Samsung or Panasonic will have the Netflix app pre-installed. This means that all you have to do is locate the app and open it, entering your login information for Netflix. Very easy!

If not, you need to take a few extra steps to start watching.

First of all, install Netflix.

1. Your Smart TV should have a app store. Assuming you are connected to the internet, find and select the app store button.
2. Cerca su Netflix. Once located, select it and download it.
3. Follow the others on-screen instructions. When done, you should be able to sign in with the Netflix app.

All you need with a Smart TV is a fast internet connection. This is by far one of the simplest options out there.

Watch Netflix with an Apple TV

The aforementioned smart TVs aren't the only options. You can also watch Netflix on Apple TV. Provided you have one, the requirements are essentially the same. You will need a fast internet connection and the Netflix app on your Apple TV. As with other smart TV systems, the app usually comes pre-installed. If not, you just need to download it from the App Store.

To download and watch:

1. From menu Apple TV, find and select App Store.
2. Search and download the app Netflix (free).
3. Open the downloaded app and enter your login information when prompted.

Success! You can now watch Netflix on this Smart TV as well.

Watch Netflix on your game consoles

One of the latest ways to watch Netflix on your TV is to use the latest video game consoles. PS4 and Xbox One have focused heavily on multimedia integration, trying to make each console the "all-in-one" entertainment system. For the most part, this has worked, allowing people to use their consoles in all ways.

If you have One or PS4, watching Netflix should be relatively easy.

Using an Xbox One

Both consoles work similarly - go to the Netflix app, open it, enter your login details, etc. However, the app may need to be downloaded. This process is slightly different for the two consoles.

Per Xbox One:

1. Turn on the console and log in to the appropriate profile.
2. In the left tab you should be able to find the Whatsapp.
3. Select this option, then “Browse apps”.
4. You can manually search for Netflix or type “Netflix” in the search bar.
5. Once located, select and download the app. Wait for it to download and install.
6. The app should open automatically. If not, select it from the app list in the Xbox One main menu.
7. As before, you will need to sign in with your Netflix subscription.

Success! That's right, you can now watch Netflix on Xbox One. Remember, we assume you already have a premium Netflix membership.

Using a PS4

Now, if you own a PS4, you will follow similar steps.

To watch Netflix on your PS4:

1. If it's not already on, turn on your PS4.
2. Log into your PS4 account.
3. Go to the Home screen. (You can press the Home button on your controller if you're not already there.) On the Home screen, search for and select “TV & Videos”.
4. If Netflix is ​​pre-installed, you should see an icon. Select it and launch the app.
5. If Netflix is ​​not installed, you need to download it. Select "Store" and search for Netflix.
6. Once you've located the app, download and install it. Now repeat steps 1 to 4 to open the app.

Success! After entering your login information, you can watch Netflix on your TV via your PS4.

Using a Nintendo Switch

As of July 2020, Netflix has not yet been added to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo's newest handheld / handheld console. Nintendo has said that streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Streaming will arrive on the Switch "on time" and since all three of these services have been on previous Nintendo devices like Wii U or 3DS, we expect to see them before the end of the game. year. We will be sure to update this list when we have new information.

Watch Netflix on your phone or tablet

Now let's move on to another convenient method of viewing Netflix: using your phone or tablet. In some cases, this is relatively easy - it just requires you to connect the phone to the TV using the micro-USB connection. From there, after changing the input, the TV should show what's on the phone. We will go step by step to make sure you don't miss anything.

If you want to watch Netflix from your phone or tablet with a wired connection:

1. Find the appropriate connector cable. It should be a micro-USB to HDMI cable - one that has a micro type that plugs into your phone, with an HDMI output. You may want to use an adapter if the cable is difficult to find.
2. If you don't have the cable or adapter, you will need to purchase one. Determine the micro type of your phone before doing this to make sure the “micro” end is compatible with your phone.
3. Connect your micro cable to the phone and then to the television.
4. When both devices are connected, you will need to select the appropriate AV input on your TV. There is a button on the remote control to select inputs, usually "Input" or "AV". Alternatively, you can manually locate the option on the TV itself. You want the input corresponding to the HDMI port you connected the cable to.
5. After selecting the correct input, you should see what's on your phone screen on the TV.
6. On your phone, you'll then need to select the Netflix app (assuming it's installed). Enter your login information. You should now be able to watch Netflix on your television.

In some cases, such as older phone models, the phone may not have a micro-HDMI port. In this case, we can use an alternative solution called “MHL”.

A high-definition mobile link works like an adapter. Essentially, whatever port your phone has will connect to the MHL, which acts as both an HDMI adapter and a power supply.

You will need to purchase the appropriate MHL for your phone if you don't already have one. Models vary by phone. If it's available, you can use it by plugging the MHL's USB plug into your phone's USB port.

Whether:

1. Plug the MHL into a power outlet.
2. Connect the HDMI cable to both the HDMI port on the TV and the HDMI port on the MHL.
3. As before, you will need to select the appropriate AV input for your TV to view what's on the connected phone.

You should be able to select any app from your smartphone freely. Also, for some devices, this can be done with the remote control. Find and open the Netflix app on your smartphone. After entering your login information, you should be able to watch Netflix without any problems.

If you don't have any of the cables listed, you can bypass the process by connecting wirelessly. It's not that reliable and requires some experimentation, so you understand it's not foolproof.

Watch Netflix on TV over a wireless connection

If you have a phone or tablet but none of the cables listed, you can try the wireless option.

With an Android device, using Chromecast is one possible way to watch Netflix on TV.

1. You will need to purchase the Chromecast hardware extension. Relatively cheap, it is typically found on Amazon.
2. If you already have the Chromecast extension, plug it into your TV's HDMI port.
3. Turn on the extension and allow it to connect to your home wireless network.
4. If you don't already have it, you will need to download and install the Chromecast extension on your phone.
5. Open the app on your phone and follow the onscreen instructions. Typically, you will need to create an account to log in with.
6. Chromecast uses your wireless network, which in turn creates a “Chromecast” network. You will need to log in.
7. From here, the Chromecast device will display what is chosen by the app. On your phone, you will then need to select Netflix. Follow the instructions and Netflix should start playing on your TV.

It is important to note that using Chromecast is not the same as streaming. Chromecast takes control of playback when your command device (your phone) tells it what to play. The distinction won't affect your regular experience, but it's good to know for troubleshooting.

Chromecast is compatible with the latest versions of Mac, Windows 7, 8 and 10 and Chromebook. Be sure to check the compatibility requirements, otherwise the Chromecast may not work for you.

Watch Netflix with Miracast (phone)

If you don't have Chromecast (or don't want to try it), one last option for your Android phone is to use Miracast. This shows what's on your phone with a wireless connection. If your Android is running version 4.2 or later, then you have it.

The question here is whether you have a Smart TV or a Miracast compatible TV.

To use Miracast:

1. Open the Netflix app on your phone and access the profile you will use to stream content.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner
3. Tap "App Settings" from the pop-up menu
4. Tap the Miracast button

Follow the prompts to connect the devices and you should now be able to watch Netflix. Be aware that Miracast will likely compress images and there is a risk of quality loss. This is one of the major drawbacks of using this otherwise convenient method.

Watch Netflix on TV with a tablet

If you don't have a compatible smartphone with the options above, you can try a tablet. For the most part, the methods are similar (connect the tablet directly to the TV). If you have Chromecast, for example, you can just run the app on your tablet instead of a phone.

If you want to try a direct connection, you will follow similar steps to do it with a phone:

1. On the tablet, locate the Micro-HDMI port (or the port you use to charge the tablet).
2. You should have a micro-HDMI to HDMI cable connector ready. Connect the micro end to the tablet and the HDMI end to the TV.
3. On your TV remote, select the appropriate AV input (corresponding to the HDMI port you connected the cable to). You can also do this on the TV itself (look for an option that says "AV" or "Input"). The TV should automatically display everything on the tablet.
4. After selecting the correct input, you should see the tablet screen on the TV. From your tablet, select and log into Netflix. You should now be able to watch Netflix on your television.

If you don't have the cable or your tablet doesn't have a micro-HDMI port, you can use the MHL adapter solution just like you would a phone. Make sure you have the correct Mobile High-Definition Link adapter. You can determine this by checking the size of the available ports on your tablet. Your MHL purchase information will include the type of MHL and the devices it is compatible with.

1. Once you have the correct MHL adapter, plug in the power supply.
2. Find your tablet's connector cable. This is typically the power cord with a USB plug-in.
3. Connect the connector cable to both the MHL and the tablet.
4. Then, connect the MHL adapter to the HDMI port on the TV.
5. On the TV, select the AV input corresponding to the HDMI port used.
6. This will act as a direct connection. If installed correctly, you should see your tablet screen on the TV. Access Netflix from your tablet and start watching.

Alternatively, for Android tablets, you can also use Slimport. The idea is the same: a functional adapter that allows HDMI connectivity if the tablet does not have an available HDMI port.

Slimport is a little simpler, but it only works with Android devices.

1. If you have a Slimport, plug it into your tablet.
2. You will need an HDMI cable to connect it to both the TV and the Slimport.
3. Once the Slimport and TV are connected, select the AV input on the TV that matches the HDMI port used.
4. If your tablet is connected, the TV will show what's on your tablet.
5. Access Netflix via your tablet. You should now be able to watch Netflix on TV using Slimport.

You will need to make sure that the MHL or Slimport option is supported by your TV and tablet. Vendors typically include a list of compatible hardware in their item descriptions. Double-check your TV setup to make sure you get the correct version.

Provided your TV has been manufactured within the last decade, it should be compatible. Most newer TVs have HDMI ports. Check the hardware requirements and compare your tablet to see if it can work with Slimport or MHL.

Save with Miracast (tablet)

Finally, if you want to bypass the connection problem entirely, you can try Miracast. Just like using Miracast with the Android phone, the TV must have the option for Miracast (a smart TV) and the tablet must use Android version 4.2 or later.

To use Miracast with a tablet:

1. On your smart TV, open the AV inputs and find the Miracast option.
2. On your tablet, select Settings.
3. You should see an option for Miracast. Open Miracast from there.
4. Wait a moment for the TV and tablet to connect. Once complete, you should see what's on your tablet on the TV screen.
5. From your tablet, access your Netflix app (if available). Download the app if you don't have it. Log into your app and start watching Netflix on your TV.

Again, you can also use Chromecast to play Netflix. Follow the same steps listed above to use Chromecast, with a phone, laptop or PC, using the tablet instead of the other device.

Conclusion

This concludes our tutorial. There are numerous ways to watch Netflix on your TV using different types of hardware and gadgets. Some are easier than others. However, you are sure to find a way that suits you.

If you have any problems, repeat the steps carefully.

Furthermore:

• Make sure your firmware / software is updated to the latest version.
• Make sure your hardware is compatible with the devices you are using, from connecting cables to the devices themselves.
• Have an actual Netflix account. You cannot watch Netflix unless you are already a subscriber; connecting from a device will not bypass it.
• You must have a broadband or wireless connection of at least 6 mpbs. This is the recommended speed for watching things in HD.
• Make sure the volume settings on the TV are adjusted. Sometimes they need to be set to maximum when watching from a device.

Still having problems with Netflix? Let us know in the comments and we'll try to help!

Further Reading:

• How to remove the writing on the top left Netflix?
• How to use Netflix without a Smart TV
• How to download Netflix on a Samsung TV
• Netflix crashes on a Windows computer [Solved]
• How to watch Discovery + on iPhone, iPad and Android