Watch Netflix on TV

Having built its reputation on convenient movie rentals by mail, Netflix now offers something even more convenient: Internet video streaming. The service, called Watch Instantly, allows customers instant access to a huge selection of movies online. There are now multiple methods on how you can watch movies from Netflix on your TV at home, and if you have the right TV you may not need anything else at all.

Steps

Laptop

  1. Identify the output ports on your laptop. If you want to connect your laptop to your TV, you'll need to determine what connection ports your laptop has. This will help you figure out what cables you need, and if it is even possible. If you have the ability to use any of the above methods, you'll likely have a better experience using that instead.
    • Most newer laptops have an HDMI output along the back or side. This is the easiest way to connect your laptop to your TV, as long as your TV has HDMI as well, and only requires a single HDMI cable.
    • Your laptop may have a DVI output on the back. This looks like an older monitor port, with a line or "+" on the right side. If your TV also has a DVI port, you can use a DVI-to-DVI cable. If your TV doesn't have a DVI port, you'll need an adapter that will convert the DVI to HDMI. You'll also need a separate audio cable.
    • If your laptop has a blue VGA port, you may be able to connect to a VGA port on your TV. Many newer TVs do not have VGA ports. VGA will result in a blurry image, especially on newer HDTVs. You'll also need a separate audio cable.
    • If you're using a Macbook, you'll likely need an adapter in order to connect to an HDMI TV. Most Macbooks come with a Thunderbolt port which you can convert into an HDMI signal.
  2. Connect your laptop's output port to an input on your TV. Once you've determined how to best connect your laptop, connect it to an open port on your TV.
    • If you're connecting via DVI or VGA, you should start with your laptop and TV turned off. This isn't an issue if you're using HDMI.
  3. Connect your laptop's Headphone jack to the audio input on your TV (if necessary). If you're connecting using DVI or VGA, you'll need a separate audio cable to get audio from your laptop to your TV. The audio input port on your TV will have the same label as the DVI or VGA port that you connected the laptop to. You'll need a cable that splits the single output of the laptop's headphones port to the stereo input on your TV.
  4. Turn on your TV and select the correct input. Select the input that your laptop is connected to.
  5. Turn on your laptop. Depending on your laptop's settings, you may see the image appear automatically when you log into Windows.
  6. Switch your laptop's primary display. If you don't see an image on your TV, you can tell your laptop to output to your TV.
    • Windows - Press ⊞ Win+P and select "Duplicate" or "Second screen only." You should see your desktop appear on the TV. If you don't see your desktop appear, ensure that you have select the correct output.
    • Mac - Click the Apple menu and select "System Preferences." Click the "Display" option and then click the "Arrangement" tab. Check the "Mirror Displays" box to duplicate your Macbook's display on the TV.
  7. Set your TV as the sound playback device. Usually your sound output will automatically change to the TV's speakers, but you may have to do this manually.
    • Windows - Right-click the Speaker button in the System Tray and select "Playback devices." Select your TV from the list of available devices and click "Set Default."
    • Mac - Open the System Preferences menu and select "Sound." Click the "Output" tab and select "HDMI" from the list of available outputs.
  8. Sign into the Netflix website. Once everything is properly connected, you can load Netflix on your browser. Sign in with your Netflix account to access the streaming library. You'll need to have a subscription plan that supports streaming video.
  9. Start playing the video you want to watch. Click a video in the Netflix library to begin playing it. If everything is connected properly, you should be able to watch it on your TV with sound.

Smart TV

  1. Determine if your TV is a Smart TV. Smart TVs connect to your home network, and can run media streaming apps such as Netflix. Check your TV's documentation or menu to determine if you have a Smart TV that can run streaming apps. Your remote may have a button to launch Smart TV apps.
    • The sticker on your TV may have streaming service logos, including Netflix, which would indicate that it's a Smart TV.
    • If you're having difficulty determining, you can perform a web search using your TV's model number.
  2. 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 your home network. There are two ways you may be able to do this, depending on your TV:
    • Ethernet - Some Smart TVs have Ethernet ports that allow you to connect them directly to your router. Simply plug an Ethernet cable into your router and into the TV to connect it to your network.
    • Wi-Fi - Many newer Smart TVs have wireless adapters that you can use to wirelessly connect to your network. You'll need a wireless router in order to use the Wi-Fi adapter on the TV. Open the Network menu on your TV and select your home network. You'll need to enter the password if your network is secured. The process for this will vary from TV to TV.
  3. 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 - The button looks like a multicolor cube.
    • LG - Look for the "My Apps" button.
    • Sony - Press the "Internet Apps" or Netflix button.
    • Panasonic - Press the "Apps" button.
    • Vizio - Press the Vizio logo or the Netflix button.
  4. Select the Netflix app. Again, this process will vary depending on your TV. Some may even have a dedicated Netflix button on the 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 drive, and then load that into the TV. Refer to your TV model's Support page for detailed instructions.
  5. Log in with your Netflix account. Once you've opened the app, you'll be prompted to sign in with your Netflix account. Enter your login information and select your profile if given the option. Not all Smart TVs support the Netflix Profile system.
    • You'll need to have a Netflix plan that supports streaming video. The DVD-only plans will not allow you to use the Netflix app on your TV. See Change-Your-Netflix-Plan for tips on choosing the right plan for you. Any of the streaming plans will allow you to use the Smart TV app.
  6. Browse using your remote. Your TV remote will allow you to navigate the Netflix interface. Use the arrow buttons on the TV to find the video you want to watch, then press the "Select" or "Enter" button on your remote to start it.

Chromecast

  1. Get a Chromecast if you have an Android or iPhone. The Google Chromecast is one of the cheapest ways to get streaming video on your TV, but requires an Android or iOS device in order to work. The Chromecast uses your Android or iOS device to select what you watch instead of using a traditional remote.
    • If you'd rather use a traditional remote to select your videos, see the Roku section below.
    • Chromecasts only work on TVs that have HDMI ports. Virtually all HDTVs have at least one HDMI port.
    • You'll need to have a wireless network in order for the Chromecast to connect to the internet and stream video.
  2. Connect the Chromecast to your TV's HDMI cable. The Chromecast is a small dongle, and just sticks out of the HDMI port. You can use the included extender if it doesn't fit.
  3. Connect the Chromecast to a power source. The Chromecast includes a USB power cable that you can plug into either the wall 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. Turn on the TV and select your Chromecast's input. Check the label of the HDMI port you've plugged the Chromecast into and switch the TV to that input. You should see the Chromecast Setup screen. If you don't see anything, check to make sure the Chromecast is getting enough power.
  5. Download the Chromecast app on your Android or iPhone. This free app from Google will allow you to setup your Chromecast so that it can connect to your wireless network.
  6. Launch the Chromecast app and tap the "Devices" tab. Your new Chromecast will appear in this tab after a moment. If you're using an iPhone, turn on your Bluetooth to make the setup process much simpler. Android users can simply tap "Devices" and see the new Chromecast.
  7. Tap "Setup" and then "Setup" again. This will begin the Chromecast setup process. Once you've got your Chromecast setup and connected, you won't have to go through this again.
  8. Tap "I see the code" if the codes on your device and TV match. This is important in crowded networks.
  9. Give your Chromecast a name (optional). This can be useful if you have multiple Chromecasts in your home. You could label them "Living Room" and "Bedroom," for example.
  10. Select the wireless network that you want your Chromecast to connect to. You'll be prompted to enter the password. Your Chromecast will save this information and automatically connect to this network whenever it is turned on in the future.[1]
  11. Wait for your Chromecast to update (if necessary). There may be updates for your Chromecast, which will begin downloading automatically. This may take a few minutes to complete.
  12. Download the Netflix app for your Android or iPhone. You'll be using the Netflix app for your smartphone to find videos and control playback. You can download the app for free from the Google Play Store or Android App Store.
  13. Open the app and log in with your Netflix account. Select the profile you want to use if you have multiple profiles on the account.
  14. Tap the Chromecast button and select your Chromecast. The button is located in the upper-right corner, and appears when you are connected to the same network as a Chromecast. You'll see the Netflix screen appear on your TV after a moment.
  15. Find the video that you want to play. Use the Netflix app on your smartphone to browse through the library or search for a specific title.
  16. Tap the video to begin playing it on your TV. As long as the app is connected to your Chromecast, the video will begin playing on your TV once it loads.
  17. 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 to keep playing video on your TV. Playback controls will also be available in your Notification Panel.
  18. Use the Netflix app whenever you want to watch on your TV. Once your Chromecast is all setup, 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 phone.[2]

Apple TV

  1. Use an Apple TV if you have an iPhone. The Apple TV is very easy to setup if you have an iPhone and an Apple ID already. The Apple TV comes with a dedicated remote to select items.
    • Netflix is not available on the first generation Apple TV.[3]
  2. Connect your Apple TV to your TV via HDMI. You'll need an HDMI port on your TV to use newer Apple TVs.
    • Plug the Apple TV into a power outlet as well. It needs a power connection to work.
  3. Switch the TV to the Apple TVs input. Check the label for your TVs HDMI port if you're not sure which input to select. You should see the Apple TV Setup screen if you're on the correct input.
  4. Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone device. The Apple TV will be able to connect to your iPhone and load all of the necessary network connection settings. You can turn Bluetooth on by swiping up from the bottom of your iPhone's screen and tapping the Bluetooth button.
  5. Set your iPhone next to the Apple TV. The "Automatic Setup" screen should appear after a moment.
  6. Enter your Apple ID and password on your iPhone. You'll be prompted for this when the Automatic Setup screen appears.
  7. Follow the prompts to finish the setup process. Your iPhone will send all the necessary connection information to your Apple TV so that it can connect to the network and your Apple ID. It may take a few minutes for setup to complete on the Apple TV.[4]
  8. Use your Apple TV remote to select and start the Netflix app. You'll find this towards the top of the app list.
  9. Log in with your Netflix account. Use the remote to enter your email address and password. This will log you into your Netflix account, and you'll be able to select the profile you want to use.
  10. Use the remote to find and play videos. You can browse through the library, or use the search feature to find specific titles. You can use the remote's playback buttons to control videos in Netflix.

Roku

  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.
  2. Connect the Roku to a power outlet. Use the included cable to power the Roku.
    • Make sure to put the batteries in the remote as well.
  3. Connect the Ethernet cable (optional). Roku allows 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. Turn on your TV and select the Roku's input. You can look at the label for the HDMI port you used if you aren't sure which input to select.
  5. Select your language. You'll need to select your language when setting the Roku up for the first time.
  6. 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.
  7. Wait for your Roku to update. There will likely be an update available after you've connected to to your network. The update will be required before you can use your Roku, but should only take a few minutes.
  8. Link your Roku to your Roku account. You'll be shown a code that you'll need to enter at 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.
  9. Open the Netflix app on your Roku. Use your remote to select and open the Netflix app.
  10. Log in with your Netflix account. You'll be prompted to enter your Netflix account information when you load the app for the first time. Log in with your Netflix account and select the profile that you want to use.
  11. Find and play Netflix videos. Use your remote to find and start Netflix videos. You can then use the remote to control the playback one the video is playing.[5]

Video Game Console

  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
    • Wii U
    • Wii
  2. Install the Netflix app. The process for this will vary depending on the console that you are using.
    • On PlayStation 4, the Netflix app can be found in the "TV & Video" section of the main menu. If you don't see it, you can download it from the PlayStation Store.[6]
    • 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.
    • For Xbox consoles, you'll need to download the Netflix app in the "Apps" section.[7]
    • If you're using a Wii U, you'll need to download the Netflix app from the Nintendo eShop.
    • If you're using a Wii, you'll need to download the Netflix app from the Wii Shop.
  3. Start the Netflix app and log in. When you launch the Netflix app for the first time, you'll be prompted to log in with your Netflix account. Enter your account information and select the profile that you would like to use. Not all consoles support the profile feature.
    • You'll need a Netflix account that supports streaming video. See Change-Your-Netflix-Plan for information on signing up for a streaming plan.
  4. Use your controller to select the video that you want to watch. Once you're logged in, you can use your controller to browse the Netflix library or search for specific titles. Once you've started a video, you can use the buttons on your control to pause and seek in the video.


Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://support.google.com/chromecast/answer/2998456?hl=en
  2. ↑ https://help.netflix.com/en/node/10378
  3. ↑ https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23887
  4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202788
  5. ↑ https://support.roku.com/hc/en-us/articles/208754888-Roku-2-Model-4210-Setup-Instructions
  6. ↑ https://help.netflix.com/en/node/23888
  7. ↑ https://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-360/apps/netflix-setup
Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Watch_Netflix_on_TV&oldid=364825"