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How to Watch Netflix on Your TV

How to Watch Netflix on TV in 2024: Smart TVs, Game Consoles, Roku & More

Watching Netflix on your laptop in bed on a lazy Sunday is great and all, but you truly can’t beat Netflix up on the big screen. Read on to find out how to watch Netflix on TV and get that real home cinema vibe.

Kit CopsonSandra PattisonJasna Mishevska

Written by Kit Copson (Writer, Briefing Editor)

Reviewed by Sandra Pattison (Writer, Editor)

Facts checked by Jasna Mishevska (Lead Fact-Checking Editor)

Last Updated: 2024-05-02T07:06:15+00:00

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Key Takeaways:

  • Most smart TVs are Netflix compatible, but it’s always best to check before you invest in one. 
  • If you don’t have a smart TV, you can use a streaming device like Chromecast, Roku or Firestick to stream movies and series on Netflix on your TV. 
  • If you have a Chromecast or a TV with Chromecast built in, you can cast Netflix to your TV from your phone or within the Google Chrome browser. Alternatively, you can download Netflix on a games console like Xbox or PlayStation. 
  • Another method is to connect your phone or laptop to your TV with a compatible HDMI cable. You can then open Netflix in a browser or on the mobile app, start streaming and it will show up on your TV screen. Check cables for compatibility with your device before you make a purchase. 

Streaming giant Netflix is a staple in every movie and series fan’s streaming service collection. If you’ve been streaming Netflix on your phone or laptop but wish you could enjoy it on a TV screen, you have quite a few options for making this happen.

In this post, we’ll share how to watch Netflix on TV using your smart TV, laptop, streaming device or mobile device. 

If you’re not the most confident with technology, the good news is that it’s really easy to get Netflix on your TV, even if you don’t have a smart TV. Also, you can always try different methods if one doesn’t work out for you. Let’s get straight into it. 

  • 07/07/2022 Facts checked

    This article shares up-to-date information on how to watch Netflix on your TV and we’ve added a how-to for each method. 

How to Watch Netflix on TV: Smart TV

One of the simplest ways to stream Netflix is on your smart TV. Sony and Samsung are Netflix’s smart TV recommended brands, which may be helpful if you’re thinking about buying one. 

Most smart TVs — especially newer TVs — are compatible with Netflix, and many come with Netflix already installed and ready to go on the home page, or include a remote control with a dedicated Netflix button. 

That said, it’s best to check if the TV supports Netflix before you make the investment, as some — especially older smart TVs — might not be compatible. If you’re having any issues finding Netflix on your smart TV’s home screen, you can install it from your TV’s app store. These steps may differ slightly depending on the Netflix-compatible smart TV you’ve got. 

  1. Check Your Smart TV’s Homepage

    Turn on your TV and check if Netflix is on the homepage. If it’s there, simply click on the Netflix icon and either download it or log in to your Netflix account, depending on your smart TV’s prompts.

  2. Search for Netflix in the App Store (Optional)

    If Netflix isn’t on the homepage already, navigate to your smart TV’s app store. Its location will vary depending on the brand and model you have. There, use the search function to find and download Netflix.

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How to Watch Netflix on Your TV With a Streaming Device

If you don’t have a smart TV, you might want to consider a streaming device like Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick or Google Chromecast. Streaming devices are an easy, inexpensive method of getting Netflix and other popular streaming services on your TV and there are a wide variety of models on offer to suit every need. 

To find out more about the available Chromecast models, check out our Chromecast buyer’s guide.  Check out our Amazon Fire Stick buyer’s guide and Roku buyer’s guide if either of these is more up your street. 

Make sure you have already set up your Chromecast or other streaming device before starting this process and that you have an internet connection. In this how-to guide, we’re going to show you how to watch Netflix on your TV via Roku or Chromecast. 

Watch Netflix on Your TV via Roku

Let’s kick off with Roku, one of the most popular and easy-to-use streaming devices on the market. Make sure your Roku is plugged in and ready to go before you get started. 

  1. Search for Netflix

    Navigate to the search tab, then press “OK.” Type “Netflix” into the search bar.

    Roku search
  2. Select Netflix

    Select Netflix from the list, then click “OK.”

    roku search netflix
  3. Add Netflix

    Select “add channel” and press “OK.”

    netflix add channel
  4. Open Netflix

    Select “go to channel” and press “OK.”

    go to channel
  5. Log In to Netflix

    Log in to Netflix on the homepage or create a Netflix account.

    netflix log in

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Watch Netflix on Your TV via Chromecast

In this tutorial, we’ll be using a Google Chromecast (3rd generation) to show you how to cast Netflix from your phone to your TV. 

  1. Plug In Your Chromecast

    Plug your Chromecast into your TV’s HDMI input. Turn on the TV and tune in to the correct HDMI setting.

  2. Launch the Netflix Mobile App

    Open the Netflix app on your device and search for the show or movie you want to watch. Tap the “cast” icon in the top right corner and select your Chromecast device from the list. If you have any issues, check out our Chromecast troubleshooting tips.

How to Watch Netflix on TV With a Game Console

Those with a video game console like Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro and PlayStation 5 can download Netflix. In this tutorial, we’ll show you where to find and download Netflix on a PlayStation 5. Again, these steps will differ slightly depending on the gaming console you’re using. 

  1. Go to “Media”

    Navigate to  the “media” tab at the top of the screen and check if you can see the Netflix icon. If you see it, select “Netflix” and then click “download” when prompted.

    nettflix ps5
  2. Search for Netflix in the Search Bar (Optional)

    If you have any issues finding Netflix, navigate to the search bar in the top right corner, type in “Netflix” and download it from there.

    netflix searchbar

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How to Watch Netflix on TV With a Laptop

If you have a Google Chromecast device connected to your TV or have a TV with Chromecast built in, you can cast Netflix to your TV screen from your Google Chrome browser, as long as the browser is up to date.

If you don’t have a Chromecast device or smart TV with Chromecast built in, an alternative is to use an external HDMI cable to connect your laptop to your TV.

Once the cable is connected, you just have to tune into the correct HDMI setting on your TV. There may be a few different options (HDMI1, HDMI2, etc.) so you may have to check a few to find the correct one. 

External HDMI cables are pretty easy to come by online and in stores; just be sure to check the ports on your laptop and TV to be certain the cable you’ve picked is compatible before you buy it. Another thing to be aware of is that Autoplay is not supported with a cable connection. 

For now, we’re going to show you how to cast from your Chrome browser to your TV using either a separate Chromecast device or a Chromecast smart TV. Make sure your Chromecast device is plugged in before you start. 

If you have a Chromecast with Google TV — Chromecast’s latest and most advanced model — you won’t need to use an extra device like a phone to stream Netflix on your TV. You will be able to find Netflix on the user interface that comes up on your TV screen. 

  1. Open Netflix in Your Chrome Browser

    Open the Chrome browser on your laptop and log in to your Netflix account. Search for the movie or TV show you want to stream.

    netflix search
  2. Click on “Cast”

    In the bottom right corner of the screen, you should see a “cast” icon if your Chromecast is connected properly. Click on the “cast” icon and your content will show up on your TV screen.

    netflix chrome cast
  3. Click “Cast” in Google Chrome (Alternative Option)

    Another way to cast Netflix to your TV is to click on “cast” in Google Chrome itself. To do this, simply go to the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome and click “cast.”  Choose the device you want to use to stream from the list of devices that appears.

    cast option

How to Watch Netflix on TV From iPhone or Android

If you have a Chromecast or smart TV, it’s easy to cast Netflix on the bigger screen from your phone. All you have to do is click the “cast” icon in the Netflix mobile app and then select the TV or Chromecast you want to connect to. 

That said, if you have a smart TV, you probably won’t need to do this because most smart TVs already have the Netflix app. 

An alternative for those without a smart TV or Chromecast is to use an HDMI adapter to connect your phone to your TV. The HDMI adapter you’ll need will vary depending on what type of phone you have and the viewing quality you’re aiming for (1080p, 4K, etc.) This is how it generally works, but the process may differ slightly depending on the adapter you have. 

One thing to be aware of is that if you’re watching downloaded titles, they will be mirrored on screen as they appear on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. For this reason, you may see black bars surrounding the video on your TV. 

  1. Connect the HDMI Cable to Your Phone

    Connect the HDMI cable to your phone, then place the other end in your TV’s HDMI port. Then, plug the adapter into a power outlet and find the correct HDMI setting on your TV.

    phone hdmi
  2. Open the Netflix App

    When you see your phone screen appear on the TV screen, open the Netflix app on your phone. Search for the Netflix show or movie you want to watch and start streaming.

    netflix app cable

Final Thoughts 

If you’re ready to watch Netflix content (unlock hidden categories with Netflix secret codes), streaming Netflix up on the big screen shouldn’t be a hassle, especially with all the available methods.

To sum it up, your options are a Netflix-compatible TV, a game console like Xbox or PlayStation, a streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick or Chromecast and using a laptop or phone. Whichever option you choose, it’s easy to download or watch Netflix in a few quick and easy steps.

If you don’t have a smart TV, we recommend checking out the various streaming devices on offer. These nifty, often inexpensive little dongles are great for fans of popular streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. 

We hope you’ve found this article helpful and are ready to enjoy your new “home cinema.” Which method do you use for streaming Netflix on a TV? Have we missed anything? If so, feel free to share your tips in the comments. Thanks for reading! 

FAQ

  • Absolutely. If you don’t have a smart TV, you can get a streaming stick, like a Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick or Roku device to watch Netflix on a regular TV. This is a great way to get access to other popular streaming apps too, like Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.

  • Most smart TVs are compatible with Netflix. If you don’t have a smart TV, you can use a streaming device, a gaming console, or connect your laptop or phone to your TV with an HDMI cable.

  • The best way to get Netflix on a non-smart TV is to use a streaming device like Chromecast, Firestick or Roku. Alternatively, you can connect your laptop or phone to your TV with an HDMI cable.

  • You have quite a few options here. You can use your smart TV, phone, laptop, gaming console or a streaming device.

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