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To watch Netflix on a TV, use the Netflix app on the television or on a connected device. If neither has the app, a phone or tablet may work through compatible casting or a wired video connection. Which options are available depends on the exact TV, device, phone, and Netflix plan.
Choose a method based on the equipment you have
| Method | What you need | Key compatibility check |
|---|---|---|
| Smart TV app | A TV with Netflix installed or available in its app store | App availability varies by TV model and age. |
| Streaming stick or box | A connected streaming device with Netflix | Check the exact model; Netflix lists streaming devices including Amazon Fire TV/Stick. Netflix device support |
| Cable or TV-provider box | A provider box that offers Netflix | Availability depends on the particular box and provider. |
| Blu-ray player | A player with the Netflix app | Check the exact player model. |
| Game console | A console with the Netflix app | Confirm Netflix is available for your console. |
| Phone or tablet | A compatible casting target or wired video connection | Casting is limited to listed devices; wired playback depends on the phone, adapter, and TV input. |
Netflix’s supported-device guidance covers smart TVs, streaming devices, cable boxes, Blu-ray players, and game consoles. Check Netflix-supported devices for your equipment rather than assuming that every product in a category has the app.
1. Use the Netflix app on a smart TV
- Open the TV’s home screen or main menu and look for Netflix.
- If it is missing, search the TV’s app store for Netflix and install it if available.
- Check for a TV system software update if the app does not appear or will not install.
- Open Netflix and follow the on-screen sign-in instructions.
App availability depends on the TV’s model and age. If the app remains unavailable after checking the app store and updating the software, ask the TV manufacturer about that model.
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Connect a compatible streaming device to the TV, switch the TV to the correct input, and open or install Netflix on the device. Netflix lists streaming sticks and boxes as ways to watch, including Amazon Fire TV/Stick, but support varies by exact model. Check the device against Netflix’s supported-device list before relying on it.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
3. Open Netflix through a cable or TV-provider box
Some cable or TV-provider boxes include Netflix. Look for the app in the box’s menu or app area, or ask your provider whether your particular box supports it. Having cable service alone does not establish that the box has Netflix.
4. Use a Blu-ray player
If your Blu-ray player has Netflix, connect it to the TV, select the player’s HDMI input, and open the app from the player’s menu. Netflix lists Blu-ray players as a device category, but availability is model-specific. Check Netflix’s device guidance and the player’s own app menu.
Rank #2
- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
5. Use a game console
Open Netflix from the console’s app area if it is available for your console. Netflix supports game consoles as a category, but the app’s availability depends on the particular console. Check the console’s app store or Netflix’s supported-device information.
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6. Connect a phone or tablet
Cast from the Netflix app to a listed device
Netflix mobile casting is limited to compatible targets: Chromecast (3rd generation or older, without a physical remote), Google Nest Hub Smart Displays, and select cast-enabled Vizio and Compal TVs. On a compatible setup, open the Netflix app, tap Cast, choose the device, then select a title. Netflix says casting or mirroring is available on Standard or Premium plans; check your plan details because availability can change. Netflix device guidance and Netflix casting and mirroring help
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
iPhone and iPad AirPlay playback is not supported by Netflix. If your TV or connected player is not one of the listed casting targets, use its Netflix app and remote instead.
Try wireless screen mirroring only as a fallback
Some phones offer wireless screen mirroring, but Netflix warns that certain devices or mirroring apps may not be supported. Names and setup steps vary among Android devices. This is not a dependable substitute for a supported Netflix app or listed cast target. Netflix casting and mirroring help
Rank #4
- Hides behind your TV: The all-new design plugs right into your TV with a simple setup
- Super-fast startup: Start streaming channels like Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sling, and Hulu in a snap—just turn on your TV
- Long-range Wi-Fi: Enjoy fast, smooth TV streaming in any room with a strong Wi-Fi connection, now up to 2x faster
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku Streaming Stick with the Roku remote
- Voice search & control: Quickly search, play entertainment, and control your streaming device with the voice remote
Use a wired video adapter when the phone supports video output
Match the adapter to the phone’s port and the TV’s available input, typically HDMI. The phone must also support video output; some iPhone models do not. For Lightning iPhone or iPad devices, Netflix specifies Apple’s Lightning Digital AV Adapter, model A1438 or A1621. A USB-C adapter must support video playback, and USB-C or Thunderbolt cables used for high-resolution playback must meet the applicable documented standard. Netflix cable and adapter guidance
If Netflix is missing or casting will not connect
The Netflix app is missing from the TV or device
- Search the device’s app store for Netflix.
- Check for a system software update.
- Confirm app support for the exact model in Netflix’s supported-device guidance.
- If it still does not appear, contact the device manufacturer or service provider.
The Cast icon is missing or no device appears
Netflix says the target may be incompatible, or a network or settings issue may be preventing discovery. Confirm that the target is on the list of supported casting devices, then check the device and network settings. If it is not a listed target, open Netflix directly on the TV or connected device and use its remote. Netflix casting and mirroring help
Best Value
- Upgrade your TV, instantly – Fire TV Stick HD is our fastest HD streaming stick ever, with a streamlined navigation that jumps straight to your movies, shows, and live TV. Take your entertainment on the go with the new ultra-portable profile. And watch it all come to life with crisp Full HD and Wi-Fi 6 support.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- All your apps in one place – Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. It’s easy to find what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including free, ad-supported content. Subscription fees may apply.
- Our most portable stick – Thin and light, without extra clutter. Connects directly to your TV's HDMI port without blocking other ports.
- Easier than ever to set up – Now with Direct Power, it's powered by your TV with the included USB-C cable and eliminates the need for a wall adapter.
What you need for Netflix in 4K on Apple TV
For Netflix 4K playback through Apple TV, Netflix specifies all of the following:
- A compatible 4K television.
- An HDMI input that supports HDCP 2.2 or later.
- An eligible Netflix plan.
- The Netflix playback quality setting set to High.
- A steady internet connection of at least 15 Mbps.
These are Netflix’s requirements for 4K on Apple TV, not a general guarantee for every TV or streaming device. Netflix 4K and HDR playback guidance
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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