Netflix offers a wide range of movies, TV series and original content that you can watch comfortably seated on the sofa at home by subscribing to a simple monthly subscription at a completely advantageous price. You can access the service offered by Netflix from almost any device connected to the internet: computer, smartphone, tablet, smart TV, video game console, streaming box or TV box and HDMI dongle. This article explains how you can watch Netflix distributed content using a variety of devices.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Smart TV
Step 1. Connect the TV to the home LAN network
To be able to stream Netflix content using the app installed on your TV, you'll need to connect it to the internet first. You can choose a wired connection using a standard Ethernet network cable or a wireless connection. If your TV can't be connected directly to your home LAN, you can get around this by purchasing a streaming box or HDMI dongle, such as a Roku, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV to connect to your TV.
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Wired connection:
in this case internet access will be much more stable. To make the connection you will need to use an Ethernet cable that will connect to a LAN port on the network modem / router and to the RJ-45 port on the TV.
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Wireless connection:
access the main menu of the TV and locate the section dedicated to network settings. Select the name of your Wi-Fi network from the list of those detected, then use the remote control to type in the security password. The menu structure and the settings to be configured may vary depending on the make and model of the machine.
Step 2. Access the list of apps installed on the TV
Most smart TV remotes have a dedicated button that allows you to quickly access the list of available apps. Normally this button has a logo or brand name of the TV. In this case you will have to use the remote control of the television and not the one of the digital or satellite decoder or a universal remote control.
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Samsung TVs:
the key to access the app menu is characterized by a multicolored cube-shaped icon.
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LG TVs:
look for the "My Apps" button on the remote.
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Sony TVs:
press the "Internet Apps" or "Netflix" button on the remote control.
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Panasonic TVs:
press the "Apps" button on the remote control.
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Philips TVs:
press the "Netflix" button on the remote control.
Step 3. Select the Netflix app
It is characterized by a black icon inside which there is the word "Netflix" in red. Use the directional arrow keys on your remote to navigate your TV's app user interface. Select the Netflix app, then press the button Enter or OK.
- If the Netflix app is missing, you may need to install it by accessing the TV app store.
- You may need to update the TV's firmware to install apps for streaming content. The procedure to follow varies by brand and model, but generally you just need to download the installation file to your computer, transfer it to a USB key and copy it to the TV memory. Refer to your appliance's instruction manual or manufacturer's website for more details.
Step 4. Log into the Netflix app using your account
Use the virtual keyboard that appeared on the TV screen to enter the login email address and password associated with your Netflix profile, then select the option Log in and press the button Enter or OK remote control.
- Remember that in order to take advantage of Netflix content you must have signed up for a special monthly subscription. All plans offered by Netflix include the ability to access the platform using a smart TV. If you don't have a Netflix account yet, create one now using the website.
- If you have more than one profile on your Netflix account, select the one you want to use.
Step 5. Review the content offered using the TV remote control
Use the directional buttons on your TV remote to navigate the menus and content offered by the Netflix app. Select the video you want to watch and press the "Select" or "Enter" button on the remote control to start playback.
If you want to watch a TV series you will have the option to select a specific episode. Use the remote control keys to select the "Season" item, then choose the season that the episode you want to watch refers to. At this point select the latter from the list and press the key Enter or OK remote control.
Method 2 of 7: Video Game Console
Step 1. Turn on your console
Remember that it must be compatible with the Netflix platform. You can watch Netflix content using a wide range of game consoles on the market and this is an ideal solution if you do not intend to purchase an additional device to enjoy streaming content (streaming box or HDMI dongle). The following consoles can directly access the Netflix platform:
- PlayStation 4.
- PlayStation 3.
- Xbox One and Xbox One X.
- Xbox 360.
- Wii U.
- Wii.
Step 2. Install the Netflix app
The procedure to follow varies depending on the make and model of console you are using.
- On PlayStation 4 the Netflix app is stored in the "TV & Video" section of the main menu. If not, you can download it from PlayStation Store.
- On PlayStation 3, the Netflix app is located in the "TV / Video Services" section of the console's main menu. Selecting the Netflix icon the application will be downloaded and installed automatically. If the icon isn't there, you can install it from PlayStation Store.
- On Microsoft consoles you can download the Netflix app from the "Apps" section of the dashboard.
- If you are using a Wii U you will need to download the Netflix app from Nintendo eShop.
- If you are using a Wii you will need to download the Netflix app from the Wii Shop.
Step 3. Launch the Netflix app and log in
When you launch the application for the first time, you will be asked to log in with your Netflix account. Use the virtual keyboard that appears on the screen to enter the email address and password associated with your Netflix account.
- In order to watch Netflix content using a video game console you will need to connect your Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3 or any other hardware platform to the internet.
- If you have more than one profile on your Netflix account, select the one you want to use.
Step 4. Select the video you want to watch
Use the console controller to browse the Netflix library content. Select the content you want to view and press the appropriate button on the controller to confirm and be able to consult the related detailed information.
Step 5. Play the selected video
Select the video or episode displayed in the detail window of the chosen content and press the appropriate button on the controller to confirm your action.
- If you want to watch a TV series you will have the possibility to select a specific episode. Use the console controller to select the "Season" item, then choose the season that the episode you want to watch refers to and press the controller button to confirm your choice.
- If you have downloaded the Netflix app on your smartphone, you can play the movie or TV series directly on your mobile device and stream the images to the console using the appropriate feature. This way the images will be displayed on the TV connected to the console allowing you to control video playback directly from your smartphone. The button to activate the "Cast" function has a stylized TV screen icon with three curved lines displayed in the lower left corner.
Method 3 of 7: Amazon Fire TV Stick
Step 1. Connect the Fire TV Stick to a free HDMI port on the TV
The Fire TV Stick belongs to the category of so-called HDMI dongles. It is made by Amazon and needs to be plugged into an HDMI port on your TV in order to work.
If you don't have the ability to connect the Fire TV Stick directly to an HDMI port on your TV you can use the cable that comes with the device. Connect one end to an HDMI port on your TV and the other to the dongle
Step 2. Connect the appropriate power supply to the Fire TV Stick
Plug the power supply cable into the micro-USB port on the Fire TV Stick. At this point, plug the power supply into a socket near the TV.
Step 3. Connect the Fire TV Stick to the wireless network
To set up using the Fire TV Stick remote, use the "Up", "Down", "Right" and "Left" directional buttons on the remote's circular bezel. Press the large round button in the center of the bezel to make a selection. The first time you connect the Fire TV Stick to your TV you will need to go through the initial setup procedure. Start by selecting the Wi-Fi network to connect your device to.
Step 4. Enter your wireless network password
After selecting the name of the Wi-Fi network to connect the Fire TV Stick to, use the virtual keyboard that appears on the screen to type in the login password. When the device is connected to the internet, it will automatically download the latest software updates.
Alternatively, you can purchase an Ethernet adapter for the Fire TV Stick, which will allow you to connect it to the LAN using a normal network cable. This way the connection will be much more stable
Step 5. Enter the username and password associated with your Amazon account
In order to purchase or install apps for the Fire TV Stick, you must log in to your Amazon profile. Use the virtual keyboard that appears on the screen to type in your Amazon account username and password. After logging in, a short video tutorial will play explaining how to use the Fire TV Stick.
If you don't have an Amazon account you can create one directly on the website
Step 6. Select the icon to search
It is characterized by a small magnifying glass. This way you can search for apps to install on your Fire TV Stick.
Step 7. Type the Netflix keyword into the search bar
In this way, the Netflix app will be searched within the Amazon App Store.
Step 8. Select the Netflix option
The Netflix app store page will be displayed and the corresponding information will be displayed.
Step 9. Select the Free option or Download.
The Netflix application will be downloaded and installed on the Fire TV Stick.
Step 10. Launch the Netflix app
You can do this by selecting the button You open displayed within the store page dedicated to the app or by using the Fire TV Stick remote control to select the Netflix app icon displayed on the device's Home and pressing the central circular button on the remote control to confirm the selection.
Step 11. Choose the Login option
It is displayed in the lower right corner of the main program screen. This will give you the option to log in with your Netflix account.
Step 12. Enter the username and password associated with your Netflix account
Use the Fire TV Stick remote and the on-screen virtual keyboard to enter your Netflix profile username and password.
Step 13. Select the profile you want to use
If you have multiple profiles associated with your Netflix account, use the Fire TV Stick remote to select the icon corresponding to the user profile you want to use.
Step 14. Choose the movie or TV series to watch
Also use the Fire TV Stick remote control to browse the catalog of movies and TV series available on Netflix. When you've found the movie or show you want to watch, press the center button on the remote to view the detailed information page for the selected content.
Step 15. Select an episode or press the Play button
If you've chosen to watch a movie, use the remote to select the Play icon, then press the Center button to start playback. If you have chosen to watch a TV series, you will need to select the episode and then press the center button on the remote.
If you have downloaded the Netflix app on your smartphone, you can play the movie or TV series directly on your mobile device and stream the images to your TV using the Fire TV Stick: press the "Cast" button of the Netflix app and select your Fire TV Stick from the menu that will appear. This way the images will be displayed directly on the TV screen while allowing you to control the playback of the content with your smartphone. The button to activate the "Cast" function has a stylized TV screen icon with three curved lines displayed in the lower left corner
Method 4 of 7: Google Chromecast
Step 1. Download the Netflix app for your Android or iOS device
You can do this for free by accessing the Google Play Store on Android devices or the App Store on iOS devices. Follow these instructions:
- Launch the app Google Play Store or App Store.
- Access the card Search for displayed at the bottom of the screen (on iPhone and iPad only).
- Type the keyword Netflix into the search bar.
- Select the app Netflix from the list of results that appeared.
- Push the button Install or Get placed next to the Netflix app.
Step 2. Plug the Chromecast into a free HDMI port on your TV
The Chromecast produced by Google is a small dongle (very similar to a USB stick) that, in order to work, must be connected to the TV via an HDMI port. Normally the HDMI ports on televisions are numbered, so make a note of the name of the port you connected it to.
If the connection cable is not long enough, you can use the extension cable supplied with the device
Step 3. Connect the Chromecast to the mains
The HDMI device also includes a USB power cable which is used to connect it to its power supply or to a USB port on the TV. Some TV models don't come with powered USB ports, so they won't be able to provide the Chromecast with enough power for it to function properly. If this is the case, you will need to use the wall power supply.
Step 4. Press the power button on the TV marked with the following symbol
It is a circular icon with a small vertical dash at the top.
Step 5. Select the HDMI port to which you connected the Chromecast as the video source of the TV
Press the button Source or Input remote control, then select the correct port.
Step 6. If this is your first time using Google Chromecast, you will need to do the initial setup
Follow these instructions to set up your device correctly:
- Download the app Google Home from the Google Play Store of your Android device or from the App Store if you are using an iPhone or iPad.
- Launch the app Google Home.
- Push the button add characterized by a (+) icon.
- Choose the option Configure device.
- Select the item Set up new devices.
- Tap the name of the Google account to associate with the device and press the button Come on.
- Select the name of your Chromecast displayed on the TV screen and press the button Come on.
- Make sure the security code displayed on your smartphone is the same as the one displayed on the TV screen, then press the button Yup.
- Select the room the device is in and press the button Come on.
- Choose the Wi-Fi network to connect it to and press the button Come on.
- Push the button Come on.
- Select the Netflix platform and any other streaming services you plan to use, then press the button Come on.
- Push the button Continues twice consecutively to complete the configuration.
Step 7. Launch the Netflix app you have installed on your smartphone or tablet
It is characterized by a black icon inside which the word "Netflix" is visible in red.
- If you don't log in automatically, you'll need to enter the email address and password associated with your Netflix account and log in.
- If you have created more than one profile on your Netflix account, select the one you want to use now.
Step 8. Select the content to play
Once you have located the video you want to watch, select the corresponding icon.
Step 9. Press the "Play" button characterized by the following icon
It is placed directly on the preview image of the video you have chosen displayed at the top of the page or to the right of the episode name in the case of a TV series.
Step 10. Press the "Cast" button, characterized by the following icon
It is located in the upper right corner of the device screen. A list of options will be displayed.
Step 11. Select your Chromecast
In this way, the images of the video played on the smartphone or tablet will be sent to the TV.
Make sure your smartphone or tablet is connected to the same Wi-Fi network that the Google Chromecast is connected to
Step 12. Control the playback of the chosen content using the Netflix app
You can stop and manage the video playback progress directly from your mobile device's Netflix app. In this case you do not need the program to be displayed on the smartphone or tablet screen for the video to play correctly on the TV. The controls to manage the playback of the movie will be visible inside the notification bar of the device. Once you've done the initial Chromecast setup for the first time, you won't have to do it again in the future and you can watch all the Netflix content you want in a few simple steps. The next time you want to use the Chromecast you will simply have to turn on the TV, select the HDMI port the Google device is connected to, launch the Netflix app on your smartphone and cast images to the TV by selecting your Chromecast.
If you have selected a TV series, you will need to choose which episode to watch. Use the TV remote control to select "Seasons", then choose the season to which the episode to watch belongs. At this point, choose the episode you want to watch and press the button Enter or OK remote control.
Method 5 of 7: Apple TV
Step 1. Connect Apple TV to TV via HDMI cable
To be able to connect, your TV must have at least one free HDMI port. Remember to make a note of the name or number of the port to which you will connect the Apple TV.
Step 2. Connect the Apple TV to the mains
For the device to work properly it must be connected to a power outlet.
If you want to connect the Apple TV to the internet via a wired connection, use an Ethernet network cable. Plug one end of the cable into a LAN port on your network router and the other end into the Apple TV's Ethernet port
Step 3. Select the video source of the TV you connected the Apple TV to
If you don't know which video port to select, check the name or number of the one you used to establish the connection. Use your TV's remote to select the correct video input source - the one your Apple TV is connected to. The Apple device setup screen should appear at this point.
If the Apple TV setup screen doesn't appear on the screen, read this article
Step 4. Use the Apple TV remote to select and launch the Netflix app
It should appear at the top of the list of available applications.
Step 5. Log in with your Netflix account
Use the remote control to enter your email address and security password. This will log you into your Netflix account and can select the profile to use.
Step 6. Choose the profile to use to enjoy Netflix content
Step 7. Use the Apple TV remote to locate and play the Netflix content you want to watch
You can browse the Netflix library content or use the search functionality to find a specific item. You can use the Apple TV remote to control playback of the selected video.
If you have selected a TV series, you will have to choose which episode to watch. Use the Apple TV remote to select "Seasons", then choose the season to which the episode you want to watch belongs. At this point, choose the episode you want to watch and press the button Enter or OK.
Method 6 of 7: Roku
Step 1. Connect the Roku to the TV using an HDMI cable
In order to function properly, the Roku must be connected to an HDMI port on the TV. Almost all television sets nowadays have at least one HDMI port.
Step 2. Plug the Roku into a power outlet
Use the cable supplied with the device.
Make sure you also install the batteries inside the remote control
Step 3. Connect the Ethernet cable (optional)
Some Roku models can also be connected to the home LAN network through the use of an Ethernet cable. In this scenario the network connection will be much more stable and consequently the quality of the streaming images will be better, especially if the Wi-Fi network signal is very weak in the room where you have installed the Roku. If your device does not have an Ethernet port, you will need to use a wireless network connection.
Step 4. Select the video input source of the TV you connected the Roku to
Press the button Source or Input remote control of the TV, then select the correct HDMI port. If you're not sure which option to select, refer to the name or port number of the TV you connected your Roku to.
Step 5. Select your language
Use your Roku remote to select the language you want to use to view the menus and user interface.
Step 6. Connect the device to the home LAN
You will be asked to choose the type of link to use. If you used a network cable, choose the "Wired (Ethernet)" option and continue reading this section. If you have chosen to use a wireless connection, select "Wireless (Wi-Fi)", then provide your Wi-Fi network login credentials.
Step 7. Wait for the Roku firmware to be updated
After the device has been connected to the network for the first time it is very likely that it needs to be updated. The update phase is mandatory, but it only takes a few minutes.
Step 8. Create an account
In order to download the app and purchase content through the Roku you will need to create an account. If you don't have one, visit the website https://www.roku.com, click on the button Sign In, then choose the option Create an Account. In Italy the Roku is distributed by Sky, so you can use your Sky account.
Step 9. Connect the Roku to your account
A security code will be displayed which you will need to enter on this web page https://my.roku.com/link. If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one for free. This way you will have the opportunity to purchase new content and use your Roku device. Users who use the device in Italy can use their own Sky account.
Step 10. Launch the Netflix app installed on the Roku
Use your device's remote to launch the Netflix app.
If there is no Netflix app on the Roku Home, access the "Channel Store", select the "Netflix" option and choose "Add Channel"
Step 11. Log into your Netflix account
Use the virtual keyboard that appeared on the TV screen to enter your email address and security password, then select the option Log in.
If you have more than one profile associated with your Netflix account, select the one you want to use for watching movies and TV shows
Step 12. Watch Netflix content
Select the video you want to view and press the button OK on the remote control to access the detailed information page. Press the button again OK to start playing the selected video. At this point you can manage the playback of the selected content always using the Roku remote control.
- If you have selected a TV series, you will need to choose which episode to watch. Use the Roku remote to select "Seasons", then choose the season to which the episode to view belongs. At this point, choose the episode you want to watch and press the button OK.
- If you have downloaded the Netflix app on your smartphone, you can play the movie or TV series directly on your mobile device and stream the images to your TV using the Roku: press the "Cast" button of the Netflix app and select the Roku from the menu that will appear. This way the images will be displayed directly on the TV screen while allowing you to control the playback of the content with your smartphone. The button to activate the "Cast" function has a stylized TV screen icon with three curved lines displayed in the lower left corner.
Method 7 of 7: Laptop
Step 1. Connect the laptop to the TV using an HDMI cable
If your laptop has an HDMI video out port, connect one end of the cable to it, then plug the other end into a free HDMI port on your TV. Make a note of the name or number of the HDMI port you connected the computer to.
- If your laptop doesn't have an HDMI port, check if it has a DisplayPort or Micro HDMI port. In this case, you may need to use an adapter to establish the connection. You could also connect the laptop to the TV via Bluetooth connection, but in this case the video and audio signal could lose synchronization.
- In the case of an older laptop, you may need to use a DVI or VGA port and an HDMI adapter to connect it to your TV. In this case you will also need to use an audio cable with a 3.5mm jack on one end and two RCA connectors on the other, in order for the audio signal to be reproduced by the TV speakers. Plug the 3.5mm jack into the port on your laptop that you plug your headphones or earphones into, then plug the RCA connectors into the audio input port corresponding to the video port on the TV you connected your computer to.
Step 2. Turn on the TV and select the HDMI port to use
Press the button Input or Source on the remote control to select the correct video input source. After choosing the port under consideration, the laptop desktop image should appear on the TV screen.
Step 3. Visit the website https://www.netflix.com using your computer browser
If you are not logged in with your Netflix account yet, click on the button Log in located in the upper right corner of the page to log in.
If you have more than one profile associated with your Netflix account, select the one you want to use for watching movies and TV shows
Step 4. Click the icon of the video you want to watch
The detailed information page of the chosen content will be displayed.
Step 5. Click on the "Play" icon
It is visible on the image of the video you have chosen. The selected content will start playing and you can monitor it directly from the browser window.
- If you have selected a TV series, you will need to select the specific episode to watch. Click on the "Seasons" option, then choose the one to which the episode you want to view belongs. At this point choose the latter from the list that will appear and click on the icon to start playing it.
- Since the laptop is connected to the TV, you can enjoy the selected content directly on the latter's screen and take full advantage of its size.
