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How to use a phone or tablet as a controller to play games on Netflix

Netflix members can play games on TV and on their computer through Netflix.com. Depending on the platform and game, a phone or tablet may need to be connected as the controller.

Note: If you’re looking for information on how to play games on TV, see Play Games on Netflix. If you’re looking for games you download and play on your mobile device, see Netflix Mobile Games.

Requirements

Android phone or tablet:

iPhone or iPad:

  • iOS/iPad OS 17 or later

  • The Netflix Game Controller app must be installed on the device (if it isn't, you'll be asked to install it when you scan the QR code).

How to connect your phone or tablet to use as a game controller

  • Play on TV: Each player will need to use a mobile phone or tablet as a controller to play.

  • Play on a computer: You can use your mobile phone or tablet as a controller, or you can use a keyboard and mouse.

  • You don’t need to be signed in to any particular Netflix account on your device to connect it as a controller. Any Netflix account data or information will not be shared.

Note: Physical gamepads and other controllers aren't supported at this time.

​Illustration of a smartphone scanning a QR code displayed on a TV screen, showing how to sign in using a QR code

Android phone or tablet:

  1. Choose or search for the game you want to play, and select the Play Game button.

  2. Open your Android device’s camera and point it at the QR code on your TV or computer screen.

    Note: You may need to go past the launch screen first to see the QR code - this varies by game.

  3. Focus the camera on the QR code until a link pops up. Tap the link. Download and install the Netflix app if you haven’t already.

  4. Scan the QR code again.

  5. Your phone will connect as a controller.

  6. Start playing!

iPhone or iPad:

  1. Choose or search for the game you want to play, and select the Play Game button.

  2. Open your iPhone or iPad’s camera and and point it at the QR code on your TV or computer screen.

    Note: You may need to go past the launch screen first to see the QR code - this varies by game.

  3. Focus the camera on the QR code until a link pops up. Tap the link to open the Netflix controller pop-up on your phone.

  4. Your phone will connect as a controller.

  5. Start playing!

Troubleshooting

  • If the code won't scan, try changing your distance from the code, and tap the code on your device screen to focus it.

  • Try using the native camera app rather than a third-party app or scanner. (For iPhone or iPad, you can also scan with the Netflix Game Controller app.)

Check the app settings to make sure it has permission to access the camera. If you don't know how to do this, check with your device manufacturer.

Your controller may disconnect if your phone or tablet’s screen turns off. Turning the screen back on should reconnect your device, but in some cases you may need to re-scan the QR code to reconnect.

If your controller disconnects frequently:

  • Check if your phone or tablet is using a VPN. If it is, turn it off and see if that fixes the issue.

  • If you’re connected using WiFi, turn it off. If you’re using cellular signal, try connecting to a WiFi network.

Need more help?

If you are still having issues or want to share feedback:

  • Feedback: You can share feedback after you exit a game session through your mobile controller or keyboard.

  • Contact Us: You can always contact us to get more help.

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