How to use a mobile device to watch Netflix on a TV
You can connect your Android or Apple mobile device to many TVs. Connecting your mobile devices allows you to use your TV as a display for content playing on the Netflix mobile app, or use your mobile device as a remote. Below you'll find different ways to connect your mobile device to your TV.
Android phone or tablet
Connect using Chromecast built-in (formerly Google Cast)
TVs with Chromecast built-in allow you to cast from your mobile device to the TV. Chromecast built-in is available on Philips, Polaroid, Sharp, Skyworth, Soniq, Sony, Toshiba, and Vizio TVs.
To cast from your Android mobile device:
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On your mobile device, open the Netflix app and sign in.
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In the upper or lower right corner of the screen, select Cast
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Select the device you want to watch your TV show or movie on.
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Select a TV show or movie and press Play.
You can fast forward, rewind, pause, or change the audio or subtitle settings from your mobile device.
Connect using Netflix 2nd Screen
The Netflix app on your mobile device has the ability to sync to select TVs and streaming media players, allowing you to control your Netflix experience from your phone or tablet.
To use your Android mobile device as a remote:
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Connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
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Launch the Netflix app on both your TV and your mobile device.
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Sign in to the same Netflix account on both your TV and your mobile device.
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Select the Cast icon
in the upper or lower right corner of the screen. -
Select the device you would like to watch your TV show or movie on.
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Select a TV show or movie to watch and press Play.
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If you encounter issues with 2nd Screen, see our Troubleshoot Netflix 2nd Screen article.
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You can now fast forward, rewind, pause, or change the audio or subtitle settings from your mobile device.
Connect using an external cable
Mobile devices can use a cable to connect directly to a TV in order to display content played on the mobile device. Cable connections vary based on the mobile device output and TV input requirements.
To connect your Android phone or tablet to your TV, you'll need a cable to mirror the display of your mobile device content onto your TV. Most newer Android phones and tablets will use a connection Type C (also known as USB-C) or Type D (Micro HDMI). Most newer TVs will use HDMI connections while older TVs may use VGA.
When using compatible connections to watch Netflix, you may notice a difference in how streamed and downloaded titles display.
iPhone or iPad
Connect using Chromecast built-in (Formerly Google Cast)
TVs with Chromecast built-in allow you to cast from your mobile device to the TV. Chromecast built-in is only available on Philips, Polaroid, Sharp, Skyworth, Soniq, Sony, Toshiba, and Vizio TVs.
To cast from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
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Open the Netflix app on your mobile device.
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Once you’re signed in, select the Cast icon
in the upper or lower right corner
of the screen. -
Select the device you want to watch your TV show or movie on.
-
Select a TV show or movie and press Play.
You can now fast forward, rewind, pause, or change the audio or subtitle settings from your mobile device.
Connect using Netflix 2nd Screen
The Netflix app on your mobile device has the ability to sync to select TVs and streaming media players, allowing you to control your Netflix experience from your phone or tablet.
-
Connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.
-
Launch the Netflix app on both your TV and your mobile device.
-
Sign in to the same Netflix account on both your TV and your mobile device.
-
Select the Cast icon
in the upper or lower right corner of the screen. -
Select the device you would like to watch your TV show or movie on.
-
Select a TV show or movie to watch and press Play.
-
If you encounter issues with 2nd Screen, see our Troubleshoot Netflix 2nd Screen article.
-
You can now fast forward, rewind, pause, or change the audio or subtitle settings from your mobile device.
Connect using a video cable or adapter
You can connect your iPhone or iPad to your TV or display using a video cable or adapter to watch TV shows and movies.
iPhone or iPad with a Lightning port
For iPhone or iPad devices with a Lightning port, you must use a video cable adapter that works with Netflix.
If you already have a video cable adapter, you can check if it works with Netflix:
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Remove all cables connected to the adapter, then connect it to your iPhone or iPad.
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Go to Settings > General > About > Apple HDMI Adapter.
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Check the Model Number.
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If you see A1438 or A1621, your adapter is supported. Try using a different cable or HDMI port on your TV. If that doesn't work, follow Apple's steps to fix a different video connection issue.
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If you don't see A1438 or A1621, your video adapter isn't supported with Netflix and is causing the issue. See which Lightning adapters Netflix supports.
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iPhone or iPad with a USB-C port
Before connecting your iPhone or iPad, check what port your TV or display uses:
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If your TV or display uses HDMI port, you'll need to use a video cable adapter that supports video playback, like this adapter from Apple.
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If your TV or display has a USB-C or Thunderbolt port, you can connect it using cable that came with your iPhone or iPad. Other USB-C and Thunderbolt cables will work with Netflix, but must support high-resolution video playback (USB version 3.1 or later).