How to Watch Netflix on Your TV in 2020

Netflix revolutionized the way we consume movies and TV shows. We no longer have to tune into a channel at a specific hour and plow through 10 minutes of ads to watch your favorite movie.

Streaming on Netflix means high-quality, ad-free, on-demand content on any device, including your TV. If you’re not sure about how to watch Netflix on your TV from your living room couch, read on.

Netflix App on Smart TV

If you have a smart TV, you’re in luck. Netflix has a dedicated app on almost all smart TV operating systems. That said, you should first make sure that you’re connected to the internet.

In most cases, you’ll need to open the device settings, look for a “network” or “connections” tab, click it and connect via WiFi. Sometimes you won’t even have to do that because internet providers will connect your smart TV to the internet via a landline when they set up your router.

If you can’t find your WiFi network in the device settings tab, it might be because you’re dealing with an older device. Some early smart TVs need an adapter to connect to a wireless network. Grab one of those and you’ll be good to go.

Once you’re connected to the internet, open your TV’s app market, download the Netflix app, sign into your account and enjoy the service. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up through the Netflix TV app, but we don’t recommend it because it’s easier to do so from a phone or laptop.

Connecting to Your Laptop

If you can’t be bothered to buy a fancy smart TV, you can still watch Netflix from a regular TV by connecting it to your laptop. It’s not complicated to do it. All you need is HDMI cables and a lot of patience. 

Identify the HDMI ports on your computer and TV. Plug the cable in both sockets, open your TV’s “signal” or “source” menu and select the right HDMI signal. If you have more than one port, they should be numbered. Once you’ve adjusted the settings, the TV should stream your laptop’s display, so just sign in to Netflix from your PC and start binging the newest releases.

That said, the process probably won’t go smoothly. It’ll require patience because whenever we’re talking about connecting two older devices, you may run into compatibility issues, especially if one of those devices is produced by Apple.

If Netflix is partially or completely unavailable in your country, don’t worry. You can still enjoy the service by using a virtual private network. For more information, read our best VPN for Netflix roundup and our guide on how to beat the Netflix VPN ban.

Google Chromecast

The Google Chromecast is a small device made to solve compatibility issues. It’s inexpensive and quick to set up for Netflix. 

To do so, plug the Chromecast into your TV’s USB port or a wall socket to power it up. Next, plug it into an HDMI port and connect your smartphone or tablet to Chromecast in the Google Home app. 

Start watching Netflix from your handheld device and you’ll see a streaming button in the top right corner. Tap it, choose the right HDMI source from your TV and, if you’ve done everything right, the video should start playing on the big screen. 

You’ll control the playback from your handheld device, but don’t worry about overusing your battery. You can turn off the device and Netflix will continue streaming. For an extensive walkthrough, read our guide on how to watch Netflix on Chromecast.

Technically, you can do that from an iOs device, as well, but any software update can change that. We’ve still got you covered, though, because you can watch Netflix from your TV using an Apple TV.

Netflix and Apple TV

The Apple TV is pricier than the Chromecast, but it also comes with a few more benefits, such as its own app center.

To watch Netflix with it, you need to connect it to your TV with the same HDMI cables, plug it in and choose the right source. From there, it’s like having a new operating system installed on your big screen.

Just use the Apple TV remote to locate the Netflix app and follow the same steps you would if you were using a regular smart TV. The only difference is that you have to use the Apple remote for playback options. 

If you bought an Apple TV and subscribed to Netflix just to find that your favorite show is not featured there, read our Kodi sideloading guide. It’ll teach you how to install Kodi on an Apple TV, giving you access to more content.

Roku and Netflix

The process for watching Netflix on your TV with a Roku is similar to using a Chromecast or Apple TV.

The only difference is that Roku can be plugged into an Ethernet box or router. That’ll improve  your Netflix session if you have a weak internet connection because the device communicates directly with your network, minimizing potential lag.

On the other hand, Roku is a hassle compared to Chromecast and Apple TV because updates take a lot of time and the initial setup is more complicated. You have to create a Roku account, decide on language preferences, etc.

If Roku piqued your interest but you’re not the Netflix type, there are alternatives. To find out more, read our guide on how to use Kodi on Roku.

Video Game Console

Video game consoles have come a long way since the Commodore 64. The PlayStation and the Xbox can be used for way more than just playing Call of Duty.

They can play Netflix on your TV, for instance. To do so, simply set up your console, search for the Netflix app in the dedicated app center, download it and sign-in. Be aware that typing anything with a video game controller can be a big hassle, though.

Using a video game console isn’t the best option, so we only recommend doing so if you already have one and can’t be bothered to buy a Chromecast or Apple TV.

Final Thoughts

We recommend enjoying Netflix on a smart TV because it’s the easiest way to set everything up. If you’re behind on your home entertainment investments, you can make it work with a laptop, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku or even a video game console.

To make it even better, make sure you read our best Netflix hacks piece. You’ll learn the best shortcuts, see how you can customize the subtitles and learn how to request shows for the platform. On the other hand, if Kodi has you hyped, don’t forget to check our Kodi knowledge hub.

Do you enjoy Netflix on a big screen? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading.