This article will walk you through the steps for how to stream Netflix to your TV from your iPhone or Android smartphone. You’ll find detailed steps for each stage of the setup process along with a list of requirements for casting Netflix media wirelessly to other devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
What to Know
- Open the Netflix mobile app, tap the Cast icon, and select your smart TV or device from the list to stream Netflix to your TV.Your smartphone, TV, and any other devices you’re using all need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.You can also use a tablet to cast Netflix to your TV or install the Netflix app on your TV or console directly.
How Do You Connect Netflix to Your TV From Your Phone?
The Netflix mobile app can connect to your TV via a Chromecast connection or a separate wireless connection to the Netflix app installed on your smart TV, PlayStation or Xbox video game console, or Blu-ray player.
The instructions on this page apply to iPhone and Android smartphones though they can also be used on iPod touch, iPad, and Android tablets with the iOS or Android Netflix app installed.
The good news is you don’t need to waste time working out which type of connection to use. The Netflix app on your phone will automatically detect what compatible devices you have available and will display them as options you can choose from.
Here’s the process for how to stream Netflix from your smartphone to your TV.
- Turn on your devices and make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- If you’re casting Netflix from your phone to a video game console, streaming stick, or Blu-ray player, they will also need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Netflix app on your iPhone or Android smartphone.
- You can also use an iPod touch, iPad, or an Android tablet if you like.
- Tap the Cast icon in the app (it looks like a square with a wireless signal in its lower-left corner).
- Tap the name of the device where’ll be watching watching Netflix.
- If your device isn’t showing in the list on your phone, try opening the Netflix app. Also try checking the Wi-Fi connection. If you haven’t already, install the Netflix app from the device’s built-in app store.
- The Cast icon in the Netflix mobile app should flicker for a bit while the connection is being made. Once your smartphone is connected to your TV or other device, the Cast icon should turn white.
- Once connected, find a movie, TV episode, or special to play in the Netflix mobile app and tap Play. The media should immediately begin playing on your TV.
- Use the minimized controls to pause or play what’s playing on the TV. Tap Up to view and use the following controls.
- RewindPauseStopScroll through the videoChange audio and captionsAdjust volumeChoose a different episode (for TV shows)
Can I Stream From My Phone to My TV?
To cast Netflix content from your smartphone to your TV, you’ll need all of the following:
Turn on your devices and make sure your smartphone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
If you’re casting Netflix from your phone to a video game console, streaming stick, or Blu-ray player, they will also need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Open the Netflix app on your iPhone or Android smartphone.
You can also use an iPod touch, iPad, or an Android tablet if you like.
Tap the Cast icon in the app (it looks like a square with a wireless signal in its lower-left corner).
Tap the name of the device where’ll be watching watching Netflix.
If your device isn’t showing in the list on your phone, try opening the Netflix app. Also try checking the Wi-Fi connection. If you haven’t already, install the Netflix app from the device’s built-in app store.
The Cast icon in the Netflix mobile app should flicker for a bit while the connection is being made. Once your smartphone is connected to your TV or other device, the Cast icon should turn white.
Once connected, find a movie, TV episode, or special to play in the Netflix mobile app and tap Play. The media should immediately begin playing on your TV.
Use the minimized controls to pause or play what’s playing on the TV. Tap Up to view and use the following controls.
RewindPauseStopScroll through the videoChange audio and captionsAdjust volumeChoose a different episode (for TV shows)
An iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Android smartphone, or an Android tablet.The Netflix mobile app installed on your smartphone or other smart device.An active Wi-Fi connection.An active Netflix subscription.
You’ll also need at least one of the below items:
- A smart TV with either built-in Chromecast support or a connected Chromecast device. A connected Xbox or PlayStation video game console, TV box, or Blu-ray player with its own Netflix app installed.
Why Can’t I Cast Netflix From My Phone to My TV?
If you’re having trouble connecting your smartphone to your TV, you may want to try some of the following troubleshooting tips.
If you want to watch 4K Netflix content on your TV, you will need a 4K TV. If you’re casting to a device connected to your TV via cable, it will need to support 4K output.
- Check your TV is connected to your Wi-Fi network. You will need to manually log in via the TV’s internet settings.
- Connect your connected devices to the same Wi-Fi network. Like with your TV, you’ll need to make sure your Xbox, PlayStation, or Blu-ray player has been manually connected to the same network.
- Turn on your phone’s Wi-Fi. Make sure Airplane Mode has been turned off and it’s not just connecting to a 4G or 5G signal.
- Install the Netflix app. The app is necessary on whatever device you want to stream from. If it’s a smart TV, get the app on your TV and use the remote to stream. If it’s an external Chromecast you’ve plugged in, you need the app on your phone and then you’ll use your phone to control it.
How Can I Watch Netflix on My TV From My Phone Without Wi-Fi?
If you don’t have a Wi-Fi connection and you’re determined to still use your smartphone to control the Netflix experience on your TV, you may want to try connecting your iOS or Android device to your TV via a cable.
Other Ways to Watch Netflix on Your TV
You actually don’t need your smartphone to watch Netflix on your TV at all. Here are some of the more popular ways to watch Netflix without a mobile or smart device.
Yes, you can connect your phone to your TV with USB using an HDMI-to-USB adapter. Switch the TV source to USB and use the Netflix app on your phone to find something to watch.
To mirror your iPhone on your TV, use the Mirroring function in the Control Center, or use an adapter to connect your phone to your TV with an HDMI or VGA cable. You can also mirror your iPhone through your Roku or other streaming devices.
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