what you need to know
- The easiest method: Add the Netflix app to a streaming device, such as Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, or Amazon Fire TV Stick.
- The next easiest: Connect to your Netflix account using a video game console, including Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo Wii U.
- Alternatively, you can connect a laptop to a non-smart TV to watch Netflix.
This article explains how to add Netflix to your non-smart TV using Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick, a game console, or even your laptop.
With either of these methods, you will need a Netflix account and password to view Netflix content on your non-smart TV.
Watch Netflix on a non-smart TV with Apple TV
With Netflix on your Apple TV, watch Netflix programming on your non-smart TV as long as it has an HDMI port.
Instructions to add Netflix to your Apple TV they differ depending on the version of your Apple TV.
Apple TV 2 or Apple TV 3
To connect your Apple TV 2 or 3 to your Netflix account, make sure you are on the home screen and follow the steps below.
- In the main menu of Apple TV, select Netflix.
- Select Already a member… Sign in.
If you are not yet a member, please set up your subscription in the Netflix website.
- Enter your email and password from Netflix.
- Your device is now connected to your Netflix account.
Apple TV 4 or Apple TV 4K
To connect your Apple TV 4 or 4K to your Netflix account, make sure you’re on the home screen and follow the steps below.
- On the home screen, select the App Store.
- In the App Store, search for Netflix to find the app, then select Get to start the installation.
- After installation, the Netflix app will appear on the starting screen.
- Launch the Netflix app.
- Select Log in to use an existing Netflix account.
- After choosing Login, enter your email electronic and Netflix password.
- Your device is now connected to your bill from Netflix.
Watch Netflix on a non-smart TV with Roku
With Netflix on your Roku, watch Netflix programming on your non-smart TV. To watch Netflix with a Roku, create a Roku account, then follow the steps below. Instructions differ for a Roku 1 and newer Roku devices.
As of December 1, 2019, Netflix is no longer compatible with these older Roku devices: Roku 2050X, Roku 2100X, Roku 2000C, Roku HD Player, Roku SD Player, Roku XR Player, and Roku SD Player. If you need a new one to get your Netflix fix, read our roundup of the best Roku devices to find the right one for your needs.
- From the main Home screen, navigate to Home and select Netflix.
If Netflix is missing, navigate to Streaming Channels, then Movies & TV. Select Netflix, then Add Channel, then go to the channel.
- On the screen Are you a member of Netflix?
- A code will appear. Enter this activation code on the Netflix site.
- Your Roku is now connected to your Netflix account.
Newer Roku models
From the main Home screen, navigate to Home and select Netflix.
If Netflix is missing, navigate to the Netflix Store. Roku Channels, then Movies and TV. Select Netflix, then Add Channel, and then go to the channel.
- Select Sign In on the main Netflix screen.
- Sign in to your Netflix account.
- Your Roku is now connected to your Netflix account.
Watch Netflix on a non-smart TV with Chromecast
With Netflix on your Chromecast, watch Netflix programming on your non-smart TV. Before setting up Netflix on your Chromecast, you must install and set up the Google Home app on your mobile device.
- connect the Chrome cast.
- Download the Google Home app.
- Connect your mobile device to the same network Wifi that you intend to use with your Chromecast device.
- open the app Google Home and set up the Chromecast as a new device.
Set up Netflix on your Chromecast
Once you’ve finished setting up Chromecast, you can start casting Netflix to your TV.
- Launch the Netflix app on your device and sign in.
- Select the Cast icon at the top or bottom right of the screen.
- Select your Chromecast from the list of available devices to launch the Netflix app on your TV.
- Select a TV show or movie to watch and press Play.
Watch Netflix on a non-smart TV with Amazon Fire Stick
Accessing Netflix through your Amazon Fire Stick device is another way to watch Netflix programming on your non-smart TV.
To connect your Amazon Fire TV device to your Netflix account, make sure you’re on the home screen and follow the steps below.
- On the main screen, select Search.
- enter Netflix in the search box, and then select Netflix .
- Select Free or Download.
- When the download is complete, select Open.
- Select Sign in and sign in with the your Netflix account information.
- Your device is now connected to your Netflix account.
Use a game console to watch Netflix on a non-smart TV
Some game consoles support Netflix streaming, allowing you to watch Netflix shows on your non-smart TV. Instructions vary by system.
Using Netflix with PlayStation 4 and 4 Pro
You can download the Netflix app on your Playstation device and stream TV and movies on your TV.
To download Netflix on your PS4 or PS4 Pro console, follow the instructions below. For PS3, skip to the next section.
- From the home screen, go to the TV & Video section and select the Netflix icon. Select Download.
You can also go to: PlayStation Store, Apps, Movies/TV, Netflix, Download.
If you’re not already at the home screen, tap the PS button in the center of your controller.
- Select Sign in on the Netflix home screen.
- Navigate to the TV & Video section and select the Netflix icon.
You must be logged into your PSN account to access the TV & Video section.
- Enter your Netflix email address and password.
- Your device is now connected to your Netflix account.
If you haven’t seen Netflix as an option in the TV & Video section, go to the PlayStation Store. From there, choose Apps, then Movies/TV. Find and select Netflix, and then select the Download button.
Use Netflix with the PlayStation 3
Downloading and signing in to Netflix on the PS3 is a slightly different process, but it only takes a few steps.
- From the home screen, navigate to the TV/Video Services section and select Netflix.
- Select Yes when asked if you’re sure you want to download the app.
If these steps don’t work, go to: PlayStation Store, Apps, Movies/TV, Netflix, Download.
- To sign in, go back to the home screen, then TV/Video Services and select Netflix.
- Select Sign In and enter your Netflix login details.
Use Netflix with Xbox One
You can download and watch Netflix from Xbox 360 and Xbox One game consoles. To connect your Xbox to your Netflix account, make sure you’re signed in to your Xbox Live account.
If you have an Xbox One, One S, or One X, follow the steps below. If you have an Xbox 360, skip to the next section.
- From the home screen, scroll right to access Store.
- Select Netflix in the Apps section.
- Select Install.
- Choose Launch to open the app.
- Select Member Login, and then enter your login credentials to access Netflix on your Xbox.
- Select Sign in.
Use Netflix with the Xbox 360
The steps to add Netflix to an Xbox 360 are different than those for Xbox One consoles
- Navigate to Apps and select Netflix to download the app.
- Once downloaded, navigate to the Apps section and select the Netflix tile.
- Choose Log in.
- Enter your Netflix email address and password and select Sign in again.
- You Xbox is already connected to your Netflix account.
Use Netflix with Nintendo Wii U
Nintendo discontinued the Wii Shop Channel in the Original Nintendo Wii on January 30, 2019, so Netflix is no longer available on the original Wii. You can, however, stream Netflix on the Nintendo Wii U.
Netflix is only available on the Nintendo Wii U in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
- From the Wii U GamePad, select the yellow shopping bag icon for the Nintendo eShop.
- Select the search box in the upper right corner of the Gamepad.
- Search for Netflix, and then select OK on the on-screen keyboard.
- Choose Netflix from the results.
- Select Download, and then Download once more to confirm.
- Select Next to continue.
- Go to Download and then choose Continue.
- On the home screen, select the Netflix icon to open it.
- Choose Member Sign In.
- Enter your Netflix login details, then select Continue.
Connect a laptop to a non-smart TV to watch Netflix
Connect the laptop to the TV with a cable HDMI and stream Netflix content from laptop to TV. The TV must have an HDMI port and the laptop needs a video out port.
A macbook may need an adapter Mini DisplayPort (Thunderbolt). Be sure to check which port your Mac has before you buy a cable.
Once connected, choose the correct input option on your TV. Press the Source button on your remote (this button is called Input on some remotes) and select the input that matches the port you plugged the cable into, such as HDMI. Next, go to Netflix using a browser on your laptop. You should now see Netflix on your TV.
With a Windows PC, If you don’t see a picture on the TV, press the Windows key + P. Then select Duplicate or Second screen only.
With a MacBook, if you don’t see Netflix on your TV screen, go to System Preferences and choose Display. Select the Layout tab, and then check the Mirror Screens check box.
If you see Netflix pictures on your TV, but no sound comes from your TV, you may need to adjust your laptop’s sound settings to specify that you want to use external speakers (in this case, the TV speakers). Here’s how to do it:
Adjust Windows sound settings
On a Windows PC, you can adjust your sound settings in just a few steps.
- Open the Run dialog with the keyboard combination WIN+R.
- Enter the command mmsys.cpl.
- Select the Playback tab, and then select the icon that represents your TV or HDMI output.
- Select the Set Defaults button, which should now be active.
- You should be able to see and hear programming from Netflix in its television.
Adjust sound settings on your Mac
It’s also quick and easy to change sound settings on a Mac.
- Go to System Preferences by selecting the icon Manzana in the upper left or the System Preferences icon in the Dock.
- Choose Sound.
- Select the Output tab at the top.
- Select TV speakers as an option.
- You should be able to watch and listen to Netflix programming on your television.
