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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.

Using a mobile device to watch Netflix on a TV isn't available with an ad-supported experience. To use your mobile device to watch Netflix on your TV, you'll need to change to an ad-free plan.

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:

  1. On your mobile device, open the Netflix app and sign in.

  2. In the upper or lower right corner of the screen, select Cast .

  3. Select the device you want to watch your TV show or movie on.

  4. 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.

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:

  1. Connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.

  2. Launch the Netflix app on both your TV and your mobile device.

  3. Sign in to the same Netflix account on both your TV and your mobile device.

  4. Select the Cast icon in the upper or lower right corner of the screen.

  5. Select the device you would like to watch your TV show or movie on.

  6. Select a TV show or movie to watch and press Play.

You can now fast forward, rewind, pause, or change the audio or subtitle settings from your mobile device.

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.

Note:Autoplay is not supported with cable connections.

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:

  1. Open the Netflix app on your mobile device.

  2. Once you’re signed in, select the Cast icon in the upper or lower right corner of the screen.

  3. Select the device you want to watch your TV show or movie on.

  4. 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.

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.

  1. Connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.

  2. Launch the Netflix app on both your TV and your mobile device.

  3. Sign in to the same Netflix account on both your TV and your mobile device.

  4. Select the Cast icon in the upper or lower right corner of the screen.

  5. Select the device you would like to watch your TV show or movie on.

  6. Select a TV show or movie to watch and press Play.

You can now fast forward, rewind, pause, or change the audio or subtitle settings from your mobile device.

You can connect your iPhone or iPad to your TV or display using a video cable or adapter to watch TV shows and movies.

Note:While connecting an iPhone or iPad to a display, you may see black bars around the video while playing downloaded TV shows and movies due to the video format.

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:

  1. Remove all cables connected to the adapter, then connect it to your iPhone or iPad.

  2. Go to Settings > General > About > Apple HDMI Adapter.

  3. Check the Model Number.

Before connecting your iPhone or iPad, check what port your TV or display uses:

  • 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.

  • 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).

Interactive content and automatically playing the next episode aren't supported while using a video cable or adapter.

Using AirPlay to watch Netflix on a TV or display is not supported.

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