4 Ways to Watch Netflix on Any Apple TV

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Grace
March 11, 2025

Apple TV provides an excellent way to enjoy streaming services on the big screen, particularly if you’re already part of the Apple ecosystem. Newer Apple TV models support direct installation of popular streaming apps, including Netflix. For older Apple TV models, there are still ways to access Netflix. No matter which model you’re using, here are 4 ways to watch Netflix on any Apple TV.

  1. Use the Netflix App on Newer Apple TV Models
  2. Cast Netflix to Apple TV with Ad-Free Plans
  3. Watch Netflix from Phone with a Cable Adaptor
  4. How to Watch Netflix on Apple TV with AirPlay
  5. FAQs on Watching Netflix on Apple TV

Use the Netflix App on Newer Apple TV Models

The easiest way to watch Netflix on Apple TV is by using the Netflix app, which is available on Apple TV HD (4th generation) and Apple TV 4K (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation). However, Netflix is not supported on 1st to 3rd generation Apple TVs.

How to Get the Netflix App on Apple TV 4K and HD

  1. Select the App Store from the home screen of your Apple TV.
  2. Search for Netflix to find the app.
  3. Select Get to install the app on your Apple TV.
  4. Once installed, the Netflix app will appear on your home screen. Open the app, log in to your account, and start streaming.
netflix app on apple tv

Cast Netflix to Apple TV with Ad-Free Plans

Netflix supports streaming on at least two screens at the same time (Premium users can watch on 4 devices at a time). With this 2nd Screen feature, Netflix allows Ad-free subscribers to control Netflix playback on TV from Android or Apple mobile devices. In addition, you’ll need to have the Netflix app on your Apple TV as well.

How to Cast Netflix to Apple TV from a Phone/Table

  1. Make sure both your phone and Apple TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open the Netflix app on both devices and sign in to the same account.
  3. Tap the Cast icon in the upper or lower right corner of your phone or tablet.
  4. Select your Apple TV from the list of available casting devices.
  5. Once connected, play the Netflix movie or show on your phone, and it will stream directly to your Apple TV. You can also manage playback (pause, rewind, fast forward) and adjust audio/subtitle settings directly from your phone.
cast netflix to apple tv

Watch Netflix from Phone with a Cable Adaptor

If you’re using an older model of Apple TV or want to watch downloaded content from the Netflix app on TV, you can use a cable adaptor to connect your phone or tablet to your TV.

Both Android and iOS devices can be connected to your TV using a cable adaptor. You’ll need either a USB-C to HDMI adaptor (for Android or newer iPhones/iPads) or a Lightning to HDMI adaptor (for older iPhones and iPads). Once connected, you can mirror your phone’s screen to your Apple TV.

However, before proceeding, ensure that the cable adaptor supports video playback and is compatible with Netflix, as not all adaptors may work seamlessly with streaming apps.

watch netflix on apple tv with cable adaptor

How to Watch Netflix on Apple TV with AirPlay

With AirPlay, you can stream videos directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Apple TV. However, Netflix no longer supports AirPlay or screen mirroring for streaming. As an alternative, you can download Netflix content to MP4 and use other applications to play and AirPlay them to your Apple TV.

For this purpose, you can use Pazu Netflix Video Downloader, a professional tool that downloads Netflix movies and TV shows as MP4 or MKV files on Mac and Windows computers. The converted files retain high quality, up to 1080p, and preserve the original subtitles and audio tracks. Once downloaded, you can watch them on your Apple TV by streaming from your Apple devices via AirPlay, or casting from an Android or PC using compatible casting apps.

Netflix video downloader

Download Netflix movies & TV shows to MP4 with HD quality. 

  • Download movies & TV shows from Netflix.
  • Download videos in 1080P.
  • Preserve audio tracks and subtitles.
  • Fast downloading speed.

  1. Download, install, and launch Pazu Netflix Video Downloader on your Mac or Windows. Log in to your Netflix account.
    • If you’ve purchased a registration of the downloader, click the key icon and enter your code to unlock the full features. If not, you can proceed with the free trial.
  2. Click the gear icon to choose download formats, video codec, audio, subtitle languages, and more.
video settings

  1. Search for a title you want to download from Netflix. Click the Download icon next to it.
    • For a movie, the download starts right away.
    • For a TV show, all episodes are selected for download by default. Deselect any episodes you don’t need.
add movies or shows

  1. After downloading, click History to find the downloaded files.
find-downloads
  1. To stream the downloaded videos on Apple TV:
    • For Mac: Play the video with QuickTime Player. Click the AirPlay icon in the playback controls, then select your Apple TV.
airplay netflix to apple tv

You can also use the Screen Mirroring in the Control Center to cast your Mac screen to Apple TV.

screen mirroring to apple tv

For iPhone or iPad: Sync the downloaded video to your device. Then use the AirPlay icon during playback or Screen Mirroring from Control Center to stream to Apple TV.

Extra tip: For Android/Windows, you can use third-party apps like Airdroid Cast or AllCast to cast screens for Apple TV.

FAQs on Watching Netflix on Apple TV

Can you AirPlay Netflix to Apple TV from iPhone?

Unfortunately, due to a policy change by Netflix several years ago, AirPlay and screen mirroring are no longer supported for casting Netflix content. However, you can download Netflix movies and shows as MP4 or MKV files using professional tools like Pazu Netflix Video Downloader. Then, you can watch these downloaded videos on Apple TV via AirPlay or screen mirroring.

Can you watch Netflix on Apple TV+, the streaming service platform?

No, Netflix is not available as an add-on or integrated service within Apple TV+. Netflix operates as a standalone streaming platform, and its app must be downloaded separately to watch Netflix content. 

Can I watch Netflix in 4K on Apple TV?

Yes, you can watch Netflix in 4K if you have a 4K Apple TV model and a Netflix Premium subscription. To stream 4K content smoothly, a stable internet connection with a speed of at least 15 megabits per second (Mbps) is recommended.