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 the direct installation of popular streaming apps, including Netflix. For older Apple TV models on which the Netflix app is unavailable, 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.
If you’re at home and have a stable internet connection, watching Netflix on your Apple TV with the TV app will be the most efficient way, and get the best quality. If you are on a Netflix ad-free plan, you can use a cable to connect your phone to your Apple TV.
However, if you’re traveling or just temporarily watching Netflix on an Apple TV, the best way is to download Netflix videos as MP4s and AirPlay/cast them from your phone or laptop. This will work even if you’re on an ad-supported Netflix plan, and you can watch downloaded videos without an internet connection.
2026 Update: Netflix used to allow Standard and Premium subscribers to cast on various TV models. Currently, casting is only supported on the following TV devices, and Apple TV is not on the list.
| Watch Netflix on Apple TV | Ad-Free Plan | Ad-Supported Plan | 4K Support |
| Netflix TV App | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cast | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| HDMI Cable | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No (Max 1080p) |
| Download to MP4 and AirPlay | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (Max 1080p) |
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). While Netflix is not supported on 1st to 3rd generation Apple TVs, you can use the other options mentioned in this guide.
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.
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 an HDMI adaptor to connect your phone or tablet to your TV.
Both Android and iOS devices can be connected to your TV using an HDMI 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 HDMI adaptor supports video playback and is compatible with Netflix, as not all adaptors may work seamlessly with streaming apps.
With AirPlay, you can stream videos directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Apple TV. However, due to a policy change by Netflix several years ago, AirPlay and screen mirroring are no longer supported for casting Netflix content. 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.
Download Netflix movies & TV shows to MP4 with HD quality.
You can also use the Screen Mirroring in the Control Center to cast your Mac screen 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.
Download Netflix movies and TV shows to MP4/MKV on your PC/Mac