Recently, I’ve been trying to watch Netflix on my TV from my laptop, but I’ve been running into a few issues. I’ve been doing some research and trying out different tips and tricks to get the job done. So I want to share my experience and what I’ve learned so far in this post, How to Play Netflix on TV from Laptop.
A quick solution is to use an HDMI cable to connect your TV and laptop. It’ll instantly mirror your laptop screen, which allows you to play Netflix on your TV. You can also use a casting device to connect both devices wirelessly.
If you want a step-by-step guide on how to mirror Netflix from your laptop on the bigger screen, keep on reading!
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| HDMI Cable | 1. Connect the HDMI or VGA cable to your laptop and TV. 2. Change your TV’s video input to HDMI or VGA. 3. Change the audio output on your laptop to your TV. 4. Launch the Netflix app or visit the Netflix website on your laptop. 5. Change the display settings on your laptop if you want to use it while playing Netflix on your TV (optional). |
| Casting Device | 1. Connect your casting device (e.g., Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku) to the same Wi-Fi network as your laptop. 2. Open Netflix on your laptop and click the More icon or the three dots in the upper-right portion of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select Cast, and choose your casting device. 3. Play any movie or show on Netflix, and it will automatically play on your TV screen. You can still use your laptop for other tasks while watching Netflix on your TV. |
Table of Contents
How to Play Netflix on TV From Laptop Using an HDMI Cable
Before connecting your laptop to your TV, you should prepare an HDMI or a VGA cable. Additionally, ensure that your HDMI cable is compatible with your laptop.
If you’re using a MacBook, you might need a Thunderbolt to HDMI cable.
Once you’ve prepared everything, follow these steps:
Step 1: Connect the HDMI or VGA to Your Laptop and TV
You have to plug both ends of the HDMI, VGA, or Thunderbolt cable into your devices. Then, change your TV’s video input to HDMI or VGA using your remote. After that, you should see your laptop screen on your TV.
However, if you’re using a VGA cable and you don’t like the video resolution output, you might want to stick to an HDMI cable.
A High-Speed HDMI cable that’s version 1.4b can produce resolutions above 1080i. It means that you can maximize your TV’s display setting, especially if you have a 4K TV. Moreover, its maximum refresh rate is 120Hz, making the videos on your screen appear smoother.
On the other hand, VGA cables only produce a maximum resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. They can’t support higher qualities due to the limited signal source. Their maximum refresh rate is 85Hz, which is still a reasonable refresh rate for movies.
Step 2: Change Audio Output
If you can hear the audio from your laptop, you should change the audio output. Do this by searching “Manage Audio Devices” in the search bar on your laptop’s taskbar.
Next, click the “Playback” tab and double-click on your TV’s name and icon.
For MacBook users, click the Apple logo in the upper-left of the screen, then click “System Settings.”
After that, select the Sound tab. Choose “Output,” and it should show you the list of the output devices available to your device. Afterward, pick the name of your TV, and it’ll automatically change the audio output.
Step 3: Launch the Netflix App
If you have the Netflix app downloaded on your laptop, open it, then you’re all set! You can now start streaming whichever movie you like.
Also, you can use a regular browser if you don’t have the app. Just visit the Netflix website, log in, then start watching.
Don’t forget to put the video in full-screen mode so you won’t see the tabs in your browser.
Step 4: Change the Display Settings (Optional)
You can also change the display settings of your devices. You should do this if you want to use your laptop while playing Netflix on your TV.
Simply right-click your desktop. Choose “Display Settings,” then scroll down to the “Multiple displays” section. After that, click “Extend these displays.”
To change the display settings on a MacBook, open “System Preferences” by clicking the Apple logo at the upper-left of the screen. Click on “Display”, then select the Arrangement tab. Just uncheck the “Mirror Displays” option.
How to Play Netflix on TV from Laptop Using a Casting Device
A great alternative to HDMI cables is casting devices. Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Roku are only a few examples of media players compatible with Netflix.
The advantage here is that when using casting devices, you don’t need to work with wires. We all know that not everyone is tech-savvy. That’s why it can be pretty daunting for them to work with cables.
You only need the casting device, your TV and laptop, and a stable internet connection.
Step 1: Connect Your Casting Device to a Wi-Fi Network
Simply connect your casting device to a Wi-Fi network that you also use for your laptop. It specifically has to be the same network.
Otherwise, your laptop won’t find the device, and it won’t allow you to stream Netflix.
Step 2: Open Netflix
Open your Netflix account through the application or a browser.
After logging in, click the More icon or the three dots in the upper-right portion of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select Cast, and choose your casting device.
Step 3: Play Any Movies
Once you’ve connected your laptop to your casting device, you can choose any kind of video on Netflix.
It’ll automatically play on your TV screen, and you can still use your laptop for other things while watching.
Wrap Up
Now you know how to play Netflix on TV from a laptop! The steps are relatively easy, and they don’t take much effort.
You only need to connect an HDMI cable to your devices to mirror your screens. A great alternative is using a casting device for a wireless connection.
