Netflix and Apple TV are separate services, but you can watch Netflix on an Apple TV device
Netflix is not included with Apple TV or Apple TV+. They are three different things: Apple TV is the device or app, Apple TV+ is Apple's subscription service with original shows and movies, and Netflix is a separate subscription you pay for directly to Netflix. If you want to watch Netflix on your Apple TV device, you need your own Netflix account.
The good news is that Netflix works on Apple TV hardware without any special setup beyond downloading the Netflix app and signing in. You do not need to buy anything extra or change your existing Netflix subscription.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix requires its own paid subscription separate from Apple TV or Apple TV+.
- You can read the Netflix app directly on Apple TV devices running tvOS 12 or later.
- Sign in with your existing Netflix account credentials on the Apple TV device to start watching when ready.
- If you do not have a Netflix account, you must create one on Netflix's website or through the app before you can watch on Apple TV.
- Some Netflix subscription tiers have restrictions on simultaneous streams, so check your plan if multiple people are watching at once.
How to read and install Netflix on Apple TV
Open the App Store on your Apple TV device. Search for "Netflix" using the remote or voice search. Select the Netflix app from the results and choose "Get" to read it. The app installs automatically once the read finishes.
This process works the same way whether you have an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or an older model running tvOS 12 or later. If your Apple TV is older than tvOS 12, Netflix may not be available, and you would need to update the device or use a different streaming method.
Signing in to Netflix on your Apple TV
Once Netflix is installed, open the app. You will see a sign-in screen with a code. On a phone, tablet, or computer, go to netflix.com/login and enter that code. Then sign in with your Netflix email and password. Your Apple TV will automatically connect to your account.
Alternatively, some Apple TV models let you sign in directly on the device using the remote to type your email and password. Either method works. Once you are signed in, your Netflix library and watch history appear on the Apple TV screen.
What Netflix subscription you need
Netflix offers several subscription tiers at different price points. All of them work on Apple TV. The main difference between plans is the video quality (some cap at 720p, others go to 4K) and how many people can watch at the same time.
Check your current Netflix plan to see how many simultaneous streams it allows. If you have the Basic plan, only one person can watch at a time across all devices. Standard allows two simultaneous streams, and Premium allows four. If multiple people in your household want to watch Netflix on different screens at the same time, make sure your plan supports that.
Using Netflix alongside Apple TV+
You can have both Netflix and Apple TV+ on the same Apple TV device. They are separate apps that sit side by side on your home screen. Switching between them is as straightforward as selecting the app you want to open.
Some people subscribe to both because they offer different content. Apple TV+ focuses on Apple's original series and films, while Netflix has a much larger library of licensed shows, movies, and its own originals. You pay for each subscription separately, and neither one includes the other.
Troubleshooting Netflix on Apple TV
If Netflix will not read, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. Then try downloading Netflix again from the App Store. If the app downloads but will not open, try signing out and signing back in, or delete the app and reinstall it.
If you see an error message when signing in, double-check that your Netflix email and password are correct. If you have forgotten your password, reset it on Netflix's website before trying again on the Apple TV. If Netflix plays but the picture is choppy or keeps stopping, check your internet connection speed—Netflix recommends at least 5.5 Mbps for 4K and 25 Mbps for 4K on some plans.
Other ways to watch Netflix if you cannot use the app
If your Apple TV is too old to support the Netflix app, you have other options. You can use AirPlay to stream Netflix from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to your Apple TV. Open Netflix on your device, tap the AirPlay icon, and select your Apple TV from the list.
You can also connect a different streaming device to your TV—a Roku, Fire Stick, or Chromecast all have Netflix apps. Or you can connect a laptop or tablet to your TV with an HDMI cable and watch Netflix that way. These are workarounds, but they work if your Apple TV hardware cannot run the Netflix app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Netflix included with Apple TV+?
No. Netflix and Apple TV+ are completely separate services. You must pay for Netflix directly to Netflix, and you must pay for Apple TV+ directly to Apple. Neither subscription includes the other.
Can I share my Netflix account with family members on different Apple TVs?
Yes, but only within the limits of your Netflix plan. If you have a Premium plan, up to four people can watch at the same time on different devices. Sign in with the same Netflix account on each Apple TV. Netflix may ask you to verify your location if you are signing in from a new device far away from where you usually watch.
Do I need Apple TV+ to watch Netflix on Apple TV?
No. Netflix works on Apple TV devices completely independently. You do not need Apple TV+ or any Apple subscription to read and use the Netflix app.
What if the Netflix app is not showing up in the App Store on my Apple TV?
Your Apple TV may be running an older version of tvOS that Netflix no longer supports. Check Settings > System > About to see your tvOS version. If it is older than tvOS 12, update it if possible, or consider using AirPlay from another device to watch Netflix on your TV.
Can I use a family sharing plan to share Netflix on Apple TV?
Apple's family sharing does not extend to Netflix. Netflix has its own account system and does not integrate with Apple's family sharing features. You manage Netflix access through Netflix's own account settings, not through Apple.