How to Play Netflix Games on Your Apple TV

Netflix games work on Apple TV, but only through the Netflix app on iPhone or iPad — not directly on the TV screen itself

Netflix offers games as part of a standard Netflix subscription, but Apple TV does not run them natively. Instead, you play Netflix games on an iPhone or iPad, and those devices connect to your Apple TV using AirPlay. The games appear on your television, but the iPhone or iPad is the actual controller and processor. This setup works with any Netflix subscription tier that includes games — currently all tiers except the ad-supported plan in some regions.

The limitation exists because Netflix games are built for mobile operating systems (iOS and Android), not for tvOS, which is what Apple TV runs. Netflix has not released a native Apple TV app for gaming, so the AirPlay workaround is the only way to play on a larger screen.

Key Takeaways

Netflix games on Apple TV require an iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or later; you cannot play directly from the Apple TV itself.
You start a game on your iPhone or iPad, then use AirPlay to send it to your Apple TV, with the phone or tablet serving as the controller.
Your iPhone or iPad and Apple TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work.
Netflix games are included with most Netflix subscription plans, but the ad-supported tier does not currently offer them in all regions.

What you need to play Netflix games on Apple TV

You need an iPhone or iPad with iOS 16 or later, an Apple TV (any model that supports AirPlay), and both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The Netflix app on your iPhone or iPad must be up to date. Your Apple TV does not need a separate app — AirPlay handles the connection automatically.

Your Netflix account must include games. If you have a standard, premium, or basic Netflix plan, games are included. If you have the ad-supported plan, check your region: Netflix has not rolled out games to all ad-supported subscribers yet. You can verify this by opening the Netflix app on your phone and looking for a Games tab at the bottom of the screen.

How to start a Netflix game and send it to Apple TV

Open the Netflix app on your iPhone or iPad and tap the Games tab at the bottom. Select a game from the list — Netflix currently offers titles like Stranger Things: 1984, Oxenfree, and Into the Breach. Tap the game to open it.

Once the game launches, swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open Control Center. Tap Screen Mirroring, then select your Apple TV from the list. The game will appear on your television within a few seconds. Your iPhone or iPad remains the controller — you hold it and use the touchscreen or any connected game controller to play. The Apple TV is only displaying what your phone sends to it.

To stop playing, swipe up to Control Center again, tap Screen Mirroring, and select Stop Mirroring.

Which Netflix games are available

Netflix's game library changes regularly, but titles currently available include Stranger Things: 1984, Oxenfree, Into the Breach, Asphalt Xtreme, and Twelve Minutes. Most are single-player games designed for mobile phones, though some support multiple players taking turns. Netflix does not offer multiplayer games where two people play simultaneously on the same screen.

You can browse the full list in the Games tab of the Netflix app. New games are added periodically, and older titles are sometimes removed. Games do not require an internet connection once they are downloaded to your device, though you need internet to launch them and verify your Netflix subscription.

Troubleshooting AirPlay connection problems

If AirPlay is not appearing in Control Center, make sure both your iPhone or iPad and Apple TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. They cannot be on different networks or on a guest network while the other is on the main network. Restart both devices: turn off your phone or tablet completely, then turn it back on. Do the same with your Apple TV by unplugging it for 10 seconds.

If the game starts but the picture is choppy or lags, move your phone or tablet closer to your Apple TV or router. AirPlay works best when devices are within 30 feet of each other and have a strong Wi-Fi signal. If your Wi-Fi is slow, other devices using the network (streaming video, downloads) can interfere with the game stream. Pause or stop those activities and try again.

If you see a message that AirPlay is not supported, check that your Apple TV model is current enough. AirPlay screen mirroring works on Apple TV 4K (all generations) and Apple TV HD (2nd generation or later). Older models do not support it.

Game controller support for Netflix games

Most Netflix games work with a physical game controller connected to your iPhone or iPad, such as an Xbox controller or PlayStation controller paired via Bluetooth. This is often more comfortable than using the touchscreen, especially for longer play sessions. When you connect a controller to your phone, the game automatically recognizes it when you launch the title.

Not every Netflix game supports controllers — some are touchscreen-only. The game description in the Netflix app will note whether a controller is supported. If you prefer to use a controller, check before you start playing.

Why Netflix games are not on the Apple TV app itself

Netflix has not built a native games app for tvOS, the operating system that runs on Apple TV. Netflix games are developed for iOS and Android, which have different technical requirements and app stores than tvOS. Building separate versions for Apple TV would require Netflix to develop and maintain additional code, which they have chosen not to do at this time.

This is why AirPlay is the workaround: it lets you play the iOS version on your phone and display it on your TV without Netflix having to create a separate tvOS app. Other streaming services like Apple Arcade also do not offer games directly on Apple TV, so this limitation is not unique to Netflix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special Netflix plan to play games?

No. Games are included with Netflix's standard, basic, and premium plans. The ad-supported plan does not include games in most regions, though Netflix may expand this over time. Check your Netflix app — if you see a Games tab, your plan includes them.

Can two people play Netflix games on Apple TV at the same time?

Most Netflix games are single-player only. Some allow two players to take turns on the same device, but Netflix does not currently offer games where both players control characters simultaneously on the same screen. Check the game description to see if it supports multiple players.

Will Netflix games work if my phone and Apple TV are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for AirPlay to work. If one is on a guest network and the other is on the main network, they will not see each other. Connect both to the primary network and try again.

What happens to the game if my phone loses Wi-Fi connection during play?

The AirPlay stream will stop, and the picture will disappear from your Apple TV. The game itself will pause on your phone. Once you reconnect to Wi-Fi and re-establish the AirPlay connection, you can usually resume where you left off, depending on the game.

Can I use an older iPhone or iPad to play Netflix games on Apple TV?

Your device must run iOS 16 or later. If your phone or tablet is older and cannot update to iOS 16, you will not be able to play Netflix games or use AirPlay screen mirroring. Check your device's settings under General > Software Update to see what version you are running.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.