Netflix games work on Apple TV through the Netflix app, but you need an iPhone or iPad to control them

Netflix games are playable on Apple TV, but not the way you might expect. You cannot use your Apple TV remote to play them directly. Instead, you launch a game from the Netflix app on your Apple TV, and then use an iPhone or iPad as your controller. The game streams to your TV while your phone or tablet sends the commands.

This setup means you need three things: an Apple TV (4th generation or newer), the Netflix app installed on that TV, and an iPhone or iPad on the same Wi-Fi network. If you have all three, the process is straightforward.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix games on Apple TV require an iPhone or iPad to act as the controller—your Apple TV remote will not work for gameplay.
  • Your Apple TV must be 4th generation or newer, and your phone or tablet must run iOS 16 or later to connect as a controller.
  • Both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, and you must be signed into Netflix on both the TV and the phone or tablet.
  • You find games in the Netflix app under the Games tab, select one, and choose your iPhone or iPad from the list of available controllers.
  • If your phone or tablet does not appear as a controller option, restart both devices and check that they are on the same network.

What Apple TV models support Netflix games

Netflix games work on Apple TV 4th generation and newer. This includes the Apple TV 4K (all versions) and the standard Apple TV HD. If you own an older Apple TV—the 3rd generation or earlier—you cannot play Netflix games on that device.

You can check which generation you have by going to Settings on your Apple TV, then About. Look for the model number or the year it was released. If you are unsure, the 4th generation Apple TV was released in 2015, so any Apple TV you bought after that year will work.

Setting up your iPhone or iPad as a controller

Your iPhone or iPad becomes the game controller through the Netflix app itself. Open Netflix on your phone or tablet and make sure you are signed into the same account you use on your Apple TV. The device must run iOS 16 or later—check Settings > General > About > Software Version to confirm.

Both your Apple TV and your phone or tablet must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If they are on different networks (for example, if one is on a guest network), the connection will not work. Once both devices are on the same network and signed into Netflix, you are ready to launch a game.

Finding and launching a Netflix game

Open the Netflix app on your Apple TV and look for the Games tab. This appears in the main menu alongside Home, Search, and Downloads. Select Games to see the full list of available titles. Netflix games change over time, so the selection you see depends on your region and your subscription plan.

Select the game you want to play. The Apple TV will show a screen asking you to choose a controller. Your iPhone or iPad should appear in this list if it is on the same network and signed into Netflix. Tap on your device to connect it. Once connected, the game will launch and you can begin playing using your phone or tablet as the controller.

Troubleshooting when your device does not appear as a controller

If your iPhone or iPad does not show up in the controller list, the most common cause is that the two devices are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both are connected to the same network name. If you have a 5GHz and 2.4GHz network with the same name, try connecting both devices to the same band.

Restart both your Apple TV and your phone or tablet. Turn off the Apple TV completely, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Do the same with your phone or tablet. Once both have restarted, open Netflix again and try launching a game. If the device still does not appear, sign out of Netflix on your phone or tablet, sign back in, and try again.

Make sure your iOS version is up to date. Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone or iPad and install any available updates. Netflix games require iOS 16 or later, so if you are running an older version, you will need to update before the controller connection will work.

What to expect when playing Netflix games on Apple TV

When a game is running, your TV displays the game itself while your phone or tablet shows the controls. The controls vary by game—some use on-screen buttons, others use tilt or swipe gestures, and some use a combination. The Netflix app will show you the control scheme when the game starts.

Your phone or tablet acts as a wireless controller, so you can sit anywhere in the room as long as you are on the same Wi-Fi network. The connection is usually stable, but if you move too far from your router or if Wi-Fi signal is weak, you may experience lag or disconnection. If the connection drops, your phone or tablet will automatically try to reconnect.

Games available through Netflix

Netflix offers a rotating selection of games across different genres. These include puzzle games, action games, and story-driven titles. The exact games available depend on your region and subscription plan. Some games are included with all Netflix plans, while others may be exclusive to certain tiers.

You can browse the full Games section in the Netflix app on your Apple TV to see what is currently available. New games are added regularly, and older titles are sometimes removed. If you find a game you like, you can add it to your list so you can find it easily later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Apple TV remote to play Netflix games?

No. Netflix games on Apple TV require an iPhone or iPad as the controller. Your Apple TV remote cannot be used for gameplay. The remote is only for navigating the Netflix menu and selecting which game to play.

Do I need a separate subscription to play Netflix games?

No. Netflix games are included with your regular Netflix subscription at no extra cost. All subscription plans have access to the Games section, though the specific games available may vary by region and plan tier.

What happens if my phone disconnects while I am playing?

Your phone or tablet will attempt to reconnect automatically if the Wi-Fi connection drops. If it cannot reconnect within a few seconds, the game will pause. You can reconnect your device and resume playing from where you left off in most games.

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

That depends on the game. Some Netflix games support multiplayer and allow multiple phones or tablets to connect as controllers simultaneously. Check the game description in the Netflix app to see if it supports multiplayer before launching it.

Do Netflix games work offline?

No. Netflix games require an active internet connection and a Wi-Fi network connection between your Apple TV and your controller device. You cannot play offline.