How great would it be if you could watch Netflix on your projector? You could watch all your favorite shows and movies on a big screen and have a cinema-like experience at home. Luckily, there are several options you can choose from to set up a projector with Netflix.
You can watch Netflix on a projector easily. Some smart projectors will have a built-in Netflix app. For other projectors, you can use a streaming stick, or you can connect your laptop or phone to the projector.
This article provides several different methods and options you can use, as well as a list of the best projectors for watching Netflix. And, if you experience any issues, you will find a troubleshooting section down below. With that being said, let's move on to improving your home theater experience!
The Best Ways to Get Netflix on Your Projector
You have several options when you want to get Netflix on your projector, including through a smart projector, through a streaming stick, wireless HDMI, and via a few other devices. At least one will work with your make and model, so read more to figure out which one is best for you.
The Easiest Method: A Smart Projector
The easiest way to watch Netflix on your projector is if you own a smart model. A smart projector like the Epson Home Cinema 2250 (on Amazon) is a standalone device and it functions similarly to a computer. Here are some key features of Smart Projectors:
- Connectivity: Features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless streaming and device connections.
- Integrated Operating System: Comes with an OS similar to smartphones or smart TVs, that allows you to download apps.
- App Store: Features an App Store where you can download various apps like Netflix.
You don’t need to connect any devices, just select Netflix on the projector’s menu screen. Some smart projectors also come preloaded with streaming apps like Netflix and HBO.
Using Streaming Sticks to Get Netflix on Your Projector
If you don't have a Smart Projector, using a streaming stick provides an alternate way to access Netflix. Roku and Amazon Fire TV Sticks, (on Amazon), are two options.
Both devices plug into the projector's USB port, typically found on the back or side, and require an external power source. Then, just follow the on-screen prompts to access your streaming accounts.
Additional Ways to Get Netflix on Your Projector
If you don’t want to connect a streaming stick or HDMI kit, you can still get Netflix on your projector through a number of means, including through your laptop, your Android device, and your Apple TV.
We'll show you how to use each one down below, as well as explore some of the more common problems when trying to set this up.
Using A Laptop
Using your laptop to broadcast Netflix to the projector is simple. You do need a HDMI port to connect the two devices. Follow these steps:
- Connect the Laptop to the Projector: Use an HDMI cable to connect your laptop's HDMI port to the projector's HDMI input. If your laptop doesn't have an HDMI port, you might need an appropriate adapter (like USB-C to HDMI).
- Select the Correct Input on the Projector: Power on the projector and select the HDMI input that your laptop is connected to.
- Set Up Your Laptop: Once the projector recognizes your laptop, adjust your laptop's display settings if necessary. This might involve extending or duplicating your laptop's screen onto the projector.
- Open and Play Netflix: On your laptop, open a web browser and go to the Netflix website, or use the Netflix app if you have it installed.
It’s a little different if you have a macOS. To mirror the content from the macOS laptop to your projector, select Airplay on the status bar. Next, select one of the three mirroring options to get Netflix to the projector. Admittedly, it's worth mentioning that using Airplay may result in a bit of latency.
Pro-Tip: You can also follow these steps to connect your Apple TV to the projector and stream Netflix content.
Connecting via Your Android Device
You’ll need a HDMI cable and a USB Type-C to HDMI adapter, compatible with your Android device.
Simply connect the USB Type-C to your phone on one end, and to the HDMI on the other. Next, input the HDMI cable into the projector and choose the right input on it.
Your device might prompt you with a notification regarding the HDMI connection. Ensure it's set for HDMI output.
Another available option is using a Chromecast device, which we've talked about before.
Once you are all set up and ready to go, learn how to connect a soundbar to a projector, or if you can get Dolby Atmos on Netflix for an even better experience.
Best Home Theater Projectors With Netflix
We have already mentioned the best home theater projectors overall, best to use during the day, for gaming, and the budget-friendly options. This section provides a list of some of the most popular home projectors for Netflix, that will give you an impressive, movie-theater experience. They stand out by their qualities like color accuracy, high contrast ratios, and the audio experience they provide.
| Projector | Features |
|---|---|
| BenQ HT2050A | Good image quality at a reasonable price. |
| Optoma CinemaX P2 | Vivid 4K quality and sleek design. |
| Anker Nebula Capsule | Extremely portable and perfect for flexible viewing. |
| Epson Home Cinema 5050UB | High-quality 4K resolution for cinema-like experience. |
| Auking Mini Projector | Affordable and ideal for casual viewing. |
| Optoma UHD38 | Ideal as a gaming projector with high-speed streaming. |
Once you are all set up and ready to go, learn how to connect a soundbar to a projector for an even better experience.
Common Problems Getting Netflix to a Projector
Despite the simplicity of the methods for watching Netflix on your projector, there are still occasional issues which we'll explore below, including with iPhones and iPads, and Netflix not playing on the projector.
Problems Streaming Netflix From an iPhone or iPad
If you’re having problems streaming Netflix from your iPhone to the projector, the first step is to make sure you’re not using AirPlay. It does not work with iPhones or iPads.
Turning it off might resolve your problem. You also want to ensure the Netflix app is open and on while you’re using the projector. If it’s not playing on your phone the content won’t get to the projector. Both devices need to be turned on. Follow this guide for more detailed steps.
Netflix Won’t Play on the Projector
There are a few reasons why Netflix isn’t playing on your projector, including problems with HDMI cables and mirroring Netflix content.
If you’re using cables or an HDMI kit, check all of the connected cables, in fact, you should read our guide to make sure your kit functions properly. One may have a kink or frayed ends preventing the signal from reaching one or both devices.
Sometimes issues can occur when you're mirroring content. It's important to keep in mind that there are HDMI anti-piracy laws in place that can block these signals. Another common issue, and one that’s easy to resolve, is your Netflix app is outdated. Updating and sometimes reinstalling the app will resolve any problems.
