You can watch Netflix on a projector easily. Some smart projectors will have a built-in Netflix app. Most projectors will require a separate media device such as a Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, etc. to be connected to the projector, in order to watch Netflix. As it was just mentioned, you can stream your favorite Netflix shows to your home theater projector and watch the content on the “big” screen. However, how it works will vary depending on the projector and your entertainment setup.
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
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. Once you’ve logged into your account, you can start watching your favorite streaming content on the “big-screen”. If you don’t own a smart projector you can still get Netflix with one of the following methods.
Use Streaming Sticks to Get Netflix on Your Projector
Most modern projectors, within the last five years or so, are equipped with Wi-Fi compatibility. How the various models connect to a Wi-Fi network depends on their design. Some projectors can connect wirelessly. You just follow the simple installation steps to get the projector to recognize the Wi-Fi signal. Both devices are discrete and simply plug into the projector’s USB port. Usually located on the back or the side. It also needs to be plugged into an external power source. From there, simply follow the onscreen prompts to access your streaming accounts. A Chromecast device is another option if you’re trying to avoid adding cables to your entertainment setup. It plugs into the projector’s HDMI port and is controlled with your Android or iOS device. You can also use your laptop or PC with the Chromecast device. There are two models to choose from including the standard Chromecast stick which produces stunning 1080p resolution, and the Chromecast Ultra which can support Netflix content in 4K.
Using Wireless HDMI to Stream Netflix to Your Projector
Chromecast and other streaming sticks are great for getting Netflix to your projector but there are limitations. You’ll still need to add at least one cable if you want to connect a gaming console, cable box, or DVD player. However, there is another way to stream your content and Netflix without having to connect multiple cables. An HDMI extender kit limits the number of cables you need to wireless connect your external devices. The simple set-up lets you play games, watch DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, along with cable channels. The HDMI kit comes with a small transmitter that is plugged into the HDMI port on the content source. For example, a gaming console, cable box, AV receiver, or even your laptop will all work just fine. You’ll also need to plug the adapter into an outlet. If you’re using a streaming stick or Chromecast device, it inserts into the transmitter’s USB port. The final step is to follow the on-screen instructions to sync the connected components with your projector.
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.
Use Your Laptop
Using your laptop to broadcast Netflix to the projector is simple. You do need either a USB or HDMI port to connect the two devices if the projector doesn’t boast wireless connectivity. You can also stream the content from your laptop to the projector, (if it’s wireless), as long as both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. 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.
Connect via Your Android Device
You’ll need a Type-C USB cable and Display Port function to stream Netflix from your mobile Android device to the projector. You’ll see the necessary function after you’ve downloaded the Netflix app to your mobile device. Select the appropriate function once the cable is connected to both the Android phone and projector and settle back to watch your favorite shows.
Use Your Apple TV
You can do a lot with your Apple TV, including streaming Netflix to your connected projector. How the projector is connected to your television, depends on whether it’s wired or wireless. Since most projectors are wireless, you’ll only need to connect the projector to the WI-FI network shared by the TV. You’ll access the Netflix app through the Apple TV’s menu screen. You may have to enter your username and password before you can broadcast the content from the TV to the projector, and finally the screen.
Common Problems Getting Netflix to a Projector
Even though all of the above-mentioned options for watching Netflix on your projector are fairly simple, there are still occasional issues which we’ll explore down 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.
Netflix Won’t Play on the Projector
There are a few reasons why Netflix isn’t playing on your projector. A common reason, is you don’t have a smart projector or one with Wi-Fi capabilities. 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. 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.
Conclusion
If you have a smart projector, especially one with Netflix pre-installed watching your favorite content from the app is a breeze. However, even if your projector doesn’t come with Wi-Fi, there are still ways you can get Netflix to the projector. Best of all, some options don’t require the use of additional cables. Problems can still occur and most are simple fixes. Always keep up with the app updates. An outdated app will eventually cause issues with content getting to the projector. If you have connecting cables check to see if the ends are frayed. Once the cable is replaced, you can go back to enjoying your favorite Netflix shows and movies.
