How to Set Up Netflix Streaming for a TV

by John Papiewski; Reviewed by David Weedmark, MCSE; Updated April 09, 2019
Ditch the DVD player for streaming movies instead.

Ditch the DVD player for streaming movies instead.

Creatas/Creatas/Getty Images

Netflix has designed its streaming-video service to make setup straightforward and easy. The process involves two basic steps: Create an online account and launch the app on your streaming "stick," set-top box or smart TV. Although setup involves a few other details, such as the quality of the internet connection, in most instances, you can have Netflix up and running in minutes.


  • Go online to and set up an account; then load the Netflix app on your streaming "stick," set-top box or smart TV and enter your account information.

Create a Netflix Account

Start up a web browser on your favorite PC, Mac or mobile device. Go to the website,, and follow the directions to create an account. The site will ask you for an email address to validate your identification and a payment method such as a credit or debit account number. Choose the level of service you’d like and submit the online application.

Check Internet Connection

Make sure your TV is internet-enabled, either with a wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection. Also, the connection speed is important. Netflix recommends a data download speed of at least 3.0 Mbps for standard-definition (SD)-quality video. For high-definition (HD) content, you’ll need 5.0 Mbps, and ultra high-definition requires 25.0 Mbps.

Locate or Download Netflix App

If you have a smart TV, browse the factory-installed apps to see if Netflix is already available; TVs from most manufacturers will include the Netflix app. If you don’t see it, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to download the Netflix app and install it. Launch the app, and it will prompt you for the email address and password you used to create your account.

In very rare instances, your smart TV’s software may be incompatible with the Netflix app. You may need to replace the TV with a newer model or upgrade its software.

You can also watch Netflix on a standard TV with an HDMI connector by plugging in a streaming "stick" such as Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast or Roku, or a set-top box such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV or one from a satellite/cable TV provider. In most cases, the device will have the Netflix app pre-installed. Set up the app with your account information and you're ready to stream video.

Watch Streaming Video

With the account set up and the app running, browse the video content using your TV’s remote to navigate the Netflix user interface. When you select a profile, the Netflix app displays “New Releases,” “Netflix Originals” and a variety of other categories. As you browse and watch content, the Netflix software “learns” your preferences and makes recommendations based on your viewing history.

Streaming on Other Devices

Using the same Netflix account as the one on your TV, you can stream video content to most PCs, laptops and mobile devices. For PCs and laptops, use a compatible browser such as Google Chrome, Apple Safari or Mozilla Firefox. For mobile devices, download the Netflix app from your device's app store.

Optional: Parental Controls

Consider setting the Netflix account’s parental controls to avoid content that customers or employees might feel is objectionable. Using your account’s 4-digit PIN number, you can create one or more viewer profiles, each of which has its own content maturity level settings.

Help With Kinks and Snags

On rare occasions, you may encounter difficulty during your Netflix installation. To help you work through any issues, call Netflix support, search the online help database on their website or use the live text chat feature. Netflix support is also available in the app itself.

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