3 Sneaky Ways To Get Netflix On A Non-Smart TV (2023)

Do you want to stream Netflix on a bigger screen?

But don’t have a smart TV at home?

Well, there are “sneaky” ways you can stream Netflix on a non-smart TV…

That even a non-techie person can easily do!

I bet you won’t ever think of buying a smart TV after reading this.

Continue reading to discover:

Best streaming devices to use to stream Netflix.
3 sneaky ways to get Netflix on a non-smart TV.
Whether you can watch Netflix using a gaming console.
How to stream Netflix on non-smart TV via HDMI connection.
And so much more…

How do I get Netflix on non-Smart TV?

You can get Netflix on non-smart TV by installing a streaming device like Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. You can also use gaming consoles like PS4 and Xbox to stream Netflix on a non-smart TV. Connecting laptops or smartphones to your TV via HDMI connection works as well.

3 ways to get Netflix on a non-smart TV

#1: Install a streaming device

The best way to stream Netflix on a non-smart TV is by installing a streaming device.

With this, you can watch a movie from Netflix without problems. It lets you experience having a “smart TV” without actually buying one.

Just plug in your streaming device to your TV port, and you’re good to go!

Some of the many streaming devices or media players you can use are:

Roku.
Apple TV.
Chromecast.
Amazon Fire TV.

What’s good about these is you can plug them into any TV anytime you want. Giving you much freedom and control over your devices.

Plus, they’re very easy to install and set up! Making them a great device for every homeowner.

Each streaming device follows a specific installation and setup process.

See the instructions below on setting up Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, and Amazon Fire TV devices.

To stream Netflix using Roku

Before you begin, make sure that your Roku streaming device is:

Inserted to the TV.
Connected to the WiFi.
Plugged into a power outlet.

Once done, you can now proceed to the actual setup process.

To set up a Roku streaming player or stick:

Power on your TV.
Select the input where you’ve connected your Roku.
Choose a language.
Select your WiFi network.
Set desired display type.
Then, create your Roku account.

Now that you’ve set up your Roku device, let’s proceed with setting up Netflix on it.

Important note: 4k or HDR-capable Roku devices will only work on TVs that support 4k or HDR displays.

To stream Netflix on a Roku streaming device:

Go to “Home.”
Select “Netflix.”
Then, sign in to your Netflix account.

Tip: Press the “Netflix” button on the Roku remote to quickly proceed to the Netflix app.

You may also wonder: Can you use a Roku Box with a smart TV?

To stream Netflix using Apple TV

If you’re using other Apple devices at home, opt for an Apple TV streaming device.

That way, you can easily set up your Netflix account. And you can sync your devices without issues.

It’ll also come really convenient if you use Siri as your virtual assistant at home.

To stream Netflix on Apple TV:

Plug your Apple TV into a power source.
Connect your device to the TV via HDMI.
Connect your device to your WiFi network.
Follow the on-screen setup instructions.
From the home screen, select “Netflix.”
Then, sign in to your Netflix account.

If you can’t find Netflix on the home screen, install the Netflix app.

Here’s how you can do it:

From the home screen, select “App Store.”
Search for “Netflix.”
Tap “Get.”
Then, return to the home screen to launch the Netflix app.

Watch this video to know how to set up Netflix on an Apple TV streaming device:

To stream Netflix using Chromecast

Unlike the first two, Chromecast isn’t a standalone streaming device.

To use it, you have to connect it with your smartphone, laptop, or PC.

Basically, what it does is allow you to “cast” movies from your smartphones to your non-smart TV.

Giving you a bigger screen to watch on without upgrading your device to a smart TV.

To stream Netflix using Chromecast, set up Chromecast first to your smartphone.

Here’s how to do it:

Connect Chromecast to your TV via HDMI.
Plug Chromecast to a power outlet using its provided AC cord and adapter.
Download the Google Home app on your phone.
Add Chromecast on your Google Home app.
Then, follow its on-screen setup process.

Once done, you can now “cast” Netflix to your non-smart TV.

To stream Netflix using Chromecast:

Launch the Netflix app on your phone.
Tap the cast icon () at the top-right corner.
Select your Chromecast device.
Then, choose a movie or TV series to watch.

You can also use a Chromecast with Google TV to stream Netflix without using your phone.

To stream Netflix using Chromecast with Google TV:

Go to the home screen.
Select “Netflix.”
Then, sign in to your Netflix account.

Tip: Tap the “Netflix” button on the Chromecast remote to easily access the Netflix app.

To stream Netflix using Amazon Fire TV

Are you using Alexa as your virtual assistant at home?

Then Amazon Fire TV is the best streaming device for you.

With this, you can easily control your streaming device using Alexa. Making it easier to automate your streaming device with your other smart devices.

To stream Netflix on it, you have to set up your device first.

Here’s how to do it:

Note: This process works for Amazon Fire TV Stick and Cube.

Connect your Amazon Fire TV to your TV via HDMI.
Plug your Amazon Fire TV into a power outlet.
Turn on your non-smart TV.
Select the correct input.
Press the “Home” button on the remote for 10 seconds to pair.
Follow the on-screen setup instructions.
Sign in to your Amazon account.
Then, follow the remaining on-screen instructions.

After that, you should now set up your Netflix account on your Amazon Fire TV.

To stream Netflix using Amazon Fire TV:

From the home screen, tap “Search.”
Type “Netflix” on the search bar, then enter.
Click “Netflix.”
Select “Free” or “Download.”
Open the Netflix app.
Then, sign in to your Netflix account.

Learn more: Why is my firestick remote not working?

#2: Use a gaming console

“But I don’t want to spend money on streaming devices. Are there any other options?”

Do you have a working gaming console at home?

Because if yes, you can also use that to sneakily stream Netflix on your non-smart TV.

Most gaming consoles work with WiFi. And they allow downloads of other applications. Meaning, you can download the Netflix app on it as well.

So, what are you waiting for?

Go, get your gaming console. And let’s start setting it up for Netflix streaming!

To stream Netflix using PlayStation

Each PlayStation model follows different setting up processes.

Check the instructions below to see which one applies to your PlayStation device.

To stream Netflix using PlayStation 3, 4, and 4 Pro:

Go to the home screen.
Proceed to the “TV/Video Services” section.
Click the “Netflix” icon.
Tap “Yes” when prompted with a download notice.
Once done downloading, click the “Netflix” icon again.
If prompted, sign in to your PSN account.
Then, sign in to your Netflix account.

Tip: Want to easily access the home screen? Press the “PS” button on the controller. Then, select “Quit” and “Yes” from the on-screen options.

To stream Netflix using PlayStation 5:

Go to the home screen.
Proceed to the “Media” section.
Select “All Apps.”
Navigate to “Video and music apps.”
Click “Netflix.”
Tap “Download.”
Then, sign in to your Netflix account.

To stream Netflix using PlayStation Vita:

Note: Netflix on PlayStation Vita is only available in the US, Canada, and Latin America.

Go to the home screen.
Proceed to the PS Store.
Search for “Netflix.”
Choose “Netflix PS Vita.”
Tap “Download.”
Go back to the home screen.
Click the “Netflix” icon.
Then, sign in to your Netflix account.

Additional note: Netflix on PS Vita doesn’t support switching of profiles.

To stream Netflix using Xbox

Alternatively, you can also use Xbox to stream Netflix on your non-smart TV.

Important note: To stream Netflix, you must first log in to your Xbox LIVE account.

See the instructions below on setting up Netflix on Xbox 360, One, One S, One X, Series X, and Series S.

To stream Netflix using Xbox 360:

Go to the dashboard.
Navigate to “Apps.”
Select “Netflix” to begin downloading.
Go back to the dashboard.
Navigate to “Apps” again.
Click the “Netflix” icon.
Then, sign in to your Netflix account.

To stream Netflix using Xbox One, One S, One X, Series S, and Series X:

Reminder: Netflix on Xbox One only works on regions that have Netflix and Xbox LIVE services.

Go to the home screen.
Proceed to the “Store.”
Select “Netflix.”
Click “Install.”
Tap “Launch” to open the Netflix app.
Then, sign in to your Netflix account.

Check out: 6 Easy Ways To Use Alexa As A Speaker For Your Xbox

To stream Netflix using Nintendo

“I only have a Nintendo gaming console. Would that work as well?”

Netflix used to work on several Nintendo devices.

But on January 30, 2019, Nintendo discontinued the Wii Shop Channel. As a result, Netflix is no longer available on all original Nintendo Wii consoles.

If you want to stream Netflix using Nintendo, you can only do it on Nintendo Wii U.

Note: Netflix on Nintendo Wii U is only available in the US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.

To stream Netflix using Nintendo Wii U:

Go to the “GamePad.”
Click the yellow-shopping-bag icon or the eShop icon.
Tap the search box at the top-right corner.
Search for “Netflix.”
Select “Netflix.”
Press “Download.”
Tap “Next” to continue.
Go to “Download”
Tap “Continue.”
Go to the home screen.
Select the “Netflix” icon.
Then, sign in to your Netflix account.

#3: Connect devices via HDMI

Don’t have a streaming device or gaming console?

Don’t lose your hope yet! As there’s one remaining *sneaky* way to stream Netflix on your non-smart TV.

And that’s by using your non-smart TV as a second screen of your laptop and PC.

Basically, you’ll stream Netflix on your laptop or PC. And you’d use your non-smart TV as a “bigger projection screen.”

Meaning, you’d be able to control your Netflix app through your laptop or computer. And not using the TV.

Before you begin, you have to prepare the following:

HDMI cable.
Non-smart TV with HDMI port.
Laptop or PC that has a video-out port.

“What are the drawbacks of using HDMI connections when streaming Netflix?”

Great question!

Since it doesn’t directly “stream” Netflix on your TV, it has a few cons, including:

It doesn’t support “Autoplay.”
It doesn’t support interactive content.
It requires an external device (e.g., laptop) to control Netflix.
It may produce black bars around the video since it has an inconsistent display.

Sure, it can be a hassle…

But it’s the simplest and most affordable way to stream Netflix on non-smart TV. So, it’s still a win!

To stream Netflix via HDMI connection:

Connect your laptop or PC to your TV via HDMI.
Press the “Source” or “Input” button on the remote.
Select the right output, which is “HDMI.”
Then, launch the Netflix app on your PC and laptop.

“But my TV doesn’t mirror my laptop screen…”

If that’s the case, you have to fix its screen mirror settings first.

See the instructions below to know how.

For Windows PCs:

Press the “Windows” and “P” key buttons.
Then, select “Duplicate” or “Second Screen Only.”

For MAC PCs:

Go to “System Preferences.”
Click “Display.”
Tap the “Arrangement” tab.
Then, tick the box next to the “Mirror Displays.”

Tip: If you want to stream from your smartphone, use an HDMI converter cable to connect it to your TV.

Further reading: How To Screen Mirror a Non-Smart TV? 3 Easy Methods

“Netflix is playing on my TV. But I don’t hear any sound…”

When you connect an external device to your TV, the sound output switches to the connected device.

If not, you’d have to tweak its settings first.