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How to set up and watch Netflix on Apple TV

Learn how to set up Netflix on your Apple TV for even more great content.

Brodie Fogg
Brodie Fogg

&

Matt Sayer
Matt Sayer
Updated
Fact checked

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As two of the biggest tech companies in the world, it's no surprise that Netflix and Apple have teamed up to provide access to Netflix's expansive library of TV shows and movies on Apple TV. With a slick interface and the added benefit of a physical remote, watching Netflix on any of Apple's popular streaming set-top boxes is simple, fast and convenient.

Best of all, with the release of the Apple TV 4K, you can watch Netflix's growing library of Ultra HD content in all its high-fidelity glory. Just be sure that you've signed up for Netflix's premium plan, as 4K streaming is only available to premium subscribers.

How to connect your Apple TV to your Netflix account

Once you've configured your Apple TV, you'll want to download the Netflix app by selecting the App Store option from the Apple TV home screen. From there, simply search for Netflix and click Get to start the download and installation.

Once the installation process is completed, launch the Netflix app and select Sign In to connect your existing Netflix account. Alternatively, you can also sign up for a new Netflix account through the Netflix app.

Once you're logged in, you can start watching Netflix on your Apple TV.

Read more about Netflix prices and plans here.

About Apple TV

The price for a new Apple TV starts from $209 for the standard 32GB 4th generation model. You can buy it online through the official Apple store, in select retail stores or by calling Apple.

How to set up Apple TV (4th gen)

  1. Connect your Apple TV to your television and power. Wait until your Apple TV shows the setup screen.
  2. Click the touch surface of your Apple TV remote to connect it to your new Apple TV.
  3. Follow the on-screen prompts to configure the settings of your Apple TV.
  4. Connect any additional iOS devices by following the on-screen steps (optional).
  5. Once configuration has completed, you can start using your Apple TV!

Where can I purchase an Apple TV?

You can purchase Apple TV directly from Apple's online store by clicking the link below.

Buy Apple TV

Buy Apple TV from Apple Store

It might not look much different on the outside, but 2016's Apple TV is packed with awesome new features, like voice control, a touch-sensitive remote and gaming.

View details

In what regions is Netflix available on Apple TV?

You can watch Netflix on Apple TV in any region where Netflix itself is available. Currently, Netflix is supported in over 190 countries around the globe, making it one of the most widely-accessible entertainment services in the world.

The map below highlights all the countries in which Netflix is currently available:

What's the resolution for Netflix on Apple TV?

A number of factors influence what resolution you can stream Netflix in on Apple TV. The first two generations of Apple TV only supported up to 720p, so if you're using one of these older models that will be the maximum resolution you can stream in. From the 3rd generation on, all Apple TV models support 1080p HD and the Apple TV 4K improving upon that with support for resolutions up to 2160p.

Just because the Apple TV is capable of streaming at a particular resolution doesn't mean it always will, though. You'll also need a sufficiently fast Internet connection to stream at HD and 4K, plus you must have the appropriate Netflix subscription: a Standard subscription is necessary for HD streaming, while 4K streaming requires a Premium subscription.

Subtitles and audio

Subtitles and captions for Netflix on Apple TV are displayed in the lower half of the screen. To save or adjust your settings, play the TV show or movie for at least five minutes and your preferences will be set. To change your actual subtitles appearance settings, you need to log into your Netflix account and change them through there.

FAQs

Are you having trouble watching Netflix on your Apple TV? Check these FAQs for solutions to common problems.

What can I do if I can't connect to Netflix?

If you're having trouble connecting your Apple TV to Netflix, try the following.

  • Reset your Apple TV. Unplug it from the wall for 15 seconds.
  • Test the Internet network from the settings menu on your Apple TV.
  • Check for Apple TV software updates.
  • Close and reopen the Netflix application.

How do I connect my Apple TV?

To connect your Apple TV you need three things:

  • A high-definition television
  • A broadband connection
  • An iTunes account

Just connect the cords from your Apple TV unit to your television. You may need to purchase a HDMI cable if it isn't included when you buy your Apple TV. On your television, navigate to the input source of the Apple TV.

What if I want to change my Netflix membership?

You can downgrade or upgrade your Netflix plan at any time.

Why can't I hear any sound when I watch Netflix on my Apple TV?

This could be because of a problem with the content you're trying to watch or with the connection to your speakers.

Try watching another show. If the problem continues check the connections and also adjust the audio settings. Enable Dolby surround sound.

Why can't I see the Netflix app on my Apple TV?

It may be the case that the Apple TV operating system has moved or hidden the Netflix app. To check if the Netflix app has been hidden, use the Apple TV troubleshooting for more detailed instructions, and most importantly ensure that your Apple TV software is updated.

Why does Netflix keep crashing?

Try the following: make sure all software is updated, try unplugging everything for 30 seconds and reset the settings on your Apple TV.

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76 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    JoanneApril 11, 2017

    How do I disconnect Netflix from my Apple TV?is it just a matter of resetting it?

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      ArnoldApril 11, 2017

      Hi Joanne,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      It’s easy. All you need to do is from inside the Netflix app, press the Menu button on the remote. Select Settings. Select Sign Out. Resetting your Apple TV might not be enough, but you can always give it a try.

      You may also read through our Netflix and Apple TV guide to learn more.

      Hope this information helped.

      Cheers,
      Arnold

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    AmyFebruary 4, 2017

    Every time I turn Netflix on, I have to log on. How can I just save the log in details?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JasonFebruary 5, 2017Staff

      Hi Amy,

      Thank you for your enquiry.

      You may save your Netflix log-in details by ticking the ‘Remember me’ tick box on the log-in page before signing in to Netflix.

      Kind regards,
      Jason

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    TomDecember 12, 2016

    how do I cancel all my passwords so that I can set them anew

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MayDecember 12, 2016Staff

      Hi Tom,

      Thanks for reaching out.

      To change your Netflix password from a desktop browser:

      1. Login to Netflix and ensure the primary account holder’s name is selected in the upper-right corner of the screen.
      2. Mouse over your name in the upper-right corner, then choose “Your Account“.
      3. Select the “Change password” link.
      4. Type your “Current Password“, “New Password“, then “Confirm New Password“.
      5. If you wish to boot any devices that use Netflix out of your account and require the new password be entered next time it is used, tick the “Require all devices to sign in again with new password.“
      6. Select “Save“.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      May

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    JillOctober 19, 2016

    I cannot get my apple tv to work
    I have tried reset all settings, restart, unplugged the box nothing is working

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      HaroldOctober 19, 2016Staff

      Hello Jill,

      We understand your concern and we are glad to help you.

      For the basic setup you need three things to connect your Apple TV. You need:
      – A high definition television
      – A broadband connection
      – An iTunes account
      Just connect the cords from your Apple TV unit to your television. You may need to purchase a HDMI cable as this may not be supplied when you buy your Apple TV. On your television, navigate to the input source of the Apple TV.

      If you are still unable to connect your Apple TV it’s best to contact their technical support to for proper guidance on a technical matters.

      Cheers,
      Harold

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    SylviaJune 30, 2016

    Hi there
    I have accidentally signed right out of Netflix at the house where I am house sitting
    I have all the details and tried to log in again, however I am only getting a black screen on Netflix

    I was going to follow your rest info but when I go into settings, I can’t seem to find the reset option

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      AlexJuly 7, 2016Staff

      Hi Sylvia,

      In the case of resetting, it’s within the settings application of the Apple TV itself, not the Netflix app.

      Hold down the menu button on your Apple TV remote
      Select Settings (the gear shaped icon, usually to the far right on the main Apple TV display)
      Then General
      Now select Reset and Reset All Settings
      Select confirm

      Please note that this will log you out of all accounts, so you will have to perform setup anew if you do this.

      Regards,

      Alex.

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    DannyMay 25, 2016

    On Apple TV box, how do I change accounts, mine goes back to the home screen but won’t give me the option to change accounts

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      BrodieMay 27, 2016

      Hi Danny,

      You’ll have to sign out of your current account and sign back in again with the other. To do this, follow these steps:

      • Hold down the menu button on your Apple TV remote
      • Select Settings
      • Then General
      • Now select Reset and Reset All Settings
      • Select confirm

      That’s it. Now you should be able to log in again using a different account.

      Thanks,
      Brodie

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    caseyMay 24, 2016

    I am unable to get netflix just keeps telling me no signal

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      BrodieMay 27, 2016

      Hi Casey,

      Apple TV’s Netflix app can be a bit of a pain. I would recommend turning your Apple TV off and on again. If that doesn’t help, I would test the strength of your internet connection with Ookla Speedtest. The minimum recommended speed for Netflix is 1.5Mbps, if you’re not getting that you should check when your property is getting the NBN using our tracker.

      Thanks,
      Brodie

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    NallacApril 30, 2016

    Selected Netflix via Apple TV and initially started the process of one month free membership with my own Apple ID. Chose not to go ahead so selected sign out which closes Netflix. However Netflix continues to open at this sign out screen on reopening (even after restarting the Apple TV ) and so doesn’t allow us to sign in to our Netflix paid account (that has a different Apple ID username). What do I do now??

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      BrodieMay 6, 2016

      Hi Nallac,

      If it’s not too much trouble, I would suggest resetting your Apple TV’s settings. You can do this by following the steps below:

      • Return to the home screen by holding down the Menu button on the Apple TV remote.
      • Open Settings.
      • Select General.
      • Select Reset.
      • Select Reset All Settings.

      Thanks,
      Brodie

      Reply
      Default Gravatar
      DanielMay 26, 2016

      Hi just wondering I have a 4 gem apply Rv that I currently watch Netflix on but the rest of my family has there own Apple TV 2nd gen I think and want to sign into my Netflix account onto that Apple TV as well as I have the 2 screens deal but once I open the app it ask to start free trial or sign out so I choose to sign outage it closes the app so I reopen it and it comes back up with the same screen again all I want to do is get Netflix to work on there apply tv without having to wipe the apply tv and sing the Apple TV into my account completely is there a way round this so that Netflix can be sign into my account and the Apple TV still being the rest of the family’s Apple TV

      Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      AlexMay 31, 2016Staff

      Hi Daniel,

      There should be an option on the initial Netflix sign-in screen to indeed sign-in from a fresh account having signed in. If you’re certain you’re on one of Netflix’s multi-screen deals I’d suggest restarting the Apple TV entirely and trying to sign in then, just in case it’s not clearing whatever sign in credentials have been used previously. Other than that, perhaps contacting Netflix support would be wise to check that they’re giving you the correct deal you’re paying for.

      Regards,

      Alex.

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    EmilyApril 17, 2016

    One of the children setup my Netflix and iTunes account, however with the iTunes account, they put in their details (I wasn’t aware of this until I tried to setup my own iTunes account) – I cant delete their details and I want to set up my own iTunes account, does it matter that there are two iTunes accounts and how do I set up my own and connect to my apple tv as I would like to rent my own selection of movies as well??

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      BrodieApril 18, 2016

      Hi Emily,

      I would recommend deleting your son’s Apple ID from the handset and creating your own. To do this, open Settings and go to iTunes and App Store. Tap the email address field at the top of the screen. An Apple ID management window will pop up, click Sign Out. Then sign in again by creating your own Apple ID and password.

      Alternatively, you can perform a factory reset (NOTE: This will delete all photos and files on the handset).

      To do this, tap General, then Reset and select Erase All Content and Settings. You will be asked to enter the password your son created, which will allow you to wipe the phone and start fresh.

      Hope that helps,
      Brodie

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    jodieApril 10, 2016

    Trying to search genre off menu
    on Apple Tv an error comes up stating

    “Were having trouble accessing these titles for you right now Please try again later(ATV-ui510-2)”
    Please help thanks
    J

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      BrodieApril 11, 2016

      Hi Jodie,

      This is a fairly common issue with Netflix on Apple TV. My first suggestion would be resetting your device by unplugging it and waiting for 15 seconds before reconnecting.

      Let me know if that helps,
      Brodie

      Reply
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