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How to stream Netflix without a smart TV

Haven't invested in a smart TV? Don’t count yourself out of the Netflix scene.

Brodie Fogg
Brodie Fogg

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Over the past few years, streaming services like Stan and Netflix have slowly taken free-to-air's place in Australian living rooms. However, it’s never as simple as just getting Netflix – you’ve got to choose a plan, make sure your broadband is fast enough to handle streaming video and buy a smart TV compatible with popular streaming apps. Or do you?

Using a smart TV is just one of the many ways you can stream services like Netflix and Stan. There’s actually a huge range of options available if you want access to thousands of movies and TV shows on-demand from the comfort of your armchair.

These are the many ways you can watch Netflix Australia without a smart TV.

I want to watch Netflix Australia:

Through a video game console (Xbox, Playstation and Wii U)

If you own either an Xbox (360 or One), Playstation (3 or 4) or Wii U, you can already access Netflix. Each of these consoles has an online store where you can download games and applications, including Netflix Australia.

Simply download the application from the appropriate store (it’s always free to download), log in with your Netflix account details and you’ll be watching Netflix in no time. Though, if you’re unsure, you might want to have someone close by to show you how to operate Netflix with the video game controller. For more help on getting started, check out our step-by-step guide to setting up Netflix on just about any device.

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Through Google Chromecast

Google's Chromecast is a cheap and easy way to stream content from a smartphone or tablet to a TV. To stream Netflix through Chromecast, simply plug it into the HDMI port in the back of your television and change your TV’s output to HDMI (taking note of the HDMI port you plugged the device into).

If you need more help setting up Chromecast on your television at home, follow our handy guide to watching Netflix on Chromecast.

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Try using Apple TV

Like Google Chromecast, Apple TV is a relatively cheap (usually around $269 for 4th generation) way to watch a variety of media from any old television with an HDMI port (most from the last 10 years). If you do happen to own an Apple TV, check out our step-by-step guide to getting connected and setting up Netflix.

The convenient thing about Apple TV is that you don’t have to jump too many hurdles to get set up. So long as your Apple TV's firmware is up to date, the Netflix app should be ready to launch straight from your home screen.

If you want to learn more, check out our guide to Apple TV

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Connect a tablet or computer directly to your television

Though it may seem complicated, connecting your tablet or computer to your television can really be quite simple with an HDMI adapter. A range of adapters is sold to convert micro USB (Android tablets), lightning (Apple iPad), and many other connections to HDMI (and if you’ve got a relatively new PC, there should already be an HDMI output somewhere on your computer).

All you need to do is connect your computer or tablet to your TV with an adapter, change your television to HDMI output and you should see the screen from your tablet or computer mirrored on the television. Now all you have to do is access Netflix via your web browser or mobile app and you’ll be watching Netflix on the big screen in no time.
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40 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    SlimApril 28, 2019

    Can I watch Netflix on one TV in one room and Stan on another TV in another room in the same house?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JhezApril 28, 2019Staff

      Hello Slim,

      Thank you for your comment.

      If you have subscription with Netflix and Stan in the same house, yes, you can stream Netflix and Stan in the same house on a different device supported by them.

      Regards,
      Jhezelyn

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    BevJune 27, 2017

    What is the cost to get Netflix on my Sony Bravia tv (do not have a smart TV

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MayJune 27, 2017Staff

      Hi Bev,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      The Netflix price policy is actually per plan, not per device you stream the service. Please refer to this page to check the price per plan.

      Meantime, if your Sony Bravia has an HDMI port, then you can stream Netflix from your laptop and connect it through HDMI cable to your TV or use Google chromecast as outlined above. Other ways to stream Netflix if you do not have a smart Tv is detailed above.

      Cheers,
      May

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    NickJune 15, 2017

    Can I get Netflix on TV LG model number 60PK550-AA? What do l have to purchase?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      RenchJune 15, 2017Staff

      Hi Nick,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      With your LG TV 60PK550-AA, it doesn’t have the smart feature to get Netflix. However, since it has HDMI connections, you can connect a blu-ray player (with smart features) / Google Chromecast / Apple TV / a computer to get Netflix and other smart applications. You are actually already on the correct page on how to stream Netflix without a smart TV. Also, make sure that you have a stable internet connection with 3Mbps and above to get Netflix to work properly.

      For further technical support with your television, I suggest contacting LG directly.

      Cheers,
      Rench

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    lindaNovember 24, 2016

    Don’t have mobile phone so how do I set it up?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      HaroldNovember 24, 2016Staff

      Hello Linda,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      It is required that you would have at least a tablet or computer and using HDMI adapter. All you need to do is connect this your computer or tablet to your TV with an adapter, change your television to HDMI output and you should the screen from your tablet or computer mirrored on the television. Now all you have to do is access Netflix via your web browser or mobile app and you’ll be watching Netflix on the big screen in no time.

      I hope this information has helped.

      Cheers,
      Harold

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    LezliNovember 5, 2016

    I have Dish TV and I just got a Sanyo TV but it’s not a smart TV. I want Netflix and I have an account with them. What do I need besides a smart TV?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JasonNovember 6, 2016Staff

      Hi Lezli,

      Thank you for your inquiry.

      Since Netflix is a video streaming service, you’ll need a decent Internet connection to be able to view contents from Netflix then check if your smart TV have Netflix pre-installed or download the Netflix app on your smart TV if it not pre-installed. Just log-in to your Netflix account to be able to watch Netflix contents.
      You can still watch Netflix even if your not using a smart TV as long as the needed TV inputs are available. You can stream Netflix on your TV through the HDMI input using Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Netgear NeoTV, computers, tablets, gaming consoles and other devices that can get Netflix. You can also use other input cables such as HDMI to component cables if HDMI is not available.

      Cheers,
      Jason

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    RalphJuly 17, 2016

    I have my Toshiba laptop connected to my smart TV for large screen youtube and photos etc, can I sign up for netflix and run it via my current computer to the TV.

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MayJuly 18, 2016Staff

      Hi Ralph,

      Thanks for your question.

      Yes, definitely! You can even sign up or get your free 30-day trial when you visit the Netflix site. For a new customer, you’ll be given the chance to opt-in for the free trial upon sign up.

      If you want to check the price policy of Netflix and what other devices you can stream shows and movies, you can find it here.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      May

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    NarelleApril 25, 2016

    Can we order Netflix without having a smart tv

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      BrodieApril 26, 2016

      Hi Narelle,

      There are many ways you can stream Netflix without a Smart TV. This includes but isn’t limited to streaming on a tablet, computer, gaming console or other streaming media device such as Google Chromecast or Apple TV.

      Thanks,
      Brodie

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    BrodieMarch 31, 2016

    Hi Lorraine,

    That depends on the type of television you are using. If you could supply with the brand and model, I can help with getting you connected to Netflix.

    Thanks,
    Brodie

    Reply
    Default Gravatar
    CharmianMarch 30, 2016

    I’ve just bought a smart tv and considering changing from Foxtel to Netflix. What do I do to set it up please?

    Reply
    Default Gravatar
    JulieMarch 29, 2016

    I want Netflix but I don’t have Internet,home phone or computer.Can u plz help me get it set up for the easiest & cheapest way plz.Kindest regards,Julie W

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      BrodieMarch 31, 2016

      Hi Julie W,

      Unfortunately, Netflix does require an internet connection of some sort. There are options for mobile broadband. However, these generally have low data allowances, so we don’t recommend using mobile for Netflix. I would recommend entering your address into our NBN tracker here. This will give you a good idea (and some suggestions) of the kind of internet available in your area.

      Once you’ve got a solid internet connection, check out our comprehensive guide to setting up Netflix here.

      Hope that helps,
      Brodie

      Reply
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