Is Netflix AirPlay Not Working? Here is What You Should Do

Pramendra S.
9 Min Read
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Did you know that over 230 million people worldwide use Netflix? That’s a lot of streaming!

But lately, some of you might have run into a problem: Netflix AirPlay not working. It’s frustrating when you can’t watch your favorite shows on the big screen, isn’t it?

So, what’s going on? Netflix recently removed AirPlay support in one of its updates. This means you can’t easily cast Netflix from your iPhone or iPad to your Apple TV or smart TV anymore.

It’s a change that’s caught many users off guard, similar to when AirPlay stops working when your iPhone locks.

Why did this happen? Well, Netflix says it’s because of technical limitations. But don’t worry. This doesn’t mean you’re stuck watching on your small screens forever. There are still ways to get your Netflix fix on your TV.

In this article, you’ll learn some simple workarounds to keep streaming Netflix on your big screen. Whether you have an Apple TV, a smart TV, or other devices, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get you back to binge-watching in no time!

Why Netflix no longer supports AirPlay

You might have noticed that Netflix doesn’t work with AirPlay anymore. Let’s talk about why this happened.

Netflix wants you to enjoy your favorite shows and movies with the best possible quality. They’re always working to make sure your streaming experience is smooth and glitch-free. But they ran into a problem with AirPlay.

Here’s the issue: When you used AirPlay, Netflix couldn’t tell if you were streaming to an Apple TV or another device. This made it hard for them to guarantee you were getting the best picture quality.

To keep your viewing experience top-notch, Netflix decided to stop supporting AirPlay. It wasn’t an easy choice, but they felt it was necessary to maintain the high-quality service you expect.

Don’t worry, though. This doesn’t mean you can’t watch Netflix on your big screen anymore. There are other ways to do it, and we’ll explore those options next.

Netflix is committed to giving you a great experience, even if it sometimes means making tough decisions like this one.

Let’s fix that Netflix AirPlay problem

You’re all set to watch your favorite Netflix show on the big screen using AirPlay, but nothing happens. Frustrating, right?

Don’t worry, we’ve got some solutions for you. Here are a few ways to get Netflix streaming from your Apple device to your TV, even without AirPlay.

1. Try DLNA apps for streaming

DLNA apps are a great alternative to AirPlay. They let you send media from your iPhone, iPad, or even Android device to your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible smart TV. Here’s how to use them:

  1. Download a DLNA app from the App Store.
  2. Some popular options include AllConnect, AirWire, AllCast, and iMediaShare.
  3. Make sure your device and TV are on the same WiFi network.
  4. Open the DLNA app and let it find your TV.
  5. Launch Netflix on your device and choose what you want to watch.
  6. Use the DLNA app to stream Netflix to your TV.

2. Use Chromecast as an alternative

If you have a smart TV that supports Chromecast, this can be an excellent option. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open the Netflix app on your iOS device and log in.
  2. Look for the Cast icon (it looks like a TV with a WiFi signal) and tap it.
  3. Choose your TV from the list of devices. This process is similar to using AirPlay with a Roku TV, but with Chromecast instead.
  4. Select a show or movie and hit play. It should start playing on your TV.

3. Go old school with an HDMI cable

If the wireless options aren’t working for you, you can always use an HDMI cable and a Lightning to Digital AV Adapter.

This method can be particularly useful when you’re facing issues with AirPlay only playing audio.

Here’s how:

  1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to your TV and the other to the Lightning Digital AV Adapter.
  2. Plug the Lightning end of the adapter into your iPhone or iPad.
  3. Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input.
  4. Your iOS screen should now appear on your TV.

4. Use the Netflix app on your smart TV or gaming console

If your TV has a built-in Netflix app, or you have a gaming console connected to your TV, you can use these directly:

  1. Open the Netflix app on your smart TV or gaming console.
  2. Log in to your Netflix account.
  3. Choose your show or movie and start watching.

5. Try screen mirroring on your iPhone or iPad

If you have an Apple TV, you can use screen mirroring:

  1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone or iPad to open Control Center.
  2. Tap Screen Mirroring.
  3. Select your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV.
  4. Open the Netflix app and start watching.

6. Use AirPlay with a Mac

If you have a Mac computer, you can use AirPlay to stream Netflix:

  1. Open Netflix in your web browser on your Mac.
  2. Click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle at the bottom).
  3. Choose your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV.
  4. Start playing your Netflix content on your Mac, and it should appear on your TV.

7. Try a streaming device

Devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV have Netflix apps built-in:

  1. Connect the streaming device to your TV.
  2. Download the Netflix app on the device if it’s not pre-installed.
  3. Log in to your Netflix account.
  4. Start watching on your TV.

8. Use screen sharing on Android devices

If you have an Android device and a smart TV that supports screen sharing:

  1. Pull down the notification shade on your Android device.
  2. Look for the Cast or Smart View option.
  3. Select your TV from the list of available devices.
  4. Open the Netflix app and start streaming.

The takeaway

Netflix no longer working with AirPlay might seem like a big problem, but it’s not the end of your big-screen streaming experience. There are several ways to keep watching your favorite shows and movies on your TV.

You have options like using DLNA apps, Chromecast, or even a simple HDMI cable. Each method has its advantages, and you might find one that suits your setup better than AirPlay ever did. Don’t forget about built-in smart TV apps or gaming consoles. They’re great alternatives, too.

A common misconception is that without AirPlay, you’re stuck watching on your small device screen. That’s not true at all! With the methods we’ve discussed, you can still enjoy Netflix on your TV with ease.

The most important thing to remember is that technology always offers solutions. Don’t be afraid to try different methods until you find what works best for you. Keep exploring, keep streaming, and most importantly, keep enjoying your Netflix shows on the big screen!

This approach can be helpful in solving various tech issues, from Netflix streaming to figuring out why AirPlay keeps stopping.

We’d love to hear which method worked best for you. Share your experience in a comment below!

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I’m Pramendra (PS), your go-to tech troubleshooter and internet marketer. With years of experience in software engineering, I specialize in fixing everyday issues, whether it’s a frozen iPhone or a misbehaving Mac. My guides are designed to be simple and effective, helping readers quickly resolve their tech problems. I’m passionate about turning complex challenges into clear, actionable steps. Outside of blogging, I’m usually tinkering with gadgets, building smart home setups, or mentoring aspiring developers. You can write to me at pramendra@fixitfreak.com
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