How to connect phone to TV with USB to watch Netflix

You can connect your Android or Apple mobile device to many TVs. Connecting your mobile devices allows you to use your TV as a display for content playing on the Netflix mobile app, or use your mobile device as a remote. Below you'll find different ways to connect your mobile device to your TV.

Android phone or tablet

Connect using Chromecast built-in (formerly Google Cast)

TVs with Chromecast built-in allow you to cast from your mobile device to the TV. Chromecast built-in is available on Philips, Polaroid, Sharp, Skyworth, Soniq, Sony, Toshiba, and Vizio TVs.

To cast from your Android mobile device:

  1. On your mobile device, open the Netflix app and sign in.

  2. In the upper or lower right corner of the screen, select Cast

    How to connect phone to TV with USB to watch Netflix
    .

  3. Select the device you want to watch your TV show or movie on.

  4. Select a TV show or movie and press Play.

You can fast forward, rewind, pause, or change the audio or subtitle settings from your mobile device.

Connect using Netflix 2nd Screen

The Netflix app on your mobile device has the ability to sync to select TVs and streaming media players, allowing you to control your Netflix experience from your phone or tablet.

To use your Android mobile device as a remote:

  1. Connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.

  2. Launch the Netflix app on both your TV and your mobile device.

  3. Sign in to the same Netflix account on both your TV and your mobile device.

  4. Select the Cast icon

    How to connect phone to TV with USB to watch Netflix
    in the upper or lower right corner of the screen.

  5. Select the device you would like to watch your TV show or movie on.

  6. Select a TV show or movie to watch and press Play.

    • If you encounter issues with 2nd Screen, see our Troubleshoot Netflix 2nd Screen article.

You can now fast forward, rewind, pause, or change the audio or subtitle settings from your mobile device.

Connect using an external cable

Mobile devices can use a cable to connect directly to a TV in order to display content played on the mobile device. Cable connections vary based on the mobile device output and TV input requirements.

To connect your Android phone or tablet to your TV, you'll need a cable to mirror the display of your mobile device content onto your TV. Most newer Android phones and tablets will use a connection Type C (also known as USB-C) or Type D (Micro HDMI). Most newer TVs will use HDMI connections while older TVs may use VGA.

When using compatible connections to watch Netflix, you may notice a difference in how streamed and downloaded titles display.

Note:

Autoplay is not supported with cable connections.

iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Connect using Chromecast built-in (Formerly Google Cast)

TVs with Chromecast built-in allow you to cast from your mobile device to the TV. Chromecast built-in is only available on Philips, Polaroid, Sharp, Skyworth, Soniq, Sony, Toshiba, and Vizio TVs.

To cast from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:

  1. Open the Netflix app on your mobile device.

  2. Once you’re signed in, select the Cast icon

    How to connect phone to TV with USB to watch Netflix
    in the upper or lower right corner of the screen.

  3. Select the device you want to watch your TV show or movie on.

  4. Select a TV show or movie and press Play.

You can now fast forward, rewind, pause, or change the audio or subtitle settings from your mobile device.

Connect using Netflix 2nd Screen

The Netflix app on your mobile device has the ability to sync to select TVs and streaming media players, allowing you to control your Netflix experience from your phone or tablet.

  1. Connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV.

  2. Launch the Netflix app on both your TV and your mobile device.

  3. Sign in to the same Netflix account on both your TV and your mobile device.

  4. Select the Cast icon

    How to connect phone to TV with USB to watch Netflix
    in the upper or lower right corner of the screen.

  5. Select the device you would like to watch your TV show or movie on.

  6. Select a TV show or movie to watch and press Play.

    • If you encounter issues with 2nd Screen, see our Troubleshoot Netflix 2nd Screen article.

You can now fast forward, rewind, pause, or change the audio or subtitle settings from your mobile device.

Connect using an external cable

Mobile devices can use a cable to connect directly to a TV in order to display content played on the mobile device. Cable connections vary based on the mobile device output and TV input requirements.

To connect a 30-pin device to your TV, you'll need a compatible composite, component, or HDMI cable connection kit.

To connect a Lightning device to your TV, your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch will need to be running iOS version 11.2.6 or above and you'll need a compatible HDMI connection kit. More information on compatible connection kits is available on Apple's support site.

When using a compatible connection kit to watch Netflix, you may notice a difference in how streamed and downloaded titles display. Streamed titles will allow the video to fit the screen. Downloaded titles will mirror your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch display, so you may see black bars surrounding the video.

Airplay is no longer supported for use with Netflix.

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  • Can't find 'Cast' button in Netflix app
  • What devices can I use to stream Netflix?

Can I play Netflix on my TV from my phone USB?

Yes, you can connect your phone to your TV with USB using an HDMI-to-USB adapter. Switch the TV source to USB and use the Netflix app on your phone to find something to watch.

Can I plug my phone into my TV to watch Netflix?

To connect your Android phone or tablet to your TV, you'll need a cable to mirror the display of your mobile device content onto your TV. Most newer Android phones and tablets will use a connection Type C (also known as USB-C) or Type D (Micro HDMI). Most newer TVs will use HDMI connections while older TVs may use VGA.

How do I display my phone on my TV using USB?

USB-C cable with DisplayPort support You can rely on the support for DisplayPort to enable USB-C to HDMI screen mirroring of your mobile to TV. Connect the USB-C cable to your Android phone and connect it to a docking station with an HDMI port or USB-C to HDMI adapter.

Can I use the USB port on my TV to watch movies from my phone?

Connect Your Phone to an HDMI TV Using USB Type-C Including support for the DisplayPort standard, it enables USB-C to HDMI screen mirroring of your phone or tablet's display to a TV. Simply connect the USB-C cable to Android, then connect this to a suitable docking station with HDMI out or a USB-C to HDMI adaptor.