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| Netflix Games can be played on supported TVs using a phone or tablet as the controller. |
By Juli Scarr
Netflix Games has quietly expanded beyond mobile, letting you play games directly on your TV without a console or dedicated controller. If you already use Netflix to watch shows and movies, you may already have everything you need to play games on the big screen.
Netflix’s TV gaming experience is built around simplicity. Games run through the Netflix app on supported TVs and web browsers, while your phone or tablet acts as the controller. There are no extra downloads on the TV itself, no separate subscriptions, and no in-app purchases.
If you have seen a Games option while browsing Netflix on your TV or at Netflix.com, you are already on a compatible device.
Where you can play Netflix games
Netflix games are available on both TVs and web browsers, with mobile games remaining available on phones and tablets.
Netflix’s TV gaming experience is not yet available everywhere. According to Netflix, games on TVs and web browsers are currently supported in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Mexico, France, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, Finland, Germany, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
On supported smart TVs and streaming devices, games appear directly inside the Netflix app. You can browse or search for a game and select Play Game to get started.
Netflix games are also playable through Netflix.com using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Depending on your setup, you can use a phone as a controller or play with a keyboard and mouse.
All Netflix games are included with your membership. There are no ads, extra fees, or in-app purchases.
Using your phone as a controller
Instead of a traditional gamepad, Netflix uses your phone or tablet as a controller. Once you select a game on your TV or browser, a QR code appears on screen.
You simply scan the QR code with your phone’s camera and follow the on-screen instructions. Once connected, your phone becomes the controller and the game starts right away.
You do not need to be signed in to Netflix on your phone to use it as a controller. Netflix states that no account data is shared during the connection process.
How to connect on Android
- Choose a game on your TV or in a web browser and select Play Game
- Open your Android device’s camera and scan the QR code on the screen
- Select the link that appears and install the Netflix app if needed
- Scan the QR code again
- Your phone connects as the controller
- Start playing
How to connect on iPhone or iPad
- Choose a game and select Play Game
- Open your iPhone or iPad camera and scan the QR code
- Open the Netflix controller pop-up on your device
- Your phone pairs with the TV and the game begins
Supported TVs and devices
Netflix games on TV require a stable internet connection. Netflix recommends download speeds of at least 10 Mbps, with a wired connection preferred when possible.
- Amazon Fire TV devices and smart TVs
- Chromecast with Google TV
- LG smart TVs
- Roku devices and TVs (supported models)
- Samsung smart TVs
- Sony smart TVs
- Nvidia SHIELD TV
- TCL smart TVs
- Vizio smart TVs
- Xfinity 4K devices
- Xumo devices and smart TVs
You may need to install the latest system updates and Netflix app updates for games to appear.
Playing Netflix games on a computer
Netflix games are also playable on Netflix.com using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. If your browser supports games, you will see Games in the top menu.
On a computer, you can play using a phone or tablet as a controller, or a keyboard and mouse. Physical game controllers are not supported at this time.
Exiting a game
To exit a game on TV, use your phone controller to press the Netflix button and select Exit Game, or use your TV remote’s back button and confirm.
On Netflix.com, hold Shift and press Tab, then select Exit Game. If you are using a phone as a controller, you can also exit through the Netflix button on your device.
A simple way to play on the big screen
Netflix’s TV gaming setup is designed to remove friction. There is no console to buy, no controller to pair, and no separate storefront to manage. If your device supports games and you have a phone nearby, you can start playing in just a few steps.
As Netflix continues expanding its games library and TV support, playing games through the same app you already use for streaming is becoming a more visible part of the Netflix experience.