The quickest way to get Netflix on Apple TV
Netflix appears on Apple TV through the App Store built into your device. Open the App Store on your Apple TV, search for Netflix, and tap Install. Sign in with your Netflix account when prompted, and the app will be ready to use within seconds. The whole process takes about two minutes.
This works the same way whether you have an Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, or the older Apple TV (3rd generation or later). The Netflix app is free to download — you only pay for a Netflix subscription if you don't already have one.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix installs directly from the App Store on your Apple TV without needing a computer or phone.
- You need an active Netflix subscription to watch, but the app itself costs nothing to download.
- If Netflix doesn't appear in search results, your Apple TV may need a software update first.
- You can sign in with the same Netflix account on multiple Apple TVs in your home.
Step-by-step installation on your Apple TV
Start by pressing the Home button on your Apple TV remote to reach the main screen. Look for the App Store icon — it looks like a blue square with a white plus sign — and select it. Use the search function (usually at the top of the App Store) and type "Netflix" into the search box.
When Netflix appears in the results, select it and choose the Install button. Your Apple TV will download and install the app automatically. Once installation finishes, you'll see an Open button instead of Install. Select Open to launch Netflix for the first time.
When Netflix opens, you'll see a sign-in screen. Enter your Netflix email address and password. If you don't have a Netflix account yet, you can create one through the Netflix website on your computer or phone, then sign in here with those credentials.
What to do if Netflix won't appear in the App Store
If you search for Netflix and nothing shows up, your Apple TV likely needs a software update. Go to Settings on your Apple TV, select System, then Software Updates. Choose Update Software and let your device restart if needed. This usually takes five to ten minutes. Once the update finishes, return to the App Store and search for Netflix again.
If Netflix still doesn't appear after updating, check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings, select Network, and confirm you see a connected Wi-Fi network or ethernet connection. A weak or dropped connection can prevent the App Store from loading properly.
In rare cases, signing out of your Apple ID and signing back in can fix App Store problems. Go to Settings, select Users and Accounts, select your Apple ID, and choose Sign Out. Then sign back in with your Apple ID credentials and try installing Netflix again.
Signing in with your Netflix account
When you open Netflix for the first time, the app will ask for your Netflix email and password. Use the same login information you use on Netflix's website or on your phone. Your Apple TV remote has a keyboard that appears on screen — use the remote to highlight letters and numbers and select them one by one.
If typing on the remote feels slow, you have a faster option: on your phone, open the Netflix app, go to your account settings, and look for "Sign in on TV" or a similar option. This generates a code you can enter on your Apple TV instead of typing your full password. The exact name of this feature varies depending on your Netflix plan and app version.
Once you're signed in, Netflix remembers your account. You won't need to sign in again unless you manually sign out or reset your Apple TV.
Using Netflix on multiple Apple TVs
If you have more than one Apple TV in your home, you can install Netflix on each one and sign in with the same account. Netflix allows multiple people to watch at the same time depending on your subscription plan — Basic plans allow one stream, Standard allows two, and Premium allows four simultaneous streams.
Each Apple TV can have a different user profile signed in. Go to Settings on your Apple TV, select Users and Accounts, and create a new user if needed. Then open Netflix and sign in with your account on that profile. Netflix will remember which profile you used and show you that person's recommendations and watch history.
Troubleshooting common Netflix problems on Apple TV
If Netflix crashes when you open it, try force-closing the app. Press and hold the Menu button on your remote until Netflix closes, then open it again. If that doesn't work, go to Settings, select Apps, find Netflix, and choose Delete to remove it. Then reinstall Netflix from the App Store using the steps above.
If you see an error message like "Cannot connect" or "Network error," your Apple TV has lost internet connection. Check your Wi-Fi or ethernet connection in Settings under Network. If your connection is fine but Netflix still won't load, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings, selecting System, and choosing Restart.
If you're signed in but Netflix says your account is invalid or your password is wrong, your Netflix account may have been changed on another device. Go to Netflix.com on your computer, sign in, and check your account settings. You can also reset your Netflix password from that page, then sign in again on your Apple TV with the new password.
Removing Netflix from your Apple TV
If you want to delete Netflix from your Apple TV, go to Settings, select Apps, find Netflix in the list, and choose Delete. This removes the app but doesn't affect your Netflix account or subscription. You can reinstall Netflix anytime by returning to the App Store and installing it again.
Deleting the app also signs you out automatically. If someone else will be using your Apple TV, deleting Netflix is a good way to make sure they can't access your account without signing in fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay to download the Netflix app?
No. The Netflix app is free to download from the App Store. You only pay if you have a Netflix subscription, which is separate from downloading the app. If you don't have a subscription, you can still download the app and create an account through it.
Can I use the same Netflix account on my Apple TV and my phone at the same time?
Yes, as long as your Netflix plan allows multiple streams. Basic plans allow one person to watch at a time, Standard allows two simultaneous streams, and Premium allows four. You can watch on your Apple TV and phone at the same time if your plan supports it.
What if I forgot my Netflix password?
Go to Netflix.com on your computer or phone, select "Sign In," and choose "Forgot password?" Enter your email address and Netflix will send you a reset link. Once you've created a new password, sign in on your Apple TV with the new one.
Why does Netflix keep asking me to sign in again?
Netflix usually asks you to sign in again if your Apple TV lost internet connection, if your Netflix account was accessed from an unusual location, or if your subscription ended. Check your internet connection first, then verify your Netflix subscription is active on Netflix.com.
Can I download Netflix shows to watch offline on Apple TV?
No. Apple TV doesn't support Netflix's offline download feature. You can download Netflix shows on phones and tablets through the Netflix app, but Apple TV can only stream content while connected to the internet.