How to Watch Netflix on Smart TV without Internet

By Alex Mercer Updated on May 23, 2025

Smart TVs are preferred devices for watching Netflix movies and TV shows together at home with families and friends. Lounging on a couch and watching on a large screen is inherently more comfortable and relaxing than huddling over a laptop or holding a phone or tablet. Besides, watching Netflix content on a large, high-definition (HD, 4K, or even 8K) Smart TV provides a far more engaging and cinematic experience. If you're wondering how to get started to get Netflix on a Smart TV with or without the Internet, here's a comprehensive guide to help you.

watch netflix on smart tv without internet

Part 1. How to Get Netflix on a Smart TV with Internet via App

Seamlessly integrated into the Smart TV experience, the official Netflix app is the most direct and convenient way to dive into a world of entertainment. With most Smart TVs featuring the app either pre-installed or readily available for download, getting started is straightforward. If you have an active Netflix account and a stable internet connection, here's how to unlock Netflix on your Smart TV:

List of Smart TV Brands with Native Netflix App Integration

How to Watch Netflix on Smart TV with Internet

Step 1 Check Your Smart TV's Connectivity Option

Before you begin streaming Netflix on your Smart TV, ensure it's connected to the internet. Here's how:

  • For Wi-Fi:

    1. Using your Smart TV remote, navigate to the "Settings" or "Network" menu.
    2. Select "Set Up Wi-Fi" or "Wireless Network."
    3. Choose your home Wi-Fi network and enter the password when prompted.
    4. Select "Connect" to establish the connection.
    5. Once connected, your Smart TV will display a confirmation message.
  • For Ethernet Cable (if applicable):

    1. Locate the Ethernet port on your Smart TV and router.
    2. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the port on your Smart TV and the other end to your router.
    3. Your Smart TV may automatically detect the connection. If not, follow any on-screen instructions for manual configuration.

Step 2 Find and Install Netflix on Smart TV

  1. Verify that your Smart TV is connected to the internet.
  2. If the Netflix app is not pre-installed, navigate to the TV's app store (e.g., Samsung Smart Hub, LG Content Store, Google Play Store for Android TVs) or section on your Smart TV.
  3. Search for "Netflix" and select the app from the results.
  4. Click the "Install" button to download and install the Netflix app on your smart TV.
  5. Once installed, locate the Netflix app icon in your Smart TV's app menu.
  6. Launch the app and sign in to your Netflix account or create a new one if needed.

install netflix on samsung smart tv

Step 3 View Netflix on Smart TV with Internet

  1. After connecting Netflix to your smart TV, you can use your TV remote's navigation buttons to browse the extensive library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and originals available on Netflix.
  2. Select the title you want to watch and press "Play" to start streaming.
  3. Depending on your Smart TV model, you may have additional features within the Netflix app, such as personalized recommendations, "Search," "Play Something," "New & Popular," or genre categories.

watch netflix on hisense smart tv

Part 2. How to Watch Netflix on a Smart TV without Internet

Netflix fundamentally relies on an internet connection to stream its vast library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more directly to your Smart TV. As a streaming service, Netflix delivers its content over the internet, unlike traditional cable or satellite. Without an active internet connection, your Smart TV cannot access Netflix's extensive catalog, nor other popular streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+.

While Wi-Fi or an Ethernet connection is typically essential for your Smart TV to access the internet, there are situations where your internet connection might be unreliable, slow, or simply unavailable. If you find yourself in such a scenario, facing intermittent service, slow speeds, or even a complete outage, but still wish to enjoy your favorite Netflix content on the big screen, a perfect solution exists.

StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader is designed for Netflix subscribers to download Netflix content as local 1080p MP4 files, ideal for watching without the need for an active internet connection. Once downloaded, you can easily transfer these files to a USB drive or external hard drive. These drives can then be connected directly to your Smart TV, allowing you to play Netflix videos without any internet dependency. It's the ultimate solution for enjoying your downloaded Netflix library offline anytime, anywhere, on your Smart TV.

How to Watch Netflix on Smart TV without Internet

Here's a step-by-step guide on how Netflix subscribers can use StreamUlt to download desired content from Netflix on their PC or Mac in advance, and then transfer the files to a USB drive or external drive for offline viewing on their TVs, including non-smart TVs.

2.1 Download Netflix Shows or Movies in Advance

Step 1Explore Netflix Library through StreamUlt

Upon launching StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader on your laptop, access the integrated Netflix Web Player. Click "Sign in" and fill in your Netflix account credentials to unlock full access to Netflix's extensive library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, anime, and originals.

sign in netflix account

Step 2Customize Download Settings

To tailor your download experience, click the hamburger icon located in the top right corner of the StreamUlt interface. Select "Settings" and navigate to the "Download" section. For a truly customized viewing experience, personalize the output video format, codec, quality, audio channel, language, and subtitle preferences to suit your Smart TV. Click "OK" to save your customized settings.

set netflix preferences for smart tv

Step 3Search and Select Content

Close the Settings window and return to the StreamUlt Web Player. Utilize the search bar to find specific content by name, keyword, or code. Alternatively, paste the URL or code of the Netflix TV show or movie you wish to download. Once you've located the desired video, open it to proceed.

browse netflix library to watch without internet

Step 4Initiate Download Process

With your chosen content selected, click "Download" to begin the download process. StreamUlt will automatically start downloading individual episodes or entire seasons for TV shows, as well as full-length movies. Wait for the downloads to complete; they will be saved as MP4 or MKV files in your laptop's default download folder.

add netflix to download for watching without internet

Step 5Access Downloaded Content

To access your downloaded Netflix content, navigate to the "Converted" section at the top of the StreamUlt interface. Here, you'll find all completed downloads ready for transfer to your Smart TV. If needed, click the "Folder" icon next to each title to locate and access the downloaded files individually on your laptop.

view downloaded netflix video

2.2 Watch Netflix Shows or Movies on Smart TV without Internet

Pro Tip: For easier navigation on your Smart TV, consider organizing your downloaded Netflix videos into folders on the USB drive. Create folders for different genres, TV shows, or movies.

Step 1Copy the Video Files to USB Drive

  1. Open the folder where StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader saved your downloaded videos.
  2. This is often the default "Downloads" folder on your computer, or check the "Converted" section within StreamUlt.
  3. Select the Netflix video files you want to transfer by clicking on them. Hold down "Ctrl" (Windows) or "Command" (Mac) to select multiple files.
  4. Right-click on the selected files and choose "Copy" from the menu.
  5. Open the window for your USB drive by double-clicking its icon on your computer.
  6. Right-click inside the USB drive window and select "Paste" from the menu. This copies the Netflix video files to your USB drive.

Step 2Connect USB Drive to Smart TV

  1. Safely eject the USB drive from your computer to ensure the files are properly saved and prevent data loss.
    • On Windows: Right-click the USB drive icon in the system tray and select "Eject."
    • On Mac: Drag the USB drive icon to the trash or click the eject icon next to it in Finder.
  2. Locate the USB ports on your Smart TV. These are usually on the sides or back.
  3. Carefully insert the USB drive into one of the USB ports on your Smart TV.

connect usb drive to smart tv

Step 3Watch the Video Files on Smart TV without Internet

  1. Use your Smart TV remote to access the TV's menu.
  2. Look for options like "Media," "Source," or "USB" to access external devices.
  3. Navigate to and select the USB drive from the list of available devices.
  4. You should see the list of video files you transferred to the USB drive.
  5. Select the Netflix video file you want to watch using the arrow keys on your remote.
  6. Press the "Enter" or "Play" button on your remote to start playback.
  7. Kick back and enjoy your favorite Netflix shows or movies on your Smart TV without needing an internet connection.
  8. Use the TV remote's playback controls to pause, rewind, or fast forward through the video.

view netflix on smart tv without internet

Part 3. How to Connect Netflix to TV from a Phone

If your smart TV doesn't have a built-in Netflix app, there are still ways to get Netflix to work on a big screen. One easy way is to cast or screen mirror Netflix content from your smartphone directly to your television. This section will guide you through various methods to hook up Netflix from your phone to your TV, whether you have a Smart TV with built-in casting capabilities or an older model that requires an external device. Get ready to transform your mobile viewing into a big-screen spectacle.

How to Cast Netflix from Phone to TV via Casting

  1. Make sure your phone and your smart TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Launch the Netflix app on your Android phone or iPhone and sign in to your Netflix account..
  3. Navigate to the "Cast" icon on the top or bottom right on the Home tab. This typically looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi signal in its top-right corner of the screen.
  4. Tap the "Cast" icon, and a list of available casting devices on your network will appear. Select the name of your Smart TV from this list.
  5. Select a Netflix video you want to watch on your phone; the video will be immediately played on the TV, syncing with your operation on your phone.

connect netflix to tv from a phone via casting

Note

To unlink Netflix from your phone to TV, simply tap the "Cast" icon and select "Disconnect". Then you will log out of your Netflix account on the smart TV automatically.

Casting Netflix to TV from your phone is a convenient option if both your phone and TV are on the same WiFi network. However, some users may find no Cast icon on their Netflix app on mobile devices. In this case, you'd better update your Netflix and operating system to the latest. Most importantly, ensure you're ad-free Netflix subscriber. Additionally, the cast function may be unavailable on your TV model.

How to Stream Netflix from Phone to TV via HDMI

If your TV isn't compatible with casting or you don't have Wi-Fi, an HDMI cable is an excellent alternative to connect Netflix from phone to TV. But ensure you take the correct connection ends.

Watch Netflix from an Android Phone to TV

  1. Use a USB-C to HDMI adapter or cable. Some older TV models may use the VGA port for video and audio transferring.
  2. Connect the correct ends of the HDMI cable to your TV and phone.
  3. Switch the TV's input to the HDMI source.
  4. Launch Netflix on your phone, find a great Netflix video, and start streaming.

cast netflix from phone to tv with hdmi cable

Play Netflix from iPhone to TV

  1. Use a Lightning-to-HDMI or USB-C to HDMI adapter and cable according to your iPhone model.
  2. Plug the Lighting/USB-C connection to your iPhone and insert another HDMI end to your TV.
  3. Select the correct HDMI input source on your TV and control Netflix playback from your phone.

stream netflix from phone to tv via hdmi adapter

Note

You can link Netflix from your phone to your TV using USB cable when there is a USB-C or Thunderbolt port on your TV or display. Otherwise, connecting via the HDMI video cable supported video playback is your only choice.

This method ensures a stable connection without requirements under the same WiFi, which is perfect for those having a poor WiFi connection or no WiFi function on their TV. Additionally, this way is very secure; a wired connection can prevent the risk of leaking your Netflix account and other privacy data. However, the episode or movie will not automatically play the next one in this way.

Part 4. In Conclusion

There's a method to get Netflix on your smart TV, even without a reliable internet connection. From using the built-in Netflix app with a seamless internet connection to downloading Netflix shows for offline playback via StreamUlt Netflix Downloader via USB, or casting directly from your phone, the flexibility of today's technology ensures that Netflix can remain the centerpiece of your home entertainment setup. With this guide, you're now equipped to enjoy the best of Netflix, online or offline, wired or wireless, on the big screen.

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