If Netflix won’t play on HDMI when you connect your laptop to your TV, you could be dealing with an incompatible cable, or your device is blocking the app from displaying an image.
Are you an Apple user, with a lightning adapter? This device is known to have issues when it comes to playing Netflix from your iOS device to your TV.
Checking your settings, or exchanging your cable can help prevent Netflix from displaying a blank screen when you try and access the app through an HDMI.
We have generated this easy-to-follow directory that will guide you through everything you need to know about this setback, as well as provide you with four easy solutions you can use to fix this problem, so you can get back to watching Netflix on a larger, second screen.
Why won’t Netflix play through my HDMI?
Netflix won’t play on HDMI if the input setting is incorrect on your TV. If you are accessing Netflix on your laptop and want it to be displayed on your TV’s screen, it will need to be configured so that your TV’s screen is displaying the image from your PC.
Besides the settings needing to be correct, Netflix may not be working through an HDMI for the following reasons;
Reason 1. Incompatible HDMI cable
If the HDMI cable you are using is incompatible with Netflix, the app will not play on your chosen device.
You may get an error message on your screen stating; ‘HDCP- compatible device is required’ which will confirm the adapter will not work with the device you are trying to stream on.
This problem has been noted specifically on Apple devices.
What is HDCP on Netflix?
HDCP means High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection.
The purpose of this security when using an HDMI cable to stream Netflix is to protect online copyrighted material when it travels from one device through to your TV.
If the device you are using to stream Netflix onto your TV does not meet the HDCP requirements, the app will not play.
Reason 2. Faulty HDMI cable
The HDMI cable you are using could be damaged or faulty. This will prevent Netflix from being mirrored onto your secondary device.
The port you are inserting the HDMI cable into could also be problematic.
Reason 3. Incorrect GPU setting
Along with the input settings needing to be configured correctly, if the GPU (graphics processing unit) is not set to ‘full screen,‘ this could be a potential reason why Netflix won’t play on your HDMI.
Reason 4. Blocked Netflix
If you are using an HDMI cable to your TV to play Netflix, there could be a setting on your television that is blocking the app from streaming content.
Depending on if you are accessing Netflix through the app, or from your browser, it can also play a part in the app streaming successfully.
How do I get Netflix to play through HDMI?
You can get Netflix to play through your HDMI by making sure the input setting on your TV has been set correctly. If you have not configured your television to pick up the display from your laptop through an HDMI source, Netflix will not play. Once you have chosen the correct ‘source’ on your TV, you should be able to view Netflix on your screen.
Is your cable compatible with your devices? There are a few additional fixes you can execute if Netflix still won’t play on HDMI;
Fix 1. Check HDMI compatibility
You will need to troubleshoot your HDMI cable to make sure it is compatible with the devices you are using, specifically if you are connecting a laptop to your TV.
If you have received an error message on your screen, you can attempt one of the following;
- Test your HDMI cable with a different device
- Reverse the cable
- Switch to a different port when connecting the HDMI
- Make sure the cable is connected securely
If none of these steps has resolved Netflix not playing, and you are still seeing a Black or blank screen, you may need to change TV or access Netflix on a device that supports the app without needing to be connected to a different system.
Fix 2. Check HDMI for faults
If the HDMI cable you are using is faulty or damaged in any way, it will interfere with Netflix showing on your connected device.
Use the cable to connect two different devices and see if it works. If it does not, it will confirm you need to replace your HDMI.
Fix 3. Check GPU setting
Make sure the GPU (graphics processing unit) is set correctly. This will ensure you see the mirrored image is successfully displayed on the second screen through the HDMI.
The GPU setting will need to be checked on your laptop. If you are on a Windows PC, you will find it under;
Settings > System > Display > Graphics (under related settings) > Netflix > Options.
You will now be able to choose your preferred graphics setting for Netflix.
Fix 4. Change to browser or app
If you are using the Netflix app to stream on HDMI, attempt to access the service via your web browser instead, and vice versa.
It could be that your TV is blocking the app from playing through, or your browser is being picked up as suspicious.
Netflix won’t play on lightning to HDMI
Many Apple users have experienced issues with Netflix not playing when they use their lightning adapter to connect their iPhones to their HDMI-enabled TV. The cable does not seem to support Netflix’s HDCP protection requirements. It has been reported that this issue seems to have transpired since the iOS 11 system.
Why does my lightning to HDMI not work with Netflix?
Your lightning to HDMI is not working with Netflix because it does not support their HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection).
You may be seeing a Black screen on your TV when you try and use your lightning adapter and cable.
Is there a way around this issue? You can make sure your iOS on updated to its latest version, otherwise, you can make use of a different HDMI cable to connect your devices.
Netflix lagging with HDMI
If Netflix is lagging when you are streaming the app through the use of an HDMI cable, this will be mainly due to your network connection. Even though Netflix is being played through a connected cable, both devices need to be active on a strong network.
You can improve Netflix’s out-of-sync issue by refreshing your internet connection and decreasing the video quality on the app.
Solution 1. Refresh internet connection
The recommended download speed to stream Netflix in high-definition quality is 5Mbps, and 25Mbps for ultra-high-definition quality.
To make sure Netflix is receiving an adequate amount of bandwidth, you can check your internet speed.
Refreshing your internet connection will improve your network speeds and improve your internet’s performance. Reconnect your Wifi router to complete the process.
Solution 2. Decrease Netflix video quality
Changing the Netflix video quality will decrease the amount of bandwidth the app needs to be able to stream without any interference.
Netflix > Settings > Video Quality > Standard
Relaunch Netflix once you have updated its quality.
Conclusion
With this guide, we hope you now understand why Netflix was not playing on HDMI, and that you were able to successfully execute one of the four easy solutions we have provided.
If you are still experiencing issues with using an HDMI cable to stream Netflix, you may have a hardware issue with your device. If you would like to complete a check, you can make use of JustAsk where a verified technician will be able to assist you.