Skip to main content

How to find and install Netflix Games

It’s been half a year since Netflix announced that it would be adding games to its streaming platform, with a focus on unique mobile games that are easy to play on the go. Since then, Netflix has been rolling out its games slowly for specific platforms and building up its roster.

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

10 minutes

What You Need

  • Android or iOS devices with the latest updates

These days, Netflix games are available in over 190 countries. There are currently around two dozen choices, with more games being added over time. They’re designed to be downloaded, so you don’t need an internet connection to play them, and there are no ads or in-app purchases, so as long as you have a Netflix account, you’re good to go. If you’re ready to try out a game or two, here’s how to find them.

Start with the right device

Netflix games are only available on certain mobile devices at this time. That’s in contrast to something like the Apple Arcade, which is made to be friendly for controllers and set-top boxes like Apple TVs. Netflix games, however, aren’t available as native downloads on TVs (we’ll address a potential workaround to this below). To start, you’ll need either an iOS or an Android device – these are the compatible models:

  • Any Android phone or tablet that can run Android 8.0 or later

  • Any iPhone or iPad that can run iOS/iPadOS 15 or later

Since the operating system updates are a key part of compatibility, make sure that your device has the latest OS update before you begin. If your onboard storage is especially full, you may want to take a moment and clear up some space so you’ll be ready to download.

Choose and download a Netflix game

Step 1: Open up the Netflix app on your mobile device. If you’ve never downloaded it to the device before, you can find it in the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Step 2: Log into your profile and scroll down through Netflix’s rows of categories. These can be a little random, but it shouldn’t be long before you come across a new row called Games. If you’re on Android, you can also select a separate Games tab, which may save a little time. You can then swipe left to move through the list of games. Choose one that looks interesting.

The Netflix Games section.

Step 3: The game page will now display. You can check out the summary, player modes, and age rating, and watch some trailers to get an idea of the game. If it’s something that you want to try, choose either Install or Get game, depending on the platform you’re on. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the download.

Netflix Games Game Page Example.

Step 4: Depending on the platform and game, you may get a Permissions pop-up at this point. Accept it to move on. You may also have to log in with your account password or other information.

Step 5: Here, things diverge a little based on the platform. On Android, you may get a new app in the app drawer or home screen, or you may have to access the game again from the Netflix app. On Apple’s iOS, you’ll always get a separate downloaded app on your home screen. Find the game and select it to begin. It should start immediately.

Gameplay on Netflix Stranger Things game.

Step 6: Note that you cannot install games if you are using a kid’s profile on Netflix. You actually won’t see games at all. And games may not appear if a profile is set to a certain maturity level that the game goes beyond.

Playing Netflix games on a smart TV

Are you really invested in a TV gaming experience, or do you want to share your experience with a group? While you may not be able to get games directly on your TV, there’s still a way. Here’s what you can try.

Step 1: Make sure you have a smart TV with casting support for standards like AirPlay and Chromecast casting.

Step 2: When in your game screen on Netflix or in the app, look for the small Casting button. Select it to review your casting options (you may have to change permission settings to enable this). Make sure your smart TV is on and online, and look for its device name.

Casting Button on Netflix Games page.

Step 3: With your smart TV selected, the game should now cast to your larger screen so you can view it there. But that doesn’t always mean that a game will work with a controller. On the Netflix game page, scroll all the way down to the section called More details. Here, find the Supports controllers section, and look to see if it says "yes." Games without controller support may be very difficult to play when casting to your smart TV.

Netflix Games Controller Support.

Editors' Recommendations

Tyler Lacoma
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not…
How to change your title in Diablo 4
Diablo 4 promotional image of Lillith

Despite creating a custom character, and even giving them a name, in Diablo 4, you are really only referred to as Wanderer during the game itself. Your name does appear to other players, however, as well as something called a Title. These are comprised of two words that add a little flavor and personality to you character. The thing is, even as you unlock more options as you play, the game doesn't give you much of a tutorial in how to customize it. Rather than walk around with your default Title for the entire game, spice things up by learning how to change your Title in Diablo 4,

Read more
How to play Diablo 4 with friends
An adventuring party approaches a dungeon door in Diablo 4.

When you're going up against Lilith and her demonic army in Diablo 4, even a warrior as powerful as yourself could use a hand. While playing with friends has been possible in the series for some time now, it is much more fleshed out in the latest entry. This is an always-online game, meaning you will come across other players naturally as you play, and you have the option to partner up with them. While that's great, you will likely want to play with your friends first and foremost. Here's how you can form your ideal party of champions with friends in Diablo 4.

Read more
How to get the true ending in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Zelda holding the decayed Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom.

We all know and love both Breath of the Wild and now The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom for the incredible amount of freedom afforded to us. Not only are you free to explore in any direction you so choose, but you are even free to march straight from the beginning of the game to the final boss if you think you're up to the challenge. Should you win, the final cutscene will play and the credits will roll. But doing that, or anything short of meeting some specific requirements, will cut your ending short. If you want to see the true ending to Tears of the Kingdom, here's how to unlock an additional scene.

Read more