Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gaming
  3. Guides

How to find and install Netflix Games

By

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.

Recommended Videos

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.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Tyler Lacoma
Tyler Lacoma
Former Digital Trends Contributor
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…
XDefiant ‘Unable to Find a Match’ error: troubleshooting and how to fix
XDefiant

Online shooters like XDefiant have one key requirement: You need to be able to find matches in order to play. Most games launch with a few errors, but in this case, the majority of people hoping to play Ubisoft's latest free-to-play title are getting hit with the "Unable to Find a Match" error when looking for a game. This isn't actually an issue with too few people playing the game, especially since it has cross-platform support, so what's really going on? Here's how you can attempt to resolve the "Unable to Find a Match" error in XDefiant.
How to fix the 'Unable to Find a Match' error
This particular error is a little misleading because it implies no matches are available, but it is really an issue with your connection or the games servers themselves.

If it is indeed the Ubisoft servers that are struggling, which is most likely during the launch period when the most players will be trying to play at once, there is unfortunately nothing you can do but wait for the issues to be resolved on the developer's end. You can check on the XDefiant server status via this website.

Read more
How to use Steam Family
A steam family library in Steam.

Steam has evolved a lot since it initially launched. What was once a simple storefront has developed into the largest PC gaming community in the world, with millions of people around the globe logging on and playing. Because Steam is a digital-only storefront, and games are tied to a single account, it did have a drawback when multiple people in a family wanted their own accounts. There were questions about parental controls, game sharing, and more, but Valve has been working away at a solution. Currently available in the Steam Beta, Steam Families offer a range of options and features that any household should look into. Let's dive into how it works and what you can do with it.
How to start a Steam Family

By opting in on the Steam Beta Client, you will have the option to create a Steam Family with up to five members that are either given an Adult or Child account status. Once set up, you can view and manage your family directly on Steam, on a browser, or via the mobile app. To access the steam beta, open Steam, select the Steam button, and go into Settings. From there, select Interface > Steam Families Beta under Client Beta Participation.

Read more
Check out this charming new game included in your Netflix subscription
Characters stand around a burning pile of hay in Paper Trail.

If you have a Netflix subscription, but have yet to try any of the games included with it, you’re missing out. The streaming service has quietly put together a strong library of titles over the past few years, from certified classics like Hades to strong original games like Laya’s Horizon. Next week, Netflix subscribers can get another charming indie with their subscription: Paper Trail.

Developed by Newfangled Games, Paper Trail is a top-down puzzle adventure about a girl leaving her small town behind to attend university. Her journey isn’t straightforward, though. To achieve her dream, she needs to navigate puzzling forests, proving that she has the brains to tackle the challenges awaiting her on the other side. There’s a unique twist, though: Her world is made up of paper. That gives Paper Trail a tactile gameplay hook that makes it a charming, if light, addition to Netflix’s library.

Read more