Can You Watch Netflix on Apple Watch? A Deep Dive into Possibilities and Workarounds

Wish you could catch your favorite show right from your wrist?
While the idea of streaming Netflix on your Apple Watch is appealing, Apple’s tiny wearable doesn’t support native Netflix playback. Yet, with a few creative tricks and some helpful alternatives, you can still use your Watch in conjunction with Netflix in meaningful ways.

Why You Can’t Watch Netflix Directly on Apple Watch

There’s no official Netflix app for the Apple Watch.

Netflix hasn’t built a native app for watchOS, and for good reasons:

• Hardware limitations: The small screen and limited battery life make video playback impractical :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
• DRM challenges: Netflix uses tight digital rights management systems that don’t function on watchOS :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Reddit users frequently point out: “Some watches, such as Apple Watch, cannot play videos” :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. Meanwhile, wearable platforms like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch can sometimes sideload Netflix via APKs—Apple’s ecosystem doesn’t allow that flexibility.

So, What Can You Do Instead?

Though streaming isn’t possible, your Apple Watch can still serve as a handy Netflix companion. Here are several creative use cases:

• Remote control: Use the Watch’s Now Playing or Remote app to pause, play, adjust volume, or navigate when Netflix plays on your iPhone or Apple TV :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Browser workaround: Some TikTok tips show how to open Netflix.com via Siri on Series 9 or newer, but results are hit-or-miss and often blocked by DRM :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Indirect viewing: You can stream Netflix on another device and use the Watch to mirror or control playback—though convenience varies :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

How to Use Your Watch as a Netflix Remote

One of the easiest and most reliable features is using the Watch to control playback:

1. Start Netflix on your iPhone or iPad, or on your Apple TV.
2. Open the Watch app Now Playing or the built-in Remote** app.
3. Your Watch shows controls—play, pause, skip, and volume.
4. Tap or rotate the Digital Crown to adjust volume or control playback :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Reddit users note it works smoothly when Netflix plays via Apple TV or AirPlay :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

Try the Siri + Browser “Hack” (Limited Success)

Latest Watch models include a minimal browser. Some users have reported:

“Use Siri ➝ ‘Netflix.com’ to open the site, log in, and press play.” :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

However:

• Playback often fails due to DRM restrictions.
• Control is awkward on such a small screen.
• Battery drains quickly during video playback.

So while it’s a fun experiment, it’s far from a practical solution.

Can You Mirror Netflix via Other Devices?

Another workaround involves using your Watch more creatively:

• Play Netflix on your iPhone or TV.
• Use your Watch’s camera app to monitor the screen—some users mention this on TikTok :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Or rely on AirPlay: start playback on your phone, cast to a TV, and control it with the Watch.

This method is unconventional, less efficient, and best for novelty rather than regular use.

Comparing Alternative Video Platforms on Apple Watch

While Netflix isn’t supported, other platforms offer limited video playback:

• YouTube: You can watch short clips using browser-based solutions like WatchTube :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Podcasts and fitness videos: Some workout apps for watchOS allow brief video streams.
• AirPlay control: You can use your Watch to remote-control other streaming platforms via Apple TV or AirPlay.

Netflix remains the exception due to DRM and licensing constraints.

watchOS 11: Smarter Remote Features

With watchOS 11, Apple enhanced remote-control features:

• Volume control via the Digital Crown.
• Powering Apple TV on/off, muting audio, and activating Siri :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Useful for video playback apps like Netflix on Apple TV—even if the video doesn’t stream to your Watch.

Common User Reports & Troubleshooting

Popular user reports from Apple Support forums:

“Netflix controls on Watch Series 9 appear—but don’t respond to touch or the crown” :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

Diagnosis: watchOS glitch. Users fixed it by updating OS or re-pairing their Watch :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

What Reddit Users Say

On various Reddit threads:

• “Now Playing mirrors media controls… works great for music, video playback, podcasts, audio streams… or any third party app that properly identifies itself as having media controls” :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• “Found out you can control Netflix via Watch while streaming from iPhone to Apple TV with Watch remote glance.” :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• “Search for remote control apps on the store… should let you do that and more.” :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

Newcomers are often advised to install third-party remote apps from the App Store for expanded control.

Feature Table: What Works vs Doesn’t

Feature	Playable on Watch?	Works as Remote?	Reliable Experience?
Netflix native playback	No	No	No
Control Netflix on iPhone/Apple TV	N/A	Yes	Mostly
Browser Netflix.com via Siri	Experimental	Partial	Unreliable
YouTube short clips (watchOS)	Yes	N/A	Limited

Is All This Worth It?

In short: If you’re after Netflix on your wrist, don’t hold your breath.

The compelling watchOS features focus on remote control—not playback. True video streaming remains best handled on iPhone, iPad, or TV.

1. Control your viewing: Use Now Playing or Remote app—works well for pause/play/volume.
2. Try browser hacks only for curiosity: May work sporadically on newer Watch models—expect limitations.
3. Explore third-party remote apps: For advanced control across platforms and devices.

Looking for a Better Viewing Experience?

Here are smarter setups than streaming on your wrist:

• Apple TV: Use Netflix app and control it easily with your Watch’s Remote after updating to watchOS 11 :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• iPhone or iPad: Traditional streaming—Watch remains a remote control.
• Portable Wi-Fi hotspots: For longer outdoor streaming on your phone, while Watch stays connected.

Future Possibilities

Could Netflix ever create a Watch app? It’s unlikely:

• Battery constraints and screen size issues.
• DRM remains a critical barrier.
• Apple Watch focus leans toward fitness, notifications, and control—video streaming isn’t a priority :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

Conclusion

If you hoped to binge-watch Netflix on your wrist, reality falls short. The Apple Watch does **not** support native Netflix playback. However, it shines as a remote control device—letting you pause, play, skip, and adjust volume when Netflix runs on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. Newer watchOS versions and third-party apps enhance that experience further.

To get the most out of your Watch with Netflix:

• Update watchOS for improved remote control.
• Stick to iPhone/iPad/TV for actual video playback.
• Consider third-party remote apps if you need richer interaction.

Have you tried any of these tricks? Share your Apple Watch model and setup below—I’ll help you get smooth remote control or troubleshoot what’s not working!