If you’ve ever found yourself sitting in your car—whether waiting for friends or family, charging your electric vehicle (EV), or simply taking a break—you’ve probably wished you could stream your favorite Netflix shows on your car’s display. While Apple CarPlay wasn’t originally designed for video streaming, with the right tools and setup, you can make this a reality. Here’s how!
Why Watch Netflix on CarPlay?
Now, before you raise an eyebrow, let’s clear something up. We’re not advocating for watching Netflix while driving! We all know that’s a terrible idea. But there are plenty of legitimate reasons why someone might want to stream Netflix on their car’s screen, and they don’t involve being on the move. Imagine these scenarios:
- Charging your EV: While your car is plugged in, you could be catching up on your favorite series.
- Entertaining kids or passengers: Long road trips can be tough. A quick episode of a cartoon can keep the little ones happy.
- Waiting for friends or family: Sometimes, you find yourself parked up, waiting. What better way to pass the time than watching an episode or two?
- Taking a break or eating in your car: Whether you’re on a road trip or just grabbing a quick meal in your car, streaming Netflix can make the experience more enjoyable.
- Using your car as an office: If you’re working from your RV or camper, or just parked up between appointments, a little Netflix break can be a great way to unwind.
It’s all about how you use the technology, and we’d like to think most of us know not to drive and binge-watch at the same time.
How to Watch Netflix on Your CarPlay Display?
While it’s possible to watch Netflix on your CarPlay display, not all methods are created equal. Here are the main ways to do it, along with their pros and cons:
1. Using a CarPlayAI Box
Pros:
Comes with a pre-installed app for streaming Netflix.
Cons:
Need to insert a separate data SIM into the CarPlay box, or use your phone’s hotspot to connect.
2. Jailbreaking Your iPhone
Pros:
Allows you to run certain apps, like Netflix, directly on your CarPlay display without additional hardware.
Cons:
Risky with newer iOS versions, as it involves installing third-party certificates, which can compromise your phone’s security.
Jailbreaking can lead to compatibility issues and make your phone more vulnerable to malware.
3. Using an HDMI to CarPlay Adapter (Recommended)
Pros:
No need for an external internet connection or separate SIM. You simply connect your phone and use its data, and your Netflix account stays secure on your mobile device.
Easier and more intuitive to navigate since you’re already logged into the Netflix app on your phone.
Cons:
Requires purchasing a compatible HDMI to CarPlay adapter and an HDMI cable.
Watch Netflix on CarPlay with an HDMI Adapter: What Do You Need?
Ready to stream Netflix on Apple CarPlay display? Here's a simple checklist of everything you need:
1. An iPhone
(Unfortunately, Android users, these HDMI adapters don’t support Android devices.)
2. An HDMI to USB-C or HDMI to Lightning Cable
This will connect your iPhone to the adapter, so make sure you have the right one depending on your phone’s port.
3. An HDMI to CarPlay Adapter
You’ll need an adapter from brands like CarlinKit or Ottocast. These devices convert the HDMI signal from your iPhone into a format your car’s CarPlay display can show.
4. A Netflix Subscription
Make sure you have a Standard or Premium Netflix subscription. Keep in mind that ad-supported Netflix plans don’t allow HDMI streaming.
Pro tip: Some people might try using an HDMI to USB-C or HDMI to Lightning hub instead, but you'll still need an HDMI cable to attach the hub to your CarPlay adapter. To keep things simple, just go for an HDMI to USB-C/Lightning cable from the start.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide:
Now that you’ve gathered your gear, setting up Netflix on your CarPlay display is straightforward. Just follow these steps:
1. Connect your HDMI to CarPlay adapter to your car’s CarPlay port.
2. Plug the HDMI cable into the adapter’s HDMI port.
3. Connect the other end of the cable (USB-C or Lightning) into your iPhone.
4. Select the CarPlay option on your car’s display to switch over to the HDMI feed.
5. Open Netflix on your iPhone, browse your favorite shows or movies, and tap to play.
6. Sit back and enjoy! You’re all set to watch Netflix on your CarPlay display.
Grab some popcorn, relax, and let your car's screen turn into a mini home theater (just be sure you’re parked, of course!).
To make the setup process even easier, check out the video below. It provides a visual walkthrough of how to connect your HDMI adapter and stream Netflix on your CarPlay display.
Conclusion:
Streaming Netflix on your Apple CarPlay is not only possible but also incredibly convenient with the right setup. Whether you're passing time while charging your EV, entertaining passengers, or simply enjoying a break, using an HDMI to CarPlay adapter makes the process seamless and secure. So, gather your essentials, connect your device, and turn your car into a comfortable spot for entertainment. Just remember—safety first, and keep the streaming for when you're parked!
