In this post, we’ll take a look at how to watch Netflix on a VR headset.
It can be fun to play VR games but when you want to chill out and relax, a great way to do so is to experience Netflix in virtual reality.
Many VR headsets even allow you to run Netflix in VR while the headset is charging.
Quick Summary
In this post, we will discuss the following:
- How to run Netflix on an Android-based VR headset
- How to run Netflix on an iPhone-based VR headset
- How to run Netflix on Oculus VR headsets
So without further ado, let’s get started.
How to Run Netflix on an Android-Based VR Headset?
To run Netflix in VR with an Android-based VR headset, it’s important to note that you must have a strong internet connection.
This is important because otherwise, the experience will be very janky and not worthwhile.
This goes without saying but of course, you must also have an active Netflix subscription to run it in VR as well.
Follow these steps to run Netflix in VR on your Android-based VR headset:
Step 1: Download the Netflix VR app from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Run the Netflix VR app on your Android smartphone.
Step 3: Click on Headset.
From here, if you have a VR headset that is compatible with Android’s Daydream software, then click on Daydream View.
If you have a Google Cardboard headset, then click on Google Cardboard.
If you have some other Android-based VR headset, then click on Scan QR code.
Step 4: Once your headset is properly selected, you’ll be prompted to log into your Netflix account.
If you already have one with an active subscription, you can simply log in.
If you don’t, you can sign up for an account and get a subscription.
Step 5: Go ahead and put your phone into your headset and now, you’ll be in Netflix VR.
The default VR Netflix viewing experience is quite interesting. It’s important to note that you can view movies and TV shows within VR that were not even meant to be viewed in VR.
In this case, you’ll have a view of a warm and cozy living room with a TV in front of you. The TV will display your chosen movie or TV show.
This mode is aptly called Living Room mode.
If the Living Room mode is not something that you like, you can also opt for the Void mode which causes the living room to vanish, and you can only see the content.
Important note: The bad thing about Netflix VR is the fact that it cannot be controlled within VR.
Hence, you’ll have to run the content you want to watch beforehand and then, put your phone in the VR headset and wear it.
This is not very convenient because every time you want to pause or rewind, you’d have to take your phone out of your VR headset.
In this case, we recommend that you opt for a VR headset that comes with a Bluetooth controller of some sort.
If you don’t have that, you can also use a second smartphone that can work as a remote for Netflix.
You might also run into the issue of the Netflix app crashing very often.
If this happens to you, there are a few fixes you can try out:
Close the Netflix app completely and then run it again. Uninstall and reinstall the Netflix app. Restart your smartphone. Make sure that no other application is running in the background of your smartphone before you run Netflix VR.
Step 6: If you choose a movie or TV show that is specifically created to be experienced in VR, you won’t have the living room view.
Instead, you’ll be transported properly into the world of whatever VR movie or TV show that you chose.
Important note: If you have a Samsung Gear VR Headset, then you won’t have to do any of the above.
Instead, once you set up your Samsung Gear VR Headset, you can simply choose Netflix from the Oculus home screen.
From here, you’ll be prompted to either sign in or sign up.
Once you do that, you’ll be able to run Netflix on your Samsung Gear VR Headset.
How to Run Netflix on an iPhone-Based VR Headset?
It can be a little tricky to run Netflix VR on iOS-based devices since there’s no dedicated software for it such as Daydream.
Essentially, you’ll have to set up mirroring on your iPhone. This means that Netflix will run on your computer and it will be mirrored onto your iPhone where you’ll experience it in VR.
It may sound tricky, but there are a number of third-party apps that allow you to do this.
We recommend Trinus VR.
If you choose to use some other similar app, make sure that it comes from a trusted source and it’s not malicious.
Follow these steps to set up Netflix VR on your iPhone with Trinus VR:
Step 1: Download the Trinus VR on your computer.
Step 2: Download the companion Trinus VR app on your iPhone.
Step 3: Ensure that both your computer as well as your iPhone are connected to the same wifi network.
Step 4: Launch the Trinus VR app on both your computer as well as your iPhone.
Step 5: Enter the Phone IP on the iOS app.
Step 6: On your computer, open your browser and go to the Netflix website.
Step 7: Choose whatever you want to watch and run it.
Step 8: Put your iPhone into your VR headset and enjoy.
How to Run Netflix on Oculus VR Headsets?
Thankfully, it’s super easy to run Netflix VR on Oculus headsets because support is already built-in.
You won’t have any compatibility issues and won’t have to install any third-party apps as in the case of iOS devices.
Follow these steps to run Netflix VR on your Oculus VR headset:
Step 1: Navigate to the Oculus Store and download and install Netflix.
Step 2: Go to the home screen and select Netflix.
Step 3: If you already have an account with an active subscription, log in.
If you don’t have an account, sign up, log in and choose an appropriate subscription.
Step 4: Choose what you want to watch and enjoy.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to experience Netflix in VR.
This is true even in the case of iOS devices that don’t have inherent compatibility with Netflix VR.
With some devices, it’s easier to do than others, but with a little patience and effort, you can get it running on pretty much anything that has VR support.