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Can You Play Netflix on a Chromebook?

Yes, Netflix now runs seamlessly on current Chromebooks

By Marziah Karch Marziah Karch Writer Michigan State University Emporia State University Marziah Karch is a former writer for Lifewire who also excels at Serious Game Design and develops online help systems, manuals, and interactive training modules. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 11, 2021 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher Wichita Technical Institute Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Streaming TV, Movies, & More Netflix Hulu Disney+ Prime Video Apple TV+ Favorite Events Early Chromebooks had trouble running Netflix, but that problem has long since been resolved. The newer Chromebook laptops run Google's Chrome OS instead of Windows or macOS, and they have no trouble streaming Netflix from the internet. If Netflix isn't working on your Chromebook, your Chromebook may need an update.

Which Chromebooks Were Affected

Early in the history of Chromebooks, a shortcoming in both in the pilot program and in the initial summer 2011 release was that people couldn't access Netflix, the popular movie-streaming app. Google quickly resolved the issue. Chromebooks perform best while connected to the internet, and most of their documents and applications are cloud-based. They are easy to use, have virus protection, and are updated automatically.

How to Update Early Chromebooks

If your Chromebook is of that early generation and won't play Netflix, install an update. To update your Chromebook: With your Chromebook on and connected to Wi-Fi, select the time from the bottom right. Select the Settings gear. At the bottom of the left panel, select About Chrome OS. Under Google Chrome OS, you'll find which version of the Chrome operating system your Chromebook uses. Select Check for updates. If an update is necessary, it will start to download automatically.
After you've updated Chrome, playing Netflix movies is as easy as logging in to your Netflix account and streaming them just like you would on any other device. A Netflix subscription is required.

About Chrome OS

The Chrome OS operating system was designed by Google and launched in 2011. Its user interface is Google's Chrome browser. Most of the applications that run on Chrome OS are located in the cloud. Chrome OS is appropriate for people who spend most of their time on the web and use web applications. If you have specific computer programs you can't live without, you'll have to find similar web-applications or stay away from Chrome OS. Chrome OS is built to work exclusively with web applications. You may find that working exclusively in the Chrome browser may be a challenge. Try it for a few days without opening any local programs on your laptop to get accustomed to Chrome. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Can You Use a Chromebook as Your Main Computer? How to Speed up a Chromebook Can Chromebooks Get Viruses? Chrome OS Is Missing or Damaged: How to Fix This Error How to Use Skype for Chromebook How to Fix it When Your Chromebook Won't Turn On How to Get Fortnite on a Chromebook How to Fix it When Chromebook Won't Connect to Wi-Fi How to Use a Chromebook Offline How to Fix It When Your Chromebook Touchpad Is Not Working How to Connect Chromebook to Your TV Chromebook End of Life: Where to Find It and What to Do About It How to Update a Chromebook The 8 Best Android Apps for Chromebook of 2022 How to Fix a Chromebook Touchscreen That's Not Working How to Block YouTube on Chromebook Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies