Google's range of smart displays are designed to make life easier and more entertaining. Early in the life of smart displays, functionality was limited. For example, users couldn't watch Netflix, among other limitations. Fortunately, you can now stream Netflix directly to your Google Nest Hub.
This article will guide you through the steps to stream your favorite Netflix movies and shows directly to your Google smart display.
Watch Netflix on Google Nest Hub
Watching Netflix on your Google Nest Hub device is pretty simple. You will first need to link your Netflix account to your Google account. Then you can use "Ok Google" commands to control what content you want to see. Let's review both in detail.
Link Netflix to your Google Home app
As with everything about your Google Nest, we'll start with the Home app on your iOS or Android device. If you don't have the Google Home app, you can download it from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. Next, sign in to your Google account.
After downloading the app, here's how to add your Netflix account:
- Launch the Google Home app on your phone.
- Tap the '+' icon in the top left corner.
- Press Video in the menu that appears.
- Tap Connect under Netflix.
- Tap Account Link in the pop-up window that appears.
- Now your mobile device's web browser will open and ask you to sign in to your Netflix account. Enter your login credentials and press Log in and create a link.
A confirmation pop-up will appear once you log in to your Netflix account. This confirmation means that your Google Home account and Netflix account are linked and you can start streaming to your Nest Hub.
How to watch Netflix on the Nest Hub
Now that the two accounts are linked, you can start watching Netflix on your smart display. You can also set it to use voice commands, if you want. For example, "OK Google, play Stranger Things" on TV" or "OK Google, play the next episode." There are a bunch of voice commands you can use depending on what you want to achieve.
Here is a list of voice commands you can use to start watching or controlling content on your Google device:
- To say 'Ok Google, watch Stranger Things on Netflix' – Of course, you can insert any title you wish to see.
- To say 'Ok Google, pause Netflix' – If you need to take a break momentarily, your Google Assistant will pause Netflix for you. So say 'Ok Google, take over Netflix' to pick up where you left off.
- To say 'Ok Google, launch episode 3, season 1 of Stranger Things' to quickly jump to an episode.
- To say 'Ok Google, fast forward ten seconds' to skip a scene.
- To say 'Ok Google, turn on subtitles' to launch captions and subtitles.
- To say 'Ok Google, volume up/down' to control the volume.
As you can see, there are many variations of commands that your Google Assistant will recognize and execute.
Remember that voice commands are logical and relate specifically to what you want to watch and where you want to watch it. Since the Google Home Hub can play content on your TV or Chromecast, you need to specify which device you want to play it on. Otherwise, using the system is child's play. Voice commands are described here.
How to use Google Nest and Netflix
Now that you know how to link and watch Netflix on your Google device, let's go over some more details that will help you enjoy more functions. Of course, you can control what content you want to watch using Google's voice commands, as described above. But, you can also use the touchscreen and Google Gestures to get the most out of your viewing experience.
If you're unfamiliar with Google Gestures, follow these steps to enable them:
Google Nest Hub Max
- Open the Google Home app on your mobile device and tap on your Nest Hub device.
Notes: Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Google Nest device and that the Nest device is active. - Tap the Settings cog in the top right corner.
- Press Recognitiontion and sharing.
- Turn Quick gestures ouch
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
The instructions are slightly different if you're using the 2nd gen Nest Hub:
- Open the Google Home app and tap the Nest Hub device on the Home page.
Notes: You must connect your mobile device to the same Wi-Fi network that your Google device uses. - Tap Parameters.
- Tap Gestures.
- Turn Gestures ouch
You can now pause and resume Netflix by raising your hand to the camera sensors of Google Nest Hub devices. You can also control content using the Nest Hub screen. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, here are some things you can control:
- Pause
- Fast forward or rewind ten seconds
- Activate subtitles
- Use the scroll bar at the bottom to quickly locate a scene and pick up where you left off
Not only is Netflix compatible with your Google device, but it's packed with features with lots of user-friendly controls and options.
Troubleshooting Netflix on Google Home Hub
If you add the Netflix app to your Google Home Hub, link it and it still doesn't work, try setting a default TV or playback device. It seemed to work fine when we did. If you are having trouble playing Netflix, you can try this to see if it works. You can always undo it if not.
You will need to have your playback devices configured before setting a default.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Select Account & Devices from the menu.
- Select the device you want to use as default.
- Select the cog settings icon in the top left.
- Select Default TV to set it as the default playback device.
Once done, Netflix should play as expected on the Google Home Hub. The other benefit of doing things this way is that you no longer have to add "on TV" to your voice commands. You can just say "OK Google, play Stranger Things", and it will understand your commands and play on the default device.
Even if you set a default setting, you can still play on other devices by specifying it in your voice command.
If you are still having trouble watching Netflix on Google Home Hub, you can try linking the two accounts again according to the first process. From our testing, there were no issues replacing a previous link request with a new one, so this might work for you too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although the process is simple, we have included some additional information in this section.
Do I need a Netflix subscription to watch Netflix on my Google Nest?
Yes. You need a username, password, and active subscription to watch Netflix on your Google Nest Hub devices.
Can I cast Netflix from my phone to my Nest Hub?
Yes! Streaming Netflix is another easy way to watch your favorite shows and movies on your Nest Hub. All you have to do is open the Netflix app, play a title, tap the Cast icon, and select your Nest Hub device. As long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, Netflix will automatically appear on your Nest Hub screen.
Does Netflix play well with Google Home Hub? Did you have to find a workaround, or did it work the first time? Do you have any tips for setting it up? Tell us about them below if you do!
