Is there a Netflix app for Mac? What to know about streaming on your Apple computer
💡 Fast fix
- No app on Mac. Netflix only supports browser streaming on macOS.
- Use Safari for best results. Chrome and Firefox work too, but Safari supports HD better.
- No downloads. You can’t download shows on Mac—but you can AirPlay from your iPhone.
Sometimes, you just want to snuggle up in bed with a bowl of ice cream and Grey's Anatomy streaming 12 inches from your face. Or maybe you're sneaking in Stranger Things between meetings. Either way, you're probably wondering if there's a Netflix® app for Mac®.
At Asurion, we're plugged into tech, and we're here to help you get the best streaming experience. From figuring out why your Mac browser isn't working to fixing a full MacBook® disk, we've got you covered. If you're itching to watch Netflix on your Mac, here's how to get streaming.
Check whether a Netflix app exists for macOS
Currently, there is no Netflix app for macOS, and the company hasn’t announced any plans to release one. The streaming service also removed the option to use Netflix AirPlay with Mac, so you can’t mirror your screen on a nearby TV.
Netflix has created apps for many other devices, including:
- Android™ phones
- Apple TV®
- Chromebook®
- iPhone®
- iPad®
- Windows™ 10 and later
There are no Netflix downloads for macOS because the company prefers you to stream directly in your web browser. This generally provides a smoother experience, especially when watching in HD.

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How to watch Netflix on your Mac using a web browser
While there isn't a native Netflix app for Mac, that doesn’t mean you’re cut off from Love Island forever. You can still stream Netflix using popular browsers like:
- Safari®
- Chrome®
- Firefox®
To start streaming Netflix on your Mac:
- Open your browser
- Visit netflix.com
- Sign in with your username and password
- Click a show or movie to start playing
Want quick access next time? You can drag the Netflix URL to your Dock to create a shortcut. Then just double-click to open Netflix directly.
Other ways to watch Netflix on your Mac
If you don’t want to stream Netflix in your browser, there are a few workarounds—just know that none of them offer downloads.
Use AirPlay from your iPhone
This workaround lets you play Netflix from your iPhone to your Mac:
- Download the Netflix app on your iPhone
- Connect your Mac and iPhone to the same Wi-Fi
- On your Mac, go to System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff
- Turn on AirPlay Receiver and select your iPhone
- On your iPhone, open Control Center and tap the screen mirroring icon
- Select your Mac
- Open Netflix on your iPhone—it should mirror on your Mac
This is the only way to watch downloaded content from your iPhone on a Mac, since downloads aren’t available natively on macOS.
Skip third-party apps
Some sites claim to offer Netflix apps for Mac, but most are unsafe or outdated. Stick with browser streaming or AirPlay to stay secure.
FAQ
Can I download Netflix shows on my Mac? No. Netflix does not allow downloads on macOS. To watch offline, download content on your iPhone or iPad and use AirPlay.
Is Safari the best browser for Netflix on Mac? Yes. Safari supports higher video resolution than Chrome or Firefox and typically streams in HD.
Does Netflix work on older Macs? It depends on your operating system. Netflix requires macOS 10.15.5 or later to stream reliably.
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