You've packed your bags, fueled up the car, and are ready for a long trip. Now, you're thinking about how to keep your passengers entertained, and Netflix seems like a great choice. But after connecting your phone to Android Auto, you may find that Netflix isn't available.
Don't worry. Although Netflix isn't officially supported on Android Auto, there are some workarounds you can try. In this guide, we'll show you how to watch Netflix on Android Auto with dedicated adapters, screen mirroring apps, and Android AI Boxes, so you can enjoy your favorite movies and shows during your journey.
Part 1. Can You Watch Netflix on Android Auto?
No, Netflix is not officially supported on Android Auto. Android Auto is mainly designed for driving-related apps such as navigation, music, and communication, while video streaming apps like Netflix are restricted to help reduce driver distraction.
When you connect your Android phone to Android Auto, you won't normally find Netflix in the app list. However, this doesn't mean you have no options. If you want to watch Netflix in your car, you can use third-party solutions, including dedicated adapters, screen mirroring apps, and Android AI Boxes.
Part 2. How to Watch Netflix on Android Auto with Dedicated Adapters
If your car supports Android Auto but doesn't let you play Netflix directly, a dedicated Android Auto adapter can be a simple workaround. These adapters plug into your car's USB port and add extra features, such as video playback, without requiring you to install complicated apps on your phone.
One popular option is Ottocast, which offers several adapters designed to add streaming and entertainment features to compatible car displays. Depending on the model, you may be able to use services like Netflix, YouTube, and other video apps directly on your car screen.
2.1 Watch Netflix on Android Auto with Ottocast
Ottocast offers Android-based car adapters that can turn a compatible car display into a more flexible entertainment system. Instead of running Netflix through Android Auto itself, the adapter provides its own system for accessing streaming apps. Here's how to use an Ottocast adapter to watch Netflix:
01Plug the adapter into your car's Android Auto USB port.
02Turn on Bluetooth in the settings on your phone and pair it with your adapter.
03Open Android Auto and then connect it to the car's system.
04Open Netflix on your phone and find your favorite movies or TV shows to play. The content will automatically be cast to the car's screen. Remember to watch it when your car is parked in a safe spot.
- Easy Netflix access
- Built-in streaming apps
- No phone plug-in
- Supports split screen on some models
- Needs Wi-Fi or a hotspot
- Requires an extra adapter
- May have buffering issues
- Not safe for watching while driving
Part 3. How to Watch Netflix on Android Auto with Screen Mirroring Apps
Another way to watch Netflix on Android Auto is to use screen mirroring apps. These apps can mirror your Android phone's screen to the car display through Android Auto.
However, Android Auto does not officially support Netflix or most screen mirroring apps. You may need to install additional tools and enable certain settings on your phone. The exact steps can also vary depending on your Android version and car.
3.1 Watch Netflix on Android Auto with AA Mirror
AA Mirror is a screen mirroring tool that can display your Android phone's screen on an Android Auto-compatible car display. Once connected, you can open Netflix on your phone and mirror the screen to the car.
01Open Android Auto settings on your phone and tap the Version number 10 times.
02Tap the three dots and select Developer settings.
03Turn on Unknown sources.
04Download and install AAAD on your Android phone.
05Open AAAD and select AA Mirror.
06Follow the instructions to install it.
07Connect your phone to the car with a USB cable.
08Open Android Auto on your car screen and select AA Mirror from the app list.
09Open Netflix on your phone to mirror it to the car screen.
- Mirrors your phone screen
- Works with different apps
- No extra adapter needed
- Setup can be complicated
- May require additional permissions
- Compatibility can vary
- Netflix should only be watched when parked
3.2 Watch Netflix on Android Auto with CarStream
CarStream is another tool that can add video playback to Android Auto. It is mainly used to play online videos through the car display, and some users also use it to access Netflix.
01Open Android Auto settings and tap Version 10 times.
02Open Developer settings and turn on Unknown sources.
03Download and install the CarStream APK.
04Allow installation from unknown sources if needed.
05Connect your phone to the car with a USB cable.
06Open CarStream from Android Auto.
07Open Netflix, sign in, and play a video.
- Simple interface
- No dedicated adapter required
- Works through Android Auto
- May require extra setup
- Not officially supported by Android Auto
- Can stop working after Android Auto updates
- Video playback is not safe while driving
3.3 Watch Netflix on Android Auto with Screen2Auto
Screen2Auto is designed to mirror your Android phone's screen to the car display. It can provide access to apps that are not normally available through Android Auto.
01Go to your phone's Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number 7 times.
02Open Developer Options and turn on USB Debugging.
03Download and install AAAD, and then use AAAD to install Screen2Auto.
04Allow the needed permissions.
05Open Android Auto settings and tap Version 10 times.
06Open Developer settings and turn on Unknown sources.
07Connect your phone to the car with a USB cable.
08Open Screen2Auto from Android Auto.
09Open Netflix on your phone to mirror it to the car screen.
- No root needed
- Screen mirroring and app streaming
- Customizable display
- Free to use and ad-free
- Netflix DRM may block video
- Requires third-party installation
- May have connection or lag issues
- Not safe or legal to use while driving
Part 4. How to Watch Netflix on Android Auto with Android AI Boxes
If you want a simpler way to watch Netflix on your car screen, an Android AI Box is another option. These small devices connect to your car's USB port and add an Android system to compatible Android Auto or CarPlay displays.
Unlike screen mirroring apps, an AI Box can run apps such as Netflix directly on the device. Most models require an internet connection, usually through your phone's hotspot or a built-in SIM connection.
4.1 Watch Netflix on Android Auto with Carlinkit
Carlinkit offers several Android AI Boxes that can add streaming apps to compatible car displays. Depending on the model, you can install Netflix and other apps directly on the device.
01Buy a Carlinkit Tbox.
02Plug the box into your car's USB port, which is usually in the front center console, often near the phone charging pad or infotainment screen.
03Open your phone's hotspot in your settings, or use the box's built-in Wi-Fi/SIM card.
04Access the Play Store on the box, find Netflix on the screen, and install Netflix.
05Log in to Netflix with your account details and start streaming.
- No phone rooting needed
- Access to Netflix and other apps
- Runs on its own Android system
- Supports extra storage on some models
- Needs Wi-Fi or mobile data
- Video quality depends on your car screen
- May lag or crash on some models
- Not safe to use while driving
4.2 Watch Netflix on Android Auto with Binize
The Binize Android AI Box is a small device that plugs into your car's USB port. It runs its own Android system on the car screen, allowing you to use apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu without relying on standard Android Auto or CarPlay.
01Connect the Binize AI Box to your car's USB port.
02Wait for the device to connect to the car screen.
03Connect it to Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot.
04Open the Android interface.
05Launch Netflix from the available apps.
06Sign in and choose a movie or show to watch.
- Direct Netflix access
- Supports other streaming apps
- No phone mirroring needed
- Simple setup
- Requires an extra purchase
- Needs Wi-Fi or mobile data
- May not work with every car
- Streaming quality depends on the internet connection
Part 5. Best Alternative to Watch Netflix on Android Auto
If you want to prepare Netflix videos before your trip, ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader is one option to consider. It lets you download Netflix movies and shows to your computer and save them as MP4 or MKV files. You can then transfer the files to a USB drive and, if your car's infotainment system supports video playback, play them on the car screen while parked or during breaks.
ViWizard supports different video and audio settings, so you can choose the quality and language you need before downloading. The downloaded files can also be transferred to compatible phones, tablets, or computers for offline viewing.
For a road trip, downloading your entertainment in advance can also help you avoid relying on a mobile connection while watching. However, always check your car's supported video formats and use video playback only when the vehicle is safely parked.
Key Features of ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader
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- Download Netflix movies and TV shows as MP4 or MKV files
- Preserve HD, 4K, HDR video, audio tracks, and subtitles
- Accelerate downloads when saving long videos or complete seasons
- Remove ads automatically during video downloads
- Save Netflix videos for playback on different devices
How to Download Netflix Video with ViWizard
Step 1: Sign In to Netflix
Open ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader and click Sign in. Log in to your Netflix account to access the content you want to download.
Step 2: Set Download Options
Click the menu icon to open the download settings. Choose the video format (MP4 or MKV), quality, audio, language, and other options, then click OK to apply.
Step 3: Download a Netflix Video
Browse or search for a Netflix title. You can also paste its URL into the address bar. Open the title, click the Download icon, and select Download to start.
Step 4: Find Your Downloads
Click the folder icon next to each title to open and access the files on your device. Right-click a video to open it with a media player such as VLC.
How to Play Netflix on Your Car Screen
You can now make it happen by using a USB drive to play videos you've downloaded. Just ensure your USB drive has enough storage space for all the videos you plan to transfer.
01Format your USB drive to FAT32 or exFAT. These formats are commonly supported by car infotainment systems.
02Connect your USB drive to your computer. Drag and drop the MP4 files you downloaded onto the USB drive. Organize the files into folders if you have a lot, to make it easier to navigate on your car's screen.
03Plug the USB drive into the USB port in your car. This port is often located in the center console or near the dashboard.
04On your car's infotainment screen, go to the media player or USB section. This is usually found under the "Media" or "USB" menu.
05Navigate through the menus to find the MP4 files you transferred. Some cars may require you to switch to the USB source manually. Check your car's manual if you're having trouble finding the media options.
06Select the movie or TV show you want to watch from the list of files on your car's screen.
07Press play, and the video should begin to stream on your car's screen.
Conclusion
Netflix is not officially available on Android Auto, so the methods covered in this guide all rely on third-party solutions. Dedicated adapters and Android AI Boxes are generally easier to set up, while screen mirroring apps can be more technical and may have compatibility or playback issues. Before choosing a method, check that it works with your specific car, phone, and Android Auto version.
If you prefer to prepare your entertainment in advance, ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader is another option. It helps you download Netflix movies and shows as MP4 or MKV files, which you can transfer to a USB drive and play on a compatible car infotainment system. This can be useful when you want to watch during a break in regions with poor internet.
Most importantly, never watch Netflix while driving. Use video playback only when the car is safely parked or for passengers where permitted. Choose the method that works best for your setup and enjoy Netflix safely during breaks or stops.
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Dave Henry, a multimedia technologist at ViWizard, focuses on delivering the best solutions for digital media challenges, including audio and video conversion, media optimization, and troubleshooting.
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