To set up Netflix on an iPhone, download the free Netflix app from the App Store, open it, and sign in with your Netflix email address and password. Pick your profile and you can start watching. The current Netflix app needs iOS 18 or later.
The steps and requirements come from the Netflix Help Center’s How to use Netflix on your iPhone or iPad, data usage and profiles articles.
How to Set Up Netflix on an iPhone
- Open the App Store and tap Search.
- Type Netflix, tap Search, and select Netflix from the results.
- Tap Get, or tap the cloud icon if you have downloaded it before.
- Tap the Netflix icon on your Home Screen.
- Enter your Netflix email address and password, then tap Sign In.
- Choose your profile.
Result: Your iPhone is connected to your Netflix account, and you see the home screen for the profile you picked.
Which iPhones Can Run Netflix?
Netflix says the most up-to-date app needs iOS 18 or later. If you downloaded Netflix before on your Apple Account, you can redownload an older version on devices running iOS 12 or later. For video quality, Netflix lists Full HD (1080p) on iPhone X and later and HDR on iPhone 8 and later.
Don’t Have an Account Yet?
In 2022, the Netflix app began sending new users to the Netflix website to sign up, after Apple loosened its App Store rules for “reader” apps. You can also sign up at Netflix.com in Safari, then come back to the app to sign in.
Things to Set Up Next
- Profiles: an account can have up to 5 profiles, each with its own recommendations, My List, and playback settings. To add one, tap My Netflix, tap the profile name at the top, then tap Manage Profiles > Add Profile.
- Cellular data: tap My Netflix, tap the profile name, tap App Settings, and choose Cellular Data Usage. Options are Automatic (about 4 hours per GB), Wi-Fi Only, Save Data (about 6 hours per GB), and Maximum Data.
- Downloads: download shows to watch offline. The Wi-Fi Only switch for downloads is in the same App Settings screen.
- Subtitles and audio: tap the screen while something is playing to bring up the subtitle and audio options.
- Notifications: turn alerts off or make them quieter in iPhone Settings. See how to get rid of Netflix notifications on iPhone.
For a floating player while you use another app, check iPhone Picture in Picture requirements. Netflix says Picture-in-Picture is only available on ad-free plans. Spatial audio needs the Premium plan, iOS 14.6 or later, and AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, and it works only on streamed titles.
Can’t Sign In?
Make sure you’re using the same email address as your Netflix account, then see Netflix’s Getting started with Netflix page and its Can’t sign in article. If the app itself misbehaves, Netflix suggests closing it from the app switcher, then turning on the Reset switch in Settings > Netflix and signing in again. Resetting removes any downloaded titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign out of Netflix on my iPhone?
Open the Netflix app, tap My Netflix in the lower right, tap the profile name at the top, then tap Sign Out and confirm.
How much data does Netflix use on an iPhone?
It depends on your setting. Netflix estimates about 4 hours per GB on Automatic and about 6 hours per GB on Save Data. Maximum Data can use 1 GB every 20 minutes or more.
More Netflix Guides
- How to control Netflix data use on iPhone
- How to download Netflix episodes to your iPhone
- How to watch Netflix on an iPad
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are tested on current devices or checked against official product documentation, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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