Without the right configuration, it won't work. Fortunately, with the right software, Netflix will run on any current Linux distribution.
Follow the steps below to watch videos from your Netflix library on Linux.
At one time, accessing Netflix on Linux was difficult. A specific version of Google Chrome was required, with support for Encrypted Media Extension (EME). Chrome additionally required a specific version of Mozilla Network Security Services and a User Agent Switcher extension. (User-agent modification is a method of tricking a website into using a different operating system or browser).
Now all you have to do is open netflix.com in Google Chrome and log in to your account. Within seconds, you will be able to watch Netflix content seamlessly. Additionally, you have the option to turn Netflix into a desktop app via Google Chrome's Web-App Tools (see below).
For best results playing Netflix in your browser on Linux, stick to Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
While other browsers may boast Netflix support (such as Vivaldi or Opera), Chrome and Firefox are the most reliable.
If Chrome is not already installed on your Linux distribution, you can find it at www.google.com/chrome/.
No additional software or plugins are available for Chrome to stream Netflix videos. Just visit the site as explained above and enjoy. Other Chromium-based browsers should also work, but your mileage may vary.
If Google Chrome isn't for you, count on it as a backup when your favorite browser won't play Netflix. Usually this is just a short term hiccup that can be fixed a day or two later with a new update.
If your distro has Mozilla Firefox pre-installed, you can also watch Linux on Netflix. However, some adjustments are necessary.
If Netflix is not working on Firefox on Linux, check the following:
You should now be able to play Netflix videos in Firefox.
With Netflix available through your browser, you'll be able to access your library, view recommendations, and use the service just as you can through your TV, game console, or mobile app.
But if you need to access a Netflix library from another country (such as Netflix US), you will need a VPN. A virtual private network supporting Netflix allows you to trick the website into knowing where you are. So, if you are in France, select a VPN server in the United States to access Netflix's American library.
Not all VPNs support video streaming through Netflix. Check out our list of the best VPN services to get started.
At some point, you can install an app for Netflix. This unofficial tool was actually a Windows application and was bundled with Wine. This no longer works, but you can create a desktop app on Linux using Chrome's "Add to Desktop" feature.
You should now have a shortcut on your desktop. Double-click to launch Netflix in its own Chrome window.
Another way to watch Netflix on your Linux PC is through the Kodi Media Center software. It does come with some limitations, though – there's currently no support for 4K streaming. Instead, you'll be limited to a maximum of 1080p.
If Kodi is installed, you can use an unofficial Netflix add-on to access your account. Note that this requires providing your account credentials to a third-party app – another great reason to use a VPN.
Start by installing Kodi in the terminal. Update and upgrade first:
sudo apt update &&sudo apt upgrade You are ready to install Kodi:
sudo apt install kodi Next, download the Netflix addon repository.
Download: CastagnaIT for Kodi (Free)
Save it on your Linux PC. In Kodi, open the add-ons browser and select Install from zip file .
Browse Kodi to the download location and install the repository file repository.castagnait-1.0.x.zip .
Click on Back to find the add-ons browser. Select Install from Repository and find the CastagnaIT rest. Browse this for the Netflix add-on and Install .
Ubuntu users should be done here. However, distributions from other branches should install these tools:
sudo apt install build-essential python-dev python-pip python-setuptoolspip install --user pycryptodomex You can now launch the Netflix add-on in Kodi, log into your account and access all movies and shows.
Thanks to all efforts from various sides, we now have Netflix natively on Linux without applying any workarounds. You just need a modern browser or you can watch Netflix using a Kodi add-on.
Need to watch Netflix's American Library? In this case, you need a VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN, which offers a 49% discount to Medium I/O readers.
Looking for something to watch? Use these tools to find movies and TV shows on Netflix.