If you would like to enjoy Netflix on Linux a few years back, it would have been frustrating. The good news is, Netflix is now completely supported on Netflix and you can even access foreign Netflix libraries by connecting to the servers of any of the VPN from our picks of the best Netflix VPNs.
There is a catch though, you need to know how to watch Netflix on Linux. Even though Netflix has been available on Linux for some time, it is not going to work without the right setup.
All you need is the right software that is compatible with Netflix and Linux and you are good to go whether you want to enjoy the local American Netflix or any other library.
How can you forget the time when accessing Netflix on Linux was as difficult as finding the holy grail. It needed a specific version of Google Chrome with Encrypted Media Extension (EME) support. It additionally required a specific version of the User-Agent Switcher extension and Mozilla Network Security.
How do I watch Netflix on Linux Mint?
You can watch Netflix on Linux Mint by using Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. You will have to add PPA (Personal Packages Archives) in order to install Netflix on Linux.
$ sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install netflix-desktop
“Quick Tip: You can jump directly to solutions if Netflix not working on Linux“
Which Browsers are Compatible with Netflix on Linux?
Even though there are various browsers that are compatible with Netflix on Linux but Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome are considered to be the best.
Here is how to use the browser individually, as the process can be stressful for new users, we are making sure that you understand each step individually.
How to watch Netflix on Linux using Google Chrome?
First of all instal the gdebi and wget pachages.
You can ensure that every possible prerequisite package is met by using gdebi for the install Google Chrome.
$ sudo apt install gdebi-core wget
Download the Google Chrome browser package.
$ wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
Use gdebi command for the installation of the downloaded Google Chrome package.
$ sudo gdebi google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
Use the GUI menu for starting the Google Chrome browser or blow the command from the terminal.
$ google-chrome
How to watch Netflix on Linux using Mozilla Firefox?
Firefox is the default browser on Linux. If you have mistakenly uninstalled the browser, here is how you can install it on Linux.
Method 1
You can install Firefox from Standard Ubuntu which involves using an apt command for installing an updated version of Firefox.
$ sudo apt install firefox
Method 2
Another approach to install Firefox is from the official website.
Add the Mozilla signing key to the system.
$ sudo apt-key adv –keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com –recv-keys A6DCF7707EBC211F
Add Mozilla PPA repository in apt.
$ sudo apt-add-repository “deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/ubuntu-mozilla-security/ppa/ubuntu focal main”
Now install the latest version of Firefox using this command.
$ sudo apt install firefox
Method 3:
This method involves directly downloading Mozilla from the official website to Linux.
Use the wget for downloading the latest Firefox version into the user’s home directory.
$ wget -O ~/FirefoxSetup.tar.bz2 “https://download.mozilla.org/?product=firefox-latest&os=linux64”
Extract the Firefox package to system’s /opt/ directory.
$ sudo tar xjf ~/FirefoxSetup.tar.bz2 -C /opt/
Make a backup of the Firefox binary executable.
$ sudo mv /usr/lib/firefox/firefox /usr/lib/firefox/firefox_backup
Create an /usr/lib/firefox/firefox executable by creating a new symbolic link from the /opt/firefox directory.
$ sudo ln -s /opt/firefox/firefox /usr/lib/firefox/firefox
Is there a Netflix desktop app for Linux?
There was an app that you could use for the Netflix app and it was an unofficial tool which was a Windows app bundled with Wine. Even though it does not work anymore, here is the step-by-step guide to creating Desktop Applications.
- Open Google Chrome.
- Go to the Netflix website.
- Enter the login credential and sign in to your Chrome.
- Three dots on the top right of the Chrome browser is the Chrome menu button, click it.
- Select More Tools.
- Select Add to Desktop.
- Click Add in the dialog box.
- Check Open as Window.
- Confirm by clicking OK.
Software Requirements and Conventions Used
Category | Requirements, Conventions, or Software Version Used |
System | Installed Ubuntu 20.04 or upgraded Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa |
Software | N/A |
Other | Privileged access to your Linux system as root or via the sudo command. |
Conventions | # – requires given Linux commands to be executed with root privileges either directly as a root user or by use of sudo command |
$ – requires given Linux commands to be executed as a regular non-privileged user |
Netflix not working with Linux: Solutions
Here are the simple but effective solutions to solve the issues associated with the problem of Netflix not working on Linux other than canceling your Netflix subscription.
- Run a Window virtal machice via VirtualBox. Enable the seamless mode to check if Netflix is natively working on your device.
- Run a Linux-based operating system on your hardware.
- Use an alternative device to enjoy Netflix. There are various devices that can easily stream Netflix including Mac, iPhone, Smart TV, Amazon Firestick, PlayStation series, and Roku.
FAQ
Is there a Netflix app for Ubuntu?
How do I watch movies on Linux?
Does Netflix work on Chromium?
Closing
With this article, you now know how to watch Netflix on Linux. This information is gathered and tied to multiple systems so you don’t have to. As Netflix is the greatest platform to enjoy unlimited shows, documentaries, movies, you are all set to binge-watch anything you want. Happy streaming!
Awesome! I tried your advice on the Chrome part and it worked brilliantly. Enjoying netflix now.. Thanks!
Thank You!
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