In the entertainment realm, Netflix reigns supreme. The streaming service is compatible with virtually all platforms and operating systems, including Mac devices. As a Mac user, you can look forward to enjoying a seamless experience using Netflix. But if you have not yet used Netflix on your Mac, here’s everything you need to know.
Setting up Netflix
There’s only one way to enjoy Netflix on your Mac, and that is in a browser.
Head to the official Netflix website in your web browser and create an account. To create an account, you will need to choose your plan and enter your payment details. If you already have an account, sign in.
Understand the Platform’s Interface
Netflix is your personalized haven for entertainment. Here’s what you need to know about its interface.
- Homepage – This is where you’ll see curated recommendations according to your watch preferences and history. Also, the homepage is where you can browse movies or TV shows by their genre, new releases, and so on. You can like the shows you find interesting or even add them to your watchlist so you can get back to them later.
- Search bar – The search bar makes it convenient to look for specific titles.
- My Profile – Here, you can manage your viewing preferences, watch history, and parental controls. You can create several profiles to ensure the recommendations are based on the user’s watch history. This is particularly helpful if you are sharing the account with your family members.
- My List – This is where you’ll find all the movies and shows you have added to be watched later. It saves you from the trouble of searching for them again.
- Settings – You can adjust subtitles, video quality, and language preferences by going to Settings.
Downloading Content for Offline Viewing
Netflix has emerged as the new TV. But the shows and movies can be streamed when you are connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. So, what happens when you don’t have access to the Internet? It might be that your ISP’s server is down, or you are traveling and don’t have strong Wi-Fi connections.
Since Netflix doesn’t have an application for Mac, you might wonder whether you watch Netflix shows and movies offline. So, can you download Netflix shows on Mac? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t simple. With an app, you can easily download your favorite TV shows and movies and watch them later. This can be done on your iPad and iPhone. But when it comes to your Mac, you can try the following options to watch the shows offline:
- Do you have an Intel-based Mac? If so, you can use Boot Camp to create a partition and install Windows. Then, use the Windows Netflix application to access your Netflix account and download shows and movies for offline viewing. However, to watch the shows offline, you need to boot your Mac into Windows first. This might hamper your workflow because when you are watching Netflix, you cannot access your macOS data.
- The other option is to download content to your iPad or iPhone and AirPlay it to your Mac. Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
So, while you cannot download content directly for offline viewing, it can be done indirectly.
Enjoy Netflix in Ultra HD and HDR
Are you a stickler for video quality? You can stream Netflix content in Ultra HD and HDR on your Mac computer. You just have to ensure you know the caveats.
- Ultra HD
You can stream in ultra HD if you have a Mac computer with an Apple T2 Security Chip or an Apple processor with a built-in UHD-capable display. You must be running macOS Big Sur or a later version and the latest version of Safari. You must have a Netflix plan that supports streaming in UHD and a steady Internet connection speed of 15 megabits per second or higher.
To ensure the video quality is automatically ultra HD, set the streaming quality to High or Auto.
- HDR
HDR10 and Dolby Vision are the two HDR video formats supported by Netflix. If your Mac is running the latest Safari version and macOS Catalina or higher, and the Mac model is compatible with an HDR-capable display, you can easily watch shows and movies in HDR.
Ensure the High Dynamic Range or Apple XDR Display preset checkbox is ticked by going to the System Preferences or System Settings app > Display. Also, you need to turn off the Optimize Video Streaming While on Battery to make sure the content is consistently streamed in HDR.
Lesser-Known Tips for Enhancing the Netflix Experience
- Secret Netflix codes: You can access hidden categories by typing in specific Netflix codes.
- Parental controls: You can set restrictions on content according to specific titles and age ratings to ensure responsible viewing.
- Viewing activity: You can watch and manage your watch history to receive personalized recommendations.
The Bottom Line
With this guide, you are equipped with all the information required to enjoy Netflix on your Mac computer. Happy streaming!