How to Watch Netflix Natively on Linux

Netflix, with its vast array of movies, TV shows, and originals, is a prime source of entertainment for many. Traditionally, watching Netflix on a Linux system has been a challenge due to compatibility issues. However, with the right knowledge and tools, it’s possible to enjoy your favorite Netflix content on your Linux machine. This guide is designed to walk you through various methods and tips to seamlessly watch Netflix on a variety of Linux distributions. Whether you are a Linux newcomer or a seasoned enthusiast, you’ll find these steps easy to follow.

Using Google Chrome

One of the most straightforward methods to watch Netflix on Linux is by using the Google Chrome web browser. Google Chrome inherently supports the required DRM (Digital Rights Management) to legally stream Netflix content.

Detailed steps:

1. Download Google Chrome for Linux from the official Google Chrome website.
2. Open your terminal and navigate to the directory where the downloaded file is located.
3. Install the package using the distribution’s package manager. For Ubuntu, this would be: sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
4. Resolve any dependency issues that may arise using: sudo apt-get install -f
5. Launch Google Chrome once the installation is complete.
6. Sign in to your Netflix account at netflix.com and begin streaming.

Summary:

Using Google Chrome is beneficial as it is a popular browser with wide support and easy installation. The potential downside is that it might not be the preferred choice for users who are strict about open-source software.

Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox now supports Netflix streaming natively on Linux, thanks to the implementation of the Widevine DRM.

Detailed steps:

1. Install Mozilla Firefox from your Linux distribution’s software repository.
2. Ensure that you have the latest version of Firefox installed by checking for updates within the browser.
3. Navigate to the Firefox menu, go to Add-ons, and ensure the Widevine Content Decryption Module is enabled.
4. Go to the Netflix website and log in to your account.
5. If prompted to enable DRM content, agree to it, and you should be able to stream Netflix shows and movies.

Summary:

Mozilla Firefox is ideal for those who prefer an open-source browser. It maintains user privacy while providing the required technology to stream Netflix. The downside is that it might require additional steps to enable DRM compared to Chrome.

Using a Virtual Machine

You can run a Windows virtual machine (VM) on your Linux system, allowing you to access Netflix through a browser in the VM just like on a native Windows system.

Detailed steps:

1. Install virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware on your Linux system.
2. Create a new VM and install a copy of Windows on it.
3. Once installed, boot the VM and install a browser that supports Netflix.
4. Open the browser and navigate to the Netflix website to stream content.

Summary:

Using a VM provides a reliable way to access Netflix and other Windows applications. However, it requires a valid Windows license and can be resource-intensive, potentially leading to slower performance.

Using Wine

Wine is a compatibility layer that enables you to run Windows applications on Linux. It can be used to install Windows-compatible browsers that support Netflix.

Detailed steps:

1. Install Wine on your Linux system through your package manager.
2. Download a Windows-compatible browser that supports Netflix.
3. Run the browser’s installer through Wine.
4. Once installed, launch the browser and navigate to the Netflix website to log in and stream.

Summary:

Wine allows you to run various Windows applications, including web browsers, without needing a full virtualized environment. However, it may not support all features of the browser, and incompatibility issues may arise.

PlayOnLinux

PlayOnLinux is a graphical front-end for Wine that simplifies the installation of Windows software on Linux.

Detailed steps:

1. Install PlayOnLinux from your Linux distribution’s package repository or download it from the official website.
2. Open PlayOnLinux and choose to install a browser that can stream Netflix.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the browser.
4. Launch the browser through PlayOnLinux, go to the Netflix website, log in, and start streaming.

Summary:

PlayOnLinux automates many Wine processes, making it a user-friendly option. However, it could still suffer from the same compatibility challenges as Wine.

Kodi with Netflix Add-on

Kodi is a media center application that can be extended with various add-ons, including one for Netflix.

Detailed steps:

1. Install Kodi from your Linux distribution’s software repository.
2. Install the CastagnaIT Repository for Netflix.
3. From Kodi, install the Netflix add-on from the CastagnaIT Repository.
4. Launch the add-on, sign in with your Netflix credentials, and access Netflix through Kodi.

Summary:

Kodi with the Netflix add-on creates a unified media center experience. This route may be more technically complex to set up, however, which could be a downside for less technical users.

Steam Linux Runtime – Soldier

If you have Steam installed, you can use its Linux runtime environment to run the Windows version of web browsers that support Netflix.

Detailed steps:

1. Install Steam on Linux.
2. Enable Steam Play to use the Linux runtime environment.
3. Install the Windows version of a browser through Steam.
4. Open the browser via Steam and visit the Netflix website to start streaming.

Summary:

Utilizing Steam’s compatibility layer is a clever workaround that leverages software you might already have installed. It may not provide the most optimal streaming experience, however, as it is not its primary function.

Custom User-Agent Switching

Netflix can be accessed by tricking the website into thinking you are using a compatible browser through user-agent switching.

Detailed steps:

1. Install a user-agent switcher extension in your Linux web browser.
2. Select a user-agent profile that mimics a supported browser/OS combination.
3. Navigate to the Netflix website, which should now allow you to stream content.

Summary:

User-agent switching is a quick fix, but it is not guaranteed to work, as Netflix can update their systems to block such methods.

Command-Line Applications

Certain command-line applications can connect to the Netflix API, allowing you to search, browse, and play videos in a non-graphical environment.

Detailed steps:

1. Install the command-line application (e.g., nq-cli).
2. Configure it with your Netflix account details.
3. Use terminal commands to interact with Netflix.

Summary:

This method is for users who are comfortable with the command line and don’t require a graphical user interface but may offer a limited viewing experience.

Mobile Device Casting

You can cast Netflix from a mobile device to your Linux system using tools like Google Cast, Miracast, or third-party casting software.

Detailed steps:

1. Ensure both your Linux device and mobile device are connected to the same network.
2. Use a casting app to link the devices.
3. Open Netflix on your mobile device and start casting to your Linux system.

Summary:

Casting is straightforward and utilizes hardware you likely already own. However, it depends heavily on your network’s stability and the capabilities of your Linux system.

In conclusion, there are several viable ways to watch Netflix on a Linux system, ranging from using popular web browsers like Google Chrome and Firefox, to more technical workarounds such as virtual machines or Wine. While each method has its merits, they also come with potential drawbacks that vary based on your system’s capabilities and your personal preferences. Nonetheless, Linux users now have multiple options to enjoy their favorite streaming service without needing to switch to a different operating system.

FAQs

Can I watch Netflix on Linux without installing anything extra?

Yes, you can watch Netflix on Linux using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox without the need for additional software installation, as long as you have these browsers updated to their latest versions.

Will watching Netflix on Linux affect the streaming quality?

The streaming quality should be comparable to that on other operating systems, although certain workarounds like using command-line applications or casting may result in a slight decrease in quality or performance.

Is it legal to watch Netflix on Linux using these methods?

Yes, it is legal to watch Netflix on Linux with these methods, as long as you’re using legitimate software and have an active Netflix subscription. However, be aware that using tools like Wine or user-agent switching can sometimes be a grey area if they circumvent DRM protections.