Undoubtedly, Google and Netflix are giants in their respective industries. While Netflix is the number one video streaming company, Google is the go-to source for internet searches and smart home devices. Both companies are two different entities offering different services to users. But with a rollout of several smart devices by Google, it’s becoming easier to use both platforms simultaneously.
With devices like Google Assistant, Google Home, Google Nest Mini, Google Chromecast, etc., you can enjoy cinematic Netflix video streaming anywhere, in your home, office room, or abroad. All you need is to connect Netflix, Google Assistant, and Google Home with Google Chromecast to your smart TV and catch all the fun on your big screens.
So, if you’ve bought your Google Home, but haven’t linked it to your Netflix account yet, keep reading. This article contains a short guide on how to connect your Netflix with both Google Home and Google Assistant.
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What about the integration issues between Netflix and Google Chromecast?
Google Chromecast had a lot of issues, including software bugs and speaker compatibility problems in the past. But Netflix’s abrupt inability to sync all Google TVs’ libraries was the most annoying. The whole idea of Google TV was to enable users to manage their favorite movies and shows on a single platform no matter the number of services they’re using. They could find every TV show or movie on different streaming platforms via Chromecast.
Netflix being the top streaming service was a priority, and there was even a Netflix button on Google Chromecast. Unfortunately, users’ expectations were not met when the Google TV app stopped accessing the Netflix catalog. It started when Chromecast could not support user’s attempts to add Netflix originals to their watch list even though they could do it on the web or via the Google TV android app.
While users were still wondering about it, the issues escalated to the point where users couldn’t link Netflix to the Google TV app. There was no room to see movies or shows on Netflix on Google TV listings. While other streaming services such as Hulu, Disney+, HBO, etc., were still available, Netflix couldn’t be found.
Fortunately, a few months ago, the functionalities were restored. Users can now access the Netflix directory on Chromecast with Google TV. You can now manage your watchlist, including Netflix and other streaming services such as HBO Max, Hulu, etc., on Chromecast. You might need a Chromecast VPN with you to unblock the Netflix version you want, but that’s not a tough task either.
So, if you’ve been discouraged about using Google Home and Google Assistant due to these glitches, don’t be. Both platforms have fixed the issues, and you can now get the best experience by combining both services.
Users can now jump to Netflix from Google TV search results. But let’s also point out that the Google TV app is yet to allow Netflix searches and to add movies to the watchlist. But there’s hope that such issues will be fixed in the nearest future.
How to use Netflix with Google Home and Google Assistant
Google Home and Google Assistant are two services you need to boost your streaming experience on multiple services. Google Home allows you to utilize the functionalities of Google Voice Assistant fully.
Google Assistant is an internet-connected service that helps you to execute commands on Google. All you need is to give instruction about a particular task, and it gets to work. Once you say words such as “Hey Google,” “OK Google,” the assistant becomes alert to complete your requests.
With Google voice control, you can control every Chromecast smart device in your home. Since your Google Home comes with the Voice assistant, you can boost your Netflix experience by executing searches and selecting your favorite shows and movies with your voice.
What do you need?
If you have already gotten your Google Home, you can proceed to the next step. But if you haven’t, get the following:
- Google Home
- Google Home App (latest version)
- Chromecast device with you wherever you are (plug into your TV if it’s not built-in)
- Netflix Account (Link your account to Google Home)
Note: While many TVs come with Chromecast built-in, you will still need a higher Cast version such as Version 1.21 or even higher. Also, your TV may have Chromecast built-in, but it may not be compatible with the Google Home Voice control. So, check all these to know what to do.
How to connect the devices
The first thing to do is to link the devices through the Google Home Application. After that, link your Netflix account to your Google account. Once you do that, you’re set to navigate Netflix on Google home.
So, do the following:
- Open your Google Home App
- Select “Menu”
- Find “More setting” under “Google Assistant”
- Select the “Services” tab
- Choose “Videos and Photos”
- Locate Netflix
- Tap the “Link icon” to link your Google and to the Netflix app
After linking the services, you can now boost your video streaming experience on your Google Home using the voice control functionalities. For instance, you can command the in-built virtual assistant in Google Home to play your favorite show on your TV or even pause an ongoing movie. You can even command it to open Netflix or YouTube on your TV, and it completes your request.
Conclusion
Using Netflix with Google Home and Google Assistant is very exciting. You don’t have to struggle with your remote anytime you need to execute a particular action. Once you say “Hey Google” or “OK Google,” the in-built virtual assistant on Google Home becomes attentive to your requests.
Also, remember that you can also use Google Home & Google Assistant to control Chromecast-connected devices or built-in devices. Some TVs come with Chromecast built-in, while others don’t. So, check yours first to know if it supports Chromecast features. If it does, you’ll simply enable it. But if it doesn’t, simply get a Chromecast dongle and plug it into your TV’s HDMI port.
Thankfully, the integration issues between Google Home and Netflix have been resolved and the important functionalities restored. However, it’s unfortunate that the Google TV Android app is yet to allow users to search Netflix contents or even update their Google lists. But there’s hope in that direction.
