Netflix and FaceTime are two of the most popular apps out there today. But did you know that you can use them together? In this blog post, we’ll show you how to watch Netflix on FaceTime. So, whether you’re travelling and want to keep up with your favorite show or want to watch a movie with your friends, read on for the steps you need to take.

Apple launched the iOS 15 with several cool features. The brand took massive advantage of COVID and lockdown to inculcate Shareplay as a part of the operating system. It has become a great way to spend quality time with your friends and family, even if they’re miles away.  

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming Apps on the market. Its ever-loved series and movies would definitely be on your playlist, but can you stream it with your friends on SharePlay? Does Netflix work with SharePlay? 

Before we get to the answer, first, let us understand what SharePlay is and how it works.

What Is SharePlay?

SharePlay works almost similarly to other video calling apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Team. It allows sharing your screens over FaceTime and streaming content with your friends and family. 

The feature is also helpful in sorting out the difficulties of the iPhone or playing games together. You can also use it for a joint listening session with everyone’s favorite songs. 

Additionally, SharePlay does not work with just iPhones. It is a feature that works with other Apple devices like Macbooks and iPads. However, for SharePlay to work, iPhones, iPads, and Macbooks must have 15.1 iOS, 15.1 iPadOS, and macOS Monterey 12.1, respectively. 

How to Activate SharePlay?

Firstly, ensure that your Apple device is up-to-date with the recommended software. After that, follow the given steps:

• Launch the FaceTime app and start a new call. 
• Open any streaming app and select the title you wish to watch with them.
• Click on the last option of the app, Share Screen, to make your screen visible to other parties. 

Does iOS 15 Allow you to Watch Netflix on FaceTime?

No. Unfortunately, Netflix is one of the few apps that aren’t compatible with SharePlay. This implies that iOS 15 does not allow screen sharing Netflix on FaceTime. The primary reason behind this obstruction is the lack of SharePlay functionalities supported by Netflix. 

Spotify, YouTube, and Netflix are just a handful of apps that do not work with SharePlay. However, other streaming apps support the function, including Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Pluto TV, Paramount+, ESPN+, etc. 

How Can I Watch Netflix With Others?

Do not let the news of SharePlay not working with Netflix get you down! Several apps and extensions will let you share the screen and stream content together. Some of them include:

Teleparty

Teleparty (formerly known as Netflix Party) is a browser extension that works with Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. It lets you and your friends watch Netflix simultaneously while giving an individual control of the play and pause buttons. 

The playback automatically synchronizes for all the watchers and adds a chat box for real-time conversation. Other services like Hulu, HBO, and Disney+ are also supported.

Using the extension is quite easy as well. Simply start the movie or episode, pause, click on the extension, and a session will be created. Everyone involved will just have to join the link. However, it has a downside. The session ends after every play; a new one would have to be created for a new movie or episode. 

Kast

Kast is an extension that supports all major streaming sites, including Netflix. Its official app can be downloaded on Windows and macOS or used on a web browser. Everyone in the room can watch the show simultaneously, but the controls will be limited to one person. 

Metastream

Metastream is a viable Netflix watching extension for Firefox and Chrome; there are no standalone apps. Other than Netflix, it also supports Hulu, Crunchyroll, Youtube, and Twitch. Along with an in-sync playback, the interface also provides a video queue for continued watching and a chat box. 

Watch2Gether

Watch2gether is a popular screen-sharing app known to be compatible with Youtube, Twitch, Vimeo, and SoundCloud, but not with Netflix. However, the company has launched the beta W2gSync feature. It allows users to paste the Netflix URL link in a unique window of a private room. Everyone inside the room can see the movie or episode, but the controls will only be with the room’s creator. 

Apps That Support SharePlay

While SharePlay might not support Netflix, it is a cool feature of your iPhone. Besides the three apps mentioned above, it works with almost all other apps. They include:

Entertainment Apps

The fun and entertaining apps currently supported by SharePlay are:

1. Digital Concert Hall
2. Apple TV+
3. ESPN: Live Sports & Scores
4. Disney+
5. Hulu
6. HBO Max
7. NBA: Live Games & Scores
8. MUBI: Curated Cinema
9. Paramount+
10. Pantaya
11. SHOWTIME
12. Pluto TV
13. STARZ
14. Shudder
15. UFC

Songs and Audio

You can share and have a listening party on SharePlay through these nine apps:

1. BetterSleep
2. Apple Music
3. Moon FM – The Podcasts App
4. Meditation Moments
5. SoundCloud – Music & Songs
6. Relax Melodies: Sleep Sounds
7. Unplug: Mediation
8. TuneIn Radio
9. Vinyls

Games

Play these four games with your friends:

1. Kahoot! Play & Create Quizzes
2. Heads Up!
3. Shhh!
4. SharePlay Guessing Game

Exercise

Want to get in shape? Do it together using these following six apps:

1. Asana Rebel: Get in Shape
2. Apple Fitness+
3. Mapless Walking Directions
4. BetterMe: Health Coaching
5. Workout Plan Bot – Workout Log
6. SmartGym: Gym & Home Workouts

Others

All the other apps you can use with your friends are:

1. Bluebird
2. Apollo for Reddit
3. CARROT Weather
4. Flow: Sketch, Draw, Take Notes
5. MasterClass: Learn New Skills
6. Cameo – Personal celeb videos
7. Doneit: Planner & Reminders
8. Navi – Subtitles & Translation
9. LookUp: English dictionary
10. Piano With Friends  
11. Night Sky
12. Redfin Real Estate: Find Homes
13. Popshop Live
14. Translate Now – Translator
15. TikTok
16. Whiteboard Explain Everything

Why Is SharePlay Not Working On My Apple Device?

SharePlay is a wonderful feature that you should definitely not miss out on! If you’re having trouble operating the feature on your Apple device, then it must be because of one of the following reasons:

iOS Version

Ensure that your Apple Device is up to date with the 15.1 version. If the software is below that, update it by going to the device’s Settings – General – Software Update. If it’s available, then click on Download and Install. If you’re using iPhone 6S/SE/7, your device is incompatible with this version so the feature won’t work. 

Enable SharePlay

While the iOS update will automatically enable SharePlay, it is best to ensure it is on. Here’s how you do it:

• Go to Settings and open the FaceTime tab.
• Now scroll down to SharePlay and click on it.
• There you’ll see SharePlay with a toggle beside it. If it’s off, turn it on.

Compatibility of the App

As we mentioned before, not all apps are compatible with SharePlay. Using the list of feasible apps, check whether your app made it there or not. Amongst the popular apps, Spotify, Youtube, and Netflix are unavailable. 

Conclusion

Netflix is, unfortunately, incompatible with SharePlay. You can, however, stream content from innumerable apps supported by the feature, like Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, etc. They have some great movies and series as well! Although, if you want to have a remote ‘Netflix and Chill’ night with your friends, several extensions allow screen sharing with the app.

Hopefully you enjoyed reading this blog and learned to watch Netflix on Facetime. Stay tuned for more informative articles.

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