You’ve checked into your hotel after a long day of traveling. You turn on the TV, ready to relax and catch up on your favorite Netflix series, but it doesn’t work. Maybe the Netflix app is missing, maybe the hotel blocks access, or maybe the remote has no input button. Don’t worry, there are workarounds that will let you stream Netflix on that hotel room TV. In this post, I’ll walk you through step-by-step methods that have worked for me during many trips across the world.
Check the TV’s Available Ports and Settings First
Before trying anything else, take a look at the back or side of the hotel TV. Is there an available HDMI port? Some hotels hide them or even disable them through the TV settings. If you can access at least one HDMI port, you’re already halfway there.
If the TV remote has an “Input” or “Source” button, test it out to see if you can switch between HDMI inputs. If the hotel uses a custom remote that doesn’t give you access to settings, you might need your own universal remote or another trick we’ll cover shortly.
Use an HDMI Cable with Your Laptop
This is one of the easiest solutions if you’re traveling with your laptop. Simply connect your laptop to the TV using an HDMI cable and select the corresponding HDMI input on the TV.
Once connected, just open Netflix in your browser and play as usual. You may need to adjust display settings on your laptop to extend or mirror the screen, which is easy to do from your display preferences.
If you forgot your cable, many hotels have a convenience store or concierge who might lend or sell one. Or you can order one from a nearby store using services like 👉 Amazon Same-Day Delivery.
Travel with a Streaming Stick (Fire Stick, Roku, or Chromecast)
Streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, and Roku Streaming Stick are incredibly helpful for situations like this. Plug the device into the HDMI port and power it through the TV’s USB port or a wall adapter.
Once powered, you’ll need to connect it to the hotel’s WiFi. This can be tricky since hotel WiFi often requires a browser login. But don’t worry, there are a few ways to work around that:
- Use your phone or laptop to create a mobile hotspot and connect the streaming stick to it.
- Connect the streaming stick to the hotel WiFi through a portable travel router that you configure in advance.
If you’re using a Fire Stick, follow 👉 this guide to connect Fire Stick to hotel WiFi.
Use Your Smartphone with Screen Mirroring or Casting
Most modern smartphones support screen mirroring or casting. If you can access the HDMI input and have a Chromecast or smart-enabled TV, casting directly from your phone is an easy option.
For Android users, use the Cast feature in Quick Settings. For iPhone users, you’ll need an Apple TV or a Lightning to HDMI adapter to mirror your screen onto the TV.
Once connected, just open the Netflix app on your phone and start watching. It will play on the hotel TV as long as both devices are on the same network or connected via HDMI.
Use a Travel Router for Easier Streaming
A travel router can be a lifesaver when dealing with hotel WiFi. Devices like the GL.iNet or TP-Link Nano Router let you connect once using your laptop browser, and then share the connection with your streaming device automatically. Once configured, it works with all your gadgets.
To learn how to use one, visit 👉 TP-Link Travel Router setup guide.
Bring Your Own Universal Remote
Some hotel TVs block access to HDMI input using custom remotes. If the remote has no Input or Source button, or if it’s disabled, using your own universal remote can give you access to all the TV’s functions.
You can buy a small travel universal remote online and pre-program it for common hotel TV brands. Once you connect it, you’ll be able to change input settings freely. Just remember to remove it before checkout.
Ask the Front Desk for Help
In some hotels, especially larger chains, the staff is used to requests like this. Call or visit the front desk and ask if they can switch the TV input for you or enable streaming functionality.
Some hotels now offer smart TVs where you can sign in directly to your Netflix account, and they reset the data automatically when you check out. You can ask whether your room TV supports that feature.
Use an Offline Option: Download Netflix in Advance
In case none of the above options work, the safest way to ensure your Netflix experience is to download episodes or movies before arriving at the hotel.
The Netflix mobile app lets you download select content to your phone or tablet for offline viewing. If you know you’re heading to a hotel with limited TV access, this option is a great backup plan.
You can learn more about this feature from the official Netflix help center: 👉 How to download Netflix shows.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Hotel TVs Limit Your Netflix Time
Hotel TVs can be hit or miss, but that doesn’t mean your Netflix time has to suffer. With a little preparation, you can stream comfortably no matter where you are. Whether it’s using an HDMI cable, a streaming stick, or a travel router, you’ve got plenty of options to make sure your favorite shows are never out of reach.
If you’re a frequent traveler, investing in a streaming device and a small kit of travel tech can make all the difference.
👉 Log in to Netflix and continue watching wherever you are