I recently bought ASUS Chromebook Flip C101 as my travel companion. And since day one, I was using the web browser to watch Netflix. While I’d no trouble streaming Netflix from the browser, I recently stumble upon Netflix official app on Chromebook. Turns out the Netflix android app offers much better viewing experience over the browser and not just that, you can also download movies and TV shows and watch American Netflix with a VPN. Sounds fun? Let’s see how to do it.
Read: Do Airpods Work With Chromebooks? Yes, but It’s Not Perfect
Before we begin, if you are running an early generation of Chromebook, make sure to update it first or it won’t play Netflix seamlessly. To update your Chromebook open the Google Chrome browser, tap on the wrench icon at the top of the screen, select ‘About Google Chrome’ and select Check for Updates.
After you’ve updated Chrome, you should be able to play Netflix on your chrome browser natively. However, I would recommend you install the Netflix Android app for added features like VPN support and offline downloads.
Pretty much every Chromebook launched after 2017, supports Google Play Store right out of the box. However, if you bought your Chromebook before 2017, you can check if your Chromebooks support Android apps from this link.
If you find your Chromebook in the list but still can’t find Google Play Store, then you need to enable it from the Settings. To do so, first, update your Chromebook by using the steps I showed you at the beginning of the article. Next, once your Chromebook is updated, then go to the status area and select the Settings cog. Go to the Google Play Store section, and check Enable Google Play Store on your Chromebook. Agree to Google’s terms of service. And you should be able to use the Google Play Store app now.
Rest is easy. To download Netflix on Chromebook, follow the steps
1. Open the Google Play Store on your Chromebook
2. Search for Netflix and install the app
3. Once installed, open the Netflix app and Sign In with your account
4. Next, tap the Download button at the bottom center of the screen
5. Tap on the ‘Find something to download’ button at the center of the screen\
6. Search the show or movie that you want to download
7. Tap the download button next to the movie or episode that you want to download (looks like an arrow)
8. To remove the item from your download list, tap the delete button (looks like an ‘x’) next to the movie or show
How to download American Netflix on Chromebook
Turns out, you can also use selective VPN services to watch American Netflix on Chromebook and even download them for offline use. Not all free VPNs works with Netflix, however, few paid VPNs such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Smart DNS Proxy usually works fine. I would recommend you confirm it with the customer rep before paying for the VPN service.
I used the Smart DNS Proxy VPN app from the Google Play Store and tried a couple of VPN servers and within a few attempts, it works for me. I was able to watch American Netflix, (to be precise ‘The Office US’) on Chromebook. And not just that, I was even able to download the episodes for offline use.
Netflix Proxy Error
In case you an encounter a Netflix proxy server or VPN error, simply uninstall the Netflix app and reinstall it from the Google Play store with your Smart DNS Proxy VPN server turned ON. This will make Netflix believe you are browsing from the states, you can cross-check that by taping on the signup button once the app download if you see the Netflix plans in USD, you are good to go. Sign to your account, while the VPN is running in the background and you should be able to download Netflix shows as well watch them.
