Netflix on XBMC
Netflix on XBMC streaming isn’t simply a feature which can be good to have, for lots of people it is THE must have for just about any video streaming software. Unfortunately it’s been missing from XBMC for a variety of reasons, until now.
No Netflix account?
First, you need to grab a Netflix account to be able to stream from, sign up over here (or click the below banner).
XBMCFlicks
To achieve Netflix on XBMC you simply need have XBMC 10.0+ installed on Windows or OS X. Because of a absence of Silverlight support, this currently doesn’t work on XBMC Live, Linux, or iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, AppleTV). Sorry about that… You additionally have to reside in a region that has Netflix streaming (currently US and Canada). Also another bummer..
Install XBMC Flicks
To install XBMC Flicks in the latest version of XBMC all you need to do is go into your settings then add-ons. Simply click get add-ons -> XBMC.org add-ons -> video add-ons then scroll to your bottom of your list and click XBMC Flicks.
Note: Should you don’t see XBMC Flicks, you don’t have a system that is capable of playing streaming Netflix or you are missing needed components.
Click on install within the following window and the add-on shall be immediately downloaded and installed in your HTPC.
Configure XBMC Flicks
To change settings for the application click configure from the installation window.
You may need to change the setting “Are you in Canada?” if you are using Netflix from Canada. This setting will automatically make use of the Netflix.ca website for streaming.
If you use OS X, change the “OSX” setting under miscellaneous to Yes.
Allow Usage of Netflix
The next step is to authorize XBMC Flicks to connect to your Netflix account. If you are familiar with authorizing any other Netflix streamer this step will be really familiar to you.
In XBMC check out videos -> video add-ons -> XBMC Flicks and you’ll be prompted to click OK when you finally finish authorizing the add-on.
A browser window should automatically launch and proceed to the Netflix authorization page.
Sign in and then click “Yes, Link This Account” and you will be sent to the confirmation page.
Now close your browser and return to XBMC and click Okay.
Restart XBMC and go back to the add-on.
Using XBMC Flicks
XBMC Flicks works like every other Netflix streaming application.
You have access to browse your instant queue, top rated 25, new arrivals, or by category. You can even search to jump directly to videos regardless of whether it’s in your instant queue.
Once you find a relevant video you would like to watch, the full screen Netflix window will open and begin streaming your video. You will have to log into Netflix to begin playback so we would recommend having Netflix remember your login information for seamless playback.
During playback a remote control will still work for play, pause, etc., however if you don’t have a remote you will need to push Alt+F4 in Windows or Command+Q in OS X to quit playback and return to XBMC. If you don’t have a remote, check out our Logitech Harmony post and why we think you need to get one!
Hit us up in the comments for any questions or problems! As always, happy HTPC’ing!
I used XBMCFlicks for awhile, but just migrated to Plex, in part because its integration of Netflix is so much smoother. I couldn’t get over how XBMC makes Netflix open in a separate window that didn’t support play/pause/back on my remote, and was impossible to close with my lenovo mini mouse-keyboard. In my opinion, the WMC and Plex implementations are much better.
I couldn’t agree more with you Matt. Great tip for the readers, hopefully we can get some more XBMC faithful over to Plex!
Where can I get the XBMC Flicks – Netflix for XBMC plugin?
In XBMC check out videos -> video add-ons -> XBMC Flicks and you’ll be prompted to click OK when you finally finish authorizing the add-on.
im not getting this step i dont know how many times i stopped and tried to do this.
im going to upgrade to ie8 from ie7 to see if it helps
I don´t have the netflix plugin in my XMBC Frodo, i know it exists in my country becouse i heve it on my other computer with win 8 and on my s3 but i want it on my HTPC as well, pease help me.