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How to use the Steam Deck to watch Netflix

Here's how to watch Netflix through the Steam Deck console
Marla Broadway
Last Updated on

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

How to use the Steam Deck to watch Netflix
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Table of Contents

Valve’s Steam Deck, with its powerful hardware and 7″ LCD screen, is a versatile device that allows you to do more than just gaming – so how can you use the Steam Deck to watch Netflix? As a portable gaming PC, the hybrid docked and handheld modes of the Steam Deck can be a flexible way to stream media on your TV or on the go. So, in this article, we’ll guide you through the process of streaming your favorite movies and TV shows on Netflix using your Steam Deck console. So, let’s get started!

What do you need to watch Netflix on the Steam Deck?

The Steam Deck LCD was launched back in February 2022, giving gamers the versatility of taking their Steam Library on the go. Over a year later, the console got an OLED model, that gave the Steam Deck an improved visual experience while keeping most of the same hardware capacity. One of the big advantages of owning a Steam Deck is the way it can be used as both a gaming console and a desktop PC – meaning you can access the internet to watch Netflix and other streaming sites.

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Before we dive into the steps, let’s make sure you have everything you need to launch into your Netflix account and start watching.

  • A stable internet connection to stream Netflix.
  • A Netflix account. If you don’t have one, you can easily create a new account on the Netflix website.
  • Optional: A keyboard and mouse: connecting a keyboard to the Steam Deck can make the setup process quicker.

Step

1

Switch to desktop mode

To begin, hold the power button on your Steam Deck to bring up the power menu. From there, select ‘Switch to Desktop‘ to switch over to the Linux desktop mode. This will allow you to access the necessary software to stream Netflix, but your system will need to reboot first.

Step

2

Install Chrome on Steam Deck

Once you’re in desktop mode, ensure that the desktop version of Steam is running. If you don’t have Chrome installed on your Steam Deck, then you’ll need to get this installed. The first thing to do is go into the ‘Discover’ application by clicking on the blue bag icon found in the taskbar.

Open up the ‘Search’ page and look for ‘Chrome’. You should see Google Chrome, and double-click to get taken to its Discover page. Click ‘Install’ in the top right-hand corner to get Chrome downloaded onto your Steam Deck.

Step

3

Launch the Konsole terminal

After installing Chrome, head back to ‘Home’. Next, search and launch Konsole, which is a terminal app. Copy and paste the following command:

flatpak –user override –filesystem=/run/udev:ro com.google.Chrome

Press enter to execute the command. If there are no errors and a blank line appears, it means Chrome has been successfully added as a non-Steam game.

You’ll now find Google Chrome in the Home menu. Right click on the Chrome icon and select the ‘Add to Steam’ option. Google Chrome will appear as a Non-Steam game in the games library.

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Easy typing on your Steam Deck

You can pull up the keyboard on your Steam Deck by pressing the ‘Steam’ and ‘X’ buttons simultaneously.

Step

4

Configure Chrome for Netflix

Now that Chrome is installed, you’ll need to configure it to launch Netflix. Right-click on Google Chrome in your Steam Library and go to Properties. In the Launch Options box, paste the following command:

–window-size=1024,640 –force-device-scale-factor=1.25 –device-scale-factor=1.25 –kiosk “https://www.netflix.com/”

This command sets the window size, device scale factor, and launches Netflix in kiosk mode. Rename the window to “Netflix” for easy identification.

Step

5

Launch Netflix

After configuring Chrome, close the properties window and click on Play to launch Netflix. Follow the on-screen instructions to log in to your Netflix account. Once logged in, you can start streaming your favorite shows and movies straight from your Steam Deck.

Can you get the Netflix app on Steam Deck?

Unfortunately, Netflix doesn’t currently have an app that runs on the Linux operating system the Steam Deck uses. However, following the steps we’ve gone through above can help you configure Chrome on your Steam Deck to watch Netflix.

Final thoughts

Whether you’ve gone for the Steam Deck LCD or the Steam Deck OLED, following the steps described above can get you all set to launch and stream Netflix on your console. With its hybrid gaming experience, you can watch Netflix or play games from either handheld mode or by streaming it to your monitor or TV using docked mode.

About the Author

Marla Broadway

Marla writes across a wide range of topics across PC Guide, including AI, PC hardware, and news on the latest tech releases. She's a passionate writer that's interested in the future of technology.