How to Easily Watch Netflix with Friends on TV

Rave, the popular Netflix party app, has recently made its way to Android TV, allowing you to watch Netflix with your friends on the big screen. However, using the TV app can be a bit tricky. In this article, I'll guide you through the steps to set it up and share some best practices. So, let's get started!

Setting up Rave on Android TV

To begin, download the Rave app on your Android TV. It's available for free and can be found on the Google Play Store. Once installed, you may need to adjust the screen display using your TV remote's D-pad.

If you're using Rave for the first time, you'll need to create a free Rave account by signing in with your Facebook, Twitter, or Google account.

Adding Friends on Rave

Before you start watching Netflix together, it's a good idea to add your friends on Rave. This is because sharing links on a TV can be more challenging compared to a smartphone. To add friends, click on the placeholder icon located at the top right corner of the Rave app's homescreen.

If your friend already has a Rave account, you can search for their Rave username directly. If they don't have an account, ask them to download the Rave app on their phone or computer and create a free account. Once they have an account, they can find or change their Rave username by swiping left on the Rave homescreen and locating the username option under their display picture. Ask your friend for their Rave username.

If you're having trouble adding friends on the Rave Android TV app, you can also share your Rave username with your friend and ask them to send you a friend request. You can find your Rave username by pressing the left button on your TV remote while on the Rave homescreen. Your username should be displayed under your Rave profile picture.

Starting a Watch Party

Once you've successfully added your friend, it's time to decide what you want to watch together. From the Rave homescreen, click on the plus icon at the top of your screen that says “Start a rave.”

For platforms like YouTube that are free to use, you can start watching right away. However, for Netflix, HBO, Prime Video, and other subscription-based platforms, you'll need to sign in to your account.

Please note that you'll need a Netflix account with at least a 2-screen plan, or both you and your friend should have different Netflix accounts.

Press play on the content you want to watch, and the show will start playing on your TV. If you want to restrict the conversation to you and your friends, set the chat room's visibility to private. To invite your friends, go to the add friends icon at the bottom of the screen, select your friends from the list, and send them an invite.

Ask your friend to open the Rave app on their phone or computer. They will receive a notification, which usually takes 10-20 seconds to appear. Once they tap on the notification, the playback will sync between your TV and their device.

That's it! You've successfully set up a Netflix party on your TV using the Rave app. By default, the host has the remote control, but you can pass it to other parties from the video settings. Text chat and voice chat options work just as well on TV as they do on other devices.

My Experience with Rave

I've been using the Rave app for quite some time now, even before the pandemic. Over the years, it has improved significantly. However, there are a few downsides to using Rave, such as limited sign-up/log-in options (Facebook, Twitter, Google) and occasional glitches or freezing during streams. Recently, they have also introduced ads ($1.99), but they are not too intrusive, and you always have the option to upgrade to a premium plan to remove them.

In conclusion, Rave is an excellent option for watching Netflix with friends on your TV. With the steps outlined in this article, you can easily set it up and start enjoying your favorite shows and movies together. So gather your friends, grab some popcorn, and have a great time watching Netflix party on your TV with Rave!