Despite the growth of many streaming services, Netflix still holds the top spot for American viewers. If you own a Chevy Tahoe, you might wonder how you can stream Netflix videos in your SUV. Don't worry, because we've done the research for your convenience.
By themselves, neither the Apple CarPlay nor the Android Auto systems in the Chevrolet Tahoe will allow you to install and watch Netflix on the front infotainment system. You will need to jailbreak your Apple device or root your Android device to use third-party applications that can provide Netflix streaming. Alternatively, you can also use an aftermarket multimedia box.
However, by default, you can watch Netflix through streaming devices like Apple TV or Amazon Fire Stick on the Tahoe's optional rear entertainment system.
We've got you covered if you're looking forward to enjoying Netflix in your Tahoe. Do read on, and we'll guide you through the different options.
How Do I Watch Netflix On My Chevy Tahoe?
For the past several years, the Chevrolet Tahoe has been America's best-selling large SUV. Because of its ample power and comfortable passenger space, the Tahoe is an ideal companion for family trips.
Speaking of trip companions, Netflix is one good way of entertaining your rear passengers during long drives. You may also want to catch up on your favorite Netflix shows while you're parked and waiting for your passengers.
Unfortunately, in many states, having a video playing within the driver's view is illegal while the vehicle is moving. This law aims to minimize driver distraction and promote safety.
Due largely to this restriction, your Tahoe's CarPlay and Android Auto do not allow you to download Netflix on your front multimedia unit. Moreover, you cannot mirror it from your phone to the front screen.
So how can you watch Netflix in your Chevy Tahoe? There are a few ways.
- Use a third-party app
- Connect an aftermarket multimedia box
- Watch through the optional rear entertainment system
In the following sections, we will discuss these options in detail.
Use A Third-Party App To Watch Netflix In Your Car
Your Tahoe's multimedia infotainment screen has the capability of playing videos, but its system restrictions will not allow you to do so. To overcome these restrictions, third-party developers came up with app solutions.
These app solutions, however, are not 100% safe for your devices. As such, we would like to remind you to use caution if ever you decide to use such unofficial apps.
Android Auto Netflix Apps
There are plenty of unofficial third-party Android applications that can deliver Netflix to your Tahoe's infotainment system. However, many of them require you to root your Android device.
Rooting is an Android-specific term for hacking your device. By rooting your Android device, you can access its operating system and modify its functions. You can also install unofficial apps that can provide Netflix.
However, rooting is risky for you and your device. You may void your warranty, corrupt your device, or even have malicious programs that can steal your personal data. We do not recommend rooting.
Fortunately, there are certain third-party apps that do not require you to root your Android device. This is a much safer option, and we will discuss this in more detail along with Apple CarPlay in the next section.
Apple CarPlay Netflix App
Like its Android counterpart, Apple CarPlay also restricts Netflix from its default applications list. However, there are some applications that can allow Netflix if you jailbreak your Apple device.
Jailbreaking is also considered hacking. However, it is a less intrusive process than rooting as it only removes some restrictions from the device's software. Nevertheless, we still do not recommend jailbreaking.
Luckily, newer applications like CarBridge do not need any jailbreaking to allow you to open any of your Apple device's apps in your vehicle's Apple CarPlay. Moreover, CarBridge also works for Android.
Now here's the best part: CarBridge is free!
Here's how to download and install CarBridge on your phone.
- Go to Carbridgeapp.com using your device's web browser
- Click on the "Download now" button
- Allow your device to install the application
- Connect your device to your car's infotainment system
That's it! If you already have Netflix installed on your device, then you can also access it from your car's multimedia screen. Of course, your phone needs an active internet connection for streaming.
Use An Aftermarket Multimedia Box
Using your Apple or Android device to stream Netflix videos in your car can be very convenient. However, some people may not want to use their phones or tablets for such purposes.
- Streaming videos for long periods discharge the device's battery. If the device is connected to your car's USB charging port, the excessive heat from the heavy usage and the charging is harmful to battery life.
- An incoming phone call, e-mail, or message will disrupt the video.
- If your passengers are watching the video, you will have to leave your phone or tablet even if you have to go out of the car temporarily (like to go inside a convenience store).
For these people that would not like to dedicate their phone to streaming purposes, an aftermarket multimedia box is a great alternative. Several aftermarket manufacturers have come out with different models.
A multimedia box is a small electronic device that connects to your car's USB data port. Through this device, you can download and open video apps like Netflix from your car's infotainment screen.
Check out this OttoCast AI multimedia box on Amazon.
Just like your phone or tablet, a multimedia box needs power and a stable internet connection to enable video streaming. Check out this video on how to use multimedia boxes.
Watch Netflix On The Rear Seat Media System
Chevrolet previously offered an optional rear entertainment system for select Tahoe trims. This is a great option, especially for Tahoe drivers with rowdy kids on a long road trip.
However, Chevrolet has disclosed that it has stopped offering this multimedia upgrade from February 2022 until the end of the same year. We have yet to see if the option will be available again next year.
The rear entertainment system offers two separate 12.6-inch touch-function media screens, wireless headphones, and several connection options. With this system, you can:
- Watch videos
- Play games
- Listen to music
- Use the built-in navigation app
To watch Netflix from the rear entertainment system, you will need to use streaming devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Roku. We've listed the instructions in the following sections.
Apple TV
- Connect your Apple TV to the rear entertainment system.
- Go to your Apple TV home screen.
- Select the App Store from the home screen.
- Search for Netflix in the App Store.
- Choose "Get" to start the Netflix installation.
- After installation, open the Netflix app.
- Sign in to your existing Netflix account.
Fire Stick
- Connect your Amazon Fire Stick to the rear entertainment system.
- From the Amazon Fire TV's main screen, choose "Search."
- Type "Netflix," then select the Netflix icon.
- Tap on "Free or Download."
- After downloading, select "Open" then "Sign In."
- Sign in to your Netflix account using your email address and password.
Roku
- Connect your Roku streaming device to the rear entertainment system.
- If the Netflix app is pre-loaded, then you can proceed to sign in to your Netflix account.
- If the Netflix app is not present, then select "Channel Store."
- Select "Netflix."
- Choose "Add Channel."
- Once Netflix is added, you may sign in to your Netflix account with your e-mail address and password.
Check out this video below to learn more about this great entertainment package for rear passengers.
Are Chevy Tahoes Popular?
The Chevrolet Tahoe has been the consistent best-selling large SUV in America for several years now. In recent years, over 100,000 Tahoes rolled out of Chevrolet dealerships annually in the U.S. alone.
The Tahoe commands approximately 20% of the large SUV segment. Along with the Chevrolet Suburban and the GMC Yukon, these General Motors models command around half of the entire segment.
Some of the Chevy Tahoe's competitors include the following models:
- Ford Expedition
- Toyota Sequoia
- Nissan Armada
- Lexus LX
- Lincoln Navigator
- Cadillac Escalade
The J.D. Power 100-point consumer rating gave the Tahoe an overall score of 83, which is considered "great." The Tahoe scored the highest in the resale value as well as the driving experience categories.
How Much Is A Chevy Tahoe?
The Chevrolet Tahoe comes in six different trims as well as three different engine options. Moreover, these trims come in either 2WD or 4WD configurations.
If you're considering getting a new Chevy Tahoe for yourself, then we're here to help you estimate your budget. We've listed the different Tahoe trims as well as their starting prices.
- LS - $ 53,795
- LT - $ 59,295
- RST - $ 62,795
- Z71 - $ 64,795
- Premier - $ 67,595
- High Country - $ 74,395
These Chevy Tahoe prices are accurate as of July 2022.
Wrapping Up
Tahoe's Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems are not capable of playing Netflix on your front infotainment screen. However, you can download third-party applications or buy aftermarket multimedia boxes to make it possible.
You can also watch Netflix from the optional rear seat multimedia system using a streaming device. This is a much safer option than being tempted to watch from the front while driving.
Thank you very much for reading. We hope we were able to help you figure out how to watch Netflix videos in your Chevy Tahoe. For more interesting reads about General Motors' SUVs and other automotive topics, please check out these great articles below.
Does GMC Yukon Have 3rd Row Seating?
How Long Is A GMC Sierra Pickup Truck?