How To Watch Netflix In A Chevy Malibu

Although many streaming services are available today, Netflix still tops the list for American viewers. If you are a Netflix subscriber and own a Chevrolet Malibu, we've researched how to watch your favorite Netflix videos in your car.

By default, your Chevy Malibu's infotainment system cannot stream Netflix videos through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, you can use third-party applications to provide Netflix streaming. You can also buy and plug in an aftermarket multimedia box.

Alternatively, you may use streaming devices if you install an aftermarket rear entertainment system.

If you would like to enjoy Netflix in your Chevrolet Malibu, then read on, and we'll help you set it up in different ways.

Chevy Malibu in New York International Auto Show, How To Watch Netflix In A Chevy Malibu

Since its launch in 2015, the ninth-generation Chevrolet Malibu has always been among the top sellers in America's mid-size car market. Because of its quiet ride and responsive handling, the Malibu is a good family car.

When you're on the road with your family, you may think that Netflix videos would be good to entertain them.  However, playing videos on your front infotainment screen is neither safe nor legal while driving.

Like many car manufacturers, Chevrolet designers considered passenger safety when selecting the infotainment system for the Chevy Malibu. You may only have the following displays in front:

  • GPS Navigation
  • Vehicle status displays
  • Phone mirroring except for videos
  • Vehicle camera displays

The Chevy Malibu's infotainment system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but they do not allow you to download or play Netflix on your front-row display screen. 

Moreover, Apple Carplay and Android Auto do not allow you to mirror your phone or tablet's Netflix app to your infotainment system screen.

There are some manufacturers, however, that allow the car owner to watch videos through their front infotainment screens. Tesla, for example, designed their multimedia system to have Netflix access while the car is parked.

So, assuming you will only play videos when parked, how do you stream Netflix videos in your Chevrolet Malibu? Here are a few ways.

  1. Download a third-party application
  2. Purchase an aftermarket multimedia box
  3. Use streaming devices on an aftermarket rear entertainment system

We will discuss these options in greater detail in the following sections.

Download A Third-Party App To Watch Netflix

Channel icons and interface on Apple TV

The Chevy Malibu's 8-inch touch-screen display is capable of playing videos. However, its native system will not allow you to do so.  To bypass these system restrictions, many developers created app-based solutions.

However, we cannot guarantee that all these app-based solutions are 100% safe for your devices. As with any downloadable app, please check the app reviews before downloading and installing them.

Android Auto Netflix Apps

Many unofficial third-party Android apps can provide Netflix access to your Chevy Malibu's infotainment system.  However, some of them will require you to root your Android device before installation.

Rooting is a term for hacking your Android device. If you "root" your Android phone or tablet, then you can access its operating system completely. You can change your phone functions and also install unofficial apps.

However, rooting carries risks for you and your device.

  • You might void your warranty
  • Rooting can corrupt your device
  • You might accidentally install malicious programs
  • Some untrusted apps can steal your personal data

Furthermore, many mobile apps have beefed up their security to prevent access from rooted devices. For example, you may not be able to use your banking or payment app on your rooted device anymore.

With all of these risks, we do not recommend rooting your phone.

Luckily, some newer third-party apps do not require any rooting of your Android device. We will discuss this solution together with Apple CarPlay in the following section.

Apple CarPlay Netflix App

Details of App and icons on the the Apple CarPlay main screen in modern car dashboard during driving Mapos, music and Podcasts

Like Android Auto, your infotainment system's Apple CarPlay also excludes Netflix from its official applications list. However, some third-party applications can allow videos if you decide to jailbreak your Apple device.

Much like rooting, jailbreaking is also considered hacking. However, the process is less intrusive than rooting, as jailbreaking only removes some restrictions from the device's software.

Regardless of the degree of system intrusion, we also discourage jailbreaking.

However, newer apps like CarBridge require no jailbreaking for you to watch Netflix in your Malibu. CarBridge can open any of your Apple device's apps in your vehicle's Apple CarPlay.

Moreover, CarBridge also works for Android.  The best part here is that CarBridge is free!

Follow these instructions to download and install CarBridge on your phone.

  1. Open your device's web browser and go to the CarBridge website
  2. Tap "Download now"
  3. Select "iOS" or "Android"
  4. Tap on "Start Installation"
  5. Wait for your device to download and install the app
  6. Install and open the free apps (this is how CarBridge developers get paid)
  7. CarBridge app installation will finish after you open your free apps
  8. Connect your device to your car's infotainment system

If you've already installed Netflix on your device, then you can access it from your car's multimedia screen.  

Use An Aftermarket Multimedia Box

Connecting your Apple or Android device to your car's infotainment system can be very convenient. However, some of us may not want to use our devices for extended video streaming purposes.

  • Streaming discharges the device's battery quickly.
  • Even if the device is charging through your car's USB port, the prolonged heat from the heavy usage as well as the charging process will shorten the device's battery lifespan.
  • You may need to answer an incoming message, phone call, or e-mail while the video plays.

If you do not like to dedicate your device to video streaming purposes, then an aftermarket multimedia box may be a better choice for you.

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 multimedia box on Amazon.

 Check out this video on how to use multimedia boxes.

Of course, to enjoy any streaming service, a multimedia box needs a good internet connection.

Install An Aftermarket Rear Entertainment System

Entertainment system for rear passengers in a car with two monitors.

A rear entertainment system would be very convenient if you have kids in the back seat. However, Chevrolet does not offer this feature for the Malibu, even on the model's highest trim.

Instead, you may buy an aftermarket rear entertainment system and install the screens on your front seats' headrests. By connecting your phone or a streaming device to this system, you can watch Netflix videos.

Check out this dual-screen, HDMI rear entertainment system on Amazon.

Many aftermarket entertainment systems allow you to play videos from your phone to the entertainment screens using the appropriate cable connector.

Alternatively, you can stow away your phone and use streaming devices like Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV,  and Roku. Here are the instructions on setting up Netflix through these streaming devices.

Roku

  1. Connect your Roku device to the entertainment system.
  2. If the Netflix app is available, then you can open it and sign in to your account.
  3. If Netflix is not yet installed, then go to "Channel Store."
  4. Search for "Netflix."
  5. Tap on "Add Channel."
  6. Open Netflix and sign in to your account.

Apple TV

  1. Connect the Apple TV device to your entertainment system.
  2. Go to the home screen.
  3. Click on the "App Store."
  4.  Search for Netflix.
  5. Start installing Netflix.
  6. Once installation is complete, tap on the Netflix icon.
  7. Sign in to your Netflix account.

Fire Stick

  1. Connect your Fire Stick device to the entertainment system.
  2. From the Fire TV's main screen, select "Search."
  3. Search and download Netflix.
  4. After downloading, open the Netflix app.
  5. Sign in to Netflix with your email address and password.

Is Chevy Malibu A Good Car?

Chevrolet Malibu display at a dealership. Chevy offers the Malibu in LS, RS and LT models.

The Chevy Malibu started out in 1964 and is now in its 9th generation. Because of its comfort, safety, and family-oriented features, the Malibu became one of Chevrolet's long-standing nameplates.  

The current Malibu comes with two powertrain configurations that can suit different driver preferences. 

The first option is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This configuration combines ample power with great fuel economy.

The 1.5-liter powerplant puts out a respectable 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.  This small yet potent engine contributes to Malibu's 32 mpg combined fuel economy.

The second configuration goes exclusively to the Chevy Malibu's highest trim. It features a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.0-liter engine is more robust with 250 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.  With the 9-speed electronically controlled transmission, the top Malibu trim can still get a decent 26 mpg combined fuel economy.

In terms of consumer perception, the 2021 Chevy Malibu achieved an overall score of 80 on the J.D. Power 100-point consumer scale.  This score is interpreted as "great."

Furthermore, Malibu performed best in the "Quality and Reliability" category, where it scored 84 out of 100.

How Much Does A Chevrolet Malibu Cost?

We're here to make your window shopping easier if you're considering the Chevy Malibu for your next family car.  Here are the different Malibu trims as well as their starting prices.

  • LS - $24,495
  • RS - $25,495
  • LT - $27,895
  • Premier - $34,595

These Chevy Malibu prices are correct as of July 2022.

Wrapping Up

View from inside a car on a part of dashboard with a navigation unit and blurred street in front of a car

By default, your Chevy Malibu's infotainment system does not allow you to watch Netflix on your infotainment screen. However, some third-party applications and aftermarket multimedia boxes can make it possible.

Alternatively, you may also purchase an aftermarket rear entertainment system. With this upgrade, you can stream Netflix using your phone or other streaming devices.

Thank you very much for reading. We hope we were able to help you enjoy your Netflix videos in your Chevy Malibu.

For more interesting automotive topics, please check out these great articles below.

Does Toyota Highlander Have Apple Carplay?

My Honda Accord Key Is Stuck In The Ignition – What To Do?

How Long Is A GMC Sierra Pickup Truck?

 
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