We live in a day and age where you need not be right next to someone to enjoy a film or TV show with them. With Netflix Party, you can watch the same thing with a number of people on different computers.
But is Netflix Party not working for you? Here’s a troubleshooting guide to make sure that movie night is back on.
What Is Netflix Party?
Teleparty, better known by its former name Netflix Party, is a free Google Chrome, Edge, and Opera browser extension that allows you to watch video content with your friends online. Teleparty synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO.
The extension’s name was changed from Netflix Party to Teleparty when it added support for other streaming services in October 2020. Despite the change, most people still refer to Teleparty as Netflix Party.
Perhaps that has something to do with the fact that Netflix has over 200 million subscribers.
General Tips to Fix Netflix Party Issues
As Netflix Party doesn’t have too many features, most of the problem you might have using the Netflix Party extension don’t come from the extension itself, but rather your computer or internet connection.
Common Netflix Party problems are usually solved by one of the following fixes:
- Make sure the Netflix Party host sent the correct link, and that all the invited watchers clicks the Netflix Party button after opening the link.
- Close and re-open your browser.
- Restart your laptop or computer.
- Restart your router.
- Check for internet problems or improve your Wi-Fi connection.
- Uninstall and reinstall the Netflix Party extension.
- Use Downdetector to see if Netflix’s services are down.
How to Solve Issues Specific to Netflix Party
If none of the above tips got your Netflix Party up and running, then it’s likely a system requirements or installation issue.
1. Use a Compatible Browser and Device
The Netflix Party browser extension that is only available for the Google Chrome, Opera, and Microsoft Edge browsers on laptops and desktop computers. It is not available for iOS, Android, Tablet, smart TVs, gaming consoles, nor any other devices just yet.
2. Check If Everyone Has Access to Netflix
If you want to start or join a Netflix Party, you’re going to need access to a Netflix account. The browser extension is free to use, but it doesn’t grant you access to Netflix if you don’t already have it.
It is possible for multiple users of one shared Netflix account to join a party together, but the account needs to be on a membership plan that allows multiple viewers to watch Netflix at the same time.
3. Check the Number of Party Participants
Netflix Party can reliably support up to 50 people in the same party. However, the number of people that can join a single party really depends on the current load on Netflix Party servers.
If you can’t seem to join a host’s party, it’s possible that the party has reached maximum capacity. There aren’t any workarounds for this, unfortunately. You’ll have to wait until someone leaves the party before you can join.
4. Follow the Instructions
This might sound like a very obvious thing, but you’d be surprised how many folks prefer a more hands-on approach to learning; they throw the manual away and say “I’ll just figure it out” when it comes to new gadgets or applications.
Assuming that there are no problems with your browser nor your browser extension, the steps to use Teleparty are quick and easy. If you are the Teleparty host:
- Open a video on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or HBO.
- Click on the Teleparty icon next to the browser address bar, then on the Start Party button that appears.
- Share the given URL with your friends.
If you are going to join a host’s Teleparty:
- Click on the party URL that the host provided. This should direct you to a video on a streaming website.
- Click on the Teleparty icon next to the browser address bar. You should automatically join the party.
Use Other Netflix Watch Party Services
Netflix Party hit browsers in early 2020, and its popularity has exploded ever since. Its one feature is so simple, but now feels so essential.
If you still can’t get Netflix Party to work, there are other services like Kast and Watch2Gether that also let you host a watch party.