How to Watch Netflix on Zoom and Tackle Black Screen Issues

Part 1. Can You Watch Netflix on Zoom

Yes, you can absolutely screen share Netflix on Zoom to enjoy movies and shows with friends and family remotely. However, Netflix uses DRM (Digital Rights Management) protections to prevent unauthorized sharing, which often causes issues like black screens during screen sharing. Fortunately, with the right setup, you can overcome these challenges for a seamless streaming experience.

As for Zoom itself, anyone can register for a free account to host or join meetings. However, free users are limited to 40-minute sessions, which might not be enough for a full movie or longer episodes. To avoid interruptions, consider upgrading to Zoom Pro, which allows longer meeting durations, perfect for uninterrupted Netflix streaming with friends. Alternatively, if you're open to other options, you can explore watching Netflix on Discord, which also supports group streaming and might suit your needs.

Note: For the best results, it's recommended to share Netflix on Zoom from your computer. Computers offer more flexibility to troubleshoot sharing issues and generally provide a smoother viewing experience.

Part 2. How to Play Netflix on Zoom Without Black Screen With Friends

In this section, we'll walk you through the detailed steps to stream Netflix on Zoom without encountering a black screen. Before we begin, make sure you've installed the latest Zoom desktop application on your computer. Besides, ensure your friends also install the latest Zoom on their devices.

Step 1. Disable hardware acceleration on your browser.

● Open your preferred browser, such as Chrome or Firefox.
● Navigate to Settings > System and disable the "Use hardware acceleration when available" option.
● Close and relaunch your browser to apply the changes.

Step 2. Log into Netflix on your browser.

Visit the Netflix website on your browser and log in to your account. This prepares your browser for streaming.

Step 3. Adjust Zoom settings.

● Open Zoom and click the Settings icon at the top-right corner.
● Go to Video > Advanced, and disable all options under the "Use hardware acceleration for" section.
● Next, head to Screen Share > Advanced and turn off all options under the "Use hardware acceleration for" section.
● Close and relaunch the Zoom app to apply these settings.

Why This Works: Disabling hardware acceleration prevents Netflix's DRM from recognizing screen sharing, allowing you to watch without encountering a black screen. However, this setting may limit your video quality to 720p or lower. For higher-quality playback, check out Part 3 for an upgraded solution.

Step 4. Start a Zoom Meeting.

● Click New Meeting to host a session.
● Invite your friends by clicking Participants and either sending email invitations or sharing the meeting link.

Step 5. Share Your Netflix Screen.

● Once your friends have joined, click the Share button on Zoom's navigation bar at the bottom.
● Select the Netflix window from the list and ensure the Share Sound option is enabled on the right sidebar.
● Click Share to start streaming Netflix with your friends.

Part 3. How to Watch Netflix on Zoom With Better Video Quality

While online streaming is convenient, heavy bandwidth usage during screen sharing can cause buffering or loading delays. For a more seamless experience, consider sharing downloaded Netflix videos instead of streaming them live. This eliminates potential black screen issues and ensures smoother playback.

Since Netflix no longer offers a download option for Windows, you'll need a third-party tool like AudFree Netflix Movies Downloader to download Netflix videos onto your laptop. With this tool, you can save high-quality 1080p Netflix videos without DRM restrictions, making it easy to share ad-free Netflix movies and shows on Zoom.

How to Download Netflix Videos via AudFree Netflix Movies Downloader

Step 1. Install AudFree Netflix Downloader on your Mac/Win desktop

Download and install the tool from the above download button on your computer. Then, sign into your Netflix account with the built-in browser.

Step 2. Configure output settings for Netflix videos

Click on the Menu icon at the top-right corner and select Preferences from the dropdown menu. In the Download tab, choose the desired output format (e.g., MP4 or MKV). You can also adjust the audio channel and subtitle languages for the video. Save your preferences by clicking OK.

View also: How to Get Netflix Subtitles

Step 3. Search for Netflix Videos to Download

Use the built-in Netflix browser within AudFree to locate your desired movie or show. Either paste the video URL into the search bar or type the title directly and hit Search. Once the video appears, click on it to access additional details.

Step 4. Download Netflix Videos Without DRM Protection

Click the Download button in the lower-right corner of the interface. If you're downloading a series, you can select specific episodes to save. The tool will then begin downloading the selected video at 5X speed. Monitor the progress in real time, and once complete, you can find your Netflix downloads at the History tab.

Note: If the free version works well for you, grab the chance to get a full version with huge discounts at the Black Friday Sales!

Part 4. Conclusion

Learning how to watch Netflix on Zoom is a fantastic way to bring friends and family together for virtual movie nights. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can overcome common challenges like black screens and sound glitches to create a smooth streaming experience.

Most importantly, with AudFree Netflix Downloader, you can bypass DRM restrictions and enjoy ad-free Netflix videos with high quality. Download your favorite shows, share them seamlessly on Zoom, and elevate your movie nights to the next level. Ready to start streaming with ease? Give AudFree Netflix Downloader a try today!