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Raspberry Pi · Media Streaming

Netflix Binge Time with Raspberry Pi

Learn how to run Netflix on your Raspberry Pi using Kodi and overcome DRM restrictions for streaming.

NetflixKodiMedia Center

Running Netflix on Pi

Want to run Netflix using your Raspberry Pi? Since we're all staying home to keep safe, it's the perfect time to enhance your Netflix experience. You may have already figured out that Netflix can be challenging to get running on your Pi because it relies on Digital Rights Management (DRM) that's typically only distributed for closed platforms.

However, there are ways to get Netflix working with your Raspberry Pi. A plugin for Kodi makes it relatively simple and reliable to run Netflix on your Pi. This strategy is preferred over web browser methods that are easily broken.

Equipment Needed

  • Raspberry Pi (versions 2, 3, or 4)
  • Raspbian OS
  • Micro SD Card (at least 16GB recommended)
  • USB Keyboard & Mouse
  • Power Supply
  • HDMI cable
  • Internet Connection (Pi 3 or 4 has built-in WiFi)
  • Raspberry Pi Case (optional)

Get Prepared

Before you can get Netflix running, there are a few preparation steps:

  1. Update all packages on your Pi:
    • sudo apt update
    • sudo apt upgrade
  2. Install Kodi:
    • sudo apt install kodi kodi-peripheral-joystick kodi-pvr-iptvsimple kodi-inputstream-adaptive kodi-inputstream-rtmp
  3. Install extra packages to support Kodi:
    • sudo apt install build-essential python-pip python-dev libffi-dev libssl-dev libnss3
  4. Install required Python packages:
    • sudo pip install setuptools wheel pycryptodomex
  5. Download the CastagnaIT repository from GitHub

Add Netflix Repository

Now you're ready to use all of the packages you just installed:

  1. Launch Kodi on your Pi (hover over "Sound & Video" and select "Kodi")
  2. Change Kodi's settings to allow unknown sources:
    • Click the "Settings" icon (cog graphic) at the top left
    • Click "System" at the bottom right
    • Click "Add-ons" in the sidebar
    • Toggle "Unknown Sources" option (dismiss warning messages)
  3. Press Esc to return to Main Menu
  4. Click "Add-ons" in the sidebar to install the CastagnaIT repository
  5. Click "Install from zip file"
  6. Click "Home folder"
  7. Scroll to find and double-click repository.castagnait-1.0.1.zip

Install Netflix Plugin

With the required repository installed, here's how to install the Netflix plugin:

  1. From the "Add-ons" page, click "Install from repository"
  2. Select "CastagnaIT Repository"
  3. Open "Video add-ons"
  4. Open the "Netflix" plugin
  5. Click "Install" in the bottom right (click "Ok" to install additional plugins)
  6. Enable the "Adaptive Inputstream" plugin:
    • Go back to "My Add-ons"
    • Choose "VideoPlayer Inputstream" category
    • Open "InputStream Adaptive" plugin
    • Click "Enable"

Run Netflix

You're finally ready to watch your favorite Netflix shows:

  1. Go back to the "Add-ons" page and click on "Netflix"
  2. The first time you open Netflix, enter your login info
  3. Choose a show you want to watch
  4. The first time you watch, install the DRM modules:
    • You'll be notified that "Widevine CDM is required"
    • Click "Install Widevine" to start installation
    • Confirm that Widevine CDM extraction requires at least 3.1GiB of free disk space
    • Click "I accept" to agree to Google's EULA
    • Wait while download and extraction complete (great time to get popcorn!)
  5. As soon as the Widevine process completes, you're all set for your Netflix binge!