The Sierra is one of America's most popular pickup trucks. However, some people also want to get some creature comforts like Netflix viewing in these vehicles. So how do you watch Netflix on a GMC Sierra? We've done the research for your convenience.
By default, the GMC Sierra does not allow Netflix and other entertainment videos to play on the front infotainment screen. However, you can use third-party phone bridging software to lift these video restrictions. Alternatively, you could watch Netflix using aftermarket devices such as:
- Phone mirroring kit
- Multimedia box
- Rear entertainment system with streaming devices
If you want to know more about the different Netflix and video options for GMC Sierra, then do read on. We've compiled some helpful tips for you.
Can I Watch Netflix In My GMC?
Although the GMC Sierra's sales in the U.S. lags behind its cousin, the Chevrolet Silverado, the former still has a large following. Even as a "luxury" pickup truck, the Sierra still sold almost a quarter million vehicles in 2021.
One of the GMC Sierra's luxury features is its remarkable 13.4-inch front infotainment screen. The system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Bluetooth, touch-screen controls, and phone mirroring capability.
Unfortunately, watching Netflix or other entertainment videos on this screen is neither safe nor legally permitted while the vehicle is moving. To abide by legal restrictions, GMC, Apple, and Android Auto worked together to restrict video playing or mirroring on the front infotainment screen.
However, we do understand that there may be instances when you want to watch Netflix, Youtube, Hulu, or other videos while safely parked. After all, some carmakers like Tesla allow drivers to watch videos or even play games while the vehicle is parked.
To overcome the video playing restrictions on a GMC Sierra, you will need to use some third-party phone apps or aftermarket devices. We will discuss these options in the following sections.
Mirroring Kit
In order to promote safe driving habits, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allow drivers to use their smartphones safely while behind the wheel. For this main purpose, both systems allow the mirroring of important phone apps. However, they draw a line when it comes to entertainment videos.
Because of these factory-set restrictions, some aftermarket manufacturers developed smartphone mirroring kits. Using this kit, you can work your way around your infotainment system's smartphone mirroring limitations.
Check out this video about aftermarket smartphone mirroring kits and how they compare to your default Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Most aftermarket mirroring kits allow drivers to mirror their smartphone apps to the vehicle's front infotainment screen. Yes, these apps include streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.
However, mirroring kits may have some inconveniences. Because these kits will bypass some of your infotainment system's settings, you will not be able to control your phone through your touchscreen or your audio buttons. You still need to use your phone to control the apps even during mirroring.
Multimedia Box
An aftermarket mirroring kit can be a convenient solution for some people, especially those who mainly stream videos on their phones. However, some Netflix enthusiasts may want to keep their phones reserved for work or other important matters.
Apart from work prioritization, there are several possible reasons why some people may not want to mirror their smartphones to their infotainment screens.
- Controlling your infotainment screen from your smartphone is cumbersome.
- Streaming and mirroring simultaneously drain the phone's battery much faster.
- Although you can charge your phone through the vehicle's USB port, the excessive heat from prolonged usage and simultaneous charging will cut down the phone battery's lifespan.
- Your videos will be interrupted by incoming messages, calls, or other phone notifications.
For people who want to keep their smartphones and their Netflix videos totally separate, aftermarket multimedia boxes may be the better choice.
A multimedia box is an aftermarket electronic gadget that connects to your vehicle's infotainment system through the main USB data port. Using the multimedia box, you can watch videos on Netflix and other streaming services. You may also play offline videos from a USB storage device.
For online video streaming, your multimedia box will need a separate wi-fi connection either through smartphone tethering or your vehicle's onboard wifi connection.
Check out this multimedia box for sale on Amazon.
Check out how multimedia boxes can help you get more out of your car's infotainment system.
Third-party Phone Bridging App
Some smartphone app developers have developed aftermarket software that can override Apple CarPlay and Android Auto restrictions. By doing so, these apps will allow mirroring of all of your phone apps, including video streaming.
Unfortunately, many of these unofficial apps require jailbreaking or rooting your phone.
Jailbreaking is a term specifically used to describe the hacking of an iPhone or other Apple devices. Conversely, hacking an Android smartphone is called "rooting." Whether you root or jailbreak your smartphone, you will have more control over your device.
As you may expect, the benefits of jailbreaking and rooting also come with corresponding risks. These include the following:
- You could void your phone's warranty
- Unintended corruption of the device's firmware
- Data theft by unofficial malicious software
Due to the heavy risks involved, we discourage our readers from rooting or jailbreaking their smartphones.
Fortunately, some developers have come up with safer, less-intrusive mirroring apps like CarBridge. This app does not require you to hack your phone, but it also allows you to play or stream videos on your infotainment screen via phone mirroring.
Here's a short video on how you can install and use your CarBridge for your vehicle.
To help you with the app installation, we've transcribed the video's instructions below are the step-by-step instructions on how to download and install CarBridge on your smartphone.
- Open your smartphone's internet browser (e.g. Google, Safari, etc.)
- Go to the CarBridge app's official website
- Choose "Download Now"
- Select "Android" or "iOS" depending on the model of your smartphone
- Choose "Start Installation"
- Your phone will download and partially install the CarBridge app
- Prior to completing Carbridge installation, the app installer will prompt you to install a few free partner/sponsor applications (mobile games, online shopping, etc.)
- Select and install the additional free apps to your smartphone
- Once the free apps are done installing, open them from your phone's home screen
- The CarBridge installation will finish once you have opened all the additional free apps
- Connect your smartphone to your vehicle's infotainment system and follow the mirroring procedures.
Rear Entertainment System
Installing a rear entertainment system is a great way to keep your rear passengers occupied, especially on long trips. Fortunately, GMC offers this optional upgrade for Sierra buyers.
GMC's Rear-Seat Infotainment features two 8-inch LCD monitors integrated on the front-seat headrests. This system offers many features, including:
- Multiple media source compatibility: HDMI, SD Card, USB, DVD, smartphone, wi-fi, and gaming system
- Content sharing capability between screens
- System controls via remote, app, or touchscreen interface
- Fast-charging USB ports
- Wireless headphones
Using the rear infotainment system, you may choose to mirror your smartphone without video restrictions. You may also connect your aftermarket multimedia box to the USB port. Finally, you may plug in official streaming devices from Apple, Amazon, or Roku to the system's HDMI port for high-quality video streaming.
Here are the instructions on how to use different streaming devices to watch Netflix on a rear entertainment system.
Apple TV
- Connect the Apple TV device to the rear entertainment system's HDMI port.
- Navigate to the Apple home screen.
- Choose the Apple App Store.
- Find and install the Netflix app.
- After successful installation, open the Netflix app on the home screen.
- Sign in to your Netflix account.
Amazon Fire Stick
- Connect the Amazon Fire Stick device to the rear entertainment system's HDMI port.
- On the Amazon TV's home screen, select "Search."
- Find and install the Netflix app.
- After installation, open the Netflix app.
- Sign in to your Netflix account.
Roku
- Connect your Roku device to the rear entertainment system's HDMI port.
- If Netflix is pre-installed, proceed to sign in to your Netflix account.
- If the Netflix app is unavailable, you need to select "Channel Store."
- Find and add the Netflix app.
- Sign in to your Netflix account.
Wrapping Up
On its own, the GMC Sierra's factory-installed front infotainment system cannot play Netflix or other entertainment videos. However, you can download a third-party phone bridging app or use aftermarket mirroring and multimedia devices for your front video needs.
You may also try adding a rear entertainment system as well as a streaming device to play Netflix and other streaming services for your rear passengers.
Thank you very much for reading. We hope we were able to help you find the best solution to play Netflix in your GMC Sierra.
For more interesting reads about the GMC Sierra and other automotive topics, you may also check out these great articles below.
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