Netflix has revolutionized how we consume TV shows and movies, but sometimes you might miss the social aspect of watching with friends. Enter Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party), a browser extension that lets you sync Netflix playback and chat with friends, creating a shared viewing experience even when you’re miles apart.
Teleparty works with popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video. This guide will focus on using it with Netflix, but the process is similar for other supported platforms.
Setting Up Teleparty
Step 1: Install the Teleparty extension. Visit the Chrome Web Store or Microsoft Edge Add-ons store and search for “Teleparty”. Click “Add to Chrome” or “Get” to install the extension.
Step 2: Once installed, you’ll see the Teleparty icon (Tp) in your browser’s toolbar. Make sure it’s pinned for easy access.
Step 3: Open Netflix in your browser and sign in to your account.
Step 4: Choose the movie or TV show you want to watch with friends.
Starting a Teleparty Session
Step 1: Begin playing the selected content on Netflix.
Step 2: Click the Teleparty icon in your browser toolbar. It should turn red when active.
Step 3: In the pop-up window, decide if you want to have sole control over playback or allow others to control it too. Check or uncheck the “Only I have control” box accordingly.
Step 4: Click “Start the party” to generate a unique URL for your viewing session.
Step 5: Share this URL with friends you want to invite to your Teleparty. They’ll need to have the Teleparty extension installed as well.
Joining a Teleparty Session
Step 1: If you’re invited to a Teleparty, click the link provided by the host.
Step 2: The link will open Netflix in your browser. If prompted, sign in to your Netflix account.
Step 3: The Teleparty extension should automatically activate. If it doesn’t, click the Teleparty icon in your toolbar.
Step 4: You’ll join the party, and the video will start playing in sync with the host and other participants.
Using Teleparty Features
Chat: On the right side of your screen, you’ll see a chat window. Here, you can send messages, react with emojis, and discuss the show in real-time with other participants.
Playback Control: If the host allowed it, you can play, pause, or seek through the video. These actions will sync for all participants.
Profile Customization: Click on the settings icon in the chat window to change your nickname and avatar for a more personalized experience.
Troubleshooting Teleparty
If you encounter issues with Teleparty, try these solutions:
- Ensure all participants have up-to-date browsers and the latest version of the Teleparty extension.
- Check that everyone has an active Netflix subscription and access to the chosen content in their region.
- If the party doesn’t sync properly, try having all participants refresh their browser.
- Disable other extensions that might interfere with Netflix or Teleparty.
Teleparty on Mobile Devices
As of March 2025, Teleparty is available as a mobile app for Android devices. iOS users will need to wait a bit longer, as the app is still in development for Apple devices. For the best experience, using Teleparty on a desktop or laptop computer is recommended.
Teleparty brings a social element to your Netflix binge sessions, making it feel like your friends are right there with you, even when they’re far away. Whether you’re maintaining long-distance relationships or just want to share your favorite shows with friends, Teleparty offers a fun and interactive way to stay connected through the magic of streaming.