
- About Netflix
- Netflix Overview
- What are the Requirements for Netflix Instant Streaming on the Nintendo 3DS?
- Does the Nintendo 3DS Need to Be Connected to the Internet at All Times?
- Can I Copy Movies from the Nintendo 3DS to Another Device?
- Will the Nintendo 3DS System's Parental Controls Block the Viewing of Content?
- Where is Netflix Instant Streaming Available?
- Can I Watch Netflix Instant Streaming Content in 3D?
- How To
- How to Set Up Netflix Instant Streaming for the Nintendo 3DS
- How to Download the Netflix Application for the Nintendo 3DS
- How to Activate a Nintendo 3DS System on a Netflix Account
- How to Set Up an Account with Netflix
- How to Add Titles to the Instant Queue
- How to Remove Titles from the Instant Queue
- How to Activate the Free Netflix Trial
- How to Set Up Parental Controls
- Troubleshooting
- Error Message: Cannot connect to Netflix
- Error Message: Registration Failed
- Error Message: This Title Is Temporarily Unavailable While We Improve the Media Quality
- Error Message: Your Internet Connection Has Slowed
- Error Message: Your Instant Queue Is Currently Not Available. Please Try Back Later
- Netflix Application Not Appearing in the Nintendo eShop
- Menus are Slow or Sluggish
- Quality of Streaming Content is Poor
- Content Not Appearing In 3D
- During Playback Streaming Content Is Too Dark
- Video Playback Stops / Pauses / Rebuffers
- Parents

that you would like more information about.
Instantly watch TV episodes and movies on your Nintendo 3DS anywhere you have Internet access.
Please use the list on the left to select a topic.
Please use the list on the left to select a topic.
Please use the list on the left to select a topic.
Please use the list on the left to select a topic.
Description:
Instantly watch TV episodes and movies on your Nintendo 3DS anywhere you have Internet access.
Key Features:
- Released July 15th, 2011
- Instantly watch TV episodes & movies streamed from Netflix.
- Watch as often as you want, anytime you want.
- Titles are conveniently organized into a variety of categories based on members' personal preferences.
- Members have the ability to read synopses and rate movies.
- Parental Controls can be configured to restrict access to Netflix on the Nintendo 3DS.
Related Articles:
Click here for troubleshooting related to Netflix Instant Streaming.
Click here to read the Netflix Terms of Use.
Answer:
To view Netflix Instant Streaming content on your Nintendo 3DS, you need an active Netflix account that allows the viewing of unlimited online content, and access to a high-speed Internet connection (recommended 1.0 Mbps).
If you currently do not know the speed of your Internet connection, you can use one of the following sites to test it:
Answer:
When watching Netflix Instant Streaming content using your Nintendo 3DS, it must be connected to the Internet.
If you lose Internet connectivity while watching Netflix Instant Streaming content, you will receive an error/status message indicating that you have lost connection to the Internet.
Description:
Step by step information on setting up the Netflix Application for the Nintendo 3DS.
Important Note!
If you haven't already, you will need to connect your Nintendo 3DS online. (How To)
What to Do:
- If you don't already have a Netflix account, you will need to sign up for one at http://www.netflix.com (U.S.) or http://www.netflix.ca (Canada). (How To)
- After you've got an account, you will need to download Netflix Instant Streaming for the Nintendo 3DS from the Nintendo eShop. (How To)
- Once Netflix has been downloaded, you will need to activate your Nintendo 3DS on your Netflix account.(How To)
- When these steps are complete, you can instantly watch TV shows and movies on your Nintendo 3DS system.
Related Articles:
How to Add Titles to the Instant Queue
How to Remove Titles from the Instant Queue
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to download the Netflix application for the Nintendo 3DS.
Note: Currently, Netflix Instant Streaming for the Nintendo 3DS is only available in the U.S. and Canada. If you reside in the U.S. or Canada and can't see Netflix Instant Streaming click here.
What to Do:
- On the HOME menu, select the Nintendo eShop icon to launch the Nintendo eShop.
- Search for Netflix in the list of downloadable items.
- Download Netflix.
- Once downloaded it will appear as a tile on the HOME menu.
Related Articles:
How to Set Up Netflix Instant Streaming for the Nintendo 3DS
Description:
Step by step information on how to activate a Nintendo 3DS on a Netflix Account.
Important Note!
These steps require an active Netflix account that allows the viewing of unlimited online content, access to a high-speed Internet connection, and a PC with Internet access.
If you do not have a Netflix account, please use one of the following links:
What to do:
On the Nintendo 3DS:
- Select Netflix Instant Streaming icon from the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- When asked if you have a Netflix Account, tap "Yes."
- You will be presented with a code; leave the Nintendo 3DS system on this screen during the activation process.
On your home computer:
- Go to http://www.netflix.com/activate (U.S.) or http://www.netflix.ca/activate (Canada). (You may need to log in to your account if you're not already logged in.)
- Enter the code from your Nintendo 3DS into the box on the web page, and then click "Activate." (The code is not case-sensitive).
- There's no need to wait at your PC, as the screen on the web page may never change.
On the Nintendo 3DS:
- Once activation is complete, the Nintendo 3DS will automatically display the Instant Queue.
Related Articles:
How to Remove Titles from the Instant Queue
Error Message: Registration Failed
Description:
Step by step information on how to set up a Netflix Account.
What to do:
- On your home computer, go to http://www.netflix.com (U.S.) or http://www.netflix.ca (Canada) and follow the on-screen instructions.
Related Articles:
Answer:
No. Titles cannot be copied or transferred to other devices. However, they can be watched on your PC while on the Netflix site or on your TV via the Wii console.
Answer:
Because the Nintendo 3DS system's parental controls are designed around video game ratings and not film ratings, it is not possible to block video on demand content based on rating. However, the Nintendo 3DS parental controls can be set to restrict usage of video on demand services (click here for more information).
Answer:
Currently, Netflix Instant Streaming for the Nintendo 3DS is only available in the US and Canada. For information on availability in other regions, please contact Netflix directly.
Answer:
Currently, Netflix Instant Streaming content for the Nintendo 3DS is only available in 2D. If you have questions about the availability of 3D streaming content, please contact Netflix.
Description:
Step by step information on how to activate a Nintendo 3DS on a Netflix Account.
Important Note!
These steps require an active Netflix account that allows the viewing of unlimited online content, access to a high-speed Internet connection, and a PC with Internet access.
If you do not have a Netflix account, please use one of the following links:
What to do:
On the Nintendo 3DS:
- Select Netflix Instant Streaming icon from the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- When asked if you have a Netflix Account, tap "Yes."
- You will be presented with a code; leave the Nintendo 3DS system on this screen during the activation process.
On your home computer:
- Go to http://www.netflix.com/activate (U.S.) or http://www.netflix.ca/activate (Canada). (You may need to log in to your account if you're not already logged in.)
- Enter the code from your Nintendo 3DS into the box on the web page, and then click "Activate." (The code is not case-sensitive).
- There's no need to wait at your PC, as the screen on the web page may never change.
On the Nintendo 3DS:
- Once activation is complete, the Nintendo 3DS will automatically display the Instant Queue.
Related Articles:
How to Remove Titles from the Instant Queue
Error Message: Registration Failed
Description:
Step by step information on how to set up a Netflix Account.
What to do:
- On your home computer, go to http://www.netflix.com (U.S.) or http://www.netflix.ca (Canada) and follow the on-screen instructions.
Related Articles:
Description:
Step by step information on how to configure the Nintendo 3DS Parental Controls to restrict access to video on demand services.
Is the Parental Control setting enabled on the Nintendo 3DS?
Applies To: Enabled
Important Note! Because the Nintendo 3DS system's Parental Controls are designed around video game ratings and not film ratings, it's not possible to block based on film rating. For more information on Rating-Based Restrictions, click here.
What to Do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open." Then tap "Parental Controls."
- Tap "Change" to change Parental Controls. When prompted, enter your PIN and tap "OK."
- Now, tap "Set Restrictions" and then "Online Interaction."
- Finally, tap "Restrict" and then "OK" to confirm the settings and restrict video on demand services.
Applies To: Not Enabled
Important Note! Because the Nintendo 3DS system's parental controls are designed around video game ratings and not film ratings, it's not possible to block based on film rating. For more information on Rating-Based Restrictions, click here.
What to Do:
- Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open." Then tap "Parental Controls."
- Now, tap "Yes," "Next," "OK," and then tap "OK" again to create a PIN.
- After entering the pin, tap "OK" twice, then enter the PIN again and tap "OK."
- Tap "OK" once more, and then select a secret question.
- Enter the answer to the secret question, and tap "OK."
- Next, tap "Set Restrictions" and then "Online Interaction."
- Finally, tap "Restrict" and then "OK" to confirm the settings and restrict video on demand services.
Description:
Step by step information on how to add titles to your Netflix Instant Queue.
What to do:
- Select Netflix Instant Streaming icon from the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Once the application loads, press the Y Button to begin searching for the desired title.
- Once found, select the title to view the information screen.
- Now, tap "Add to Instant Queue" to add the title to your queue.
Related Articles:
Description:
Step by step information on how to remove titles from your Netflix Instant Queue.
What to do:
- Select Netflix Instant Streaming icon from the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- Once the application loads, your Instant Queue will be visible on the touch screen.
- Select the title you want to remove to view its information screen.
- Tap "Remove from Queue" to remove the title from your queue.
Related Articles:
Description:
Step by step information on how to create a Free Trial Netflix Account.
Important Note!
These steps require access to a high-speed Internet connection, and a PC with Internet access.
What to do:
On the Nintendo 3DS:
- Select Netflix Instant Streaming icon from the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."
- When asked if you have a Netflix Account, tap "No."
- When asked if you want to start the free trial, tap "Yes."
- You will be presented with a code; leave the Nintendo 3DS system on this screen during the activation process.
On your home computer:
- Go to http://www.netflix.com/Nintendo3DS (U.S.) or http://www.netflix.ca/Nintendo3DS(Canada).
- Enter the code from your Nintendo 3DS into the box on the web page, then click "Activate." (The code is not case-sensitive).
- There's no need to wait at your PC, as the screen on the web page may never change.
On the Nintendo 3DS:
- Once activation is complete, the Nintendo 3DS will automatically display the Instant Queue.
Related Articles:
How to Remove Titles from the Instant Queue
Situation:
- Nintendo 3DS produces the error "Cannot Connect to Netflix" or "Unable to Connect to Netflix" when trying to access the Netflix application
What To Do:
- Check for wireless interference.
Objects and other wireless devices in the environment can weaken your wireless signal strength and cause issues when attempt to connect online. (How To) - Enter an alternate DNS into your Nintendo 3DS settings.
Manually entering alternative DNS settings may allow you to successfully connect to online services. (How To) - Delete the Netflix data from the Nintendo 3DS and access Netflix again.
Delete the Netflix save data from Data Management. (How To) - Ensure that no other users or applications are utilizing bandwidth on your network (e.g. other electronics streaming content, performing downloads, etc).
Netflix recommends a connection speed of at least 1.0 Mbps. Using one of the following websites, you can check your current bandwidth:If you are receiving less bandwidth than recommended, please contact your Internet Service Provider.
Situation Not Resolved:
If you have already tried our troubleshooting and still receive this message on your Nintendo 3DS system, please call 1-800-895-1672 for assistance.
Situation:
- The Netflix website produces the error "Registration Failed" while trying to register a Nintendo 3DS
Information:
This message indicates that the Nintendo 3DS was not on the correct screen when the Netflix activation code was entered on the computer. Please follow the activation steps, and make sure you leave your Nintendo 3DS on the screen with the code when entering it into the Netflix web page.Situation:
- The system produces the error "This Title Is Temporarily Unavailable" while trying to stream content on the Nintendo 3DS
What to Do:
- Please, try the title again in the next day or so.
Situation Not Resolved:
If you've already waited a few days and the title is still unavailable, please contact Netflix for further assistance.Situation:
- The system produces the error "Your Internet Connection Has Slowed" while trying to stream content on the Nintendo 3DS
Important Note!
Picture quality may be lower than it would be when watching TV or a DVD. This can be normal for streaming video, depending on your bandwidth.
What to Do:
- Ensure that no other users or applications are utilizing bandwidth on your network (e.g. other electronics streaming content, performing downloads, etc).
- Netflix recommends a connection speed of at least 1.0 Mbps. Using one of the following websites, you can check your current bandwidth:
If you are receiving less bandwidth than recommended, please contact your Internet Service Provider.
Situation Not Resolved:
If you have already tried our troubleshooting and still receive this message on your Nintendo 3DS system, please call 1-800-895-1672 for assistance.Situation:
- The system produces the error "Your Instant Queue Is Currently Not Available" while trying to stream content on the Nintendo 3DS
What to Do:
- Please, try accessing the Instant Queue at a later time.
Still Not Resolved?
If after waiting awhile the instant queue is still unavailable, please contact Netflix for further assistance.
Situation:
- The Netflix application is not appearing in the Nintendo eShop
What to do:
- Currently, Netflix Instant Streaming for the Nintendo 3DS is only available in the U.S. and Canada. If you reside in the U.S. or Canada and can't see Netflix Instant Streaming, do the following:
Related Articles:
Situation:
- While navigating menus in the Netflix application, the content loads slowly
- Menus take a long time to update or change while using the Netflix application
What to Do:
- Ensure that no other users or applications are utilizing bandwidth on your network (e.g. other electronics streaming content, or performing downloads, etc).
- Netflix recommends a connection speed of at least 1.0 Mbps. Using one of the following websites, you can check your current bandwidth:
If you are receiving less bandwidth than recommended, please contact your Internet Service Provider.
Still Not Resolved?
If you have already tried our troubleshooting and the performance of the Netflix application is still slow, please call 1-800-895-1672 for assistance.
Situation:
- While watching videos on the Nintendo 3DS the content appears blurry or fuzzy
- Streaming content is blocky or lagging during playback
What to Do:
- Ensure that no other users or applications are utilizing bandwidth on your network (e.g. other electronics streaming content, or performing downloads, etc).
- Netflix recommends a connection speed of at least 1.0 Mbps. Using one of the following websites, you can check your current bandwidth:
If you are receiving less bandwidth than recommended, please contact your Internet Service Provider.
Still Not Resolved?
If you have already tried our troubleshooting and the performance of the Netflix application is still slow, please call 1-800-895-1672 for assistance.
Situation:
- Streaming content on the Nintendo 3DS does not appear in 3D
Information:
Currently, Netflix Instant Streaming content for the Nintendo 3DS is only available in 2D. If you have questions about the availability of 3D streaming content, please contact Netflix.
Situation:
- While streaming content on the Nintendo 3DS the video image appears dark
- The video is difficult to see or too dark during playback
What to Do:
- Try adjusting the brightness setting on your Nintendo 3DS. (How To)
Still Not Resolved?
If after adjusting the brightness setting on your system the playback is still too dark, please contact Netflix for further assistance.
Situation:
- Streaming content stops during playback
- Streaming content pauses or stops frequently while watching videos on the Nintendo 3DS
What to Do:
- Ensure that no other users or applications are utilizing bandwidth on your network (e.g. other electronics streaming content, performing downloads, etc).
- Netflix recommends a connection speed of at least 1.0 Mbps. Using one of the following websites, you can check your current bandwidth:
If you are receiving less bandwidth than recommended, please contact your Internet Service Provider.
Still Not Resolved?
If you have already tried our troubleshooting and the performance of the Netflix application is still slow, please call 1-800-895-1672 for assistance.
Answer:
If you wish to restrict specific content viewed over a video on demand service, this may be available through the account settings of your video on demand service. For more information about the restrictions available through a certain service, please contact the company that provides your video on demand service.

