What happened? Netflix has removed casting support that lets you cast shows directly from phones to TVs and streaming devices. The change was quietly rolled out over the past few weeks when users noticed the Cast button was gone. Now an updated Netflix help page confirms the change.
- According to Android Authority, Netflix now blocks streaming from most new devices, including Chromecast with Google TV and the Google TV Streamer.
This is important because: Casting by phone is a handy feature. You can select a show on your phone, tap Cast, and it will start playing on your TV. Now Netflix wants you to use the TV’s own app and remote instead. Their support page now clearly states that casting from a mobile device to most TVs or streaming devices is no longer supported.
- Only a limited number of legacy devices work with Netflix Phone Casting, including older Chromecast sticks (without remote controls), TVs with native Google Cast support, Google Nest Hub displays, and some Cast-enabled Vizio and Compal TVs.
Why should I care? Many viewers specifically used the casting to avoid having to re-enter login details or deal with cumbersome remote controls.
- If you’re used to browsing Netflix on your phone and streaming it on the big screen in your living room, at a friend’s house, or in a hotel room, that convenience is no longer there.
- You’ll need to open and sign in to Netflix on each TV, or use an older Chromecast that still works.
- For frequent travelers or anyone who switches between TVs, this change makes Netflix feel less flexible and convenient.
Okay, what’s next?
- Casting will still work if you have an old Chromecast device (without a remote) or a TV with native Google Cast support and pay for Netflix’s ad-free tier.
- Otherwise, you will have to open the Netflix app directly on the TV or streamer box and select and control the content with the remote control.
As Netflix’s casting disappears, the streaming world appears to be shifting toward relying solely on dedicated TV apps.
