Netflix removes casting support for smart TVs and streaming devices

Netflix has, without much announcement, removed support for casting from its mobile apps to most televisions, including devices like Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer. Only older Chromecast dongles can still be played via smartphone.

Netflix app no longer casts to newer Chromecasts

This change appears to have been introduced by Netflix only recently. As reported by, among others, Android Authority, citing a Reddit thread, the streaming provider has apparently removed the feature over the past few weeks.

A support document from the company titled "Can't find 'Cast' button in Netflix app" states: "Netflix no longer supports casting shows from a mobile device to most TVs and TV streaming devices. You will need to use the remote that came with your TV or TV streaming device to navigate Netflix."

On Reddit, a user writes that a customer service representative told them: "If the device has its remote, they cannot cast (via the app)." The removal of the casting option is intended to "improve the customer experience," the customer service representative reportedly wrote.

Remote Control

Users who still own an older Chromecast and use it for casting content via the app are apparently not affected. After all, these do not have a remote control like the relatively new models with "Google TV." Google discontinued the old Chromecast dongles when introducing the streamer in 2024 discontinued.

According to Android Authority, Netflix had already removed the cast function for the ad-supported plan before. With the updated policy, the streaming provider is implementing this more consistently, regardless of the plan used. Users are now forced to use the user interface of the Chromecasts (with remote control) or televisions.

(afl)