Yes, but not directly from the Prime app

You cannot cast Amazon Prime Video to a Chromecast device using the Prime app's built-in cast button the way you would with Netflix or YouTube. Amazon and Google have not built that direct connection. However, you can still watch Prime Video on your TV through Chromecast using two real methods: casting your entire screen from a phone or computer, or using the web version of Prime Video on a computer connected to Chromecast.

The screen-casting method works on any device with Chromecast support. The web method gives you the cleanest picture and full remote control, but requires a computer or laptop nearby. Both are free if you already have a Prime membership and a Chromecast device.

Key Takeaways

  • Amazon Prime Video does not have a native Chromecast button in its app, so you must use screen mirroring or the web browser instead.
  • Screen mirroring from an Android phone or iPhone works but uses more battery and may have slight lag during fast scenes.
  • Casting the Chrome browser tab from a computer to Chromecast gives the best picture quality and lets you use your keyboard and mouse.
  • You need an active Prime membership and a Chromecast device on the same Wi-Fi network to use either method.
  • If you want a native cast button without workarounds, a Fire TV Stick or other Amazon device is a simpler choice.

Screen mirroring from your phone

Screen mirroring sends everything on your phone's display to the TV, including the Prime Video app. On an Android phone, open the Prime Video app, start playing a video, then swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open Quick Settings. Look for "Cast" or "Screen cast" and tap it. Select your Chromecast device from the list. The video will now play on your TV, and you can control it from your phone.

On an iPhone, the process is similar but uses Apple's system. Open Prime Video, start a video, then swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Tap "Screen Mirroring" and select your Chromecast device. Your phone screen will mirror to the TV. Note that iPhones use AirPlay, which requires a device that supports both AirPlay and Chromecast—most newer Chromecast devices do, but check your model first.

Screen mirroring drains your phone's battery faster than normal use because the phone is constantly sending video data to the TV. If you plan to watch for more than an hour, plug your phone in. Also, if your Wi-Fi connection is weak, you may see stuttering or brief freezes, especially during action scenes.

Casting from a web browser on your computer

This is the most reliable method. Open Google Chrome on your computer and go to amazon.com/primevideo or primevideo.com. Sign in with your Prime account, find the show or movie you want, and click play. Once the video is playing, click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome and select "Cast." Choose your Chromecast device from the list.

The video will now play on your TV through the Chromecast, and you can control playback from your computer keyboard or mouse. You can also minimize the Chrome window or switch to another tab—the video will keep playing on the TV. This method uses your home Wi-Fi to send the video, not your computer's screen, so the picture quality is as good as streaming directly to a smart TV.

If you use a different browser like Firefox or Safari, the cast feature may not work. Chrome is the most reliable choice. Make sure your computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network, and keep your computer awake while watching—putting it to sleep will pause the video.

What to do if casting keeps disconnecting

Disconnections usually happen because of Wi-Fi interference or distance. Move your Chromecast device closer to your router, or move your router away from other electronics like microwaves and cordless phones that can interfere with the 2.4 GHz band. If your router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, connect your Chromecast to the 5 GHz band for a stronger, faster connection.

If you are screen mirroring from a phone and the connection keeps dropping, try closing other apps running in the background. Each app uses Wi-Fi bandwidth, and Prime Video needs a steady connection to stream smoothly. Restart your Chromecast device by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Also restart your phone or computer and your router—this clears temporary connection problems that build up over time.

If disconnections continue, check whether your Chromecast firmware is up to date. Open the Google Home app on your phone, tap your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon, and look for a firmware update option. Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues with newer apps and devices.

Why Prime Video does not have a native Chromecast button

Amazon owns Fire TV devices and wants to steer users toward those products instead of Google's Chromecast. Fire TV Sticks have a native Prime Video app with a built-in cast button, so watching Prime Video is simpler and faster on a Fire TV device than on Chromecast. This is a business decision, not a technical limitation—Amazon could add Chromecast support to the Prime app but chooses not to.

Google and Amazon have had a complicated relationship. For years, Amazon did not sell Google devices, and Google removed YouTube from Fire TV devices. That tension has eased somewhat, but Amazon still prioritizes its own hardware. If you own a Fire TV Stick or Fire TV device, you will have a better Prime Video experience than with Chromecast because the app is built for that hardware.

Alternatives if Chromecast is not working for you

If screen mirroring is too slow or casting from your browser is unreliable, consider these options. A Fire TV Stick (made by Amazon) plugs into your TV's HDMI port and has Prime Video built in with a native cast button. It costs between $30 and $50 depending on the model. A Roku device also has Prime Video as a native app and works similarly to Fire TV. Both are simpler than casting because you do not need a phone or computer nearby to control playback.

If you already own a smart TV, check whether it has Prime Video built in. Most newer Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio TVs have the Prime Video app pre-installed. You can launch it directly from the TV remote without any extra hardware. This is the simplest option if your TV supports it.

If you prefer to stick with Chromecast, the web browser method is your best bet. It is more reliable than screen mirroring and does not require buying new hardware. Just keep your computer nearby and plugged in while you watch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Chromecast with Prime Video on a tablet?

Yes. On an iPad, use screen mirroring through Control Center the same way you would on an iPhone. On an Android tablet, use the Quick Settings cast option. Tablets have larger screens than phones, so screen mirroring is more comfortable for longer viewing sessions, though battery drain is still a concern.

Will I lose picture quality when casting Prime Video to Chromecast?

When casting from a web browser, picture quality is the same as streaming directly to a smart TV—it depends on your internet speed and the video's resolution. When screen mirroring from a phone, quality may be slightly lower because the phone is compressing the video to send it wirelessly, but most people do not notice the difference on a standard TV.

Do I need a paid subscription to cast Prime Video to Chromecast?

Yes, you need an active Prime membership. Chromecast itself is free, but Prime Video is a paid service. If you have a Prime membership, you can cast at no extra cost.

Can I cast Prime Video from the Prime app on my computer?

The Prime app for Windows and Mac does not have a cast button. Use the web version at primevideo.com in Google Chrome instead, which has the cast feature built into the browser.

What if my Chromecast device is older—will casting still work?

Older Chromecast devices support screen mirroring and web browser casting, so both methods should work. However, very old devices (first generation, released in 2013) may have slower performance. If casting is unreliable, a newer Chromecast device or a Fire TV Stick may be worth the investment.