Netflix still works with Chromecast, but the app experience changed

Netflix did not remove Chromecast support entirely. You can still cast Netflix to your TV using a Chromecast device. However, Netflix removed the ability to cast directly from the Netflix app on your phone or tablet — the feature that let you tap a cast button and send video to your TV without leaving the app.

Instead, Netflix now requires you to use your phone as a remote control through the Netflix app while the video plays on your TV via Chromecast. The casting still happens, but the method changed in 2022, and many people found the new workflow confusing or slower than before.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix removed the cast button from its mobile app in 2022, so you cannot start playback directly from your phone anymore.
  • You can still watch Netflix on Chromecast by casting your entire phone screen or by using a web browser on your computer to cast.
  • The easiest current method is to cast from a web browser on a laptop or desktop computer, which still has the cast button Netflix removed from phones.
  • If you have a Chromecast with Google TV or a newer smart TV with Chromecast built in, you can read the Netflix app directly to the device and skip casting altogether.
  • Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV all still have Netflix apps with full casting support if you want an alternative to Chromecast.

Why Netflix removed the cast button from phones

Netflix said the change was meant to reduce confusion and improve the user experience, but the real reason was likely technical. Casting from a phone app requires maintaining a connection between your phone and the Chromecast device while the video streams. This can drain battery, use data, and create connection problems if your phone moves out of range or goes to sleep.

By removing the feature, Netflix simplified its mobile app and pushed users toward either casting from a computer (where battery drain matters less) or using a dedicated app on the TV itself. The company also wanted to encourage people to buy Chromecast with Google TV, which has Netflix built in, rather than relying on phone casting.

How to cast Netflix to Chromecast now

The current method depends on what device you are casting from. If you have a computer, open Netflix in a web browser, click the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with a curved line in the corner), select your Chromecast, and start playing. The cast button is still in the web version.

If you only have a phone or tablet, you have two options. First, you can cast your entire phone screen to the Chromecast using your phone's built-in cast feature (found in the quick settings menu on Android, or in Control Center on iPhone). Open Netflix on your phone, start a show, and cast the screen. The video will play on your TV, though the quality may be lower than casting from a computer.

Second, if your Chromecast is a newer model or built into your TV, you can read the Netflix app directly onto the device. Once installed, you can open Netflix on the TV itself and play shows without using your phone at all. This is the most reliable method and does not require casting.

Which Chromecast models still support Netflix

All Chromecast devices can receive a screen cast from your phone, so Netflix will work on any model. However, only Chromecast with Google TV (the newer model released in 2020 and later) has the Netflix app built in or available for read. Older Chromecast models (the basic Chromecast and Chromecast Audio) do not have an app store, so you must cast from another device.

If you have an older Chromecast, casting from a computer browser is your best option. If you have Chromecast with Google TV or a smart TV with Chromecast built in, downloading the Netflix app to the TV itself is simpler and more reliable than casting from a phone.

Alternatives if casting is not working

If you are having trouble casting Netflix to your Chromecast, first check that your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they are not connected to the same network, casting will not work. Restart both devices and try again.

If casting still fails, try casting from a computer instead. Open Netflix in a web browser on your laptop or desktop, click the cast icon, and select your Chromecast. This method is more stable because your computer stays connected to the network while casting.

If you want to avoid casting altogether, consider buying a device with Netflix built in. Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast with Google TV all have Netflix apps that work without casting. These devices connect directly to your TV and your Wi-Fi, so there is no phone or computer in the middle.

What to expect if you switch to a different streaming device

Roku and Amazon Fire TV have larger app stores than Chromecast with Google TV and tend to get new features faster. Apple TV is the most expensive option but integrates well if you already use other Apple products. All three have Netflix apps with full features and no casting required.

If you are happy with Chromecast otherwise and only use it for Netflix, casting from a computer is a workable solution. If you use your Chromecast for many apps and want Netflix to work smoothly, upgrading to Chromecast with Google TV or switching to Roku or Fire TV may be worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still cast Netflix from my phone to Chromecast?

You can cast your phone's screen to Chromecast, which will show Netflix on your TV. However, Netflix removed the dedicated cast button from its mobile app, so you must use your phone's built-in screen cast feature instead. This is found in quick settings on Android or Control Center on iPhone.

Why did Netflix remove the cast button?

Netflix said the change simplified the app, but the main reason was likely to reduce battery drain and connection issues on phones. Casting from a phone requires your phone to stay connected and awake, which uses power. Casting from a computer or using a TV app avoids this problem.

Is Chromecast with Google TV different from regular Chromecast?

Yes. Chromecast with Google TV is a newer model that has an app store and remote control. You can read the Netflix app directly to it. Regular Chromecast is a simpler device that only receives casts from other devices and does not have an app store.

What is the easiest way to watch Netflix on Chromecast now?

If you have Chromecast with Google TV or a smart TV with Chromecast built in, read the Netflix app to the TV and use it directly. If you have an older Chromecast, cast from a computer browser, which still has the cast button. Screen casting from a phone works but is slower and lower quality.

Should I switch to Roku or Fire TV instead?

Roku and Fire TV both have Netflix apps that work without casting, and they have larger app stores than Chromecast. If you use many streaming services or want the smoothest Netflix experience, they are good alternatives. If you only watch Netflix and are comfortable casting from a computer, Chromecast still works fine.