Netflix still works with Chromecast, but the casting method changed in 2023
Netflix did not remove Chromecast entirely, but it did change how you cast to your TV. In 2023, Netflix stopped supporting the older Google Cast protocol that let you send video from your phone or computer directly to a Chromecast device. Instead, Netflix now requires you to use Google Home or Google TV as the middleman between your phone and the Chromecast.
This change affected people who owned older Chromecast devices (first and second generation) or who relied on casting from a phone or tablet. If you have a newer Chromecast with Google TV built in, or if you use a device that runs Google TV natively, you can still watch Netflix on your TV through Chromecast—you just have to do it differently than before.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix stopped supporting direct casting via Google Cast in 2023, so the cast button no longer appears in the Netflix app on phones and tablets.
- You can still watch Netflix on a TV connected to Chromecast by using the Google Home app to control playback, or by using a device that runs Google TV.
- Chromecast with Google TV (the newer model) lets you read the Netflix app directly to the device, so you do not need to cast from your phone at all.
- Older Chromecast devices (first and second generation) no longer work with Netflix casting, and Netflix has not announced a way to restore that feature.
What happened to the Netflix cast button
The cast button that used to appear in the Netflix app on your phone or tablet is gone. This button let you tap once and send the video stream directly to your Chromecast. Netflix removed this feature because the company shifted away from supporting Google's Cast protocol and moved toward requiring Google TV or Google Home as the connection method instead.
The removal was gradual. Some users lost the cast button in mid-2023, while others noticed it disappear later in the year. Netflix did not announce the change publicly, so many people discovered it only when they tried to cast and the button was no longer there. If you still see a cast button in your Netflix app, you have an older version—updating the app will remove it.
How to watch Netflix on your TV now
The most straightforward way is to use a Chromecast with Google TV, which is the newer model that has Google TV built into the device itself. You read the Netflix app directly onto the Chromecast, just as you would on a phone or tablet. Once the app is on the device, you control it with the remote that comes with the Chromecast, and you never need to cast from your phone.
If you own an older Chromecast device without Google TV, you can still watch Netflix by using the Google Home app on your phone. Open Google Home, select your Chromecast device, tap the remote icon, and navigate to the Netflix app on the Chromecast's home screen. This method works, but it is slower and less convenient than casting directly from the Netflix app.
Another option is to use a Google TV device from a different manufacturer—some Android TV boxes, smart TVs, and streaming devices run Google TV natively and let you install Netflix the same way you would on a Chromecast with Google TV. Check your device's documentation to see if it supports Google TV.
Which Chromecast devices still work with Netflix
Chromecast with Google TV (released in 2020 and later) works with Netflix without any workarounds. You install the Netflix app on the device and use the included remote to control playback. This is the simplest experience and the one Netflix now recommends.
The original Chromecast (first generation, released in 2013) and Chromecast 2 (second generation, released in 2015) no longer support Netflix casting. These devices can still receive video from other apps and services, but Netflix specifically removed support for the Cast protocol these devices rely on. If you own one of these older models, you would need to upgrade to a newer Chromecast or use a different streaming device.
Chromecast Audio and Chromecast Ultra (released in 2015 and 2016) are no longer sold and are not officially supported by Netflix, though some users report mixed results trying to use them. Netflix has not confirmed whether these devices will work going forward.
Why Netflix made this change
Netflix has not published an official statement explaining the decision, but the shift aligns with Google's broader move toward Google TV as its standard platform for streaming devices. By requiring Google TV or Google Home as the intermediary, Netflix ensures that the company controls more of the user experience and can gather more data about how people watch.
The change also simplifies Netflix's technical requirements. Supporting the older Cast protocol meant maintaining compatibility with many different device generations and manufacturers. Focusing on Google TV lets Netflix optimize for a single, modern platform that Netflix and Google control together.
Alternatives if you cannot use Chromecast
If you have an older Chromecast and do not want to upgrade, you have other options for watching Netflix on your TV. Roku devices, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and most modern smart TVs have Netflix built in or available as a downloadable app. These devices let you control Netflix directly without needing to cast from your phone.
You can also connect a laptop or computer to your TV using an HDMI cable and watch Netflix through a web browser. This method works on any TV with an HDMI port and does not require any special hardware, though it is less convenient than a dedicated streaming device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still cast Netflix to an older Chromecast device?
No. Netflix removed support for the Google Cast protocol that older Chromecast devices use. If you own a first or second generation Chromecast, you cannot cast Netflix to it anymore. You would need to upgrade to a Chromecast with Google TV or use a different streaming device.
Does Chromecast with Google TV have Netflix built in?
Netflix is not pre-installed, but you can read it from the Google Play Store on the device. Once installed, you control it with the remote that comes with the Chromecast, and you do not need to cast from your phone.
Will Netflix bring back the cast button?
Netflix has not announced any plans to restore casting support for older Chromecast devices. The company appears committed to the Google TV model going forward, so the cast button is unlikely to return.
Can I use Google Home to watch Netflix on an older Chromecast?
You can use the Google Home app to navigate to Netflix on an older Chromecast and start playback, but this is a workaround, not the same as casting directly from the Netflix app. It works, but it is slower and requires more steps.
What is the cheapest way to watch Netflix on my TV now?
A Chromecast with Google TV costs around $30 to $40 and is one of the least expensive options. Alternatively, if your TV is a smart TV made in the last few years, Netflix may already be built in or available as a free read from your TV's app store.