Netflix works on Chromecast, but you need the Netflix app on your phone or computer to send it there

Chromecast itself does not have Netflix built in. Instead, Chromecast is a receiver — it sits in your TV's HDMI port and waits for you to send video to it from another device. Netflix is the app you run on your phone, tablet, or computer. When you open Netflix on that device and tap the cast button, it sends the video stream to your Chromecast, which then plays it on your TV.

This means you always need a second device to start the video. You cannot turn on your TV and find Netflix waiting there the way you might on a smart TV. But once you cast, your phone becomes a remote — you can pause, rewind, or change volume from the device in your hand.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix on Chromecast requires the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, or computer — Chromecast itself has no app store.
  • You tap the cast button inside the Netflix app to send video to your Chromecast; the video then plays on your TV.
  • Your phone or computer acts as the remote while casting, so you can pause and rewind without leaving your seat.
  • Chromecast works with Netflix on Android phones, iPhones, iPads, Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks.
  • You need a Netflix account and a Wi-Fi network that both your Chromecast and your phone can reach.

What you need to cast Netflix to Chromecast

You need three things: a Chromecast plugged into your TV, a Netflix account with an active subscription, and a phone, tablet, or computer on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast.

The Netflix app is free to read on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Chromebook. Your Chromecast does not need its own Netflix account — it uses the account from whichever device is casting to it. If you have multiple Netflix profiles in your account, you can choose which one to use before you cast.

Your Wi-Fi network must reach both devices. If your Chromecast is in the living room and your phone is in the kitchen, both need to be connected to the same router. If they are on different networks, the cast button will not appear in Netflix.

How to cast Netflix to Chromecast step by step

Open the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, or computer. Find the video you want to watch and start playing it. Look for the cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with a curved line in the corner, usually in the top right or bottom right of the screen depending on your device.

Tap or click the cast icon. A menu will appear showing available Chromecast devices on your network. Select the Chromecast connected to your TV. The video will pause on your phone and begin playing on your TV. Your phone screen now shows playback controls — pause, rewind, fast-forward, and volume.

To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Disconnect" or "Stop Casting." The video will stop on your TV and you can continue watching on your phone if you want.

What happens if the cast button does not appear

The cast button only shows up when your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. If you do not see it, check that both devices are connected to the same network. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Restart your phone or computer as well.

If your Chromecast is brand new, make sure it finished setup. The Chromecast app on your phone guides you through connecting it to Wi-Fi during first use. Until that is complete, other devices cannot find it.

Some older Chromecast models have trouble with newer Netflix versions. If you have a Chromecast from before 2015, check the Netflix support page for your device — you may need to update the Chromecast firmware or use a different casting method.

Chromecast models and Netflix compatibility

Netflix works on all current Chromecast models: the standard Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV, and Chromecast Audio (though Audio is no longer sold). Older Chromecast models from 2013 and 2014 may have issues with the current Netflix app, but most work with some troubleshooting.

Chromecast with Google TV is the newest model and includes a remote control and an on-screen interface. You can still cast Netflix to it from your phone, but you can also search for Netflix directly on the TV screen and open it without casting. This is more convenient if you watch Netflix often, though it costs more than a basic Chromecast.

Casting Netflix from different devices

From an iPhone or iPad: Open Netflix, tap the cast icon in the top right, and select your Chromecast. The cast icon appears only after you start playing a video.

From an Android phone: Open Netflix, tap the cast icon (usually in the top right), and select your Chromecast. Android shows the cast icon before you play a video, so you can set it up ahead of time.

From a computer: Open Netflix in a web browser, click the cast icon in the bottom right corner of the video player, and select your Chromecast. You can also use the Netflix app on Windows or Mac if you have it installed.

From a Chromebook: Open Netflix in the browser or the app, click the cast icon, and select your Chromecast. Chromebooks treat casting the same way as Android phones.

Troubleshooting common casting problems

If Netflix starts playing on your phone instead of your TV, you may have tapped play before selecting the Chromecast. Stop the video, tap the cast icon, select your Chromecast, and then press play.

If the video buffers or keeps stopping, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Move your Chromecast closer to your router or move your phone closer to the Chromecast. Netflix recommends at least 5 Mbps read speed for HD video and 25 Mbps for 4K, though lower speeds often work.

If you lose control of the video on your phone, your phone may have disconnected from Wi-Fi. Reconnect to the same network and tap the cast icon again — you should regain control. The video will keep playing on your TV while you reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Chromecast without a phone?

Not to start Netflix. You need a phone, tablet, or computer to open the Netflix app and tap cast. However, Chromecast with Google TV includes a remote, so once Netflix is playing, you can control it without your phone. A basic Chromecast requires your phone to stay connected.

Does Netflix cost extra to use on Chromecast?

No. Chromecast is just a way to display Netflix on your TV. Your regular Netflix subscription covers casting. You do not pay per cast or per device.

Can multiple people watch Netflix on the same Chromecast?

Yes. Each person can use their own phone to cast to the same Chromecast. If you have multiple Netflix profiles in one account, you can switch profiles before casting. If you have separate Netflix accounts, each person casts from their own account.

What if my TV does not have an HDMI port?

Older TVs with only composite or component inputs cannot use Chromecast directly. You would need an HDMI-to-composite adapter, though this is not officially supported by Google and may not work reliably. A newer TV or a different streaming device is a more practical solution.

Can I cast Netflix while using my phone for something else?

Yes. Once Netflix starts playing on your TV, your phone is free to use for other apps. The video continues on your TV. If you need to pause or rewind, open Netflix again and tap the cast icon to reconnect.