Yes, Chromecast works with Netflix on all models

Chromecast supports Netflix. You can cast Netflix from your phone, tablet, or computer to any Chromecast device—including Chromecast with Google TV, Chromecast Audio, and older Chromecast models. Netflix is one of the most commonly cast apps, and the connection is straightforward once you have both devices set up.

The process works the same way across devices: open Netflix on your phone or computer, find the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with a curved line in the corner), tap it, select your Chromecast, and the show or movie starts playing on your TV. Your phone becomes a remote while the content streams directly from Netflix to your Chromecast.

Key Takeaways

  • All Chromecast models, including older versions, work with Netflix without any special setup beyond connecting to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • You cast Netflix from your phone, tablet, or computer—not from the TV itself—using the cast button inside the Netflix app.
  • Your phone or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast for casting to work.
  • Netflix requires an active subscription, but there is no extra cost to cast compared to watching on your device screen.

Setting up Netflix casting on your Chromecast

Before you cast, make sure your Chromecast is plugged in, turned on, and connected to your Wi-Fi network. Your phone, tablet, or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you have not set up your Chromecast yet, use the Google Home app to connect it to your network first.

Open the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, or computer. Find the cast icon—it appears in the top or bottom corner of the app depending on your device. Tap or click it, and a list of available Chromecast devices appears. Select the Chromecast you want to use. Netflix will start playing on your TV within a few seconds.

Once casting starts, your phone or computer becomes a remote. You can pause, play, skip forward or backward, and adjust volume from your device. The Netflix app stays open on your phone while the video plays on the TV, but you can lock your phone or switch to other apps without interrupting playback.

Troubleshooting when Netflix won't cast

If the cast button does not appear in Netflix, check that your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. They cannot be on different networks or on a guest network while your Chromecast is on the main network. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

If Netflix still will not cast, restart the Netflix app. Close it completely and open it again. On some phones, you may need to go to Settings and check that Netflix has permission to access your local network. If you are using a computer, make sure your browser is up to date.

If your Chromecast is very old (more than five or six years), it may have trouble connecting to newer Wi-Fi routers or may not support the latest Netflix features. In that case, a factory reset of the Chromecast using the Google Home app may help, though you will need to set it up again from scratch.

Casting Netflix from different devices

From an Android phone or tablet: Open Netflix, tap the cast icon (usually in the top right), select your Chromecast, and choose what to watch. The cast icon only appears when a Chromecast is available on your network.

From an iPhone or iPad: The process is identical. Open Netflix, tap the cast icon, select your device, and start playing. Apple devices work just as well as Android devices for casting Netflix.

From a computer (Windows or Mac): Open Netflix in your web browser, click the cast icon in the bottom right corner of the video player, select your Chromecast, and play. You can also cast your entire browser tab if you prefer, though casting directly from the Netflix website is faster and uses less data.

What you need to cast Netflix

You need three things: a Chromecast device, a Netflix subscription, and a Wi-Fi network that both devices can reach. The Chromecast itself costs between $30 and $100 depending on the model. Netflix subscriptions start at around $7 per month for the ad-supported plan, though prices vary by region and plan type.

Your internet speed does not need to be extremely fast to cast Netflix. Netflix recommends at least 3 Mbps for HD video and 25 Mbps for 4K, but most home Wi-Fi networks meet these speeds. If your Wi-Fi is slow or unstable, move your Chromecast closer to your router or reduce the number of devices using the network at the same time.

Casting Netflix with Chromecast with Google TV

Chromecast with Google TV is different from older Chromecast models because it has a remote and runs apps directly on the device. You can still cast Netflix from your phone if you want, but you can also open Netflix directly on the Chromecast itself using the remote. This means you do not need to keep your phone nearby.

To use Netflix on Chromecast with Google TV without casting, press the Google Assistant button on the remote and say "Open Netflix," or navigate to the Netflix app on the home screen and select it. Your Netflix account will already be signed in if you set up the device with your Google account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Netflix on Chromecast without a phone?

Yes, if you have Chromecast with Google TV. You can open Netflix directly using the remote without casting from another device. With older Chromecast models, you need a phone, tablet, or computer to start playback, though you can set it playing and then put your phone away.

Does casting Netflix use more data than watching on my phone?

No. Casting sends the video stream directly from Netflix to your Chromecast over Wi-Fi. Your phone is only sending a small control signal, not the video itself. Data usage is the same whether you cast or watch on your phone screen.

Why does the cast button not show up in Netflix?

The cast button only appears when your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your network settings and make sure both devices are connected to the same network name. Restart the Netflix app if they are on the same network but the button still does not appear.

Can I cast Netflix from multiple rooms at the same time?

If you have multiple Chromecast devices on the same network, you can cast Netflix to different rooms simultaneously. Each Chromecast needs its own Netflix stream, so your internet connection must be fast enough to handle multiple video streams at once.

Do I need a Google account to cast Netflix to Chromecast?

You need a Google account to set up your Chromecast initially using the Google Home app. However, you only need a Netflix account to watch Netflix. Your Google and Netflix accounts do not need to be linked.