Yes, Netflix works with Chromecast on most devices

Netflix supports Chromecast on phones, tablets, and computers running Android, iOS, iPadOS, Windows, or Mac. When you open the Netflix app or website, you'll see a cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner) if a Chromecast device is available on your network. Tap or click that icon, select your Chromecast device, and Netflix will stream to your TV while you control playback from your phone or computer.

The one exception: Netflix on a Chromebook or Chrome browser sometimes won't cast to Chromecast due to copyright protection settings. If you hit that wall, restarting both devices usually fixes it. If it doesn't, using the Netflix app on your phone is the fastest workaround.

Key Takeaways

  • The Netflix app on Android phones, iPhones, iPads, Windows, and Mac computers all cast to Chromecast through the cast icon in the app.
  • Your phone or tablet stays in your hand to pause, rewind, or change volume—you don't need a separate remote.
  • Netflix must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device for casting to work.
  • If casting doesn't appear as an option, restart your phone, Chromecast, and router, then try again.

Setting up Netflix casting for the first time

Before you cast, make sure your Chromecast is plugged in, powered on, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or tablet. Open the Netflix app (not the website on a phone—use the app). Sign in to your account. Start playing any show or movie.

Look for the cast icon in the top right or bottom right corner of the screen, depending on your device. It's a small rectangle with three curved lines. Tap it. A list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Select the one connected to your TV. Netflix will pause for a few seconds, then the show or movie will appear on your TV screen. Your phone becomes the remote—you can pause, play, skip forward or backward, and adjust volume without touching the TV.

Why the cast icon sometimes doesn't show up

The cast icon only appears if Netflix detects a Chromecast on your network. If you don't see it, the most common reason is that your phone and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both are connected to the same network name (SSID). If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting your phone to the same band your Chromecast uses—most Chromecasts work best on 2.4 GHz.

If both devices are on the same network and the icon still doesn't appear, restart your phone and your Chromecast. Unplug the Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the light to stop blinking. Then open Netflix again. If it still doesn't work, restart your Wi-Fi router as well—wait 2 minutes after unplugging before plugging it back in.

Casting from a web browser instead of the app

You can cast Netflix from a Chrome browser on Windows or Mac. Open Netflix in Chrome, start playing something, and look for the cast icon in the top right corner of the browser (not the Netflix player). Click it and select your Chromecast. The entire Chrome tab will cast to your TV, and you can control it from your computer keyboard or trackpad.

Casting from Chrome on a Chromebook sometimes fails because of copyright protection. If you see an error message, close Chrome completely, wait 10 seconds, reopen it, and try again. If that doesn't work, use the Netflix app on your phone instead—it's more reliable.

What to do if Netflix keeps disconnecting from Chromecast

If Netflix casts successfully but then stops after a few minutes, or if the picture freezes while audio keeps playing, your Wi-Fi connection is probably dropping packets. Move your phone or Chromecast closer to your router, or reduce the number of devices using Wi-Fi at the same time. Streaming video uses a lot of bandwidth, especially on 5 GHz networks that have shorter range.

If disconnections happen every time you cast, restart your router. Unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for all lights to stabilize before casting again. If the problem continues, check whether your router firmware is up to date—most routers have an admin panel you can access through a web browser, though the exact steps vary by manufacturer.

Casting Netflix to multiple TVs at once

Netflix allows you to cast to only one Chromecast device at a time from a single account. If you want to watch different shows on two TVs in your house, you'll need either a second Netflix account or to use a different casting method on one of the TVs—for example, casting from a phone to one TV and using a Chromecast-enabled TV app on the other.

If two people in your household want to watch Netflix simultaneously on different TVs, check your Netflix plan. Basic plans allow one stream at a time across all devices. Standard plans allow two simultaneous streams, and Premium plans allow four. If you're hitting your limit, one person will need to wait or you'll need to upgrade your plan.

Troubleshooting when casting starts but the picture won't appear

If you tap cast, select your Chromecast, and Netflix says it's casting but nothing shows up on your TV, first check that your TV is on the correct input. Use your TV remote to switch to the HDMI input where your Chromecast is plugged in. If the input is correct and the screen is still blank, unplug the Chromecast for 30 seconds and plug it back in.

While the Chromecast restarts, close Netflix on your phone completely (don't just minimize it). Once the Chromecast light stops blinking, open Netflix again and try casting. If you still see a blank screen, the Chromecast itself may need a factory reset—hold the reset button on the back of the device for 15 seconds while it's powered on, then set it up again from scratch using the Google Home app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Netflix from my iPad to Chromecast?

Yes. Open the Netflix app on your iPad, start playing something, tap the cast icon in the top right corner, and select your Chromecast. The process is identical to casting from an iPhone.

Do I need a Netflix Premium plan to use Chromecast?

No. Chromecast works with any Netflix plan—Basic, Standard, or Premium. Your plan only affects how many devices can stream at the same time and video quality, not whether you can cast.

What happens to my phone while Netflix is casting?

Your phone acts as a remote control. You can lock the screen, use other apps, or even leave the room—Netflix will keep playing on your TV. If you close the Netflix app completely, casting will stop.

Can I cast Netflix if my Chromecast is on a guest Wi-Fi network?

No. Your phone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your router has a guest network, connect your Chromecast to the main network instead, or connect your phone to the same guest network as the Chromecast.

Why does Netflix cast in a different quality than it plays on my phone?

Netflix adjusts video quality based on your internet speed and the device you're casting to. Casting to a TV may use higher quality because your TV can display it better, or lower quality if your Wi-Fi is slow. You can't manually set the quality for casting—Netflix handles it automatically.