Netflix works with Chromecast on phones, tablets, and computers

Yes, Netflix supports Chromecast. You can cast Netflix from your phone, tablet, or computer to any TV connected to a Chromecast device. The Netflix app has a built-in cast button that connects to your Chromecast when both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Once you tap cast and select your Chromecast device, the show or movie plays on your TV while you control playback from your phone.

Chromecast works with Netflix on Android phones, iPhones, iPads, and computers running Windows or Mac. You do not need a separate remote — your phone becomes the control. The video streams directly from Netflix servers to your Chromecast, so your phone can lock or switch apps without interrupting playback.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix has a cast button built into the app on phones, tablets, and computers that connects to any Chromecast on your Wi-Fi network.
  • Your phone, tablet, or computer and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • Once you cast, Netflix plays on your TV and you control it from your phone — the phone can lock or leave the app without stopping playback.
  • Netflix on a web browser can also cast to Chromecast using your computer's cast feature, though the mobile app is faster.

How to cast Netflix from your phone or tablet

Open the Netflix app and start playing a show or movie. Look for the cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with a curved line in the bottom left corner — usually in the top right of the screen. Tap it and a list of available Chromecast devices appears. Select your Chromecast device by name, and Netflix begins playing on your TV within a few seconds.

Once casting starts, your phone screen shows playback controls: play, pause, rewind, and fast-forward buttons. You can lock your phone or open other apps and Netflix keeps playing. To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting" or straightforward close the Netflix app.

How to cast Netflix from a computer

On a Windows or Mac computer, open Netflix in Google Chrome and start playing a show or movie. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome and select "Cast". A list of Chromecast devices on your network appears. Click the device name and Netflix streams to your TV.

If you use a different browser like Safari or Firefox, the cast feature may not work — Chrome is the most reliable option. Once casting begins, you can close Chrome or lock your computer and the video continues playing on your TV. Use your phone or the keyboard to control playback: spacebar pauses, arrow keys rewind or fast-forward.

What to check if casting is not working

The most common reason casting fails is that your phone and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both devices connect to the same network name. If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting both to the same band — older Chromecast models work better on 2.4 GHz.

Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. If the Netflix app on your phone is outdated, update it from the App Store or Google Play. Close the Netflix app completely and reopen it. If the cast button still does not appear, sign out of Netflix and sign back in.

Make sure your Chromecast has power and is plugged into an HDMI port on your TV. Check that your TV is set to the correct HDMI input. If you recently changed your Wi-Fi password, forget the network on your Chromecast and reconnect it using the Google Home app.

Casting Netflix in 4K and HDR

Chromecast with Google TV and Chromecast Ultra support 4K video and HDR (high dynamic range) when Netflix streams 4K content. Your TV must also support 4K and HDR, and your internet connection needs to be fast enough — Netflix recommends at least 25 Mbps for 4K. Standard Chromecast devices cast Netflix in 1080p only.

When you cast from your phone, the quality depends on your internet speed and which Chromecast model you own. Netflix automatically adjusts video quality based on your connection. If you want to check what quality is playing, open the Netflix app on your phone, tap your profile icon, go to Settings, and select "App Settings" to see current playback quality.

Casting Netflix while traveling or on a guest network

Chromecast works only on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer. If you are at a hotel, friend's house, or anywhere with a different network, you cannot cast Netflix to a Chromecast at home. You can still watch Netflix on your phone or computer directly, but casting requires both devices on the same network.

If you bring a Chromecast with you, you can set it up on the guest network and cast from your phone on that same network. Some hotels and public Wi-Fi networks block Chromecast devices, so casting may not work even if you set up the Chromecast on the network. In those cases, watch Netflix directly on your phone or computer instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Netflix from my computer to Chromecast on a Mac?

Yes. Open Netflix in Google Chrome on your Mac, click the three-dot menu, select "Cast", and choose your Chromecast device. Safari and Firefox do not have the cast feature, so Chrome is required on Mac.

Does casting Netflix use data from my phone plan?

No. Casting uses your Wi-Fi network, not your phone's cellular data. Netflix streams directly from the internet to your Chromecast over Wi-Fi, so your phone is only sending the cast command, not the video itself.

Can I cast Netflix to multiple TVs at the same time?

No. One Netflix account can cast to only one Chromecast device at a time. If you want to watch on multiple TVs, you need separate Netflix profiles or separate accounts, and each would cast to its own Chromecast device.

What happens if I close the Netflix app while casting?

Netflix keeps playing on your TV. Closing the app does not stop the cast. To stop playback, tap the cast icon and select "Stop casting", or use the pause button on your phone's lock screen or control center.

Does Netflix casting work on older Chromecast devices?

Yes. Netflix casting works on all Chromecast models, including the original Chromecast. The main difference is that older models cast in 1080p, while Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast with Google TV support 4K and HDR if your internet speed allows it.