Yes, Netflix works on Chromecast, and it is one of the easiest streaming setups you can make

Netflix streams to Chromecast through the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, or computer. You do not need a separate subscription or special hardware — if you already have Netflix and a Chromecast device plugged into your TV, you can cast within seconds. The process works the same way whether you use a Chromecast with Google TV, a standard Chromecast, or an older model.

The casting happens from your device to your TV, not directly from Netflix's servers. That means your phone or tablet acts as the remote control while the show plays on your television. You can pause, rewind, or change the volume from your device, and the picture stays on your TV even if you lock your phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix casts to Chromecast from the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, or computer — no additional setup beyond plugging in your Chromecast.
  • Your casting device must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast, or the cast button will not appear in the Netflix app.
  • You can cast from the Netflix app on Android, iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows, but not from the Netflix website on a computer.
  • Casting pauses if you close the Netflix app or turn off your phone, but you can resume from where you left off on any other device.

What you need before you start casting

Your Chromecast must be plugged into a power source and connected to your Wi-Fi network. Check that your phone, tablet, or computer is also on the same Wi-Fi network — this is the most common reason casting fails. If your Chromecast is on your home network and your phone is on a guest network, they cannot see each other.

You need an active Netflix account with a valid payment method on file. Netflix does not charge extra to cast; it counts as one of your simultaneous streams depending on your plan. If you are on a Basic plan, only one person can watch at a time across all your devices, whether they are casting or not.

The Netflix app must be installed on your casting device. You cannot cast from the Netflix website on a computer — only from the Netflix app on Windows or Mac. On phones and tablets, the app is available for free from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Microsoft Store.

How to cast Netflix to your Chromecast

Open the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, or computer and sign in. Find a show or movie you want to watch and start playing it. Look for the cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom left corner — and tap it. A list of available devices appears, including your Chromecast.

Tap your Chromecast device from the list. Netflix sends the video to your TV, and playback begins there. Your phone becomes the remote: you can pause, play, skip forward or backward, adjust the volume, and change subtitles from your device. The Netflix app stays open on your phone while you watch.

If the cast icon does not appear, your phone and Chromecast are not on the same network. Go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings and switch to the same network your Chromecast uses, then try again. Restart the Netflix app if you have already switched networks.

What happens when you stop casting

If you close the Netflix app or turn off your phone, casting stops and the video pauses on your TV. You can resume watching from the same spot on any other device — your phone, tablet, computer, or another Chromecast in your home. Netflix remembers where you stopped.

If your phone runs out of battery while casting, the video pauses on your TV. Plug in your phone, open Netflix again, and tap the cast icon to resume. You do not lose your place.

To stop casting without pausing the show, tap the cast icon again and select Stop casting. The video stops on your TV, and you can cast to a different device or watch on your phone instead.

Casting from different devices

You can cast from an iPhone or iPad using the same method as Android. The cast icon appears in the same location in the Netflix app. Make sure your Apple device is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast.

On a Mac or Windows computer, open the Netflix app (not the website) and look for the cast icon in the top right corner of the window. Click it and select your Chromecast. Casting from a computer works the same way as from a phone, and you can control playback from your keyboard or trackpad.

If you want to cast from a web browser on a computer, use Google Chrome and visit netflix.com. The cast icon appears in the top right corner of the browser window next to your profile picture. This method works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Troubleshooting when casting does not work

The most common problem is that your phone and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network as your Chromecast. 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.

Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then restart the Netflix app on your phone. If the cast icon still does not appear, restart your phone and try again.

If Netflix is casting but the picture is choppy or keeps stopping, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Move your Chromecast closer to your router or reduce the number of devices using your network. Lowering the video quality in Netflix's playback settings can also help — tap your profile picture, go to App Settings, and look for Video Playback Quality.

Casting with a Chromecast with Google TV

A Chromecast with Google TV has the Netflix app built in, so you can also watch Netflix directly on the device without casting from your phone. You can sign in to Netflix on the Chromecast itself and use the remote to navigate. This is useful if you want to watch without draining your phone's battery.

You can still cast from your phone to a Chromecast with Google TV if you prefer. The process is identical to casting to a standard Chromecast. Both methods work at the same time — you can cast to the device or use its built-in Netflix app, whichever you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Netflix to multiple Chromecast devices at the same time?

No. You can only cast to one Chromecast at a time from a single device. If you want to watch Netflix in two rooms, you would need to cast from two different phones or tablets, and each would need its own Netflix account or permission to use the same account. Netflix limits simultaneous streams based on your plan, so check how many people can watch at once.

Do I need a Chromecast with Google TV to cast Netflix, or does a regular Chromecast work?

A regular Chromecast works fine for casting Netflix. You do not need the Google TV version. Any Chromecast model from the past several years supports Netflix casting. The main difference is that Chromecast with Google TV has Netflix built in, so you can watch without casting from your phone.

What if my Netflix account is on a different Wi-Fi network than my Chromecast?

Your phone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast. If they are on different networks, the cast button will not appear in the Netflix app. Connect your phone to the same network as your Chromecast and try again. Guest networks usually do not work for casting.

Can I cast Netflix from a web browser on my computer?

Yes, but only if you use Google Chrome. Open netflix.com in Chrome, start playing a show, and look for the cast icon in the top right corner of the browser window. The cast icon does not appear in other browsers like Safari or Firefox.

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

Casting uses the same amount of data as watching on your phone because the video is still being streamed to your phone first, then sent to your Chromecast. If you want to save data, watch directly on the Chromecast using its built-in Netflix app instead of casting from your phone.