Netflix works with Chromecast on phones, tablets, and computers

Yes, Netflix works with Chromecast. You can cast Netflix from your phone, tablet, or computer to any TV connected to a Chromecast device. The process is straightforward: open Netflix on your device, find the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner), tap it, select your Chromecast, and the show or movie starts playing on your TV.

Netflix is one of the most widely supported apps on Chromecast. Whether you use an Android phone, iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows computer, you can send Netflix to your TV as long as your device and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. The video quality depends on your internet speed and the quality of your Netflix subscription.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix casts to Chromecast from phones, tablets, and computers using the cast icon inside the Netflix app.
  • Your device and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • You need an active Netflix subscription and the Netflix app installed on your device.
  • Casting uses your device as a remote control; you can pause, rewind, or switch shows from your phone while the video plays on TV.
  • If casting fails, restart your Wi-Fi router, restart the Chromecast, and make sure both devices are on the same network.

What you need before you start casting

You need three things: a Chromecast plugged into your TV, an active Netflix subscription, and the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, or computer. The Netflix app is free to read from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or the web version at netflix.com. Your device and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network—if your phone is on a guest network and your Chromecast is on the main network, casting will not work.

Check that your Chromecast is set up and working. If you have not set it up yet, plug it into an HDMI port on your TV, connect it to power, and follow the on-screen setup steps. Once it is connected to your Wi-Fi and shows up in the Google Home app, you are ready to cast Netflix.

How to cast Netflix to your TV

Open the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, or computer. Find the cast icon in the top right corner of the screen—it looks like a rectangle with three curved lines in the bottom left corner. Tap or click it. A list of available Chromecast devices appears. Select the Chromecast connected to your TV.

Choose what you want to watch and press play. The video starts on your TV, and your device becomes a remote. You can pause, rewind, fast-forward, or change the volume from your phone or tablet. The Netflix app on your device stays open and shows what is playing, but the video itself plays only on the TV.

To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting" or straightforward close the Netflix app. The video stops on your TV, and you can use your device for something else.

Why casting sometimes does not work

The most common reason casting fails is that your device and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. If your phone is connected to a 5 GHz network and your Chromecast is on 2.4 GHz, they cannot see each other. Check your Wi-Fi settings and make sure both are on the same network name.

Restart your Wi-Fi router and your Chromecast if casting does not work. Unplug the Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart. Then try casting again. If the Netflix app is outdated, update it from your device's app store. An old version of Netflix may not work properly with your Chromecast.

If you see an error message, check that your Netflix subscription is active and that you are signed into the correct account. Some Netflix accounts have restrictions on simultaneous streams—if someone else is already watching Netflix on another device, you may not be able to cast.

Casting from a web browser

You can also cast Netflix from a web browser on your computer. Open netflix.com in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, and sign in. Look for the cast icon in the top right corner of the Netflix player. Click it and select your Chromecast. The show or movie plays on your TV, and you can control it from your computer.

Casting from a browser works the same way as casting from an app, but you cannot close the browser window without stopping the video. Keep your computer awake and the browser window open while you are watching.

Video quality when casting

The quality of Netflix on your TV depends on your internet speed and your Netflix subscription tier. Netflix Standard (two screens at once) streams at 1080p, and Netflix Premium (four screens at once) streams at 4K on supported devices. Your Chromecast will display whatever quality your connection and subscription support.

If the video buffers or looks pixelated, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Move your Chromecast closer to your router, or move your router closer to your TV. A strong Wi-Fi connection makes a real difference in streaming quality.

Using your phone as a remote while casting

Once Netflix is casting to your TV, your phone becomes a remote control. You can pause, play, rewind, and fast-forward without touching your TV remote. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume, and tap the screen to see playback controls. You can also search for new shows and start playing them without stopping what is on the TV.

If you want to switch to a different show, just find it in the Netflix app on your phone and press play. The new show starts on your TV. This is one of the main advantages of casting instead of using a TV remote—your phone is already in your hand, and you can control everything from the Netflix app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Netflix subscription to cast?

Yes, you need an active Netflix subscription. You must be signed into your Netflix account on the device you are casting from. A free trial counts as an active subscription.

Can I cast Netflix from an iPhone to Chromecast?

Yes. Open the Netflix app on your iPhone, tap the cast icon, and select your Chromecast. The process is the same as on Android phones.

What if the cast icon does not appear in Netflix?

Make sure your iPhone or Android phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. If it is, restart the Netflix app and try again. If the icon still does not appear, restart your phone and your Chromecast.

Can I cast Netflix while using other apps on my phone?

Yes. Once Netflix is casting, you can switch to other apps on your phone, and the video keeps playing on your TV. Your phone is just sending the signal; it does not need to stay in the Netflix app.

Does casting Netflix use a lot of data?

Casting uses the same amount of data as streaming Netflix on your phone would. Your phone sends a signal to the Chromecast, but the Chromecast downloads the video directly from Netflix using your Wi-Fi. If you have a data cap on your home internet, casting will count toward it the same way any streaming would.