Start Netflix on Your Phone or Computer, Then Cast to Chromecast

To cast Netflix to a Chromecast device, open Netflix on your phone, tablet, or computer, find the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner), tap it, and select your Chromecast device from the list. Netflix will then play on your TV through the Chromecast, and you control playback from your phone or computer.

The cast icon appears in the Netflix app on Android phones and tablets, and in the Netflix website on any computer. On iPhones and iPads, Netflix uses AirPlay instead of Chromecast, so the process is different. Make sure your phone, tablet, or computer and your Chromecast device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • The cast icon in Netflix looks like a rectangle with curved lines and appears in the top or bottom corner of the screen depending on your device.
  • Your phone, tablet, or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast for casting to work.
  • After you tap the cast icon and select your Chromecast, Netflix starts playing on your TV and you keep control from your device.
  • If you do not see the cast icon, restart the Netflix app or check that your Chromecast is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi.

Cast Netflix from an Android Phone or Tablet

Open the Netflix app on your Android phone or tablet. Tap the cast icon in the top right corner of the screen—it looks like a rectangle with three curved lines coming from one corner. A menu will appear showing all Chromecast devices on your Wi-Fi network.

Select the name of your Chromecast device from the list. Netflix will begin playing on your TV within a few seconds. The show or movie title will appear on your TV screen, and you can pause, play, skip forward, or skip backward using the controls on your phone. Your phone screen will dim or show the Netflix app normally depending on your device, but Netflix is now playing through your Chromecast, not your phone's speaker.

Cast Netflix from a Computer Using a Web Browser

Go to netflix.com in any web browser on your computer and sign in to your account. Start playing a show or movie. Look for the cast icon in the bottom right corner of the Netflix player—it looks the same as on phones, a rectangle with curved lines.

Click the cast icon. A list of your Chromecast devices will appear. Click the name of the device you want to use. Netflix will start playing on your TV, and you can control it from your computer keyboard or trackpad. The Netflix player on your computer will show what is playing on your TV.

Make Sure Your Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi Network

Chromecast casting only works when your phone, tablet, or computer and your Chromecast device are all connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and confirm you are connected to your home network. Then check that your Chromecast is also connected to that same network—you can see this in the Google Home app or on your TV screen when the Chromecast starts up.

If your devices are on different networks, casting will not work. Some homes have a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network with the same name. Chromecast devices work best on 2.4 GHz, so if you are on 5 GHz, switch to 2.4 GHz before casting. You can usually do this in your phone's Wi-Fi settings by looking for a network name that ends in "-5G" and switching to the one without that suffix.

Restart the Netflix App or Chromecast If the Cast Icon Does Not Appear

If you open Netflix and do not see the cast icon, close the app completely and open it again. On Android, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to see all open apps, find Netflix, and swipe it away. Then tap the Netflix icon to open it fresh. On a computer, close the browser tab with Netflix and open a new one.

If restarting the app does not work, make sure your Chromecast is powered on. Unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart—you will see the Chromecast logo on your TV. Once it is ready, open Netflix again and look for the cast icon. If you still do not see it, restart your phone or computer entirely.

Control Playback and Stop Casting

While Netflix is playing on your TV through Chromecast, use your phone, tablet, or computer to pause, play, rewind, or skip ahead. The controls work the same as if Netflix were playing on your device. You can also adjust the volume using your TV remote or your device, depending on what you prefer.

To stop casting and return Netflix to your phone or computer, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop Casting" or "Disconnect." Netflix will stop playing on your TV and will not resume on your device unless you press play again. If you straightforward turn off your TV or unplug the Chromecast, Netflix will keep trying to cast until you manually disconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Netflix on my iPhone or iPad to cast to Chromecast?

No. iPhones and iPads use AirPlay instead of Chromecast. To cast Netflix from an Apple device, you need an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible smart TV. If you have a Chromecast, you can cast Netflix from an Android phone, tablet, or computer instead.

Why does Netflix keep disconnecting from my Chromecast?

Disconnections usually happen when your phone or Chromecast loses Wi-Fi connection. Move closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, restart your Chromecast and your phone. Weak Wi-Fi is the most common cause.

Can I use my TV remote to control Netflix while it is casting?

Your TV remote will not control Netflix playback. You must use your phone, tablet, or computer to pause, play, or skip. Your TV remote can change the volume and input, but Netflix controls come only from the device you cast from.

What if my Chromecast device does not show up in the cast menu?

Check that your Chromecast is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer. Restart both devices. If it still does not appear, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Make sure your Chromecast is not in setup mode—if you see the Chromecast setup screen on your TV, complete the setup first.