The Basic Steps to Stream Netflix on Chromecast

Casting Netflix to Chromecast takes three steps: make sure your phone or computer and your Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network, open Netflix, and tap the cast icon. Your Chromecast will appear in a list, you select it, and Netflix starts playing on your TV. The whole process takes about 10 seconds once you know where the cast button is.

You do not need any special setup or extra apps beyond Netflix itself. The cast feature is built into the Netflix app on phones, tablets, and computers. Your Chromecast must be plugged in and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your casting device — if it is on a different network, it will not appear in the list.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone, tablet, or computer and your Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can cast.
  • The cast icon appears in the Netflix app on your phone or tablet, and in the browser toolbar when you use Netflix on a computer.
  • Once you select your Chromecast from the list, Netflix plays on your TV and you can control playback from your phone or close the app entirely.
  • If the cast icon does not appear, restart both your casting device and your Chromecast, then check that they are on the same network.

Casting from Your Phone or Tablet

Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet and start playing a show or movie. Look for the cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Tap it and a list of available devices will appear. Select your Chromecast by name, and Netflix will begin playing on your TV within a few seconds.

Once casting starts, you can control playback using your phone as a remote. Pause, play, skip forward or backward, and adjust the volume all work from your device. You can also close the Netflix app or lock your phone — the show will keep playing on your TV. To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting" from the menu.

Casting from Your Computer or Laptop

If you are using Netflix in a web browser on a computer, the cast icon appears in the browser toolbar at the top right of the screen. It looks the same as on mobile — a rectangle with curved lines. Click it and select your Chromecast from the list. Netflix will switch to full screen on your TV.

Computer casting works the same way as phone casting: you can pause and play from your keyboard or trackpad, and you can minimize the browser window without interrupting playback. To stop, click the cast icon again and choose "Stop casting."

What to Do If Your Chromecast Does Not Appear

The most common reason the cast icon does not show a Chromecast is that your phone, tablet, or computer is not on the same Wi-Fi network as the device. Check your Wi-Fi settings and make sure both devices are connected to the same network name. If they are on different networks — for example, if your Chromecast is on your main Wi-Fi but your phone is on a guest network — they cannot communicate.

If both devices are on the same network and the Chromecast still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then restart your phone, tablet, or computer. Open Netflix again and check for the cast icon. If it still does not work, restart your Wi-Fi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

Another possibility is that your Netflix app is outdated. On phones and tablets, open your app store (Google Play or Apple App Store), search for Netflix, and check whether an update is available. Install any pending updates and try casting again.

Controlling Playback While Casting

Once Netflix is playing on your TV through Chromecast, your phone or tablet becomes a remote control. You can pause, play, rewind 10 seconds, or skip forward 10 seconds using the on-screen buttons. Volume control works from your device as well. You can also browse Netflix on your phone to queue up the next episode or movie without interrupting what is playing on the TV.

If you want to hand the remote to someone else, they can open Netflix on their own phone and tap the cast icon — it will show the same Chromecast. They can then take over playback control. This is useful if multiple people are watching and want to pause or adjust volume without passing a phone around.

Ending a Cast Session

To stop casting, tap or click the cast icon in the Netflix app and select "Stop casting." Netflix will stop playing on your TV, but it will keep playing on your phone or computer if you were watching there. You can also just unplug your Chromecast or turn off your TV — the cast session will end automatically.

If you want to cast to a different Chromecast device, tap the cast icon, select a different device from the list, and Netflix will switch over. You do not need to stop the first cast before starting a second one.

Troubleshooting Casting Problems

If Netflix starts to buffer or freeze while casting, the issue is usually your Wi-Fi connection. Move your phone or tablet closer to your Wi-Fi router, or move your Chromecast closer to the router. If your Wi-Fi is slow, other devices using the network can also cause buffering — try pausing other downloads or streaming on other devices.

If the picture or sound cuts out, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds. If that does not work, restart your Wi-Fi router. If casting works for a few minutes and then stops, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak — check the distance between your Chromecast and your router.

If you see an error message on your TV, note the exact message and restart both your Chromecast and your casting device. Most Netflix casting errors clear up after a restart. If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall the Netflix app on your phone or tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Netflix to Chromecast if my phone is not on Wi-Fi?

No. Your phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. If your phone is using cellular data instead of Wi-Fi, the cast icon will not show your Chromecast in the list. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi first, then try casting.

What happens if I close the Netflix app while casting?

Netflix will keep playing on your TV. You can close the app, lock your phone, or use other apps without interrupting playback. To control the show, you will need to open Netflix again and tap the cast icon to reconnect to the remote controls.

Can multiple people cast to the same Chromecast at the same time?

No. Only one device can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you are already casting, their cast will take over and your show will stop. You can pass control by having the other person open Netflix and select the same Chromecast.

Why does the cast icon not appear in Netflix on my computer?

The cast icon only appears in Netflix when you use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Opera browsers. If you are using Safari or Firefox, the cast feature is not available. Switch to Chrome or Edge and try again.

Can I cast Netflix in 4K to Chromecast?

Only Chromecast with Google TV supports 4K streaming from Netflix. Standard Chromecast devices stream in 1080p or lower. Check your Chromecast model to see which resolution it supports.