The basic steps to cast Netflix to your TV
To stream Netflix on your TV through Chromecast, you need three things: Netflix open on your phone or computer, your Chromecast device plugged into your TV, and both devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Once those are in place, open Netflix, find the show or movie you want to watch, tap the Cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner), select your Chromecast device from the list, and the video will start playing on your TV while you control it from your phone.
The Cast icon appears in the top right corner of the Netflix app on Android phones and tablets, and in the bottom right on iPhones and iPads. On a computer, the Cast icon is usually in the top right of your browser window if you are using Chrome, or in the Netflix player itself if you are using the Netflix app on Windows or Mac.
Key Takeaways
- Your phone, computer, and Chromecast must all be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can cast Netflix.
- The Cast icon appears in different places depending on whether you are using a phone, tablet, or computer, but it always looks like a rectangle with curved lines.
- Once you tap Cast and select your device, Netflix plays on your TV and your phone becomes a remote control.
- If the Cast icon does not appear, restart your Chromecast, restart your phone or computer, and check that both are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Setting up your devices before you cast
Before you can cast Netflix, your Chromecast needs to be set up and connected to Wi-Fi. If you have not done this yet, plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV, plug the power cable into the Chromecast, and follow the on-screen instructions on your TV to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. You will need the Wi-Fi password.
Once your Chromecast is set up, make sure your phone or computer is on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your phone's Wi-Fi settings or your computer's network settings and select the same network name (SSID) that your Chromecast is using. If you do not know which network your Chromecast is on, check the Google Home app — it will show you the network name under your Chromecast device details.
Both devices must stay on the same network the entire time you are casting. If one device switches to a different network or loses connection, the cast will stop.
Finding and tapping the Cast icon in Netflix
On an Android phone or tablet, open the Netflix app, navigate to the show or movie you want to watch, and look for the Cast icon in the top right corner of the screen. It is a small rectangle with three curved lines coming from the bottom left corner. Tap it once.
On an iPhone or iPad, the Cast icon is in the bottom right corner of the Netflix player — the same area where you see the volume control and full-screen button. Tap it to see your available devices.
On a computer using the Chrome browser, the Cast icon is in the top right corner of the browser window, next to the address bar. On a Windows or Mac computer running the Netflix app directly (not through a browser), the Cast icon is inside the Netflix player itself, usually in the top right or bottom right depending on your screen size.
Selecting your Chromecast device and starting playback
After you tap the Cast icon, a list of available devices will appear on your screen. You will see your Chromecast device listed by name — for example, "Living Room" or "Bedroom TV" if you have renamed it, or "Chromecast" if you have not. Tap the device name you want to cast to.
Netflix will begin connecting to your Chromecast. This usually takes a few seconds. Once connected, the show or movie will start playing on your TV, and your phone or computer screen will show playback controls — play, pause, volume, and a progress bar. You can now use your phone as a remote to control what is playing on your TV.
While you are casting, your phone screen can go dark or you can open other apps — the cast will continue playing on your TV. Your phone is still controlling the playback, so if your phone loses power or connection, the video will stop.
Controlling playback while casting
Once Netflix is casting to your TV, your phone or computer becomes the remote. You can pause, play, skip forward or backward, adjust the volume, and change subtitles or audio language all from your device. The controls appear on your phone screen in a player window that looks similar to the Netflix player on your TV.
To stop casting, tap the Cast icon again and select "Stop casting" or "Disconnect" from the menu. The video will stop playing on your TV, and Netflix will close on your Chromecast. If you want to cast a different show or movie, you can start the process again from the beginning.
If you want to watch something else on your phone while Netflix plays on your TV, you can lock your phone or open other apps — the cast will keep running. Just do not close the Netflix app completely, as that will stop the cast.
Troubleshooting when the Cast icon does not appear
If you do not see the Cast icon in Netflix, the most common reason is that your phone or computer is not on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Check your device's Wi-Fi settings and make sure you are connected to the correct network. If you are on a different network, switch to the one your Chromecast is using.
If both devices are on the same network and the Cast icon still does not appear, try restarting your Chromecast. Unplug it from power for 10 seconds, then plug it back in and wait for it to fully restart — you will see the Google logo on your TV. Then restart your phone or computer as well.
If the Cast icon appears but your Chromecast device does not show up in the list, your devices may have lost connection to each other. Check that both are still on the same Wi-Fi network, restart your Chromecast, and try again. If you have multiple Chromecast devices, make sure you are selecting the correct one.
Using Netflix on Chromecast with a guest network
Some Wi-Fi networks have a separate guest network. If your Chromecast is on your main network but your phone is on the guest network, they cannot communicate with each other and casting will not work. Check your router settings to see if you have a guest network enabled, and make sure both your phone and Chromecast are on the same network — either both on the main network or both on the guest network.
If you have trouble connecting your Chromecast to your Wi-Fi network in the first place, you may need to use the Google Home app to set it up. The app will walk you through connecting your Chromecast to your network step by step. Once that is done, casting Netflix should work normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast Netflix from my computer to my TV?
Yes. On a Windows or Mac computer, open Netflix in the Chrome browser or use the Netflix app, look for the Cast icon, and select your Chromecast device. The process is the same as on a phone — your computer becomes the remote while Netflix plays on your TV.
What happens if I close the Netflix app while casting?
The cast will stop when ready and the video will no longer play on your TV. You will need to open Netflix again and start the cast over if you want to continue watching on your TV.
Can I use my phone for other things while Netflix is casting to my TV?
Yes. You can lock your phone, open other apps, or even leave the room. Your phone is just sending the signal to your Chromecast, so it does not need to stay on Netflix. Just do not close the Netflix app entirely, or the cast will stop.
Why does my cast keep stopping or freezing?
This usually means your Wi-Fi connection is weak or unstable. Try moving your phone or Chromecast closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds. If you have many devices on your network, try disconnecting some of them temporarily to see if that improves the connection.
Do I need a paid Netflix subscription to cast?
Yes. Casting uses Netflix's streaming service, so you need an active Netflix subscription. The subscription you use on your phone or computer is the same one that plays on your TV through Chromecast.