The fastest way: use the Cast button built into Netflix

Open Netflix in your web browser on your laptop, start playing a show or movie, and look for the Cast icon in the bottom right corner of the video player — it looks like a rectangle with a curved line in the corner. Click it, select your Chromecast device from the list, and Netflix will stream to your TV within seconds. Your laptop screen goes dark and the show plays on the television; you control playback from your laptop or a remote if you have one paired to your Chromecast.

This method works on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Netflix must be playing in full-screen or windowed mode for the Cast button to appear. If you don't see it, make sure your laptop and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network — they must be connected to the same network to find each other.

Once you cast, you can close your browser, lock your laptop, or use it for other things. The video keeps playing on your TV. To stop casting, click the Cast icon again and select "Stop casting" or turn off your Chromecast device.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cast button appears in the Netflix video player when your laptop and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Your laptop and TV must be connected to the same network; if they are not, the Cast button will not show a device to select.
  • After you cast, your laptop can be closed, locked, or used for other tasks — the show continues on your TV.
  • If the Cast button does not appear, refresh the Netflix page or restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds.

What to do if the Cast button does not appear

The most common reason the Cast button is missing is that your laptop and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your laptop's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network name (SSID) as your Chromecast. Your Chromecast was set up to a specific network during initial setup, and it cannot see devices on a different network.

If both devices are on the same network, refresh the Netflix page by pressing F5 or Ctrl+R (Windows) or Command+R (Mac). Sometimes the Cast button takes a moment to load. If it still does not appear, close Netflix completely and open it again in a fresh browser tab.

If refreshing does not work, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it from power for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully boot — you will see the Chromecast home screen on your TV. Then try Netflix again.

Casting from Chrome browser extensions or tabs

If you want to cast your entire browser tab instead of just Netflix, you can use Chrome's built-in tab casting feature. Click the three-dot menu in the top right of Chrome, select "Cast," choose your Chromecast device, and then select "Cast tab." Your entire browser window will appear on the TV, including the Netflix player and any controls around it.

Tab casting is slower and uses more of your laptop's processing power than using Netflix's native Cast button, so it is best used only if the Cast button is not working. When you are done, click the Cast icon in the address bar and select "Stop casting."

Troubleshooting when casting starts but stops or lags

If Netflix starts playing on your TV but then stops, buffers repeatedly, or the picture freezes, the problem is usually your Wi-Fi connection. Move your laptop closer to your router or Chromecast, or reduce the number of devices using your network. Streaming Netflix in 4K uses more bandwidth than standard definition, so if you have a slower connection, lower the video quality in Netflix settings.

To check your connection speed, open a speed test website on your laptop (like speedtest.net) and run a test. Netflix recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K. If your speed is below that, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If the problem continues, contact your internet provider.

If the picture is choppy but audio is fine, your laptop's Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Restart your Chromecast and try casting again. If lag continues, use a wired ethernet connection to your router if your laptop has an ethernet port, or move the Chromecast closer to your router.

Using a Chromecast remote or phone to control playback

After you cast Netflix to your TV, you can control playback from your laptop, but you can also use a Chromecast remote if you have one, or the Google Home app on your phone. The Chromecast remote (sold separately or included with some models) has play, pause, and volume buttons. The Google Home app lets you pause, skip, and adjust volume from anywhere in your home as long as your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network.

To use the Google Home app, read it on your phone, sign in with the same Google account you used to set up your Chromecast, and tap the device icon for your Chromecast. You will see playback controls appear. This is useful if you want to pause Netflix without reaching for your laptop.

Why casting is better than mirroring your entire screen

Chromecast has two modes: casting an app (like Netflix) and mirroring your entire screen. Casting Netflix is faster, uses less battery on your laptop, and gives you a cleaner picture because Netflix sends video directly to your TV at full quality. Mirroring your screen sends everything your laptop displays — your cursor, notifications, browser tabs — to the TV, which is slower and drains your laptop battery quickly.

Always use the Cast button in Netflix when you can. Screen mirroring is useful for presentations or showing photos, but for streaming video, casting is the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Netflix if my laptop is on a different Wi-Fi network than my Chromecast?

No. Your laptop and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network to communicate. If they are on different networks, the Cast button will not show your device in the list. Connect both to the same network and try again.

What happens to my laptop after I start casting?

You can close your browser, lock your laptop, or use it for other tasks. Netflix will keep playing on your TV. Your laptop does not need to stay awake or connected to the video stream once casting has started — the Chromecast handles the streaming directly from Netflix's servers.

Can I cast Netflix from my phone to the TV at the same time as my laptop?

No. Only one device can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If your phone is casting Netflix and you try to cast from your laptop, you will be asked to stop the phone's cast first. The Chromecast will then switch to your laptop's stream.

Why does the Cast button disappear after I start casting?

The Cast button does not disappear — it changes. Once casting starts, the button shows that your device is actively casting. Click it again to see options to stop casting or switch devices. If the entire Netflix player disappears, you may have closed the browser tab; open Netflix again and the cast will continue on your TV.

Do I need a special version of Netflix to use Chromecast?

No. Any Netflix account works with Chromecast. You do not need a paid subscription tier or special setup — just log into Netflix on your laptop, and the Cast button will be available if your Chromecast is on the same network.