The basic steps to cast Disney+ to a Chromecast device
To cast Disney+ to your TV through Chromecast, open the Disney+ app on your phone or tablet, start playing a show or movie, 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 stream to your TV. The cast icon appears in the top or bottom corner of the screen depending on whether you're using Android or iOS.
Your phone becomes a remote control once casting starts — you can pause, rewind, adjust volume, and switch shows without interrupting playback on the TV. The connection uses your home WiFi network, so both your phone and Chromecast must be connected to the same network.
If you don't see your Chromecast in the list of available devices, restart both your phone and the Chromecast device, then try again. A Chromecast that hasn't been set up yet won't appear as an option.
Key Takeaways
- The cast icon in the Disney+ app connects your phone to any Chromecast on the same WiFi network.
- Your phone controls playback after casting starts, so you don't need a separate remote.
- Both devices must be on the same WiFi network for casting to work.
- If your Chromecast doesn't show up, restart both devices and check that Chromecast setup is complete.
- Casting uses your phone's internet connection, so closing the app or turning off WiFi will stop playback.
Setting up Chromecast before you cast Disney+
Before you can cast, your Chromecast device must be plugged into your TV's HDMI port and powered on. If this is your first time using it, you'll need to set it up through the Google Home app on your phone — the app will guide you through connecting it to your WiFi network and naming it.
Once setup is complete, your Chromecast will stay connected to your WiFi and appear in any app that supports casting, including Disney+. You only set it up once; after that, it's ready to use with any compatible app.
If you're using an older Chromecast or one that hasn't been used in a while, open the Google Home app and check that it shows your device as "Connected" before you try to cast Disney+.
Casting from Android phones and tablets
On Android, open Disney+ and navigate to any show or movie. Tap the cast icon in the top right corner of the screen (it looks like a rectangle with three curved lines). A menu will appear showing all available Chromecast devices on your network. Tap the device you want to use, and playback will move to your TV within a few seconds.
Once casting begins, your Android phone's screen will dim and show playback controls at the bottom. You can lock your phone, switch to another app, or even turn the screen off — the video will keep playing on your TV. Tapping the cast icon again lets you pause, resume, or switch to a different device.
Casting from iPhones and iPads
On iOS, the process is nearly identical. Open Disney+ and start playing content. Look for the cast icon — on iPhones and iPads it usually appears in the bottom right corner of the video player. Tap it, select your Chromecast device, and the video will begin streaming to your TV.
Like Android, your iPhone or iPad becomes a remote once casting is active. You can minimize the app, use other apps, or lock your screen without interrupting playback. The cast icon will show a filled-in appearance when actively casting, so you know the connection is live.
Troubleshooting when the cast icon doesn't appear
If you don't see a cast icon in the Disney+ app, the most common cause is that your phone and Chromecast are on different WiFi networks. Check that both devices are connected to the same network — your phone's WiFi settings should show the same network name as the one your Chromecast is using.
If they're on the same network and the icon still doesn't appear, try closing the Disney+ app completely and reopening it. Sometimes the app needs to refresh its connection to your home network. If that doesn't work, restart your phone and your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.
On rare occasions, your WiFi router itself may need a restart. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully reconnect before trying to cast again. This clears temporary connection issues that can prevent devices from finding each other.
What to do if casting starts but stops or lags
If the video starts playing on your TV but then stops or buffers frequently, your WiFi signal may be weak. Move your phone closer to your router or Chromecast, or move the Chromecast itself closer to your router. Walls, microwaves, and other electronics can interfere with WiFi signals.
Another common cause is that your phone is running low on memory or has too many apps open. Close other apps running in the background, especially ones using internet like web browsers or social media. This frees up resources for the Disney+ app to maintain a stable connection.
If the problem persists, check your internet speed using a speed test app — Disney+ recommends at least 5.5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K. If your speed is lower than that, other devices on your network may be using bandwidth. Pause downloads, streaming on other devices, or large file transfers until Disney+ is finished.
Casting to multiple Chromecast devices in different rooms
If you have more than one Chromecast in your home, they'll all appear in the cast menu when you tap the cast icon. straightforward select whichever device you want to use, and Disney+ will stream to that TV. You can switch between devices at any time — just tap the cast icon again and choose a different Chromecast.
Each Chromecast must be set up separately in the Google Home app and connected to your WiFi network. Once that's done, they'll all show up by name in the cast menu, making it straightforward to choose which room you want to watch in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Disney+ subscription to cast?
Yes, you need an active Disney+ subscription on the account you're logged into on your phone. Casting itself is free — it's just a way to send video from your phone to your TV. The subscription is what lets you watch the content.
Can I cast Disney+ from my computer or laptop?
Yes, if you're using Google Chrome on a Windows or Mac computer, you can cast to Chromecast. Open Disney+ in Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the browser, select "Cast", choose your device, and playback will move to your TV. The process is the same as casting from a phone.
What happens if I close the Disney+ app while casting?
The video will stop playing on your TV. Casting requires the app to stay open and maintain the connection. If you want to use your phone for something else, lock the screen instead of closing the app — playback will continue on your TV.
Can I cast Disney+ if my Chromecast is on a different WiFi network?
No, your phone and Chromecast must be on the same WiFi network. If you have a guest network separate from your main network, make sure both devices are connected to the same one. Check your phone's WiFi settings and your Chromecast's settings in the Google Home app to confirm they match.
Does casting use data from my phone plan?
No, casting uses your home WiFi network, not your phone's cellular data. The video streams directly from Disney+'s servers to your Chromecast over WiFi, so it won't count against any data limits on your phone plan.