Netflix works with Chromecast on most devices, but the method depends on what you're casting from

Yes, Netflix is Chromecast-enabled. You can cast Netflix from your phone, tablet, or computer to any Chromecast device connected to your TV. The Netflix app on Android phones and tablets has a built-in Cast button. On iPhones and iPads, you can cast through the Control Center. From a computer, you cast through your Chrome browser or the Netflix website.

The catch: your phone, tablet, or computer and your Chromecast device must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If they're on different networks, the Cast button won't appear or won't connect.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix has a Cast button built into the Android app, accessible from the top right of the screen once you select a show or movie.
  • iPhone and iPad users cast Netflix through Control Center, which requires both devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Computer users can cast Netflix through Chrome browser or the Netflix website by clicking the Cast icon in the bottom right corner.
  • Your casting device and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • If the Cast button doesn't appear, restart both your casting device and your Chromecast, then check your Wi-Fi connection.

Casting from an Android phone or tablet

Open the Netflix app and navigate to the show or movie you want to watch. Tap the Cast icon—it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the top right corner of the screen. A list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Select the Chromecast you want to use.

Once you select a device, Netflix will begin playing on your TV through that Chromecast. You can control playback from your phone: pause, play, rewind, and adjust volume. Your phone screen can go dark or you can use other apps while Netflix plays on your TV.

Casting from an iPhone or iPad

Open the Netflix app and select the show or movie you want to watch. Swipe down from the top right corner of your screen to open Control Center. Look for the Screen Mirroring option and tap it. A list of available Chromecast devices will appear—select the one connected to your TV.

Screen mirroring sends your entire iPhone or iPad display to the TV, not just Netflix. This means if you receive a notification or open another app, it will appear on your TV screen. To stop mirroring, open Control Center again and tap Screen Mirroring, then select Stop Mirroring.

Casting from a computer or laptop

Open Netflix in your Chrome browser or go to netflix.com. Select a show or movie and click the Cast icon in the bottom right corner of the player. It looks like a rectangle with curved lines. A list of available Chromecast devices will appear—select the one you want to use.

Netflix will play on your TV while you can control it from your computer. You can minimize the browser window or switch to other tabs, and Netflix will continue playing. To stop casting, click the Cast icon again and select Disconnect.

Troubleshooting when the Cast button doesn't appear

If you don't see a Cast button or your devices won't connect, start by checking that both your casting device and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your phone or computer's Wi-Fi settings and confirm the network name. Then check your Chromecast's network by going to the Google Home app on your phone and tapping your Chromecast device.

If the networks match but the Cast button still doesn't appear, restart both devices. Turn off your phone, tablet, or computer completely, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds and plug it back in. Open Netflix again and look for the Cast button.

If you're using an older Chromecast model, make sure it's updated. Open the Google Home app, tap your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon, and check for updates. Older devices sometimes lose compatibility with newer Netflix versions if they're not updated.

What to do if casting keeps disconnecting

If Netflix starts playing but then stops or disconnects, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Move your Chromecast closer to your router or move your phone or computer closer to the router. Walls, metal objects, and distance can weaken the signal between your casting device and Chromecast.

You can also try reducing the number of devices on your Wi-Fi network. If many devices are streaming or downloading at the same time, your network may not have enough bandwidth for a stable cast. Pause downloads on computers or stop other streaming on other devices, then try casting again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Netflix from my smart TV's Netflix app directly to Chromecast?

No. Chromecast is designed to receive content from another device, not to send it. If your TV already has Netflix built in, you don't need Chromecast—just open the Netflix app on the TV itself. Chromecast is useful when your TV doesn't have Netflix or when you want to control playback from your phone.

Do I need a Netflix subscription to cast?

Yes. You need an active Netflix account on the device you're casting from. The Netflix app or website will ask you to sign in before you can select a show or movie to cast.

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

No. Your phone, tablet, or computer and your Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If they're on different networks, the Cast button won't appear. Check your Wi-Fi settings and make sure both devices are connected to the same network name.

Will casting Netflix use a lot of data from my phone's plan?

No. Once casting starts, Netflix streams directly from the internet to your Chromecast through your Wi-Fi. Your phone is only sending a signal to tell Chromecast what to play—it's not streaming the video itself. Your phone's data plan is not affected.

What if my Chromecast is too old to work with Netflix?

Very old Chromecast devices (first generation, released in 2013) may have compatibility issues with newer Netflix versions. If your device is that old, you can try updating it through the Google Home app, but you may need a newer Chromecast. Check the Google Home app to see your device's model and age.