The Chromecast icon appears in the bottom right corner of your Netflix player when you're watching on a computer, or in the top right when you're on a phone or tablet
When you open Netflix on any device and start playing a show or movie, the Chromecast icon looks like a small rectangle with curved lines in the corner — it resembles a WiFi symbol but tilted. On a computer, look for it in the bottom right of the video player, next to the volume and fullscreen controls. On a phone or tablet, it sits in the top right corner of the screen, usually near the time and battery indicator.
The icon only appears when Netflix detects a Chromecast device on your home network. If you don't see it, your Chromecast may not be powered on, may not be connected to the same WiFi network as your phone or computer, or Netflix may not be running yet. You need to be actively playing content — the icon won't show on the Netflix home screen or while browsing.
Key Takeaways
- The Chromecast icon appears in the bottom right on computers and top right on phones or tablets, only while video is playing.
- The icon looks like a small rectangle with curved lines and only shows up when a Chromecast device is powered on and connected to your WiFi.
- Tapping or clicking the icon sends your Netflix stream to the Chromecast device connected to your TV.
- If the icon doesn't appear, check that your Chromecast is powered on, connected to the same WiFi as your phone or computer, and that Netflix is actively playing.
Why the icon only shows when you're playing something
Netflix doesn't display the Chromecast icon on the home screen or while you're browsing titles because there's nothing to cast yet. The icon only becomes active once you've started playing a show or movie. This design keeps the interface clean and prevents accidental casting before you've chosen what to watch.
Once playback starts, Netflix checks your network for available Chromecast devices. If it finds one, the icon lights up and becomes clickable. If you pause the video, the icon usually stays visible so you can cast mid-show without restarting playback.
What to do if you don't see the Chromecast icon
Start by confirming your Chromecast is powered on. Check that the device has power and is plugged into your TV. Then verify it's connected to WiFi — most Chromecasts have a small LED light that shows connection status. If the light is off or red, your Chromecast isn't connected to your network.
Next, make sure your phone, tablet, or computer is on the same WiFi network as your Chromecast. If you're on a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz versus 5 GHz), Netflix won't see the device. Restart Netflix on your device and start playing a show again — sometimes the app needs a moment to detect the Chromecast after you connect to WiFi.
If you've checked all of this and the icon still doesn't appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait about a minute for it to reconnect to WiFi, then try Netflix again. If the icon appears after a restart, your Chromecast was likely in a state where it wasn't broadcasting to nearby devices.
How to cast Netflix to your TV using the icon
Once you see the Chromecast icon, tap or click it. A small menu will appear showing the name of your Chromecast device — it's usually labeled something like "Living Room" or "Bedroom" depending on how you named it during setup. Select the device you want to cast to.
Netflix will pause briefly on your phone or computer, then the show or movie will start playing on your TV through the Chromecast. Your device becomes a remote control — you can pause, play, skip forward or backward, adjust volume, and change subtitles from your phone or computer while the video plays on the TV. The Netflix app on your device will show a small Chromecast icon to remind you that content is currently casting.
Stopping a cast and returning to your device
To stop casting and return the video to your phone or computer, tap or click the Chromecast icon again. The same menu will appear, but this time the device name will have a checkmark next to it. Tap or click the device name to disconnect, and playback will switch back to your device's screen.
If you close the Netflix app on your phone or computer while casting, the video will keep playing on your TV — closing the app doesn't stop the cast. To stop playback on the TV, you'll need to open Netflix again and tap the Chromecast icon to disconnect, or use your TV remote to turn off the Chromecast device.
Troubleshooting casting problems
If you tap the Chromecast icon but the video doesn't appear on your TV, check that your TV is on and set to the correct input. Some TVs default to cable or antenna input, so you may need to manually switch to the HDMI port where your Chromecast is plugged in.
If the video starts on your TV but then stops or buffers frequently, your WiFi signal may be weak. Move your Chromecast closer to your router, or move your phone or computer closer to the router while casting. Interference from other devices on the same WiFi network can also cause buffering — if you have many devices connected, try disconnecting a few and casting again.
If Netflix crashes or freezes while you're trying to cast, force-close the app on your device and reopen it. Start playing a show again and wait a few seconds for the Chromecast icon to reappear before tapping it. This usually clears temporary glitches that prevent casting from working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Chromecast icon on Netflix if I'm not at home?
No. Chromecast only works on the same WiFi network. If you're away from home, your phone or computer won't see your home Chromecast device, and the icon won't appear. You can only cast to devices on your current network.
What if I have multiple Chromecast devices at home?
When you tap the Chromecast icon, Netflix will show a list of all available Chromecast devices on your network. Select the one you want to cast to. Each device will have the name you gave it during setup, so naming them by room (like "Living Room" or "Bedroom") makes it straightforward to choose the right one.
Does the Chromecast icon appear on Netflix's website or only in the app?
The icon appears in both places. If you're watching Netflix in a web browser on your computer, the Chromecast icon will show in the bottom right of the video player just like it does in the Netflix app. On phones and tablets, you must use the Netflix app — the mobile website doesn't support casting.
Can I cast Netflix from my computer to a Chromecast?
Yes. Open Netflix in any web browser on your computer, start playing a show, and look for the Chromecast icon in the bottom right of the video player. Click it to see available devices and cast to your TV. The process is the same as casting from a phone or tablet.
Why does the Chromecast icon sometimes disappear while I'm watching?
This usually means your device lost connection to the WiFi network or your Chromecast disconnected. Check your WiFi connection and make sure your Chromecast is still powered on. If the icon reappears, your connection was restored. If it doesn't come back, restart your Chromecast and reconnect to WiFi.