Yes, you can Chromecast Disney Plus to most TVs and devices
Disney Plus works with Google Chromecast on phones, tablets, and computers. You can cast to any TV that has a Chromecast device plugged in, or to a TV with Chromecast built in. The process takes about 30 seconds once you have the app open and your devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Chromecast is Google's streaming technology. It works separately from AirPlay (Apple's casting system) and from built-in smart TV apps. If your TV has a Chromecast button in the Disney Plus app, you can use it. If not, you may need a separate Chromecast device or a different casting method.
Key Takeaways
- The Disney Plus app on your phone or tablet has a Chromecast button if your TV supports it — look for the rectangular icon with curved lines in the top right corner.
- Your phone, tablet, or computer and your Chromecast device must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
- You can cast from the Disney Plus app on Android phones and tablets, iPhones and iPads, Windows computers, and Mac computers.
- If your TV does not have Chromecast built in, you can buy a Google Chromecast device for under $40 and plug it into an HDMI port.
- Casting pauses if you disconnect from Wi-Fi or if your phone loses power, but the show keeps playing on your TV until you stop it.
How to cast from your phone or tablet
Open the Disney Plus app and start playing the show or movie you want to watch. Look at the top right corner of the screen — you should see a rectangular icon with three curved lines inside it. That is the Chromecast button. Tap it.
A list of available devices will appear. Select the Chromecast device or TV you want to cast to. The show will start playing on your TV within a few seconds. You can now close the app, lock your phone, or even switch to a different app — the video keeps playing on your TV.
To stop casting, tap the Chromecast button again and select "Stop casting" or "Disconnect." The video stops on your TV. You can also stop it by pressing the back button on your TV remote or by unplugging the Chromecast device.
Casting from a computer or laptop
If you are using Disney Plus on a web browser (not the app), you can cast through Google Chrome. Open Disney Plus in Chrome, start playing your show, and look for the Chromecast icon in the top right corner of the browser window. It looks the same as the phone version — a rectangle with curved lines.
Click the icon and select your Chromecast device from the list. The video will play on your TV. Your computer screen will show a small window telling you the cast is active. You can minimize Chrome or switch to other windows on your computer — the video keeps playing on your TV.
If you do not see the Chromecast icon in Chrome, make sure your computer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device. You may also need to update Chrome to the latest version.
What to do if the Chromecast button does not appear
The Chromecast button only shows up if your phone, tablet, or computer detects a Chromecast device on your Wi-Fi network. If you do not see it, check these things first: Make sure your Chromecast device is plugged in and turned on. Make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Restart the Disney Plus app and try again.
If your TV has Chromecast built in (some Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs do), the button should appear without needing a separate device. If your TV does not have Chromecast built in and you do not have a Chromecast device, you will need to buy one. A Google Chromecast device plugs into any HDMI port on your TV and costs between $30 and $40.
If you have a Chromecast device but the button still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then restart your phone or tablet. If it still does not work, check that your Disney Plus app is up to date by opening your app store and looking for updates.
Casting on different types of TVs
If your TV is a smart TV with Chromecast built in, you do not need a separate device. Look for the Chromecast button in the Disney Plus app. Samsung TVs with Chromecast use the SmartThings app. LG TVs use webOS. Sony TVs use Google TV. All of these work with Disney Plus casting.
If your TV is older or does not have Chromecast, you have two options: buy a Google Chromecast device and plug it into an HDMI port, or use a different casting method if your TV supports it. Some older TVs work with Roku, Fire TV, or AirPlay instead. Check your TV manual or the manufacturer's website to see what casting systems it supports.
If your TV has Chromecast built in but the button does not appear, make sure your TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or tablet. Some TVs have a separate setting to turn on casting. Check your TV settings under "Display" or "Connectivity" to make sure Chromecast is enabled.
Troubleshooting casting problems
If casting starts but then stops or keeps disconnecting, the most common cause is Wi-Fi. Your phone and your Chromecast device must stay connected to the same network. If your Wi-Fi is weak or drops, casting will pause or stop. Move your Chromecast device closer to your router, or move your phone closer to the router while you start the cast.
If the video is choppy or keeps buffering on your TV, the problem is usually your internet speed, not Chromecast itself. Disney Plus recommends at least 5.5 Mbps for HD video and 25 Mbps for 4K video. You can check your internet speed using a free speed test tool. If your speed is lower than Disney Plus recommends, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
If you see an error message like "Unable to connect" or "Device not found," restart both your phone and your Chromecast device. Unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart before trying again. If the problem continues, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your Disney Plus app is up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Disney Plus subscription to cast?
Yes. You must have an active Disney Plus account and be signed in to the app to cast. Casting itself is free — you are just sending the video from your app to your TV using your existing subscription.
Can I cast Disney Plus from my iPhone to a TV without Chromecast?
Not directly through Disney Plus. iPhones use AirPlay, not Chromecast. If your TV has AirPlay built in (some Apple TVs and newer smart TVs do), you can use that instead. Otherwise, you need a Chromecast device or a TV with Chromecast built in.
What happens if I close the Disney Plus app while casting?
The video keeps playing on your TV. You can close the app, lock your phone, or switch to another app without interrupting the cast. The show only stops if you manually disconnect from the Chromecast button or if your phone loses Wi-Fi.
Can I use my phone while casting?
Yes. Once you start casting, your phone is free to do other things. You can text, browse, or use other apps. The video continues on your TV independently.
Is there a monthly fee for Chromecast?
No. Chromecast is a one-time purchase (if you need a device) or built into your TV. There is no subscription or monthly cost beyond your Disney Plus membership.