Yes, you can cast Disney Plus to a Chromecast device
Disney Plus works with Google Chromecast on both phones and computers. You can cast from the Disney Plus app on an Android phone, an iPhone, or a web browser on a Mac or Windows computer to any Chromecast device on your home network. The cast button appears in the Disney Plus player itself, so the process is straightforward once you have both devices set up.
Chromecast is Google's streaming device that plugs into your TV's HDMI port. It turns any TV into a smart TV by letting you send video, music, and photos from your phone or computer to the screen. Disney Plus recognizes Chromecast as a compatible device, so you do not need to buy a separate app or subscription.
Key Takeaways
- Disney Plus has a built-in cast button in the player on phones and web browsers, making it straightforward to send video to Chromecast.
- Your phone or computer and your Chromecast device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
- Casting from Disney Plus works on Android phones, iPhones, and computers using Chrome or Safari browsers.
- If the cast button does not appear, restart both your Chromecast device and the app or browser you are using.
What you need before you start casting
You need three things: a Chromecast device plugged into your TV, a phone or computer with the Disney Plus app or a web browser, and both devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Chromecast devices come in a few versions — the standard Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV, and older models — and Disney Plus works with all of them.
Make sure your Disney Plus account is active and you are signed in on the device you plan to cast from. If you are casting from a phone, the Disney Plus app should be up to date. If you are casting from a computer, use Chrome or Safari; other browsers may not show the cast button.
How to cast from the Disney Plus app on your phone
Open the Disney Plus app and start playing a show or movie. Look for the cast icon in the player controls — it looks like a small rectangle with curved lines in the corner, usually in the top right or bottom right of the screen. Tap it.
A list of available devices appears. Select your Chromecast from the list. The video will start playing on your TV within a few seconds. You can now use your phone as a remote to pause, play, rewind, or skip ahead. The video continues to stream from Disney Plus through your Chromecast, not from your phone, so you can lock your phone or switch to another app without interrupting playback.
How to cast from a web browser on your computer
Go to disneyplus.com in Chrome or Safari and sign in to your account. Start playing a show or movie. The cast icon appears in the video player — it looks the same as on phones, a small rectangle with curved lines. Click it.
Select your Chromecast device from the menu that appears. The video will begin playing on your TV. You can minimize the browser window or switch to another tab; the video will keep playing on your TV. To stop casting, click the cast icon again and select "Stop casting."
Troubleshooting when the cast button does not appear
If you do not see the cast icon in the Disney Plus player, the most common reason is that your phone or computer is not on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Check your device's Wi-Fi settings and make sure both are connected to the same network name.
If the networks match, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then close the Disney Plus app or refresh the web page and try again. On phones, you can also try closing the app completely and reopening it. If you are using a web browser, try a different browser or clear your browser cache.
Make sure your Chromecast device is powered on and has been set up through the Google Home app. If you recently set up your Chromecast, it may take a few minutes to appear in the cast menu.
What to do if casting keeps stopping or stuttering
Casting problems usually come from Wi-Fi connection issues. Move your phone or computer closer to your router, or move your Chromecast closer to the router. If other devices on your network are using a lot of bandwidth — downloading large files, streaming video elsewhere — that can slow down your cast. Pause those activities temporarily.
Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Also restart your Chromecast and the device you are casting from. If the problem continues, check that your internet speed is at least 5 Mbps for standard video and 25 Mbps for 4K video. You can test your speed at speedtest.net.
Casting Disney Plus on Chromecast with Google TV
Chromecast with Google TV is a newer model that runs Google TV directly on the device. You can still cast Disney Plus to it from your phone or computer the same way you would with a standard Chromecast. You can also read the Disney Plus app directly onto the Chromecast with Google TV and play shows without casting at all — just use the remote that comes with the device.
If you own Chromecast with Google TV, you have the choice of casting from your phone or using the app on the device itself. Both methods work equally well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast Disney Plus from an iPad?
Yes. Open the Disney Plus app on your iPad, start playing a show or movie, tap the cast icon in the player, and select your Chromecast device. The process is the same as on iPhones.
What happens to my phone while I am casting?
Your phone acts as a remote control. You can lock it, switch to other apps, or even leave the room. The video streams directly from Disney Plus to your Chromecast, not through your phone, so the phone does not need to stay active or on the same screen.
Can I cast to multiple Chromecast devices at the same time?
No. Disney Plus only allows you to cast to one device at a time. If you want to play on a different Chromecast, stop the current cast and select a new device.
Do I need a paid Disney Plus subscription to cast?
Yes. Casting works only if you have an active Disney Plus account and are signed in on the device you are casting from. The subscription level you have determines which shows and movies you can watch.
Why does the cast button disappear after I start casting?
Once casting starts, the cast icon may move or change appearance depending on your device. Look for it in the same area of the player. If it has disappeared entirely, tap the player controls to make them visible again.