Netflix removes Google Cast (Chromecast) support

If your TV device has a remote control, you can no longer cast to it from the Netflix app on smartphones, tablet or PC, the world's largest streaming service has announced.

Netflix is in the process of killing off casting. That is, the concept where you find content on your phone and send it wirelessly to the TV.

The streamer dropped support for Apple AirPlay in 2019 and now the turn has come to Google Cast (Chromecast), as reported by The Verge and Android Authority.


Google Cast support removed

Over the past few weeks, users have noticed that software updates to the Netflix app have removed the casting option. FlatpanelsHD can verify that it no longer works on our Google TV Streamer and Chromecast with Google TV.

Netflix now confirms that it is phasing out casting support:

- "Netflix no longer supports casting shows from a mobile device to most TVs and TV-streaming devices. You'll need to use the remote that came with your TV or TV-streaming device to navigate Netflix," the company writes in a support document.

To affected customers, the company has reportedly said that "if the device has its own remote, you can't cast".

Casting still works for now on the classic Chromecast sticks and certain TVs with built-in Google Cast, but this is almost certainly temporary. Google discontinued the classic Chromecast sticks in September 2022 and there are plenty of good reasons to move on.


Because of ads?
Netflix has not explained why they are taking such drastic measures, only that it is done to improve the user experience – a claim affected users are unlikely to agree with.

There have been signs. Earlier this year, Netflix restricted casting to ad-free plans.

The decision being related to ads is a plausible explanation. It is harder for streaming services to interrupt the stream with new ad formats when the movie is cast rather than played directly in the Netflix app on the TV.

- Source: Netflix, The Verge, Android Authority