Netflix just turned off a popular way to watch its content. Subscribers can no longer use their smartphones to “cast” or send Netflix shows and movies to many modern televisions and Google streaming devices.
The update primarily targets devices that come with their own remote controls. This includes the latest versions of the Chromecast and the standalone Google TV streamer. For these products, the Cast icon inside the Netflix phone app has vanished. Viewers must now navigate using the remote that came with their device and launch the Netflix application directly on their TV screen.
The change was first noticed by users in the middle of November and later verified on Netflix’s help website. The streaming service did not announce the removal beforehand.
A few older devices are exempt from the new rule. Models like the earliest Chromecast sticks, which lack a physical remote, will still allow casting from a mobile device. Some smart TVs with integrated casting technology will also continue to support the feature.
There is an important restriction, however. For those who are on Netflix’s budget-friendly plan that includes advertisements, the casting feature is completely unavailable, even on the older, eligible hardware. Only subscribers paying for premium, ad-free tiers can use it.
When questioned, Netflix support staff have stated the move was intended to “enhance the member experience,” though no further explanation was given. This follows a similar decision from 2019, when Netflix stopped supporting Apple’s AirPlay protocol on iPhones and iPads, signaling a broader strategy to move viewing away from phones and onto television interfaces.