Netflix no longer lets you cast from phones to most TVs

Netflix has removed support for casting from phones to TVs. The move has surprised many users, who say this change was made without warning.

Users can no longer cast to most TVs, including Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer devices. Android Authority spotted a support page on the company's website, you can view a slightly older version of it at Archive.org. The support page had originally said, "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."

Netflix has quietly updated the wording on the page, likely after the news was picked up by media outlets. This is what it says now.

"If you're looking to cast from your mobile device to your TV or a device connected to your TV, check the list of compatible devices below. If it isn't listed, you'll need to use a physical remote to navigate the Netflix app."

The new wording hides the fact that this feature was removed, which could leave users confused why they can no longer cast to their TV. While the web page says that Netflix does not support casting or mirroring if the user has an ad-supported plan, users claim this affects ad-free subscriptions too. One more thing that the page mentions is that Netflix supports casting to:

• Chromecast 3rd gen or older (did not come with a physical remote)

• Google Nest Hub Smart Display

• Select cast-enabled Vizio TVs

• Select cast-enabled Compal TVs

So what this means is that you can still cast to some older Chromecast devices or TVs, if they support Google Cast natively (no remote).

Speaking of which, it's easier to navigate Netflix from a phone, than using a remote. Several users were confused by the removal of Casting support, and have questioned the company's intention. Here's a support document on Netflix's website which mentions that users do not need to set to a Netflix Household if they don't watch Netflix on a TV. This could be a way for Netflix to prevent users from casting to TVs outside their household, for instance, at hotels, or even at your friend's house. Perhaps the company views this as account sharing?

Ads, price hikes, feature removals. The chokehold is slowly tightening with an iron grip.

What do you think about this?

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