Netflix Ends Mobile-to-TV Casting on Newer Smart TVs

If you use Netflix to cast shows from your phone to your TV, you may have noticed that the familiar Cast button is now missing. The streaming service recently removed the ability to cast from its mobile app to newer TVs and streaming devices. This includes the Chromecast with Google TV and the Google TV Streamer.

Netflix removed the cast button, preventing casting on newer Smart TVs

Previously, Netflix allowed users to start a show on their phone and then instantly send it to the TV through the Cast button. Now, the company says it no longer supports this feature on modern devices. Instead, it wants you to open the Netflix app on your TV and use the TV’s own remote to navigate.

“Netflix no longer supports casting shows from a mobile device to most TVs and TV-streaming devices”, Netflix wrote on its support page. “You’ll need to use the remote that came with your TV or TV-streaming device to navigate Netflix.” Meanwhile, a customer service representative said, “If the device has its own remote, you can’t cast.” The representative also said this move will improve the customer experience.

That said, if you own older Chromecast devices or TVs (that support Google Cast natively), you will be able to cast from your phone. However, there’s a catch. Casting on these older devices only works if you are on a non-ad-supported Netflix plan. If you are in the ad-supported tier, the Cast button will not show up, even though it still technically supports the feature.

All current Samsung smart TVs come with the Netflix app pre-installed. So if you want to stream Netflix on these TVs, you just have to use the built-in app and the TV’s remote. Of course, casting from your Galaxy phone may offer faster searching and easier typing, but now you will miss this convenience.