Netflix removes cast button from mobile app, Limiting support to older chromecast models

Netflix has quietly disabled one of its most useful features for many users: casting from a smartphone to most smart TVs and streaming sticks. The change marks a reversal of previous expansion efforts, and is taking effect on newer Chromecast with Google TV devices, the new Google TV Streamer, and most current smart TVs – basically anything with a Netflix app and its own remote control.

The “Cast” icon is disappearing for some

If you try to cast Netflix from your phone to a smart TV or streaming stick, you may find that the Cast option is no longer available.

Netflix’s support article now states: “You can’t cast from your mobile device to most TVs and TV-streaming devices,” and directs users to launch Netflix directly on the TV’s app and control playback with the remote.

Older devices may still work

The feature isn’t dead, it’s just been quietly removed for newer devices. Casting should still work from a mobile device to older Chromecast sticks (ones without a built-in remote), or to a TV that supports the older Google Cast protocol.

Netflix hasn’t officially commented on the change. There’s been no public announcement, press release, or blog post. (The only clue was an update to the official support article, plus numerous user reports on social media of the missing Cast button.)

What it means for users?

If you use casting to your TV as a shortcut or workaround, the feature is no longer available to you. You’ll have to use the remote to log into Netflix on the TV app itself. So for travelers who want to quickly start a Netflix show in a hotel or shared accommodations, this will take longer and require more steps (i.e, opening the TV app, logging in, etc.).

For people who rely on casting to use their phones as a Netflix remote or don’t have Netflix already set up on their TVs, this is a notable change in convenience.

The main workaround is to use the Netflix app that’s already installed on your smart TV or streaming device. You’ll need to log in directly on that screen with the remote, rather than casting from your phone.

Here are the devices that the feature works on now: older Chromecast sticks (not the newer “with Google TV” ones) and any TV that still has the legacy Google Cast support. If you have a newer Chromecast device, Google TV Stick, or any newer smart TV with a Netflix app, casting is no longer available for that TV.

Why is Netflix doing this?

Netflix hasn’t said why the feature is being deprecated, but recent media reports offer a few likely reasons for the move. It may be:

A legacy feature. When casting from a phone was first released, not every TV or streaming stick had a Netflix app built in. It was a workaround for users who couldn’t open Netflix on their TV, and could cast content instead. But those days are long past, and almost every smart TV now has an app.

Encouraging in-app viewing. By forcing people to use the Netflix app on the TV itself, rather than casting from a remote device, Netflix may be able to more tightly control the viewing experience -better UI design, easier navigation, higher engagement – rather than leaving playback and controls to another device.

Limiting account sharing. Some reports speculate that the change is part of Netflix’s effort to clamp down on account sharing, which is a sore point for the company. While this may be possible, it’s unlikely to be a real blocker for savvy password sharers.

Next steps, impact, and how to react

A lot of users are upset about this change, especially those who depend on casting to their TV for everyday viewing, or who are on the go and have to enter their login details on each new TV. If you use Chromecast sticks in your home, and use them as a cheap Netflix remote control by casting your phone, this change will also be frustrating.

If you still have an older Chromecast device (the original ones without a remote built in), it should still work with casting.

Otherwise, you’ll have to use the Netflix app that’s already installed on your TV or streaming device, and control it with the remote.

If you’re someone who travels a lot or hops from hotel to hotel (or stays with different friends and families), this Netflix change is likely to be seen as a step backwards. What used to be a frictionless experience – phone-to-TV shortcut – is now forced back to the legacy, sometimes slower and more annoying TV login and UI process.