Netflix Removes Google Cast Support for Android Users — What Changed and Why
In a quiet but significant change, Netflix has removed Google Cast support from its Android and iOS mobile apps, eliminating the popular feature that let users “cast” content from their phones to TVs and streaming devices. The move has left many subscribers surprised, as the familiar cast button has disappeared without a major announcement.
What Exactly Changed?
Previously, users could tap the cast icon in the Netflix app to beam content to Chromecast, Android TV, Google TV, and other Cast-enabled devices. Now:
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The cast button is gone for most modern devices, including Chromecast with Google TV, Google TV Streamer, and newer smart TVs.
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Casting is severely limited, reportedly working only on:
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Older Chromecast dongles (without remotes).
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Some smart displays like Google Nest Hub.
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Ad-free Netflix subscribers only; users on the cheaper ad-supported tier lose casting entirely.
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The new requirement is to open the native Netflix app directly on your TV or streaming device and use its remote to control playback.
Why Did Netflix Remove Casting? Theories Behind the Move
Netflix hasn’t provided an official detailed explanation, but industry analysts suggest several reasons:
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Low Usage: Reports indicate only about 10% of Android users actively used the casting feature.
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Focus on Native Apps: Smart TVs and streaming devices now have robust, pre-installed Netflix apps, offering a more controlled and optimized viewing experience.
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Future Strategy: Netflix may be reallocating resources toward interactive features, mobile gaming, or social viewing tools that don’t align with traditional casting.
Impact on Users and Viewing Habits
The removal disrupts a convenient workflow, especially for:
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Travelers who used casting in hotels or rental homes to avoid logging into unfamiliar TV apps.
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Users who preferred phone-based playback control (pause, scrub, volume).
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Anyone who found launching the TV app and using a remote less intuitive.
Exceptions and Alternatives
Casting isn’t completely extinct:
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It may still work from a desktop browser (like Chrome on a laptop).
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Competitors like Disney+, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video still support Google Cast on modern devices.
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Apple TV’s Android app recently added Cast support, offering an alternative for phone-centric control.
The Bottom Line
Netflix’s decision reflects a broader industry shift away from phone-to-TV casting as native TV apps improve. While it streamlines Netflix’s development focus, it removes a beloved convenience for a segment of users. For now, subscribers must adapt by using their TV’s remote or exploring alternative streaming services that still support the feature they’ve lost.
