You cannot cast Netflix any longer unless you possess one of these devices.
What has transpired? Netflix has eliminated casting support that allowed users to stream content directly from their phones to TVs and streaming devices. This update was quietly implemented over the past few weeks, with users realizing that the Cast button was missing. An updated help page from Netflix has now confirmed this change.
As reported by Android Authority, Netflix is now blocking casting from most newer devices, including the Chromecast with Google TV and the Google TV Streamer.
John Higgins / Digital Trends
Why is this significant? Casting from a phone is a handy feature. You could select a show on your phone, tap Cast, and it would play on your TV. Now, Netflix expects users to utilize the TV's built-in app and remote instead. Their support page now explicitly states that casting from a mobile device to the majority of TVs or streaming devices is no longer available.
Only a limited number of older devices are compatible with Netflix phone casting, such as older Chromecast devices (without remotes), TVs that support native Google Cast, Google Nest Hub displays, and several cast-enabled Vizio and Compal TVs.
Jen Karner / Digital Trends
Why does this matter? Many viewers relied on casting to bypass re-entering login details or dealing with cumbersome remotes.
If you were accustomed to browsing Netflix on your phone and casting it to a larger screen in your living room, at a friend's house, or in a hotel, that ease of use is now lost.
You will need to access Netflix on each TV, log in there, or use an older Chromecast that continues to work.
For frequent travelers or those moving between different TVs, this alteration makes Netflix seem less adaptable and user-friendly.
Netflix
What’s next?
Casting remains functional if you own an older Chromecast device (without a remote) or a TV with native Google Cast support, and you subscribe to Netflix’s ad-free plan.
Otherwise, you will need to start the Netflix app directly on the TV or streaming box and use the remote to select and manage content.
As casting support diminishes on Netflix, the streaming industry seems to be moving towards relying solely on dedicated TV applications.
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You cannot cast Netflix any longer unless you possess one of these devices.
Netflix has discontinued casting support for the majority of contemporary TVs and streaming devices, retaining only older Chromecast models and a few select cast-enabled televisions on its approved list. This modification went largely unnoticed and was only acknowledged after users alerted the company about the absence of the Cast button.