Very recently, Netflix quietly removed support for casting shows and films from smartphones to many TVs and streaming devices, as confirmed by its official help page. This move comes just after the return of one of the platform’s biggest shows, Stranger Things.
The missing button was spotted by users on Reddit, who are now frustrated that they must instead watch content directly on the Netflix app on the TV rather than being able to use their smartphone for simpler navigation and switching seamlessly between devices as they can for apps such as YouTube.
While this isn’t welcome news, you may have escaped the casting cull…
Which Google TV devices still support casting for the Netflix app?
Netflix has listed the devices that still allow casting, and this mainly benefits anyone holding onto an older piece of Google tech, or has a TV that has Google Cast:
- 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
If you’re still unsure, then Android Authority reports that a Netflix representative told a customer that “if the device has its own remote, you can’t cast.” So, that includes the following streaming devices:
- Chromecast with Google TV (4K) – 2020
- Chromecast with Google TV (HD) – 2022
- Google TV Streamer – 2024
- Other TVs not listed above that support casting but have a remote
It also doesn’t matter what Netflix plan you’re on – so paying for Premium won’t unlock this feature.
Plus, while having an older Chromecast may be a benefit now, Google will eventually discontinue support for this – you can find out when we estimate this will happen here.
Why has Netflix disabled casting support for Google TV devices?
The official line from the company is that it will “improve the customer experience”, which is extremely vague. Many users online seemingly disagree with the decision, which has come very out of the blue.
If that’s enough to make you want to cancel your Netflix subscription, there are plenty of other alternatives you can consider.
Author: Hannah Cowton-Barnes, Entertainment Editor, Tech Advisor
As Tech Advisor's Entertainment Editor, Hannah is the resident expert in all things streaming, film and TV. Before joining Tech Advisor in 2019, she studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds and created a website dedicated to geek culture and lifestyle. She's also reviewed a whole range of gadgets including flagship smartphones, wearables and styling tools. Outside of Foundry, she's written freelance pieces for Polygon, Metro and Den of Geek, and is proud to be a Women Techmakers Ambassador for Google.