Netflix has removed the ability to stream shows and movies from phones to TVs unless subscribers are using older devices to stream. An Updated help page on the Netflix websitefirst reported Android authoritysays the streaming service “no longer supports streaming shows from a mobile device to most TVs and streaming devices” and instead encourages users to navigate Netflix using the remote control that came with their TV equipment.
This change appears to have begun in the last few weeks. one user on Reddit reports casting support was discontinued on November 10 “without warning”. My colleague Dom Preston also discovered that while he was able to cast to his TV from the old version of the Netflix app, the casting option was no longer available after updating the app.
Casting support is still available on older Chromecast devices or TVs that natively support Google Cast, according to Netflix's support page, but only for subscribers of the more expensive ad-free plans, which start at $17.99 per month. Netflix users with an ad-supported subscription ($7.99 per month) will not be able to cast from their phones, even if they have legacy Chromecast devices.
The casting changes announced on the Netflix support page do not explain why the feature was removed. This follows a similar move in 2019 when Netflix has removed AirPlay supportciting a desire to “ensure our viewing quality standards are met.” We've reached out to Netflix for comment.
