Netflix pulls casting support for most smart TVs in major app shift

Netflix has quietly restricted mobile casting, limiting support to older Chromecast models and a few select devices, leaving a large section of users unable to cast from their phones.

Netflix has scaled back a key feature many users relied on, quietly removing the ability to cast shows and movies from mobile phones to most smart TVs. The change, which appears to have rolled out gradually in recent weeks, has affected thousands of users who found the cast button missing without any prior notice.

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An updated Netflix support page recently confirmed that mobile casting is now supported only on a limited set of devices, specifically Chromecast 3rd generation or older without a physical remote, Google Nest Hub, and select cast-enabled Vizio and Compal TVs. This means most modern smart TVs, especially those with a built-in Netflix app and their own remote, can no longer accept direct casting from phones.

Customer interactions indicate that devices with their own remotes will not support casting, while screens without a native Netflix app may still allow it. The platform has also withdrawn earlier features, including AirPlay support on iOS and casting via the Google TV app.

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Additionally, users on Netflix’s ad-supported plan cannot cast, and devices not connected to the same Wi-Fi network are also restricted. Despite the widespread impact, Netflix has provided no detailed explanation, only noting that the update aims to “improve the customer experience.”

The rollback has left many subscribers frustrated as the feature was widely used for quick, remote-free viewing across households.