Netflix Ends Mobile Casting Feature
▼ Summary
– Netflix has removed the ability to cast from mobile devices to most TVs and TV-streaming devices, directing users to use their TV’s remote instead.
– The change was implemented recently without warning, as confirmed by user reports and app updates.
– Casting is still supported on older Chromecast or native Google Cast devices, but only for subscribers on ad-free plans.
– Users with the cheaper ad-supported subscription cannot cast from their phones, even with compatible older hardware.
– Netflix has not explained the reason for removing the feature, similar to when it discontinued AirPlay support in 2019.
Netflix has recently discontinued a popular feature that allowed subscribers to cast content directly from their mobile phones to their televisions. This change effectively removes the convenient casting button from the app for most modern TV and streaming device setups. Instead, users are now instructed to launch the Netflix app directly on their TV or device using its remote control. The alteration appears to have been implemented quietly in recent weeks, catching many customers by surprise.
The updated help documentation on Netflix’s site confirms the company “no longer supports casting shows from a mobile device to most TVs and TV-streaming devices.” Reports indicate the feature vanished for some users around early November without any prior notification. Testing reveals that while an older version of the Netflix app might still show the casting icon, updating the app removes the functionality entirely.
There are, however, specific exceptions to this new policy. Casting remains possible for subscribers on Netflix’s premium, ad-free plans if they are using older Chromecast hardware or televisions with built-in Google Cast support. This means customers on the cheaper, ad-supported subscription tier lose mobile casting capabilities completely, even if they own compatible legacy devices. The standard ad-free plan begins at $17.99 monthly, while the ad-supported plan costs $7.99.
Netflix has not provided a public explanation for why it decided to pull this widely used feature. The move echoes a previous decision in 2019 when the streaming giant discontinued support for Apple’s AirPlay, stating at the time it was necessary to maintain its quality standards for viewing. The lack of communication surrounding this latest change has left users seeking clarity on the platform’s future direction for device interoperability and convenience.
(Source: The Verge)
