Netflix Ends Screen Mirroring From Samsung Phones to TVs
▼ Summary
– Netflix has removed the ability to cast from its mobile app to most TVs and streaming devices, limiting it to some older legacy devices.
– The casting feature is now only available to users who are subscribed to a non-ad-supported Netflix plan.
– Users on ad-supported plans are completely blocked from using the casting feature, regardless of their device.
– Netflix advises affected users to navigate its service using their TV or streaming device’s remote instead.
– The main exceptions to this ban are older Chromecast models and TVs with built-in Google Cast functionality.
Many viewers enjoy the convenience of using their smartphone as a remote to stream Netflix content directly to their television. This method simplifies navigation, allowing users to browse the extensive library and control playback directly from their mobile app rather than a traditional TV remote. However, a recent policy shift from the streaming giant has significantly restricted this popular functionality, leaving many subscribers unable to cast from their phones.
Netflix has officially updated its support documentation to confirm the removal of screen mirroring capabilities from its mobile application to most modern televisions and streaming devices. The guidance now instructs users to rely solely on the remote control that came with their TV or external streaming hardware, such as a Roku or Amazon Fire Stick, to operate the Netflix interface. This change effectively ends the widespread practice of casting for the majority of users.
The restriction is nearly universal, with only a narrow set of exceptions. The casting feature will continue to function exclusively for owners of specific older hardware, namely first-generation Chromecast models and TVs with built-in Google Cast technology from that era. For everyone else, the familiar casting icon within the Netflix mobile app will no longer appear or function.
Furthermore, access to this limited casting capability comes with an additional subscription requirement. Even users with the supported legacy devices will find the feature locked if they are subscribed to Netflix’s cheaper, ad-supported plan tier. The company is reserving the mobile casting function strictly for those customers who both own qualifying older devices and pay for a premium, ad-free subscription plan. This move aligns with Netflix’s broader strategy of differentiating its service tiers and incentivizing upgrades to more expensive subscriptions.
(Source: Sam Mobile)
