While Netflix is one of the world's most popular streaming services, it's also become one of the most frustrating. Between frequent price hikes, a crackdown on password sharing, and an unpopular interface redesign, the streaming giant has had its share of missteps. Now, it's made another change that could irritate users even more.
On an updated help page on Netflix's website, the company says, "Netflix no longer supports casting shows from a mobile device to most TVs and TV-streaming devices. You'll need to use the remote that came with your TV or TV-streaming device to navigate Netflix."
- Subscription with ads
- $6.99
- Premium Subscription
- $15.49 or $22.99 options
- Simultaneous streams
- 2-4
- # of profiles
- 5
Netflix now limits mobile casting to just two specific scenarios
Netflix will only allow people with older Google devices to cast
Although you can't cast Netflix directly to newer smart TVs or streaming devices from your mobile device, the company has made exceptions for older Chromecast devices or TVs that support Google Cast, since the only way to watch Netflix on those devices is through casting. However, Netflix requires an ad-free plan -- starting at $18 a month -- to use casting on these devices. This means if you have the basic Netflix plan with ads costing $8 a month, you won't be able to cast from your phone even if you own an older Chromecast or a TV with Google Cast.
Netflix hasn't explained why it suddenly removed casting from its mobile app, and the move is puzzling given how many people rely on the feature to watch Netflix on their TVs. Casting lets you control Netflix from your phone instead of using a TV remote, which makes browsing and playback much easier. It's a feature I've always found especially useful in hotel rooms.
It appears Netflix started gradually rolling out the removal of casting in mid-November, which is when users on Reddit reported the ability to cast had disappeared from the app with "zero warning" (via The Verge).
If you previously used your phone to cast Netflix to your TV, you'll now have to download the Netflix app on your smart TV or streaming device to keep watching Netflix on the big screen.
Naturally, lots of users on Reddit voiced their frustration over this change, with one Redditor saying, "This is a massive deal for a lot of people & absolutely enrages me. I primarily watch Netflix via casting & now they are just all of a sudden taking this away?"
Another Redditor said, "And just like this, I am unsubbing from Netflix. I tend to lose the remote but my phone is always with me. I can't imagine taking a full minute to look for an RC when I can just cast with my phone way easily."
One Redditor, who claims to have spoken with Netflix customer support, says Netflix told them, "If the device has its own remote, you can't cast," and that this was being done to "make the customer experience better."
This isn't the first time Netflix has removed a casting feature; back in April 2019, it removed Apple AirPlay support, saying at the time it was doing so to "ensure our standard of quality for viewing is being met."
The ability to cast Netflix from your phone to your TV has always been one of the platform's handiest features, so it's odd that Netflix has removed it abruptly. Many people who rely on casting are going to be confused once this change reaches their devices. If you previously used your phone to cast Netflix to your TV, you'll now have to download the Netflix app on your smart TV or streaming device to keep watching Netflix on the big screen.