Netflix has recently implemented a considerable change to its streaming service by discontinuing the capability for most subscribers to cast television shows and films from their mobile phones directly onto their televisions. This adjustment affects the majority of casting and streaming devices currently in circulation, with the exception of certain older models that were developed during an earlier generation of the technology. According to an updated entry on Netflix’s official support and help page—an update first brought to public attention by the technology outlet Android Authority—the company explicitly notes that the platform “no longer supports casting shows from a mobile device to most TVs and TV‑streaming devices.” Instead of relying on mobile-to-TV casting, Netflix now instructs users to interact with the application through the remote control paired with their television or streaming hardware, suggesting a strategic preference for integrated smart TV experiences over external device connectivity.
Reports indicate that this change has been introduced quietly over the past several weeks without prior public announcement. One Reddit user, for instance, shared that casting functionality disappeared from his setup on November 10th, describing the removal as having occurred “with zero warning.” This anecdotal evidence corresponds with findings from journalist Dom Preston, who observed a similar pattern: while the older version of the Netflix app still permitted direct casting to his television, the more recent update completely eliminated the icon and associated feature after installation. These concurrent experiences suggest that the alteration was implemented remotely via software updates rather than requiring any action from users themselves.
Netflix’s own documentation clarifies that casting remains technically possible but under far narrower conditions than before. The function continues to operate on certain legacy Chromecast devices and on TVs that include native Google Cast integration. However, access to this privilege now depends directly on the subscriber’s plan tier. According to the company’s explanation, only those subscribed to the ad‑free versions of Netflix—plans beginning at $17.99 per month—retain casting support. By contrast, customers using the more affordable ad‑supported plan, priced at $7.99 per month, will find themselves unable to mirror or send streams from their mobile devices even if their equipment is compatible with older Chromecast technology. This effectively ties the once‑universal feature to Netflix’s premium pricing model, creating a distinct functional divide between plan levels.
Notably, Netflix’s announcement omits any detailed justification or technical rationale for eliminating this widely used feature. The absence of an official explanation has left subscribers speculating about the company’s reasoning, whether related to licensing complexities, ad integration challenges, or the pursuit of a more controlled and uniform user experience across devices. This decision echoes a comparable moment in 2019, when the company withdrew support for Apple’s AirPlay function, at the time reasoning that the move was intended “to ensure our standard of quality for viewing is being met.” In both instances, Netflix has expressed an emphasis on maintaining a consistent and predictable playback environment. In light of this latest shift, requests for an official statement or comment have been forwarded to Netflix for further clarification, though no additional information has yet been provided.
Overall, this strategic step reinforces the company’s growing preference for native app usage within smart TVs and streaming boxes rather than dependency on mobile mirroring tools. While the core viewing experience remains accessible, this transition may alter the way many users interact with the service, potentially prompting them to adjust their daily streaming habits, rely more heavily on built‑in TV apps, or upgrade to higher-priced plans if casting remains an essential part of their viewing routine.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/834655/netflix-phone-casting-chromecast-support-killed
