Netflix has quietly withdrawn casting support for a portion of its users, restricting the ability to stream content from a smartphone to a television or streaming box. The change was introduced in a recent app update and affects selected smart TV models and subscribers on the platform’s ad-supported plan.
The “cast” function allowed viewers to play films or series on a mobile device and mirror the content to another display on the same network. According to Netflix, the feature will no longer be supported across most televisions and streaming hardware. In a notice published in its Help Center titled Can’t find ‘Cast’ button in Netflix app, the service states it “no longer supports casting shows from a mobile device to most TVs and TV-streaming devices,” adding that users will “need to use the remote that came with your TV or TV-streaming device to navigate Netflix.”
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The company said that casting will remain available for a limited number of older devices, including “an older Chromecast device” and “a TV that works with Google Cast.” Netflix did not provide further clarification on which hardware qualifies under those categories.
Viewers who no longer have access to casting are directed to download and use the native Netflix application available on their smart TV or streaming box. The platform has not issued a public announcement regarding the discontinuation of this feature, and no workaround has been offered for subscribers who prefer mobile-to-TV control.
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The update arrives as major streaming providers continue to tighten control over user access and content delivery. With rising subscription costs and decisions such as Sony’s removal of purchased titles following contract disputes, consumer confidence in digital entertainment services has faced increasing scrutiny.
Source: Netflix