Previously, Netflix customers would be able to watch content on their phone and easily cast it onto a TV to continue watching.
However, it’s now been reported that the streaming service giant is prioritising its TV app and stopping its casting option.
The change means Netflix users will no longer be able to use their phones as a remote and will instead need to use the TV app and remote to control the service.
Netflix quietly stops casting services
The change was first reported by Android Authority, before quickly gaining attention among many angry Netflix users.
Reddit users previously shared that they were facing problems casting Netflix using their Chromecast.
As one member of group r/Chromecast shared: “Netflix appears to have removed Chromecast support as of 10/Nov from non-ad supported plans.
“This change was done with zero warning.
“I’m annoyed, as chromecasting is the main way that I watch streaming.
“It gives me all of the control to use my phone as a remote control, and searching for stuff is so much easier.”
Although Netflix has not shared a statement confirming the change, a representative told WIRED that it would be ending support for mobile device playback control (casting) as not enough members use the feature.
The representative added that Netflix would not be sharing any information on how many people use the casting feature or the resources the feature takes up.
Despite Netflix stopping casting, users of older devices, including the pre-2020 Google Chromecast, should still be able to cast.
Since the quiet removal of its casting service, Netflix has updated its Help Centre page to give guidance to users.
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The page shares that compatible devices to cast to are:
- Chromecast 3rd gen or older (did not come with a physical remote)
- Google Nest Hub Smart Display
- Select cast-enabled Vizio TVs
- Select cast-enabled Compal TVs
However, those on Netflix’s cheapest ad-supported tier will not be able to cast at all, even with an old device.
