Casting Is Dead on Netflix — What That Means for Smart TV Buyers

Netflix removed phone-to-TV casting — what that means for you

Hook: If you used your phone to tap and cast Netflix to the TV while cooking, exercising, or hosting friends, Netflix's sudden change in late 2025 likely broke your routine. You’re not alone — many shoppers now need a simple, reliable way to use a second screen as a playback controller without juggling remotes or confusing menus.

The short version: casting is largely gone — but playback control isn’t dead

In late 2025 and confirmed in January 2026, Netflix removed broad support for Google-style phone-to-TV casting from its mobile apps. That change means the familiar “cast” icon no longer appears (or no longer works) on many smart TVs and streaming devices. According to industry reporting, Netflix still supports casting only on a narrow set of devices: older Chromecast dongles that shipped without a remote, Google Nest Hub smart displays, and select smart TVs from Vizio and Compal.

“Casting is dead. Long live casting!” — Janko Roettgers, Lowpass/The Verge

Why this matters now: by removing broad casting, Netflix shifted how mobile devices interact with TVs. For consumers, the immediate questions are: which devices still work, what alternatives exist, and what should you buy if you want the easiest second-screen control in 2026?

What exactly changed (a concise breakdown)

• Removed or limited Google Cast support: The Netflix mobile apps no longer allow casting to most devices that previously accepted Google Cast streams.
• Exception list: Older Chromecast adapters without remotes, Nest Hub smart displays, and a small set of Vizio and Compal smart TVs retained casting functionality.
• Netflix app on devices still works: Smart TVs and streaming sticks that run the Netflix app (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV devices) can still play Netflix — you just can’t “cast” from your phone to them in the old way.
• Second-screen control options remain: Many devices still offer remote-control functionality via their own mobile apps or native features like AirPlay (for iPhone users) or Roku’s remote app.

Why Netflix likely pulled casting — the industry context

Netflix didn’t publish a detailed technical white paper explaining the move. But analysts and reporting point to several plausible drivers:

• UX control: Casting hands playback control and UI presentation to the controlling phone, creating inconsistent TV experiences across devices. Netflix appears to prefer consistent in-TV UX for features, metadata and monetization hooks — a shift aligned with broader platform policy and partnering moves.
• DRM and content protection: Wide-casting increases complexity around digital rights management and analytics. Restricting casting helps Netflix maintain tighter control over DRM, quality and telemetry (a concern related to secure platform design and backend integrity).
• Device fragmentation: The streaming market is fragmented. Narrowing supported protocols reduces test and support overhead, especially as TV makers ship widely varying OS versions and device firmware updates diverge.
• Commercial strategy: In 2025 Netflix accelerated platform partnerships and device-level feature rollouts. Favoring native apps over phone-led casting aligns with that strategy.

Which devices still support casting (as of Jan 2026)

Per industry reporting and manufacturer statements, here’s the high-confidence list of devices that continued to accept Netflix casting after the late-2025 change:

• Older Chromecast adapters that shipped without a remote (these rely on the legacy Cast protocol that Netflix left enabled for some legacy dongles).
• Google Nest Hub smart displays (selected Nest smart displays retained Cast compatibility for Netflix).
• Select Vizio and Compal smart TVs — certain models were grandfathered in or use compatible frameworks (check vendor notes).

Note: Newer Chromecast devices that include a remote and run Google TV typically no longer accept cast commands from the Netflix phone app. The Netflix app itself still runs on those devices, but you must use the TV app or device remote to control playback. For technical details on streaming delivery and latency tradeoffs, see our note on low-latency playback strategies.

Alternatives to casting: how to get the same convenience

“Casting” was popular because it let you start playback with a tap on your phone and then use the phone as a second-screen controller. If your preferred flow is gone, here are reliable alternatives that approximate — or improve upon — that experience.

1) Use the Netflix app on the TV or streaming stick

The most bulletproof approach is running the native Netflix app on your smart TV or streaming device (Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Google TV). You’ll control playback with the device remote and can often use the device’s mobile companion app as a remote too. This removes the phone-as-streaming-source step but preserves mobile control for play/pause and seeking through an app — make sure to check vendor notes and recent firmware coverage in reviews like the NextStream platform review for stability reports.

2) AirPlay (best for iPhone/iPad users)

Apple’s AirPlay lets iPhones send video to AirPlay-compatible devices (Apple TV and many AirPlay 2–enabled smart TVs). In 2026, AirPlay remains a reliable second-screen protocol for iOS users who want phone-initiated playback with an easy to use control surface on the phone — and it tends to preserve more on-device privacy controls than some phone-led cast flows.

3) Device mobile apps as remote controls

Roku, Fire TV, Samsung and others have mobile apps that function as remotes. The apps pair to the device on your local network and allow text entry, voice control, and playback control. Functionally, this is the closest substitute for casting’s “tap-to-play, phone-as-remote” use case. For tips on pairing and minimizing latency in app-to-device control, see practical notes on low-latency playbooks.

4) Mirroring and HDMI (niche but useful)

Screen mirroring (AirPlay mirroring on iOS, Miracast on some Androids) duplicates your phone screen on the TV. It’s less efficient for battery and video quality but works for a one-off share. A direct HDMI cable from a laptop is the most reliable for wired streaming in guest setups.

5) Buy a device that still accepts legacy casting

If your only goal is to keep the exact tap-and-cast flow, a pre-remote Chromecast dongle or a supported Nest Hub will preserve that functionality. These are increasingly found on the used market — check the refurbished & home-hub guides for where people are listing legacy units.

Smart TV and streaming device buying guide — what to buy in 2026

Below is a practical guide to help you buy the right device depending on your priorities for second-screen control, price, and ecosystem.

How to choose (quick checklist)

• Do you want phone-first control? If yes, prefer devices with strong mobile-app remotes (Roku, Fire TV) or AirPlay support (Apple TV or AirPlay-enabled TVs).
• Are you an iPhone user? AirPlay + Apple TV 4K gives the smoothest phone-to-TV experience.
• Do you use Android and rely on Google services? Android users should weigh the trade-off: Chromecast devices run Google TV well, but Netflix casting may be disabled — the TV app remains available. Consider vendor firmware policies and update cadences highlighted in platform reviews like NextStream.
• Do you need the absolute cheapest option? Budget Roku and Fire TV sticks provide a low-cost, simple remote experience with smartphone apps.
• Future-proofing: Choose devices with active firmware updates and support for common companion protocols (AirPlay 2, robust mobile app) rather than relying on legacy cast-only behavior. For notes on backend resilience and platform architecture, see multi-cloud discussions such as multi-cloud failover patterns.

Recommended devices by use case (2026)

• Best for iPhone users who want phone-initiated playback: Apple TV 4K (2023/2024 models)

  Why: Native Netflix app, full AirPlay 2 support, and the Apple TV Remote app let iPhones start and control playback with minimal friction. Price range (2026): typically $129–$179 for standard models.

• Best overall simple experience: Roku Streaming Stick / Roku Smart TVs

  Why: Roku’s mobile app is one of the most consistent remote-app experiences. The TV runs a stable Netflix app, and the phone app gives you a keyboard, voice search, and playback controls. Price range: $30–$80 for sticks; $250+ for smart TVs.

• Best budget Alexa option: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K

  Why: Tight integration with Amazon’s ecosystem and a capable mobile remote app. Alexa voice control can take the place of some second-screen flows. Price range: $25–$60.

• Best if you want to preserve legacy casting: used Chromecast (pre-remote models) or Nest Hub

  Why: These devices retained Netflix casting support after the change. They’re harder to find new; used prices vary. Use this only if you truly need the old cast behavior; see refurbished device guides for sourcing tips.

• Best for TV-first households: Buy a smart TV with a robust Netflix app (LG, Samsung, Vizio)

  Why: A good in-TV Netflix app often provides the simplest experience for families who prefer a single, on-TV interface controlled with a remote. Check the specific TV model for streaming app track record and update policy — these tie back into platform and vendor strategies discussed in recent platform policy notes.

How to test compatibility before you buy

Follow these steps to avoid surprises:

1. Check the manufacturer’s specs for AirPlay 2, Roku mobile app or explicit mention of Netflix support in 2026.
2. Read recent user reviews (late 2025–early 2026) to see if people report casting issues.
3. If buying a streaming stick, verify the return policy (14–30 days) so you can test the phone-to-TV workflow at home.
4. Test locally before you rely on an ecosystem: install the Netflix app on your phone and the device, connect both to the same Wi‑Fi, and confirm the mobile-app remote pairing or AirPlay mirroring works.

Setup and troubleshooting checklist

If you already own devices and are suddenly seeing missing cast controls, try this:

• Update everything: Update Netflix, your phone OS and the TV/streaming device firmware — check vendor patch notes and platform reviews like NextStream.
• Same network: Ensure phone and TV are on the same Wi‑Fi network (and the same band if network isolation is enabled).
• Check device apps: Use the device’s native Netflix app — it will always work even if casting is disabled.
• Try the device’s mobile remote: Install Roku, Fire TV or Samsung SmartThings remote apps and pair them to the TV.
• AirPlay users: Enable AirPlay on the TV/Apple TV and test from the iPhone Control Center (AirPlay workflows are covered in device privacy and on-device UX notes like privacy-first personalization).

Real-world signals and trends shaping the next two years

Looking at late-2025 and early-2026 developments, three trends matter for buyers:

• Platform consolidation: Streaming services continue to optimize the TV experience rather than relying on phone-led playback. Expect more features to be TV-native — these moves are part of a broader shift across streaming platforms and device ecosystems (see platform policy shifts).
• Companion protocols matter: Support for AirPlay 2, robust vendor remote apps, and consistent firmware updates will determine how smooth your second-screen control remains. For technical resilience across devices and services, see discussions of multi-cloud and platform resilience.
• Used market for legacy devices: Demand for legacy Chromecast dongles may push used prices up if consumers prioritize tap-to-cast behavior — check refurbished device marketplaces for availability.

Final recommendations — quick buys based on what you value

• You value one-tap playback from an iPhone: Buy Apple TV 4K and enable AirPlay.
• You want the simplest, lowest-cost solution with a reliable phone remote: Choose a Roku stick or Roku TV.
• You prefer Alexa and Amazon services: Get a Fire TV Stick 4K.
• You must preserve phone-to-TV casting exactly as it used to work: Acquire a legacy Chromecast dongle or supported Nest Hub, but be mindful of used-device risks and compatibility notes in refurbished guides like refurbished phones & home hubs.

Actionable takeaways

• Don’t panic: Netflix still plays on TVs — you’ll just change how you start playback.
• Test before you buy: Use return windows and user reviews from late 2025–early 2026.
• Prioritize companion features: AirPlay 2 support (for iPhone users) or a strong vendor mobile app (Roku/Fire TV) will replicate the second-screen convenience.
• Consider future updates: Buy devices from vendors that commit to multi-year firmware and app support — read platform and review coverage like NextStream when available.

Where to learn more and next steps

If you want personalized advice, follow these steps:

1. List your devices (phone model, TV model, streaming sticks).
2. Check the TV or stick manufacturer’s support pages for “Netflix compatibility” updates dated 2025–2026.
3. If you’re shopping, pick a device with clear AirPlay 2 or mobile-app remote support and verify the seller’s return policy.

Call to action

We’ll be tracking device compatibility updates and firmware changes through 2026. If you want a tailored recommendation for your home setup, tell us your phone and TV model in the comments or use our device-compatibility checker. Sign up for our newsletter to get verified device updates and buying alerts as vendors respond to Netflix’s change.

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