Netflix has started remove Google Cast support on most TVs and streaming devices, including Chromecasts with Google TV. The change has occurred through a silent update of the mobile application, and many users have suddenly found themselves without the classic send icon in the corner of the screen, just when they were going to put on their usual series.
The company itself has updated its help center to make it clear that it no longer allows sending content from mobile phones to TV in most cases. In short, if you wanted to control Netflix from your Android and forget about the remote, now you will have to pick it up from the couch again, since the service requires the use of the application native Netflix on TV or dongle.
Which devices are left without Google Cast on Netflix
The new policy affects almost everything that has its own remote control and an official Netflix app. This includes the Chromecast with Google TV, the Google TV Streamer and the vast majority of televisions with Google TV or other systems in which Netflix comes pre-installed. For many Android users, who have been using their mobile phone for years, it is a fairly abrupt change and difficult to understand.
Only the “Classic” Chromecasts in the form of puck without command and some TVs with Google Cast built in, as long as you use an ad-free plan. Even in these cases we are talking about an increasingly limited exception, because Google stopped selling those old Chromecasts and everything indicates that Netflix will also end up closing that door in the near future.
A controversial decision and an increasingly restrictive strategy
Netflix has not given a detailed technical explanation, beyond saying that it seeks to “improve the experience.” However, the move fits with its recent history: first it removed AirPlay on iOS, then it limited Cast on ad-supported plans and now it directly cuts off mobile casting on most devices. All this happens while plans that still allow you to use older hardware cost a few 17.99 dollars, about 15.5 euros at the exchange rate.
It is reasonable to think that Netflix intends to centralize use in its native application for televisions or players, where it better controls playback and, above all, the insertion of ads and recommendations. In addition, virtually all modern televisions have Netflix button on the controllerso the company knows that you will continue to enter the same; After all, many of us continue to use our cell phones as a remote control because it is convenient, without further complications.
What Android users can do now
If you have an Android mobile and used the Cast button to watch Netflix on TV, the main option is to use the Netflix app on your TV or Google TV device. It is less comfortable to search and write with the remote, but in exchange you gain guaranteed compatibility and functions such as voice control with Google Assistant or the Chromecast remote control with Google TV.
As alternatives, on some televisions and mobile phones there are still screen mirroring options such as Miracast, Smart View or “Wireless Projection” functions. However, even Netflix itself indicates that does not allow using the television as a screen for the mobile app on plans with adsand these solutions usually give more latency and worse quality than traditional Cast. For Android users who lived glued to the send icon, the era of using the mobile phone as a command center for Netflix is, except for surprise, practically over.
