Netflix Kills Casting From Its Mobile App to Most Modern TVs

[MacRumors]

Netflix has quietly removed the ability to cast content from its mobile apps to most modern TVs and streaming devices, including newer Chromecast models and the Google TV Streamer.

The change was first spotted by users on Reddit and confirmed in an updated Netflix support page (via Android Authority), which now states that the streaming service no longer supports casting from mobile devices to most TVs and TV-streaming devices. Users are instead directed to use the remote that came with their TV hardware and use its native Netflix app.

The only exception appears to apply to older Chromecast models without remotes, as well as TVs with built-in Google Cast support. However, even on these legacy devices, casting only remains for those on costlier ad-free plans, but it is unavailable for subscribers on Netflix's ad-supported plan.

User reports appear to suggest Netflix began removing the Cast button from its mobile apps in mid-November, but the company provided no advance warning to users. One Reddit user said customer service explained that devices with remotes can no longer cast, claiming the decision was made to improve the customer experience.

The move bears similarities to Netflix's 2019 decision to remove AirPlay support from its iOS app, citing an inability to distinguish between different AirPlay-enabled devices (i.e., what is an ‌Apple TV‌ vs. what isn't) as Apple expanded the technology to third-party TVs.

Article Link: Netflix Kills Casting From Its Mobile App to Most Modern TVs

 

[aidler]

Makes no sense to me. Most hotels offer something like “Stream your own content” on the TVs in their rooms. This would outright kill that service.

 

[levitynyc]

I don't see the benefit to this. Guessing they don't want to make it easy for a neighbor to visit someone's house and they can watch together easily. A way to squeeze a few more dollars out of people. Terrible.

 

[mihighil]

Reject modernity, embrace watching paint dry. (still more entertaining than any slop these streaming companies produce)

 

[polyphenol]

claiming the decision was made to improve the customer experience.

Yeah. Right. Sure. And every other way of saying "What a load of tosh" without invoking expletives.

They never explain what the improvement is when they make such claims. (They being pretty much every company, everywhere.)

 

[go-apple]

claiming the decision was made to improve the customer experience.

Find me 1 customer whose experience was improved by this.
Talk about ******tification...

 

[Edd70]

You could probably still screen mirror from an iPhone/iPad I’m thinking?

Netflix is proceeding with supreme confidence now. Busting password sharing, very few discounts, cancelling series at will, upgrade to 4K is 7 or $8. They seem to think they’re bulletproof these days.

 

[aParkerMusic]

I don't see the benefit to this. Guessing they don't want to make it easy for a neighbor to visit someone's house and they can watch together easily. A way to squeeze a few more dollars out of people. Terrible.

Most people on here have championed Netflix for doing these sorts of things, and mocked those who took issue with the policy changes. I’m with you. It seems petty and designed to prevent paying users from doing reasonable things.

 

[mw360]

I don't see the benefit to this. Guessing they don't want to make it easy for a neighbor to visit someone's house and they can watch together easily. A way to squeeze a few more dollars out of people. Terrible.

That doesn't seem to be much of a loophole worth closing. More likely that they can't be bothered to field support requests for a technology that isn't theirs linking two bits of hardware that aren't theirs.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I didn't even know it could do this...but I don't have any streaming apps on my phone to notice. Why would you want to cast vs just logging in?

 

[ElGrandisimo]

Next step to prevent portability and mobility of Netflix’s service: require devices to be connected to a cable to view content.

 

[Ctrlos]

So it turns out that in the end playing an MP4 ripped from a DVD was actually the better idea all along.

Now, where did I put iSquint….

 

[QuarterSwede]

I didn't even know it could do this...but I don't have any streaming apps on my phone to notice. Why would you want to do this vs just logging in?

Not to provide a hotel with your login info.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Not to provide a hotel with your login info.

Ah, that a good one.

We rarely watch tv when travelling, but usually bring a Roku stick in case.

 

[kotaKat]

Next step to prevent portability and mobility of Netflix’s service: require devices to be connected to a cable to view content.

That does beg the question: Since all our phones are USB-C these days, does Netflix stop you from just using USB-C to HDMI out from the device and playing it on the external display that way?

In that case… it’s not like there’s not little USB-C female to HDMI male dongles and retractable USB-C cables on the market to throw in your travel bag.

 

[zedsdead]

User hostile, stupid decision.

 

[nt5672]

Netflix is a questionable company, with a lot of pretty bad content, particularily for children. We cancelled awhile back and don't ever expect to subscribe again. The audio of most Netflix originals is terrible, unless listening with ear plugs or headphones. No great loss.

 

[iMac The Knife]

Less features for more money...welcome to 2025!

 

[M3Stang]

That does beg the question: Since all our phones are USB-C these days, does Netflix stop you from just using USB-C to HDMI out from the device and playing it on the external display that way?

In that case… it’s not like there’s not little USB-C female to HDMI male dongles and retractable USB-C cables on the market to throw in your travel bag.

I want to try this. I do this frequently with the Apple TV app on my phone. Just plug USB-C to HDMI dongle into hotel TV to watch something.

 

[ThatGuyInLa]

Screen mirror "trick" used to work for various apps that didn't allow casting but most have gotten wise and plugged that hole.

 

[turbo79]

It's to introduce friction when people are watching Netflix at friends' or relatives' houses. Now the owner of the TV will need a Netflix subscription for it all to work. ******tification marches on... happy to have cancelled my Netflix subscription years ago.

 

[xander49x]

it's time to start a mass exit from Netflix, They will keep doing things like this until the people make their voices heard. Get rid of your Netflix account

 

[Spock]

I am guessing that this has something to do with the threat of piracy.

 

[Mr. Rod]

Can't wait to see Netflix's downfall. Their arrogance is Blockbuster levels nowadays. Would be poetic to see them reach those same levels someday, heh.

 

[kotaKat]

I am guessing that this has something to do with the threat of piracy.

That was my sudden second thought that just popped into my head — I’m now wondering if people were setting up cast receivers to dump out the video stream to do streamrips.