Netflix suddenly blocks Cast feature on a series of smart TVs

Netflix has updated its help page to clarify which devices still support Cast from its mobile app. While it adds more details, the gist of the matter remains the same: it’s virtually impossible to cast Netflix from your phone to most smart TVs and streaming devices today.

Cast feature quietly disappears, Google TV users confused

Over the past few weeks, many users have noticed that the Cast icon on the Netflix app has disappeared, which is inconvenient for users who often open Netflix on their phones for easier navigation and then cast content to their TVs.

The change most significantly affects Google TV devices like Chromecast with Google TV built-in, Google TV Streamer, and most Google TV smart TVs. These were previously highly Cast-compatible devices, but Netflix no longer supports them.

According to some users, even though TVs and streaming devices still support Cast from other apps, Netflix no longer shows the Cast button.

Netflix Confirms: Only a Few Devices Still Support Cast

Netflix's help page was updated once again on December 1 to clarify the list of supported devices, which includes:

- Chromecast 3rd generation or earlier (the type without a physical remote control)

- Google Nest Hub / Nest Hub Max

- Some Vizio TV models support Cast

- Some Compal TV models support Cast

“If your device has its own remote, you won’t be able to stream,” a Netflix customer service representative said. Netflix’s reasoning was to improve the user experience, but many customers disagreed, saying the removal of Cast made the experience more inconvenient.

Netflix suddenly blocks Cast feature on a series of smart TVs - photo 2

No ad-supported plans involved – restrictions apply to all

Earlier this year, it was reported that users of the Standard plan with ads were unable to Cast content. However, under the new policy, Netflix has confirmed that the disallowance of Casting applies to all plans, including the paid ad-free plan.

Only older Chromecast devices and older TVs that support Google Cast can continue to Cast. Even on older devices, the ad-supported plan still won't allow Cast, only the ad-free plan will work.

This shows that Netflix's change is no longer tied to each package level but becomes limited at the device level.

Old Chromecast works, but Google TV "lost power"

Many users on technology forums also confirmed that old Chromecasts (without remote) can still cast Netflix normally. But Chromecasts with Google TV, Google TV Streamer, and modern TVs running Google TV no longer have the Cast option from the Netflix app.

This change surprised many people, as newer, more powerful, and more expensive devices have fewer features when used with Netflix.

Netflix has changed its Cast support policy in a drastic way, affecting the majority of current TV and streaming device users. Although it has not given a detailed explanation, this move has disappointed many people, especially those who invested in Google TV devices with the expectation of taking full advantage of Cast capabilities from their phones.

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