Netflix just pulled one of its most convenient features without warning. The streaming giant quietly eliminated phone-to-TV casting for most devices, forcing subscribers to navigate shows using their TV remotes instead. The move affects millions of users who relied on their phones as makeshift remotes, with limited exceptions for older hardware and premium subscribers.
Netflix just made one of the most user-hostile moves in streaming history. The company has quietly stripped away phone casting support across most devices, forcing subscribers back to the dark ages of fumbling for TV remotes.
The change hit subscribers without warning around November 10th, according to frustrated Reddit users who suddenly found their casting buttons had vanished. Netflix's updated support page, first spotted by Android Authority, now bluntly states the service "no longer supports casting shows from a mobile device to most TVs and TV-streaming devices."
The timing couldn't be worse for Google, whose Chromecast ecosystem just lost its biggest content partner overnight. While newer Google TV Streamer devices are completely cut off, legacy Chromecast users get a reprieve - but only if they're paying for Netflix's premium tiers starting at $17.99 monthly.
That's where Netflix's strategy gets really aggressive. Budget-conscious subscribers on the $7.99 ad-supported plan are locked out entirely, even with compatible hardware. It's a clear push to drive users toward higher-priced subscriptions while simultaneously reducing Netflix's technical support burden.
The company isn't explaining its reasoning beyond directing users to "navigate Netflix using the remote that came with your TV hardware." But this follows a familiar playbook. Back in 2019, Netflix yanked AirPlay support citing quality concerns - corporate speak for wanting tighter control over the viewing experience.
Industry insiders suggest Netflix is consolidating around its own interface to better track viewing habits and serve targeted content. Phone casting creates a data blind spot where Netflix can't monitor exactly how users navigate their catalog or respond to algorithmic recommendations.
The move puts Netflix at odds with every other major streaming service. , , and all maintain robust casting support as table stakes for modern streaming.
