To watch Netflix on a Chromecast from an iPhone, connect both to the same Wi-Fi network, open the Netflix app, tap the Cast icon in the upper-right corner, choose your Chromecast, and play a show. Netflix now supports casting only to older Chromecasts that did not come with a remote, and only on plans without ads.
These details come from Netflix’s How to Cast or Mirror Netflix from Your Mobile Device and cast icon troubleshooting articles. If you have a newer Chromecast with a remote, skip to the section on Google TV models.
What You Need to Cast Netflix
- A cast-compatible device. Netflix lists Chromecast (3rd generation or older, the kind that did not come with a physical remote), Google Nest Hub smart displays, and select cast-enabled Vizio and Compal TVs.
- A Standard or Premium plan. Netflix offers casting and mirroring on those plans. Its Chromecast page adds that older remote-free Chromecasts are not compatible with the ad-supported experience and cannot stream live events.
- The Netflix app on your iPhone, signed in to your account.
- The same Wi-Fi network for your iPhone and Chromecast.
How to Cast Netflix From iPhone to Chromecast
- Make sure your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network, and turn on the TV with the Chromecast’s input selected.
- Open the Netflix app, sign in if asked, and tap your profile.
- Tap the Cast icon (a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves) in the upper-right corner.
- Tap your Chromecast in the list. The TV shows that it is connected to Netflix.
- Tap the show or movie you want to watch. It plays on the TV.
Your iPhone becomes the remote. You can fast forward, rewind, pause, and change the audio or subtitle settings from your phone. You can use other apps on your iPhone while the show keeps playing on the TV.
How to Stop Casting
Tap the Cast icon again in the Netflix app and choose to disconnect, or close the show. Playback on the TV stops and control returns to your iPhone.
If the Cast Icon or Your Chromecast Is Missing
A missing Cast button or empty device list means your device cannot be found because of a network or settings issue, or there is no compatible device to cast to. Work through these checks:
- Confirm the model. If your Chromecast came with a remote, it is not a cast target for Netflix; see the next section.
- Confirm the plan. Ad-supported plans do not show the Cast option.
- Turn on Local Network access. Open Settings, find and tap Netflix (under Apps on newer iOS), and make sure Local Network is on.
- Check the Chromecast’s network. Open the Google Home app and find your Chromecast. If it is missing or shows as Offline, plug it in or connect it to the same network as your iPhone. If it shows as On, try Netflix again.
- Update apps. Update the Google Home app from the App Store, and update Netflix too.
Have a Chromecast With Google TV or Google TV Streamer?
These newer models come with their own remote and run the Netflix app directly, so you do not cast to them. Use the remote to open Netflix on the TV and sign in there. Netflix’s Chromecast help page covers setup, sign-out, Ultra HD, and HDR on these devices.
If you watch on a Roku instead and its Netflix app freezes or shows an error, try reinstalling Netflix on the Roku.
If you’re shopping for a replacement, find out what to buy now that Chromecast is discontinued and which devices still accept casts.
Deciding between devices? Compare the Fire TV Stick and the Google TV Streamer.
Why AirPlay Doesn’t Work
Netflix doesn’t support AirPlay from iPhone and iPad, so you cannot mirror Netflix to an Apple TV or AirPlay TV. Use the Netflix app on the TV or streaming device instead.
Use a Cable Instead
If casting is not an option, Netflix supports connecting an iPhone to a TV with a cable:
- iPhone with a Lightning port: use Apple’s Lightning Digital AV Adapter. To check an adapter you already own, connect it with no cables attached and go to Settings > General > About > Apple HDMI Adapter. Netflix supports model numbers A1438 and A1621.
- iPhone with a USB-C port: use an adapter that supports video playback for an HDMI TV. The adapter Netflix recommends is Apple’s USB-C Digital AV adapter. If the TV has a USB-C or Thunderbolt port, a cable that supports high-resolution video (USB 3.1 or later) works.
You may see black bars around downloaded shows when connected by cable, because of the video format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast Netflix on the plan with ads?
No. Casting is available on Standard or Premium plans.
Can I cast Netflix to my Google TV Streamer?
No. It has a remote and its own Netflix app, so open Netflix on the TV instead.
Will my phone’s battery drain while casting?
Not much. The Chromecast streams the show itself, so your iPhone only acts as the remote, and you can lock it while the show plays. Other apps cast the same way, so you can also cast HBO Max to a Chromecast.
More Streaming Guides
- How to screen mirror an iPad or iPhone to a TV
- How to download Netflix shows to your iPhone
- How to set up Netflix on an iPhone
- How to watch Vudu on Chromecast with an iPhone
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
Matthew writes practical guides for Windows, iPhone and iPad, Microsoft Office, Outlook, Google apps, and Android. Solve Your Tech’s guides are checked step by step against the device or app maker’s own documentation and tested on his own devices whenever he has the hardware or software, with clear steps, sources, and update dates.
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