Check the plan and the device first
- Check your Netflix plan and the exact TV or streaming device first. Mobile casting needs a Standard or Premium plan and a listed target.
- If both qualify, turn on the target and connect it to the same Wi-Fi as your phone. On iPhone or iPad, allow Netflix Local Network access.
- If your target is outside the list, open Netflix with the remote that came with it.
When the Cast button vanishes or its device list is empty, we'd check eligibility before changing Wi-Fi settings. Netflix gives two explanations for that symptom: the phone can't find a target because of a network or settings issue, or there isn't a compatible target available. Checking your plan and the device first tells you whether the discovery checks are worth doing.
Which devices can receive Netflix from your phone?
Mobile casting lets you choose and play Netflix shows from your phone on a compatible TV or display. It works with these listed targets:
- Chromecast 3rd generation or older, without a physical remote
- Google Nest Hub smart displays
- Select cast-enabled Vizio TVs
- Select cast-enabled Compal TVs
Check the exact device, especially if your Chromecast came with a remote or another app can cast to your TV. For a TV or streamer outside this list, use its remote to open Netflix on that device. You can check or change your Standard or Premium plan in your Netflix account settings.
AirPlay from an iPhone or iPad isn't a Netflix casting route. Use a listed cast target or the TV or streamer's remote instead.
Check the phone's casting requirements
On an iPhone or iPad, Netflix casting requires iOS or iPadOS 16 or later. Open Settings, then General, then About, and read the number beside Version. If it's 15 or earlier, follow Apple's update steps before trying Netflix again.
For Android, Netflix's missing-icon guidance sets Android 9 or later for casting, while its Chromecast guidance sets Android 7 or later for using Netflix on Chromecast. If you're following the missing-icon checks on Android 8 or earlier, open Settings, then System, Software updates, and System update to check for an update before retrying. If your device is below Android 7, ask its manufacturer whether a newer version is available.
An Android device also needs access to the Play Store to download Netflix directly for Chromecast use. Some devices without that access, including some Amazon Fire tablets, may not work with Chromecast.
If you're using an iPhone or iPad
On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, find Netflix in the app list, and turn on Local Network. That permission lets Netflix find a Chromecast or TV on your local network. Reopen Netflix and check whether the Cast button and your target appear.
If the button appears but the device list is still empty, keep going with the power and Wi-Fi checks. The same discovery problem can show up as a missing button or as a button with no target to choose.
If Netflix says No Devices Found
“No Devices Found” means Netflix couldn't find a cast-compatible device on your phone's Wi-Fi network. First, make sure the eligible TV or streaming device has power and is turned on. Try Netflix after that check.
Next, connect the phone and cast target to the same Wi-Fi network and try again. If your router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, put both devices on the same one. A powered target on a different network still won't appear in Netflix's local device list.
What Google Home shows for your Chromecast
For an eligible Chromecast, open Google Home on your phone or tablet. Tap the Home icon at the lower left and scroll to the Chromecast. You can get Google Home from the Play Store or App Store if it isn't installed.
If the Chromecast is missing or shows Offline, check that it's plugged in and on the same network as your phone. If it needs to move to another network, use the Google network-change steps linked from Netflix's casting checks (opens in a new tab). Then try Netflix again.
If Google Home shows the Chromecast as On, it has reached the right network for this check. Return to Netflix and see whether its Cast list now includes the device.
Update the apps that help find the target
If the eligible target still isn't appearing, update the apps involved before restarting anything. On Android, open the Play Store, tap your profile icon, then Manage apps & device. Under Updates available, tap Update all to update Google Home and Google Play Services. If Update all isn't offered, those app updates are already current.
Also open Netflix's Play Store listing on Android and tap Update if it appears. No Update button there means the Netflix app is already current. Once updates finish, close and reopen Netflix, then check the Cast list. If you're off Wi-Fi or saving mobile data, follow Google's steps to update the apps individually.
On iPhone or iPad, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, then Apps, and find Google Home. Tap Update if it's offered; otherwise the app is current. After an update, close and reopen Netflix and try casting. If you're off Wi-Fi or saving mobile data, follow Apple's steps to update individual apps.
Restart the phone and cast target
Restart an Android phone or tablet by turning it completely off, then back on. Locking the screen doesn't count. Try Netflix once it starts up.
On an iPhone or iPad, hold the side button and a volume button until the sliders appear, then drag the top slider to turn it fully off. If the sliders don't appear, hold Sleep/Wake until the red slider appears and drag it. After 10 seconds, press Sleep/Wake to turn the device back on, then retry Netflix.
If the target is still absent, turn it completely off. Unplug its power cable if it has one, and make sure it isn't merely asleep or in standby. Leave it off for 15 seconds, turn it on, and check Netflix again. If the Cast button or eligible target still doesn't appear after these checks, contact Netflix for help and tell them whether the button is missing or the device list is empty.
When your TV appears in Netflix
When the eligible target appears in Netflix, use the app itself to check the whole connection. A successful attempt takes you from choosing the device to playing a title on the TV or display.
- Open Netflix on your phone or tablet, sign in if asked, and choose a profile.
- Tap the Cast icon in the upper right and choose your TV or display from the device list.
- Choose a show or movie. Playback starts on the selected target.
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