Netflix is ​​killing streaming from phones

Netflix has removed the ability to stream shows and movies from phones to TVs, unless subscribers are using older transmitters. that Updated help page on the Netflix websitewas first reported by Robot bodyIt says the streaming service “no longer supports casting shows from a mobile device to most TVs and streaming devices,” and instead directs users to navigate Netflix using the remote control that came with their TVs.

The change appears to have been rolled out in the past few weeks, with One Reddit user reports Casting support was removed on November 10 “without any warning.” My colleague Dom Preston also discovered that although he was able to stream to a TV from an older version of the Netflix app, the casting option was no longer available after updating the app.

Casting support is still available on older Chromecast devices or TVs that support Google Cast natively, according to Netflix’s support page, but only for subscribers to the pricier ad-free plans, which start at $17.99 per month. Netflix users with an ad-supported subscription ($7.99 per month) won’t be able to cast from their phones even if they own older Chromecast devices.

The casting changes announced on the Netflix support page don’t explain why the feature was removed. This comes after a similar move in 2019 when Netflix has removed AirPlay supportciting a desire to “ensure our viewing quality standards are met.” We’ve reached out to Netflix for comment.