- Netflix stopped supporting Google Cast last month
- A new report offers some theories as to why
- Google says it will continue investing in technology
Last month we reported that Netflix apps largely removed the Google Cast technology that allows you to send video streams to Chromecast devices, and while Netflix didn’t say anything about the decision at the time, we may now know the reasoning behind it.
According to The Verge’s Janko Roettgers, a representative for the streaming service at CES 2026 claimed that only about 10% of Android users on that service were using the streaming capabilities to stream content to a big screen.
That could well explain Netflix abandoning the feature. While it’s still available to Netflix subscribers who don’t have ad-supported plans and who have older Chromecasts without remotes, for most people and modern hardware, the functionality is gone.
Roettgers also has a “best guess” that Netflix wanted to prioritize other features like cloud gaming and interactive voting, and that it was too complex to continue offering streaming support. However, Netflix has not yet officially commented on the matter.
‘More to come’
While most smart TVs and other devices now come with all the streaming apps you need (which means streaming from your phone is less important), the feature is still useful to have when you’re traveling or visiting other people.
The Verge report goes on to quote Google executive Neha Dixit as saying that “Google Cast remains a key experience we’ve invested in,” adding that casting fans should “keep an eye out for more to come this year.”
In fact, around the same time Netflix decided to remove the functionality from its apps, Apple added Google Cast support to the Apple TV app on Android. It seems that for those who rely on the technology, it will be around for a while yet.
In fact, there may be more options in the future: Matter Casting, a part of the Matter smart home standard, is still in development, with Amazon among the backers. We’ll have to wait and see if it’s something Netflix decides to adopt or not.
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