Netflix likely dropped casting support because few people actually used it

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In case you missed it, Netflix has quietly removed the ability to cast video from its Android and iOS apps to most smart TVs and streaming devices. While the company hasn’t publicly explained the reasoning, industry reporting suggests a surprisingly simple explanation: usage of the feature has dwindled to a small fraction of users.

 

Feature Once Popular, Now Rarely Used

Casting from mobile to TV was once a go-to convenience. Users could browse shows on their phones and then send the video to a larger screen with a tap. But according to reporting referenced by Android Authority, only about 10% of Android users still cast content today, a steep decline from casting’s heyday in the mid-2010s. This drop in popularity is the most commonly cited reason behind Netflix’s decision to remove the feature from its apps.

Part of casting’s decline is tied to improvements in smart TVs and streaming boxes, whose native Netflix apps have become easier and more intuitive to use with remotes. With most viewers now launching Netflix directly on their TVs, there’s less demand for a second-screen workflow controlled from a phone, making maintenance of old casting technology less compelling for the streaming giant.

While casting still survives on a few older devices, like pre-2020 Chromecast models, it’s no longer supported on most newer hardware or in Netflix’s ad-supported subscription tiers. This shift underscores how streaming platforms are moving toward full app experiences on TVs and set-top devices rather than relying on phone-to-screen shortcuts.

 

What Users Are Saying

The decision has drawn frustration from users who valued casting’s convenience and flexibility, but Netflix appears to be reallocating development resources away from features with limited engagement, favouring enhancements that align more closely with how the majority of its customers watch content.

If you are still seeing the smart cast feature on your Android or iOS, enjoy it for now because it will be removed eventually. Do you miss using it? Let us know on our social media pages, and do stay tuned for more trending tech news at TechNave.com.