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How to watch Netflix on your Google Chromecast

You don't need a smart TV to stream the latest Netflix shows on the big screen.

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Matt Sayer

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Shirley Liu
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Most TVs sold these days are smart TVs, and most of those smart TVs come bundled with a dedicated app for watching Netflix from the comfort of your couch. But what if you're still rocking a perfectly-serviceable "dumb" TV with no built-in Netflix support to speak of? Is an expensive TV upgrade your only option for binge-watching The Crown on the big screen?Thankfully, the answer is a resounding no. There's a far cheaper way to get your Netflix fix on your humble TV, and it involves a handy little device known as a Google Chromecast. By plugging this small dongle into the HDMI port on your TV, you can beam Netflix directly to the big screen from your phone, tablet or computer. How does this work? Let's step through the simple set-up process.

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How to set up Netflix on Google Chromecast

Regardless of which model Google Chromecast you own, setting up Netflix is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Plug your Chromecast dongle into one of the HDMI ports on your TV.
  2. Plug your Chromecast's power cable into a suitable power socket.
  3. Switch your TV to the appropriate HDMI input.
  4. If you haven't already configured your Chromecast, follow the on-screen prompts to connect it to your home Wi-Fi network.
  5. Open up the Netflix app on your mobile device or the Netflix website in the Google Chrome web browser on your computer.
  6. Find the "cast" icon netflix cast icon and click or tap it.
  7. Select the name of your Google Chromecast.
  8. Pick a TV show or movie and hit play to stream it to your TV.

Once you've connected Netflix to your Chromecast (the "cast" icon will be coloured blue to indicate an active connection), your computer or mobile device will act as a remote for Netflix on your TV. You can pause, resume, skip and choose new content from the Netflix app or website and your TV will respond accordingly, giving you access to all the options you're used to with the benefit of a larger, sharing-friendly screen.

Frequently asked questions

Have a look at these FAQs if you’re having trouble setting up or watching Netflix on Google Chromecast.

Why can’t I see the Chromecast symbol in Netflix?

If the "cast" icon netflix cast icon isn't showing up in the Netflix app or in your Google Chrome web browser, make sure of the following:

  • Your Chromecast is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile device or computer.
  • The Netflix app on your mobile device is up to date.
  • The name of your Chromecast cannot contain any special characters like emojis.
  • If you're running an older version of the Google Chrome browser, make sure that the Chromecast extension is installed and that your computer and Chromecast are on the same network.

Why isn't Netflix connecting to my Google Chromecast?

If you can see the "cast" icon but you're having trouble getting the Netflix app or website to connect to your Chromecast, try rebooting both your mobile device or computer and your Chromecast. If that doesn't work, double check that all your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and the Netflix app is up to date.

How do I turn Chromecast off?

By default, Google Chromecast will go into standby mode when you turn your TV off or switch HDMI inputs. If you want to turn it off completely, you'll need to unplug its power cable.

How do I switch Netflix back to my mobile device or computer?

To stop streaming Netflix to your TV and go back to watching it on your device's smaller screen, simply tap or click the "cast" icon and select your device from the list that appears.

Can I use Chromecast on different TVs?

You can easily move the Chromecast dongle between TVs as long as they have a free HDMI port to plug it into. Provided you're connecting the Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network, you won't even need to go through the set-up process again, either.

Can I use my Chromecast when I travel?

You can take your Google Chromecast with you when you travel and watch Netflix on the go as long as the service is available in the country you’re visiting. There may be a few issues if you’re trying to stream Netflix to your Chromecast in a hotel or school, though, as these venues may have configured their Wi-Fi networks in such a way that prevents Chromecast from working properly.

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23 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    MichaelNovember 14, 2018

    I have Chromecast installed. My son has sent me details of a Netflix account he is allowing me to share. How do I install this in my Chromecast?

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      JoelNovember 14, 2018

      Hi Michael,

      Thanks for leaving a question on finder.

      To connect your Chromecast to your Netflix account, make sure you have connected your Chromecast to your TV and Wi-Fi network, then follow the steps below. Your mobile device or computer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. For information or assistance connecting your Chromecast to your TV and/or Wi-Fi network, see support.google.com/chromecast.

      1. Launch the Netflix app on your Android or Apple mobile device, or visit the Netflix website from your Chrome browser.
      2. Once you’re signed in, select the Cast netflix cast icon icon from the upper right or lower right side of the screen.
      3. Select your Chromecast from the list of available devices to launch the Netflix app on your TV.

      Select a TV show or movie to watch and press Play. Your device is now connected to your Netflix account. Enjoy!

      Please send me a message if you need anything else. :)

      Cheers,
      Joel

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    ColJune 5, 2018

    I can cast YouTube to my Chromecast and my Foxtel box with Chromecast built in. I can cast Netflix to my Chromecast but not my Foxtel box with Chromecast built in.

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      NikkiJune 6, 2018

      Hi Col,

      Thanks for leaving a message here.

      The NETFLIX app is not available at Foxtel box hence it will not work on your Foxtel box.

      Just an FYI: Please note that we’re a product comparison website and we do not represent any company we feature on our site. We provide general information on products to assist you in your buying decision process hence we cannot recommend product / service that is rightfully fit for you.

      Hope this clarifies!

      Best Regards,
      Nikki

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    RobertMarch 25, 2018

    I recently had to change the nbn modem.I was using Netflix on my TV streaming through my tablet with chromecast. Now I can only get Netflix on my tablet.I am not sure if I have to now change the chromecast streaming by changing the new nbn Telstra number but am not sure how to delete the old nbn Telstra number and add the new one

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      NikkiMarch 26, 2018

      Hi Robert!

      Thanks for your message and for contacting finder.

      No need to change the telstra number. It might be that the chromecast device is not on the same wifi as the streaming device (i.e phone or tablet)
      The Chromecast and streaming device must be connected to the same wifi signal to work.

      Hope this works!

      Thanks and best regards,

      Nikki

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    carolineNovember 12, 2016

    I have a chromecast device set up on my tv for netflix. i have just signed up to presto. how do i set presto up to my chromecast? I have the presto app set up on my phone but dont know how to switch over from netflix to presto. do i just log out of netflix? Please help asap

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MayNovember 16, 2016Staff

      Hi Caroline,

      Thanks for your question.

      You may have to log out from your Netflix account so you can watch Presto on your Chromecast. To set up Presto on Chromecast, please follow the simple steps outlined in our Presto guide.

      Hope this has helped.

      Cheers,
      May

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    KevinAugust 12, 2016

    I get to set me up page on tv but cannot get any further. No further instructions for guidance. This Chromecast series 1 has been working fine until yesterday now it has discontinued and I have Netflix on iPad Pro but cannot get it to the tv. Please help.

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      ChesterAugust 15, 2016

      Hello Kevin,

      Thanks for your question.

      Please be advised that finder.com.au is a financial and general information website and we do not represent Netflix. In order to have your issue addressed properly. Netflix has a dedicated technical team of experts that may be able to have your issue resolved.

      Thanks for stopping by.

      Cheers!
      Chester

      Reply
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