To cast Netflix from iPhone to Smart TV, open the Netflix app on your iPhone, tap the Cast icon (a small screen with Wi‑Fi lines) in the upper‑right corner, and select your Smart TV from the device list, both devices must be on the same Wi‑Fi network. This built‑in Cast feature is the only official way to send Netflix from your iPhone to a TV, since Netflix removed AirPlay support from its iOS app in 2019.
What you need before you cast Netflix from iPhone to Smart TV
Before you can cast Netflix from iPhone to Smart TV, two things must be in place. First, your iPhone and Smart TV (or a casting device like Chromecast connected to the TV) need to be on the same Wi‑Fi network. Second, both the Netflix app on your iPhone and the TV’s software should be updated to their latest versions, this keeps the Cast feature working reliably and avoids compatibility issues. If the Cast icon still doesn’t appear, you can screen mirror on TCL smart TV as a direct alternative that bypasses the app entirely.
Connect your iPhone and Smart TV to the same Wi‑Fi network
Start by confirming both devices are on the same network. On your iPhone, open the Settings app, tap Wi‑Fi, and make sure Wi‑Fi is turned on and connected to the network you want to use. On your Smart TV, go to the network settings (usually under Settings or Network in the TV’s menu) and select the same Wi‑Fi network. If the devices are on different networks, your iPhone won’t detect the TV, and the Cast button won’t find it.
Update the Netflix app and your Smart TV software
Keeping everything updated prevents the “device not found” problem. On your iPhone, open the App Store, tap the Updates tab at the bottom, and if an update for Netflix is listed, tap Update next to it. For the TV, go to its Settings menu, look for an option labeled Software Update, Firmware Update, or something similar, and select Check for Updates. If an update is available, follow the on‑screen prompts to install it. After both updates finish, restart the Netflix app on your iPhone.
Cast Netflix from your iPhone to the TV using the Cast button
With both devices on the same network and everything updated, you’re ready to cast Netflix from iPhone to Smart TV. Follow these steps:
- Open the Netflix app on your iPhone and sign in to your account.
- Tap on a profile to enter the app’s home screen.
- Look for the Cast icon in the upper‑right corner of the Netflix app, it looks like a small screen with Wi‑Fi lines coming out of it.
- Tap the Cast icon, and a list of available devices will appear.
- Select your Smart TV (or the casting device connected to it) from that list.
- Once connected, pick a show or movie and press Play. The content will stream on your TV, and you can control playback from your iPhone.
If the Cast icon is grayed out or your TV doesn’t appear, double‑check that both devices are on the same Wi‑Fi network and that the Netflix app is fully updated. Also, make sure the TV is powered on and not in standby mode, some TVs need to be awake to show up in the device list.
Why screen mirroring or AirPlay isn't the right method
Many people try to use screen mirroring to a TV from an iPhone to watch Netflix, but that’s not the correct approach. Netflix officially discontinued AirPlay support from its iPhone and iPad app in 2019, citing technical limitations and an inability to certify the experience on third‑party AirPlay 2 devices. That means the AirPlay icon won’t appear in the Netflix app, and mirroring your iPhone’s screen won’t reliably stream Netflix to your TV, it may show the video but with black bars, or it may not play at all due to DRM restrictions. The built‑in Cast feature is the official, supported method for sending Netflix from an iPhone to a Smart TV. If you need to mirror other content from your iPhone (like photos or a web browser), that’s a separate process, but for Netflix specifically, stick with the Cast button in the app. For non-DRM content, you can screen mirror iPhone to TCL smart TV to share your photos and presentations on the big screen.
