Netflix has abruptly removed the ability to cast shows from its mobile app to most modern TVs and streaming devices, a move that fundamentally alters a popular viewing habit for many Kenyans. The change, made without any prior warning, forces subscribers to use their TV's native Netflix app and remote control, abandoning the convenience of their phone's interface.

This decision directly impacts Kenyans who rely on smartphones for everything from banking to entertainment. For years, casting has been a simple, affordable way to turn a big screen into a smart TV, using the phone's familiar keyboard and touch screen to search and control playback. Now, that convenience is gone for a majority of users.

Your Phone is No Longer the Remote

The change specifically targets newer streaming devices that come with a physical remote control, such as the Google TV Streamer and recent Chromecast models. An updated Netflix support page confirmed the new policy, stating it "no longer supports casting shows from a mobile device to most TVs and TV-streaming devices."

However, there are limited exceptions:

• Older, remote-less Chromecast models can still receive casts.
• This exception only applies to subscribers on more expensive, ad-free plans.
• Users on the cheaper, ad-supported tier have lost casting ability entirely, even on older devices.

The move has sparked significant frustration online, with users on platforms like Reddit expressing confusion and annoyance over the sudden removal of a core feature. A Netflix customer service representative reportedly told one user the decision was made to "improve the customer experience," a claim many find difficult to believe.

A Push for Platform Control

While Netflix has not issued a formal public statement explaining the strategy, industry analysts suggest the move is about controlling the user experience and gathering more precise data. By forcing viewers into the native TV app, Netflix can ensure a consistent performance, gather more detailed analytics on viewing habits, and avoid technical issues with third-party casting protocols.

This isn't the first time Netflix has made such a move. In 2019, the company removed AirPlay support from its iOS app, citing technical limitations in distinguishing between devices. This latest decision to end casting appears to be part of a broader strategy to push users toward its own app ecosystem, where it has complete control over the interface and user data.

For now, Kenyan subscribers are left to navigate with their TV remotes, a step back for many who saw their phone as the central hub of their digital lives. The long-term impact on user loyalty remains to be seen, as customers weigh the platform's vast content library against an increasingly rigid viewing experience.