how-totechstreaming

Alternatives to Casting: Best Ways to Control Your TV From Your Phone Now

vviralnews

2026-01-29

10 min read

Netflix removed mobile casting in 2026. Here’s a practical UK-focused guide to regain TV control using apps, HDMI, and streaming stick workarounds.

Stop hunting for a single "cast" button: how to control your TV from your phone in 2026

If you relied on the Netflix cast button to push shows to your TV, you know the pain: one morning in early 2026 the option vanished. You’re not alone — many UK viewers woke up to a streaming workflow that suddenly felt broken. This guide gives a practical, platform-by-platform playbook for second-screen and remote-control workflows that work right now: apps, HDMI tricks, and the smartest casting workarounds for a post-cast world.

Quick summary — what changed and why it matters

In January 2026 Netflix removed widespread mobile-to-TV casting support, leaving casting only for a handful of legacy devices. That move accelerated a trend across streaming platforms to push playback to the native TV app instead of relying on mobile-controlled cast sessions. The result for viewers: the old simple workflow (phone > cast > TV) isn’t guaranteed anymore, so you need flexible remote control and mobile playback alternatives.

“Casting is dead. Long live casting!” — Janko Roettgers, Lowpass (Jan 2026)

Top-level options (pick one based on your gear)

Use your TV's native app — most reliable. Open Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Prime directly on the TV or streaming stick.
Phone-as-remote apps — official apps from Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung, LG work well for navigation, text input, and voice search.
HDMI from phone — best for guaranteed playback and DRM-limited apps; use USB-C/Lightning to HDMI adapters.
Screen mirroring / AirPlay / Miracast — quick for non-DRM videos and photos; DRM-protected apps (Netflix, Disney+) may block full-quality mirroring.
Use a different streaming device — replace or add a Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, or NVIDIA Shield to regain rich remote-control features. For hardware and studio-grade capture or output considerations, see studio and gear primers.
Local servers and apps (Plex, Jellyfin) — control and stream your own files from phone to TV without casting services.

Platform-by-platform actions: immediate steps

Netflix (post-cast)

Open Netflix directly on the TV app where possible — it’s now the most supported path.
If your TV runs Android TV / Google TV and the app is buggy, install the latest app from the Play Store on the TV or update system firmware.
Use HDMI from phone if you must watch content that’s blocked from mirroring. For Android, a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter is the fastest low-latency fix.
Use the TV’s remote or the official TV app (e.g., Google TV app, Samsung SmartThings) to search and play. These apps also handle text entry and voice commands — which is often faster than typing on-screen.
If you have an older Chromecast (pre-2023 models without remotes), casting may still work. Check what devices Netflix currently lists as supported.

Amazon Prime / Disney+ / BBC iPlayer / ITVX

Most of these continue to support mobile-to-TV casting or have robust TV apps. Fire TV users can use the Amazon Fire TV app as a full remote.
BBC and broadcasters are also doubling down on platform-native content — expect more TV-first features in 2026 (e.g., BBC-YouTube partnerships) that further reduce reliance on mobile casting. See broader broadcaster trends in our piece on independent venues & hybrid radio and platform shifts.

Apple TV / AirPlay

For iPhone users, AirPlay to Apple TV remains the smoothest second-screen experience. Apple’s Control Center remote and the Apple TV Remote app are first-rate for navigation and keyboard input.
If your TV supports AirPlay 2 natively (many newer Samsung, LG, Sony models do), pair your phone and use AirPlay for video and audio.

Roku and Chromecast-alternatives

Roku’s mobile app is a powerful second-screen tool: remote, private listening, voice search, and Play on Roku (photo/video streaming). For people building lightweight streaming setups or creator studios, check our field notes on studio essentials and gear.
For Android users wanting a Google experience, consider replacing legacy Chromecast with a device that ships with a remote (Chromecast with Google TV) — it reintroduces TV-first control and works with the Google TV app.

Hardware fixes: HDMI, adapters and replacement streamers

If you want guaranteed control and playback, invest in hardware. Here are practical options ranked by simplicity and reliability.

1. USB-C / Lightning to HDMI (fastest, cheapest)

Android phones: USB-C to HDMI adapters (look for USB-C Alt Mode support). Plug phone -> adapter -> HDMI -> TV. No Wi-Fi needed; low latency; bypasses casting entirely.
iPhones: Lightning-to-HDMI Lightning Digital AV Adapter. It mirrors screen at reliable quality but drains battery if you stream long sessions — keep a charger nearby.
Pros: Works with DRM-limited apps; consistent quality. Cons: Tethered experience; not ideal for couch navigation.

2. Buy a streaming stick with its own remote

Amazon Fire TV Stick — affordable, strong app support, official phone app remote and voice via Alexa.
Roku Stick — simple UI, excellent remote app and private listening.
Chromecast with Google TV — brings Google TV interface and a physical remote, plus the Google TV phone app for extra control.
Apple TV 4K — best for iPhone users who want full AirPlay parity and deep iOS integration.

3. Advanced set-top boxes

NVIDIA Shield — great for power users, Plex server use, gaming; includes Bluetooth remote and Android TV app compatibility. For creators and streamers who need reliable capture and mic/camera setups, our field review of microphones and cameras can help you pick the right peripherals (see related gear notes).

Second-screen workflows that actually work (tested)

Below are workflows I’ve used in a UK living room in 2025–26. Each is short, reproducible, and prioritises low friction.

Workflow A — The “Open on TV” method (recommended)

Install the streaming apps you use on your TV or streaming stick.
Use your phone to queue or search, then open the TV app and sign in. If the TV supports app notifications, you can sometimes trigger playback via account session links (varies by platform).
Use the official phone-as-remote app for navigation and text entry.

Why this works: removes mobile-to-TV casting dependency and uses the TV as the primary playback endpoint.

Workflow B — HDMI tethering for DRM-sensitive streams

Connect phone to TV via USB-C/Lightning to HDMI adapter.
Open the streaming app on your phone; sound and video play on the TV. Use phone as the controller.

Workflow C — Plex/Jellyfin for local files

Install Plex or Jellyfin on a home server or NAS.
Use the phone app as a controller to send media to TV apps (Plex on Android TV, Roku, Fire TV).

Why it’s useful: bypasses external DRM and preserves full remote control from your phone for your own library.

Mirroring, AirPlay and Miracast: realistic expectations

Screen mirroring is convenient for photos and personal videos but can be blocked or limited for DRM-protected apps. Expect one of three outcomes in 2026:

Full playback works — if the app allows it (rare for premium OTT services).
Playback with reduced quality or disabled audio — common with strict DRM.
Mirroring blocked entirely by the app — most likely with Netflix, Disney+, and some broadcaster catch-up apps.

Use mirroring for quick demos, web-based videos, or non-DRM content. For protected content, prefer HDMI, TV app, or an official streaming device.

Smart TV tips and settings you should check now

Update firmware and apps — manufacturers shipped lots of fixes in late 2025; updating can restore compatibility and add native remote features. For larger fleets or commercial installs, see multi-cloud and migration playbooks for managing updates at scale (multi-cloud migration notes).
Enable network access and app permissions — some TV remotes rely on network pairing; ensure phones and TVs are on the same Wi‑Fi network.
Turn on HDMI‑CEC — lets TV remote control connected devices (and sometimes vice versa) for smoother navigation.
Activate voice assistants — Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri shortcuts can launch and control playback hands-free.
Pair Bluetooth devices — attach keyboards or mini remotes for faster text input from the couch.

Advanced hacks for power users

CEC + Universal remotes — use an HDMI-CEC compatible hub and a universal Bluetooth remote for one-remote control across devices.
Use a Raspberry Pi as a middleman — run a lightweight web interface (e.g., Kodi or custom remote) that lets your phone control playback and acts as a Chromecast-like endpoint. See a related deep dive on integrating Raspberry Pi micro apps with cloud analytics for examples of Pi-based middleman setups (Raspberry Pi + cloud analytics).
Local network streaming — set up DLNA or Samba shares to stream local files to smart TVs without third-party apps.
Private VPNs and region content — not a casting workaround, but useful if you travel and want your phone to control a UK-based TV app (note platform TOS). For trends in broadcaster and venue behaviour, see independent venues & hybrid radio.

Case study: How I replaced Netflix casting in my living room

Here’s a real-world rebuild I did after Netflix removed phone casting in Jan 2026. This is short, replicable, and uses affordable gear.

Problem: Netflix mobile cast button disappeared; TV has a flaky native app.
Solution roadmap: buy a streaming stick with a remote, keep phone for text entry and browsing.
Action: Bought a Chromecast with Google TV (remote), installed latest Netflix app, logged in. Paired phone with Google TV app for voice and keyboard input.
Result: Restored a low-friction experience — start on phone for browsing and playlists, then open on TV. Use phone app for quick typing and private listening.

Why this worked: the new device moved the playback endpoint to the TV, while the phone became an optional second-screen tool — the modern, resilient pattern for 2026.

Common problems and fixes

Phone can’t find TV: Ensure both are on the same Wi‑Fi SSID and check firewall settings on your router for device isolation.
App won’t play when using HDMI: Try a different HDMI port or use a powered adapter. Some TVs won’t provide enough power via passive adapters.
Remote app won’t connect: Reboot the TV and phone, sign out and back into the TV’s account and re-pair via the app’s setup screen.
DRM blocks mirroring: Switch to HDMI or use the TV’s native app.

Actionable checklist: set this up tonight

Update TV and app firmware.
Install or update the official remote app for your TV or streaming stick.
Check HDMI-CEC and enable it in TV settings.
Buy an HDMI adapter (USB-C or Lightning) if you need a no-fuss fallback.
Pair a small Bluetooth keyboard or mini remote for text entry.
Create a simple Plex or Jellyfin server if you want to control personal media from your phone to TV.

Future trends to watch in 2026

Broadcasters and platforms will keep pushing TV-first apps — expect more native features like enhanced metadata and interactive content on TV apps rather than on phones.
Manufacturers will standardise second-screen APIs to offer consistent remote features across devices after the messy 2024–2026 transition period.
Third-party remote apps will fill gaps, but platform trust and DRM will continue to limit screen-mirroring for premium services.

Takeaways — what to do right now

Accept the endpoint shift: Think of the TV as the primary playback device and your phone as the controller.
Invest in a remote-friendly streamer: a cheap Fire TV Stick or Chromecast with Google TV gives you the best immediate return.
Keep an HDMI adapter handy: It’s the simplest way to beat DRM and get reliable mobile playback on the big screen.
Use official remote apps: They’re the best way to turn your phone into a full-featured remote and input device.

Final word — adapt, don’t panic

Streaming workflows changed fast in early 2026, but that doesn't mean your phone is useless. With a blend of official remote apps, a sensible streaming stick or HDMI adapter, and a few smart settings on your TV, you’ll be back to a quick, shareable viewing experience. The key is to design a resilient second-screen setup that doesn’t rely on one fragile feature.

Ready to reclaim your couch control? Try the checklist tonight: update your TV, install the official remote app, and test an HDMI adapter. Tell us what worked — share your setup and hacks so other readers can skip the trial and error.

Call to action

Got a stubborn streaming setup? Send a photo of your living room gear and the app you use most — we’ll publish a reader tips roundup with the best hacks for UK viewers. Click the share button or tag @viralnewsuk on social with #CouchControl2026.

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