The only reliable way to cast Netflix to a TV without WiFi is to use a direct wired HDMI connection from your phone to the TV. This method, documented by Netflix, lets you watch streaming content on the big screen using only your phone's mobile data connection, making it the single documented solution for casting apps to a TV without a home network.
What you need for a wired HDMI connection
You need two pieces of hardware: a compatible phone adapter and a standard HDMI cable. The adapter connects to your phone's charging port, USB-C for most Android devices or Lightning for iPhones, and provides an HDMI output. The HDMI cable then runs from that adapter to your TV's HDMI input.
Step-by-step: Connect your phone to the TV with an HDMI cable
- Connect the video adapter to your phone's USB-C or Lightning port.
- Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the adapter and the other end into an available HDMI port on your TV.
- Using your TV's remote, switch the input source to the HDMI port you connected to.
- Open the Netflix app on your phone and start playing any title. Your phone's screen will mirror on the TV, and the Netflix content will play on the larger display.
Your phone needs an active mobile data or cellular connection to stream Netflix. The HDMI cable only transmits the video signal; it does not provide internet access.
Why wireless casting and screen mirroring need WiFi
Chromecast devices and built-in smart TV screen mirroring both require the mobile device and the TV or casting device to be on the same WiFi network. Netflix's help page for missing cast icons says that if you tap Cast and do not see any devices, either the device cannot be found because of a network or settings issue, or there are no compatible devices available to cast to. Screen mirroring features on smart TVs also rely on a shared WiFi connection to discover and link devices. Netflix says screen mirroring is different from casting and that you can connect directly to your TV or other display using a video cable or adapter. There is no documented way to use Chromecast or wireless mirroring without a WiFi network.
A wireless workaround: Use your phone's mobile hotspot
If you have a second phone or a device that can create a mobile hotspot, you can simulate a WiFi network. Enable the hotspot on that second device, then connect both your primary phone and your smart TV or Chromecast to that hotspot network. Once both are on the same network, open Netflix on your primary phone, tap the Cast button, and select your TV or Chromecast device. This method uses the hotspot's data connection for streaming, but it requires a second device to act as the hotspot.
Why you can't use offline downloads on a TV
Netflix's download feature is designed for viewing on the device where the download was made. Netflix's offline-download help says downloads are available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Fire devices, and Chromebook. Netflix's offline-download help says to open the app, tap Downloads, browse available titles, then on iPhone, iPad, Android, or Fire devices tap Downloads > See What You Can Download. To play, Netflix's offline-download help says to open the app, tap Downloads, find the download, and select Play. Downloaded titles cannot be transferred or cast to a TV. The download feature is strictly for mobile or computer playback on the original device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Netflix be cast to a TV without Wi‑Fi?
Can I use a USB-C to HDMI cable without an adapter?
Some newer phones support direct USB-C to HDMI output, but most require an adapter that supports video output.
Will the HDMI method work with any TV?
Any TV with an available HDMI port will work. The method does not require a smart TV or any special casting features.
Does using a mobile hotspot use extra data?
Yes, streaming Netflix over a mobile hotspot consumes data from the hotspot device's cellular plan. Streaming in high definition uses approximately 3 GB per hour.
Can I control playback from my phone while using the HDMI cable?
Yes, your phone acts as the remote control. You can pause, play, skip, and browse other content on your phone while the video plays on the TV.
Why doesn't Netflix show a Cast button when I use a hotspot?
If the Cast button does not appear, the phone and TV or Chromecast are likely not connected to the same hotspot network. Verify both devices show the same network name in their WiFi settings.
Related reading: How To Cast A Phone To TV Without WiFi and How To Connect Netflix From A Phone To TV.
