Second-Screen Resurrection: Apps and Hacks That Keep ‘Casting’ Alive

Feeling cut off from casting? How to get the second‑screen control you relied on — fast

When Netflix quietly removed much of its mobile casting support in January 2026, millions of viewers suddenly lost the simple “tap to play” flow that turned phones into remote controls and playlists. If you’re overwhelmed by app menus, distrustful of sketchy workarounds, and just want a reliable way to shove a show to your big screen without a quarrel, this guide is for you.

"Fifteen years after laying the groundwork for casting, Netflix pulled the plug on the technology — but there’s still life left in second-screen playback control." — Janko Roettgers, Lowpass (Jan 16, 2026)

In short: what changed and why you still have options

Netflix’s move in early 2026 removed casting from many mobile apps to smart TVs and devices, but it didn’t break the whole ecosystem. Several native and third‑party technologies still deliver the core conveniences of casting: remote control, queueing, device hand‑off, and synchronized playback. The disruption is an opportunity: the following alternatives replicate the user experience most people miss — and in some cases improve it.

Quick decision guide: pick the right alternative now

• Best fidelity / lowest latency: Wired HDMI (USB‑C/Lightning → HDMI), then AirPlay or Ethernet‑connected Apple TV/Roku.
• Best convenience / no extra hardware: AirPlay (iPhone/iPad + Apple TV) or Roku mobile app for launching apps remotely.
• Best for local files or private streams: Plex, VLC or DLNA/UPnP apps (BubbleUPnP, LocalCast).
• Developer / power user: Roku ECP, WebRTC relays, scrcpy + OBS pipeline, or a Raspberry Pi as a lightweight receiver.
• Best group-watch control: Built‑in remote sharing (Apple TV), synchronous players (Plex Watch Together), or a dedicated host laptop with low‑lag HDMI out.

Second‑screen alternatives that closely mimic casting

1. AirPlay (still the easiest replacement for iOS users)

Why it replicates casting: AirPlay hands off playback intent from the phone to an Apple TV or compatible TV and preserves playback controls on your device — the classic cast feel.

• How to use: Open Control Center > Screen Mirroring or AirPlay. Choose the Apple TV or AirPlay‑enabled TV.
• Pro tips: Use AirPlay for video when you want device‑level controls and low latency. If you need better picture stability, plug the Apple TV into Ethernet and enable Optimize for AirPlay in tvOS settings (if present).
• Latency fixes: switch to 5 GHz Wi‑Fi, set Apple TV to use Ethernet when possible, and disable phone background updates while streaming.

2. Roku: mobile app + External Control Protocol (ECP)

Roku’s mobile app remains one of the closest analogs to casting: you can launch channels, navigate, and even use private listening. But for power users, Roku’s ECP opens deeper second‑screen control.

• Roku mobile app: use the remote, private listening, and the app’s search to launch shows on the TV app without touching the physical remote.
• ECP (developer friendly): send simple HTTP requests from another device on your network to launch apps, send keypresses, and query the device state — perfect for scripting or building a custom remote.
  • Example template (replace ROKU_IP and APP_ID):

    curl -d '' "http://ROKU_IP:8060/launch/APP_ID?params=payload"

  • How to find apps: GET "http://ROKU_IP:8060/query/apps" returns installed channels and IDs.
  • If you plan to host small local endpoints or scripts to automate launches, see a practical guide on building and hosting micro‑apps for lightweight receivers and APIs.
• Use cases: automations that open Netflix (or another channel), select profiles, or start a custom playlist on a Roku channel without native casting.

3. Chromecast-style from desktop browsers (Chrome, Edge)

Even when mobile casting is limited, desktop browsers typically retain the ability to cast a tab or entire display to Chromecast‑built devices. That’s a fallback that restores the “send from device” interaction using a laptop.

• How to: In Chrome, open the menu > Cast > choose "Cast tab" or your desktop. For better stability, use a wired laptop → TV HDMI connection where possible. If you’re interested in gaming or low-latency edge streaming from a laptop, see work on edge streaming and controller design.
• Tradeoffs: Desktop casting can be slightly less fluid than mobile casting, and DRM restrictions may still block premium apps depending on platform policies.

4. Media server + client apps: Plex, Jellyfin, Emby, VLC

Plex and other media servers give you the second‑screen control model for your own library or permitted streams: start, queue, sync, and invite friends.

• Why use them: They support remote playback control and multi‑device sync; Plex introduced improved real‑time sync for watch parties in late 2025, making group viewing smoother.
• How to set up: Install server on a NAS or PC, add media, then use the mobile client to "Cast" content to a Plex app on your TV or set‑top box. For pop-up screening setups or casual home studio builds that include streaming and local playback, practical gear lists are available in a producer kit guide.

5. DLNA/UPnP apps (BubbleUPnP, LocalCast) and VLC renderer

These apps let you push local files or browser streams to a DLNA/UPnP/DLNA‑compatible player on your network — similar to casting but without depending on a streaming service’s support.

• How to use: Install BubbleUPnP or LocalCast on Android, pick a renderer (your TV or a connected device), and stream local or network content.
• Limitations: DRM‑protected streams (Netflix, Prime Video) will be blocked — but user‑owned files and many web videos work fine.

6. Screen mirroring for everything — scrcpy, Vysor, and native mirroring

When you need the exact phone experience on the TV (including apps that won’t permit cast-style handoff), mirror the entire display. For Android, scrcpy is a low‑latency, open‑source option to display your phone on a PC, then HDMI to TV. For iOS, use AirPlay mirroring.

• scrcpy quick start: connect your Android to a laptop via USB, enable Developer Options > USB debugging, then run scrcpy. Send the laptop’s HDMI out to the TV.
• Use OBS + NDI for wireless mirroring: capture mobile via scrcpy or an NDI source, then output to a TV browser or local receiver. This reduces lag versus simple screen mirroring on congested Wi‑Fi.
• Remember: Full-screen mirroring will show notifications and other UI elements; use Do Not Disturb to avoid interruptions.

7. Wired options (HDMI adapters) — the simplest, most reliable fallback

When convenient, plug the device directly into the TV. USB‑C to HDMI and Lightning Digital AV adapters still deliver the cleanest, most consistent playback with zero Wi‑Fi surprises.

• Pros: absolute reliability, predictable resolution, and lowest latency.
• Cons: less shareable (someone needs to hand over the phone), and some tablets or phones throttle USB output quality.

Developer tools & advanced hacks that replicate or improve casting

For technically inclined users, the ecosystem offers ways to recreate a cast receiver and control surface with off‑the‑shelf or open‑source tools. These require more setup but can deliver a near native cast experience.

Roku ECP: automation that launches apps and controls playback

Roku’s External Control Protocol is an HTTP API that runs on your local network. It’s ideal for building a second‑screen controller that launches a channel, navigates the UI, or presses keys. Use it with simple scripts, Node.js, or Home Assistant automations.

• Get started: Discover your Roku IP on your router, then call http://ROKU_IP:8060/query/apps to list app IDs.
• Security: ECP is on‑network only — keep it on your LAN and disable router port forwarding for safety. If you’re deciding which internal tools to keep and which to retire while building automation, consider a framework for reducing tool sprawl (pick fewer, well‑integrated tools) — see a practical piece on tool rationalization.

WebRTC relays and browser receivers

WebRTC allows low‑latency real‑time streams between devices. If your TV has a modern browser (or you run a Raspberry Pi/Chromebox as the receiver), you can host a small relay server that accepts a phone stream and plays it in the TV browser.

• What you need: a light server (Node.js) with a WebRTC library, and a receiver page in the TV browser to subscribe to the stream. For guidance on hosting minimal, resilient micro‑apps and APIs to run on cheap hardware, check this micro‑apps playbook.
• Practical use: good for private scenes, presentations, and experimental “cast” flows for apps that lost native support.

DIY Chromecast-style receiver with a Raspberry Pi

Use a Raspberry Pi (4 or later), run a small Node/Express app or mncast, and expose an HTTP or WebSocket API. The phone sends a play command to your Pi; the Pi launches VLC or OMXPlayer and streams the content to the HDMI output. It’s raw but effective for local files and some web streams.

• Security & DRM: You can’t bypass DRM—Netflix and similar services will not play through this route for protected streams.
• Example approach: set up a minimal API to accept a URL payload, download/stream via ffmpeg to local playback, and return status to the controller. If you need ideas for powering and fielding small installs, a gear and field review that covers portable power and live‑sell kits can be useful practical reference.

Network and hardware tips to restore that buttery cast experience

Even the best software flows degrade on a bad network. These are proven adjustments that matter in 2026.

• Use wired Ethernet for your TV or set‑top box when possible.
• Prefer 5 GHz or Wi‑Fi 6/6E for mobile devices when mirroring or using AirPlay. Avoid 2.4 GHz for high‑bitrate video.
• Router QoS: prioritize multimedia traffic or the device’s IP address to reduce jitter.
• Lower resolution or bitrate if you see stuttering — many second‑screen workflows allow you to force 720p to stabilize playback.
• Keep devices close to the AP: physical placement still matters more than hype about mesh networks. If you’re installing smart home gear alongside AV, a short primer on smart home lighting and device planning can help with placement and power planning.

Important limits and legal considerations

Not all streaming can be cloned or redirected. DRM protections intentionally prevent some content from playing through unofficial receivers or mirroring tools. That affects Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, and other services for certain titles. Choosing a workaround should respect terms of service and copyright law.

When in doubt, use supported workflows (AirPlay, Roku app, official clients) or services that explicitly support second‑screen features (Plex, many local‑file players).

Why platforms are moving away from open casting — and what to expect next

Streaming companies are balancing security, advertising models, and platform control. Pulling back on open casting reduces avenues for ad injection and unauthorised playback, and it encourages users to remain inside platform walled gardens. But the user need for device hand‑off and second‑screen convenience is still strong.

Expect these trends through 2026:

• More platforms offering official remote & watch‑party features rather than open casting.
• Growth of local and on‑prem solutions (Plex, Jellyfin) as privacy‑minded alternatives.
• Third‑party remotes and developer APIs gaining traction as companies prioritize secure, API‑first integrations over open discovery. For hobbyists building local hubs or small gaming/social rooms that replicate the cast feel, see guidance on building a sustainable local gaming hub.

Actionable takeaways — set up a replacement today

1. If you use an iPhone/iPad: try AirPlay first. Pair your device to Apple TV and test hand‑off, then enable Ethernet for the TV if possible.
2. If you’re on Roku: install the Roku mobile app, enable screen mirroring on the TV, and experiment with ECP automation (query apps & send launch commands).
3. Want the lowest latency? Use wired HDMI from a laptop or device — it’s the most reliable short‑term fix. For low-latency streaming and emulation needs, reading about edge streaming approaches can help.
4. For local libraries or non‑DRM content: set up Plex, Jellyfin, or a DLNA stack and use their mobile apps for a cast‑like queueing experience.
5. Power user? Build a Raspberry Pi receiver or WebRTC relay for on‑network “cast” endpoints and integrate with home automation (Home Assistant, IFTTT). If you want a compact toolkit for creators on the move, a creator carry kit overview is useful.

Final thoughts and next steps

Netflix’s choice to restrict mobile casting is a jolt, but the second‑screen model is far from dead. Between AirPlay, Roku’s ECP and app controls, desktop browser casting, media servers, and developer toolchains, you can recreate — and in places improve — the old cast experience. The trick is picking the right tool for your needs: fidelity, convenience, or control.

Try the simplest solution first (AirPlay or the Roku app). If you need more, move to wired HDMI or a media server. If you like tinkering, the ECP + Raspberry Pi path will give you the most flexible, private “casting” system on your network. For step‑by‑step capture and transport patterns used by creators, see an on‑device capture and live transport guide here.

Tell us what you tried

Which trick worked for your living room? Reply to our newsletter or share your setup on social with #SecondScreenRescue — we’ll highlight the most creative and practical fixes in our next roundup.

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