Block Devices From Casting To Your TV (9 Easy Ways)

This article aims to provide step-by-step guidance on how to block devices from casting to your TV.

We go over each method, to ensure you don’t have others casting data to your TV.

Take a closer look at the tips and tricks in this article to effectively block external devices from casting to your TV.

How to block devices from casting to your TV

Use Wi-Fi protection

One of the easiest ways to prevent unwanted devices from casting to your TV is by securing your home Wi-Fi network with password protection.

Make sure you only share the password with people you trust, and change it periodically to maintain your network’s security.

How to choose a secure password

A strong Wi-Fi password is crucial for keeping your network secure. When creating a password, follow these guidelines:

• Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Aim for at least 12 characters in length.
• Avoid using easily identifiable information such as your birthdate, name, or common words.
• Update your password regularly.

Blocking casting via the router

Another option is to block specific devices from your router settings. Most routers have a feature that allows you to view and manage connected devices.

By accessing your router’s settings, you can block or limit access to specific devices that you don’t want using your network.

I prefer to control casting access to our TVs via the router. It’s the best way to secure your network by doing so at the “root” – rather than messing with settings on each device or via the Wi-Fi settings.

Update firmware to get the latest security settings

Finally, it’s essential to regularly update your router’s firmware to stay on track with the latest security settings. Outdated firmware can make your network more susceptible to unauthorized access.

Check your router’s manufacturer website for instructions on how to update the firmware.

Protecting Your TV from Unwanted Casting

On Android devices, you may disable casting to specific devices by navigating to Settings > Google > Devices & sharing > Cast options.

There, you can toggle the media controls for Cast devices on and off. This can help prevent unwanted casting from your Android device to your TV.

Blocking Devices on Different Platforms

Turn off “Guest Mode” on Chromecast

1. Plug your Chromecast into the TV and connect it to a power source.
2. Open your Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet.
3. Find your Chromecast among the connected devices and tap on its tile.
4. Click on the Settings ⚙️ icon at the top right corner of the screen.
5. Disable “Guest Mode” and save the changes.

Android TV

1. Go to Settings on your Android TV.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet and then Wi-Fi.
3. Tap on Device Management or Connected Devices.
4. Locate the devices that you want to block from casting and select them.
5. Choose the option to block or disconnect the selected devices.

Apple TV

1. On your Apple TV, go to Settings.
2. Select AirPlay and HomeKit.
3. Choose “Allow Access.”
4. Turn off “Everyone” and switch to “Only People Sharing This Home” or “Anyone on the Same Network.”

Roku

1. Navigate to Settings on your Roku device.
2. Select Screen Mirroring.
3. Choose “Prompt” or “Always Allow” depending on your preference.
4. Identify the devices that you want to block and change their access setting to “Never Allow.”

Fire TV

Unfortunately, there is no built-in option to block specific devices from casting on a Fire TV.

However, you can try the following steps:

1. Go to Settings on your Fire TV.
2. Select Display & Sound and then HDMI CEC Device Control.
3. Turn off the HDMI CEC Device Control feature.

Using Router Settings to Block Casting

Accessing Your Router’s Settings

To block devices from casting to your TV, you’ll need to access your router’s settings first. Follow these steps:

1. Find your router’s IP address. This is usually printed on a label on the router itself or in the manual.
2. Open a web browser and enter the IP address into the address bar.
3. Log in using your router’s username and password. If you haven’t changed them, they should be the default ones found in the manual.
4. Once logged in, navigate to the settings related to device connections or Wi-Fi networks.

Blocking Specific Devices

If you want to prevent specific devices from casting to your TV, here’s what you should do:

1. Look for the list of connected devices in your router’s settings.
2. Find the device you want to block and note down its MAC address.
3. Locate the access control settings or MAC filtering settings.
4. Add the MAC address of the device you want to block.

Creating a Guest Network for Controlled Access

Another option is to create a guest Wi-Fi network for visitors to use, keeping them separate from the main network used for casting:

1. In your router’s settings, look for guest network settings or options for creating a new Wi-Fi network.
2. Enable the guest network, providing a network name (SSID) and password.
3. Share the guest network with visitors while keeping the main network password protected.

Remember, ensure that your passwords are secure and only shared with trusted individuals to maintain control over casting to your TV.