Samsung TVs do not come with Google Chromecast built in
Samsung televisions use their own casting system called SmartThings Cast, not Google Chromecast. If you want to cast from your phone or computer to a Samsung TV, you will use SmartThings Cast instead — or you can add a separate Chromecast device to any Samsung TV that has an HDMI port.
The distinction matters because the two systems work differently and accept different apps. SmartThings Cast is built into Samsung's operating system and works with Samsung's ecosystem. Chromecast is a separate Google product that you either buy as a standalone device or find built into other brands' televisions.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs ship with SmartThings Cast, their own casting technology, not Google Chromecast.
- You can cast to a Samsung TV from Android phones, iPhones, and computers using the SmartThings app or compatible third-party apps.
- If you specifically need Chromecast, you can plug a Google Chromecast device into any Samsung TV's HDMI port for about $30 to $50.
- SmartThings Cast and Chromecast are separate systems that do not work together — your phone will cast to one or the other, not both.
How SmartThings Cast works on Samsung TVs
SmartThings Cast is Samsung's built-in casting system. It lets you send video, audio, and photos from your phone or tablet directly to your TV without needing an extra device. The feature is included on most Samsung Smart TVs made in the last several years.
To cast using SmartThings Cast, you read the SmartThings app on your phone, connect both your phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network, and then select your TV from the app. Many streaming apps — including Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and others — also have their own cast buttons that work with SmartThings Cast built in.
SmartThings Cast works with both Android and iPhone. The process is the same: open the app you want to cast from, tap the cast icon, select your Samsung TV, and the content appears on your screen.
What you lose by not having Chromecast
Google Chromecast has a different app ecosystem and casting behavior than SmartThings Cast. Some apps work better with Chromecast, and some older apps may only support Chromecast and not SmartThings Cast. If you use Google Home speakers or have other Chromecast devices in your home, Chromecast offers tighter integration with that ecosystem.
Chromecast also handles screen mirroring differently — it mirrors your entire phone or computer screen to the TV, whereas SmartThings Cast focuses on casting individual apps. If you frequently mirror your phone's screen to your TV for presentations or gaming, Chromecast may feel more natural.
That said, most people who stream video, music, or photos find SmartThings Cast sufficient. The limitation only becomes real if you rely on a specific app that only works with Chromecast, or if you have invested heavily in Google's ecosystem.
Adding Chromecast to a Samsung TV
If you want Chromecast on your Samsung TV, you can buy a standalone Chromecast device and plug it into an HDMI port. Google sells Chromecast with Google TV (the full device with a remote) for around $50, and the older Chromecast Audio device for less. Both work with any Samsung TV that has an available HDMI input.
Once plugged in, the Chromecast device becomes a separate input on your TV. You switch to it using your remote's input button, just as you would switch between cable, a Blu-ray player, or any other HDMI device. Your phone will then see both your Samsung TV (via SmartThings Cast) and your Chromecast device as separate casting targets.
This approach costs money and uses an HDMI port, but it gives you access to Chromecast's full feature set without replacing your TV. It is the standard solution for people who need both systems.
Comparing SmartThings Cast and Chromecast side by side
| Feature | SmartThings Cast (Samsung TV) | Chromecast (Separate Device) |
|---|---|---|
| Built into Samsung TVs | Yes | No — requires separate purchase |
| Cost | Included with TV | $30–$50 for device |
| Works with Android phones | Yes | Yes |
| Works with iPhones | Yes | Yes |
| Screen mirroring | Limited | Full screen mirroring |
| Google Home integration | Basic | Full |
| Requires extra HDMI port | No | Yes |
Which Samsung TVs have SmartThings Cast
Most Samsung Smart TVs made since 2018 include SmartThings Cast. If your TV runs Samsung's Tizen operating system (which is what Samsung calls its smart TV software), you have SmartThings Cast. Older Samsung TVs or budget models may not have it, but the majority of current Samsung models do.
The easiest way to check is to look in your TV's settings menu for SmartThings or casting options, or to read the SmartThings app and see if your TV appears as a device you can connect to. If it does, you have SmartThings Cast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both SmartThings Cast and Chromecast on the same Samsung TV?
Yes, if you add a separate Chromecast device via HDMI. Your phone will see both as casting targets, and you choose which one to cast to each time. They do not work together — you pick one or the other for each cast.
Does SmartThings Cast work with my iPhone?
Yes. read the SmartThings app on your iPhone, connect to the same Wi-Fi as your TV, and you can cast compatible apps. Many streaming apps also have their own cast buttons that work with SmartThings Cast on iPhones.
What if an app only supports Chromecast?
You would need to add a Chromecast device to your Samsung TV via HDMI. This is rare — most major streaming apps support both SmartThings Cast and Chromecast — but it does happen with some older or niche apps.
Is SmartThings Cast as good as Chromecast?
For casting apps and streaming, they are roughly equal. SmartThings Cast is built in and costs nothing. Chromecast offers better screen mirroring and deeper Google Home integration. Which is better depends on what you actually do with your TV.
Can I cast to my Samsung TV without Wi-Fi?
No. Both SmartThings Cast and Chromecast require your phone and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Wired Ethernet on the TV counts as the same network.