What Chromecast Can Do
Chromecast lets you send video, music, photos, and web pages from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV. You tap a cast button in an app, pick your Chromecast device, and the content plays on the big screen instead of your small one. The remote control stays in your hand—you use your phone or computer to pause, rewind, or skip, not a separate remote.
Most streaming apps work with Chromecast: Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and hundreds of others. You can also cast your entire screen from an Android phone or Chromebook, which means anything on that screen appears on your TV. On an iPhone or Mac, you can cast video and audio from some apps, though not the full screen.
Chromecast works over WiFi, so your phone and TV need to be on the same network. You don't need a cable box, satellite dish, or separate subscription—if you already pay for a streaming service, you can cast from it.
Key Takeaways
- Chromecast sends video, music, photos, and web pages from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV over WiFi.
- Most major streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Disney+ have a cast button built in.
- You control playback from your phone or computer, not from a separate remote.
- Android phones and Chromebooks can cast their entire screen, while iPhones and Macs can cast from specific apps only.
- Your phone and Chromecast device must be connected to the same WiFi network to work.
Which Apps Have a Cast Button
The cast button looks like a small rectangle with WiFi waves in the corner. If an app supports Chromecast, the button appears in the app's menu or player controls. Tap it, select your Chromecast device, and the content moves to your TV.
Common apps with cast buttons include Netflix, YouTube, YouTube Music, Google Play Music, Spotify, Pandora, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Peacock, and Paramount+. Many news apps, podcast apps, and photo apps also support it. If you don't see a cast button in an app you use, that app does not support Chromecast—but you can still cast your entire phone screen if it's an Android device.
Some apps require a paid subscription to cast, while others let you cast for free. Check the app's settings or help section if you're unsure.
Casting Your Entire Screen From Android and Chromebook
If an app doesn't have a cast button, you can cast your whole Android phone or Chromebook screen to your TV. Everything that appears on your phone—apps, web pages, text messages, photos—will show up on the TV in real time. This is useful for showing someone a video, playing a mobile game on a bigger display, or sharing your screen during a video call.
On an Android phone, swipe down from the top twice to open Quick Settings, then tap "Cast" or "Screen Cast." Select your Chromecast device. On a Chromebook, click the time in the bottom right, then click "Cast" and select your device. Your screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.
Screen casting drains your phone's battery faster than regular casting, since it's sending the entire display constantly. The connection also works best when your phone and Chromecast are close to the router.
What Chromecast Cannot Do
Chromecast cannot receive a signal from cable, satellite, or antenna TV. If you want to watch live TV or recorded shows from a cable box, you need a different device. Chromecast also cannot cast from an iPhone or iPad to your TV—you can only cast from specific apps that support it, not the entire screen.
Chromecast does not work without WiFi. If your internet goes down, you cannot cast anything. Some older routers or networks with weak signals may also struggle to maintain a stable connection.
Chromecast is not a smart TV remote. You cannot use it to control your TV's volume, brightness, or input source unless your TV has built-in Chromecast support and you use the Google Home app. For most TVs, you still need your TV's original remote to adjust settings.
Setting Up Chromecast for the First Time
Plug your Chromecast device into an HDMI port on your TV and a power outlet. Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input where you plugged in the Chromecast. You should see a setup screen appear on your TV.
On your phone or computer, open the Google Home app (or go to google.com/chromecast on a web browser). The app will find your Chromecast device and walk you through connecting it to your WiFi network. You'll need to enter your WiFi password. Once it's connected, you're ready to cast.
If setup fails, make sure your phone and Chromecast are both trying to connect to the same WiFi network. Restart your router and try again. If your Chromecast still won't connect, unplug it for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and repeat the setup process.
Troubleshooting Common Casting Problems
If the cast button doesn't appear in an app, the app may not support Chromecast, or your phone and Chromecast may not be on the same WiFi network. Check your WiFi settings and make sure both devices are connected to the same network name.
If casting starts but then stops or stutters, move your phone closer to the router or Chromecast device. WiFi interference from microwaves, cordless phones, or neighboring networks can also cause problems. Restarting your router often fixes connection issues.
If you cast something but nothing appears on your TV, check that your TV is on the correct HDMI input. Use your TV remote to switch to the input where your Chromecast is plugged in. If the TV is on the right input and still nothing shows, unplug the Chromecast for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
Chromecast vs. Other Streaming Options
Chromecast is one way to get streaming content on your TV, but it's not the only way. A smart TV with built-in apps (like a Samsung, LG, or Roku TV) lets you read Netflix, YouTube, and other apps directly to the TV without needing a separate device. A Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick are standalone boxes that do the same thing.
The main difference is control. With Chromecast, you always use your phone or computer to start and control what plays. With a smart TV or standalone box, you use a remote that comes with the device. Chromecast is usually cheaper and takes up less space, but a smart TV or standalone box may feel more familiar if you're used to traditional TV remotes.
If you already own a Chromecast and it works for you, there's no reason to switch. If you're starting from scratch, think about whether you prefer controlling everything from your phone or using a dedicated remote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?
Yes, you need a Google account to set up Chromecast the first time using the Google Home app. After setup, you can cast from any phone or computer on the same WiFi network, even if they're not signed into a Google account. However, some streaming apps require their own login (like Netflix or Spotify) to cast.
Can I cast from my iPhone to a Chromecast?
You can cast from specific apps on an iPhone if those apps have a cast button built in—Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and others support this. You cannot cast your entire iPhone screen to Chromecast. If you need full screen casting, you'll need an Android phone or a Chromebook.
What happens if someone else joins my WiFi network?
Anyone on your WiFi network can cast to your Chromecast device. If you want to prevent this, you can set up a guest network in your router settings and keep your main network password private. Some routers also let you name your guest network differently so guests don't accidentally connect to your main network.
Can I use Chromecast without paying for streaming services?
Yes. YouTube, YouTube Music, and many free apps like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Peacock's free tier support Chromecast. You can also cast your phone screen to show photos, web pages, or anything else on your phone. However, most premium content (Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max) requires a paid subscription.
Does Chromecast work with all WiFi networks?
Chromecast works with most home WiFi networks, but may have trouble with some corporate or public networks that require a login page or block certain devices. If you're having trouble at work or in a public place, ask the network administrator if Chromecast devices are allowed on that network.