Samsung TVs do not come with Chromecast built in, but most models can receive Chromecast from your phone or computer
Samsung uses its own casting system called SmartThings Cast, not Google's Chromecast. However, newer Samsung TVs (2018 and later) support Google Cast, which is the underlying technology that Chromecast uses. This means you can cast to a Samsung TV from a Chromecast-compatible app on your phone or laptop, even though the TV itself is not a Chromecast device.
The distinction matters because it affects which apps work and how you cast. If you own an older Samsung TV (2017 or earlier), casting options are more limited. If you own a newer model, you likely have Google Cast support built in, which covers most of the apps people actually use.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TVs made in 2018 or later support Google Cast, so you can cast from Chromecast-compatible apps without buying extra hardware.
- Samsung TVs do not have Chromecast as a separate app or service — they use Google Cast, which is the same underlying technology.
- Older Samsung TVs (2017 and earlier) may not support Google Cast, and you would need a separate Chromecast device or streaming stick to cast to them.
- You can check your TV's casting support by looking in the settings menu under "Connections" or "SmartThings" to see if Google Cast is listed.
How Google Cast works on Samsung TVs
When you cast from your phone or computer to a Samsung TV that supports Google Cast, you are using the same technology that powers a standalone Chromecast device. The TV receives the signal and plays the content directly. Apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Google Photos all support this casting method on compatible Samsung TVs.
The process is the same as casting to any other device: open the app, tap the cast icon, select your TV from the list, and the content appears on your screen. You do not need to install anything extra or buy a separate device if your TV was made recently enough.
Which Samsung TV models support Google Cast
Most Samsung TVs made from 2018 onward include Google Cast support. This includes the Q series (QLED), The Frame, The Serif, and standard LED models from that year forward. Samsung has continued to add Google Cast to new models since then.
To confirm your specific TV has it, check the settings menu. Go to Connections (or SmartThings on newer models), look for "Google Cast" or "Chromecast built-in", and see if it appears in the list. If it is there, your TV supports casting. If you cannot find it, your TV is likely older than 2018 or does not have the feature.
You can also check the model number on Samsung's website or in your TV's manual. The manual will list all connectivity features under the specifications section.
What to do if your Samsung TV does not have Google Cast
If your TV is older or does not support Google Cast, you have two main options: buy a separate Chromecast device or use a different casting method that your TV does support.
A Google Chromecast (the standalone device) plugs into your TV's HDMI port and adds full Chromecast functionality. It costs between $30 and $40 depending on the model. Alternatively, you can use Samsung's SmartThings Cast if your TV supports it, or cast through other methods like AirPlay if you own Apple devices.
Some older Samsung TVs also support Miracast, which is a wireless casting standard built into Windows and some Android phones. Check your TV's manual to see which casting methods it supports.
The difference between Chromecast and Google Cast
Chromecast is the name of Google's standalone device. Google Cast is the underlying technology that allows apps to send video and audio to a TV or speaker. When Samsung says a TV has "Chromecast built-in", it means the TV has Google Cast support — the TV itself is not a Chromecast device, but it can receive Chromecast from your phone.
This confusion comes up often because Google uses both names. For your purposes: if a Samsung TV supports Google Cast, you can cast to it from any Chromecast-compatible app, and you do not need to buy a separate Chromecast device.
Apps that work with Google Cast on Samsung TVs
The major streaming apps all support Google Cast: YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, Google Photos, and Pandora. You can also cast your entire screen from a Chrome browser on a computer, or mirror your Android phone's screen to the TV.
Not every app supports casting — some apps block it for licensing reasons. If you open an app and do not see a cast icon, that app does not support the feature. You can still watch it on your phone, but you cannot send it to the TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast to a Samsung TV that does not have Google Cast?
Not through Chromecast or Google Cast. You would need to buy a separate Chromecast device, use a different casting method your TV supports (like Miracast or AirPlay), or use Samsung's SmartThings app if your TV has that feature. Check your TV's manual to see what casting options are available.
How do I know if my Samsung TV has Google Cast?
Go to your TV's settings menu and look under Connections or SmartThings. If you see "Google Cast" or "Chromecast built-in" listed, your TV supports it. You can also check the model number on Samsung's website or in your manual under specifications.
Do I need a Chromecast device if my Samsung TV has Google Cast?
No. If your TV supports Google Cast, you can cast directly from your phone or computer without buying anything extra. A separate Chromecast device is only needed if your TV does not have Google Cast built in.
What year did Samsung start putting Google Cast in their TVs?
Samsung began adding Google Cast support to most of its TV lineup in 2018. If your TV was made in 2018 or later, it likely has the feature. Older models may not, so check your TV's settings or manual to be sure.
Can I cast from an iPhone to a Samsung TV with Google Cast?
Yes, as long as the app supports casting. YouTube, Netflix, and other major apps work from iPhone. Some apps may have limited casting support on iOS compared to Android, so check the specific app if you are unsure.