The Sony A95L does not have Chromecast built into the TV itself

The Sony A95L is a high-end OLED television released in 2023, but it does not come with Google Chromecast as a native feature. Instead, Sony equipped this model with its own Google TV operating system, which handles streaming apps and casting differently than a dedicated Chromecast device would.

This matters because Google TV and Chromecast are separate technologies, even though both come from Google. Google TV is the software that runs on the TV itself—it's what you see when you turn on the set and navigate menus. Chromecast is a casting protocol that lets you send video, music, or photos from your phone or computer to a compatible device. The Sony A95L can receive casts from your devices, but it does not have the Chromecast name or certification built in.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sony A95L runs Google TV, not Chromecast, though it can still receive cast commands from phones and computers.
  • You can cast to the A95L from Android phones, iPhones, tablets, and computers using the Google Home app or compatible streaming apps.
  • If you specifically need Chromecast hardware, you can connect a separate Chromecast device to the A95L via HDMI.
  • Google TV on the A95L includes most major streaming apps built in, so you may not need to cast at all.

How casting works on the Sony A95L

Even without Chromecast certification, the Sony A95L supports casting through Google's Cast protocol. This means you can send content from your phone, tablet, or computer to the TV using apps that support casting. When you open a compatible app—Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, or others—you'll see a cast icon (usually a rectangle with curved lines in the corner). Tap it, select the A95L from the list of available devices, and the content plays on your TV.

The TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your casting device for this to work. Once connected, you can control playback from your phone while the content streams to the TV. This works with Android phones, iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, and Windows computers, as long as the app you're using supports casting.

What Google TV on the A95L includes instead

The Sony A95L comes with Google TV pre-installed, which is a full streaming platform built into the television. Google TV includes a home screen with access to Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and dozens of other apps. You don't need to cast from your phone to watch these services—you can open them directly on the TV using the remote.

Google TV also includes a search function that looks across all your installed apps at once. If you search for a movie title, Google TV shows you which apps have it and how much it costs to rent or buy. This integrated approach means many people find they cast less often because the apps they use most are already on the TV.

Adding a separate Chromecast device if you need one

If you specifically want a device with Chromecast certification, you can connect a standalone Chromecast to the Sony A95L. Google makes several Chromecast models: the basic Chromecast (which plugs into an HDMI port), Chromecast with Google TV (which is a full streaming device with its own remote), and Chromecast Audio (for speakers). Any of these can connect to the A95L via HDMI or through your Wi-Fi network.

Most people don't need to do this, since the A95L's built-in Google TV handles casting and streaming already. But if you have a specific Chromecast device you already own, or if you prefer Chromecast's interface over Google TV, plugging one in takes just a few seconds.

Casting limitations and what works well

The Sony A95L's casting support works smoothly with Google services and most major apps, but not every app supports casting. Smaller streaming services, local news apps, or niche platforms may not have a cast button. In those cases, you'd need to use the app directly on the TV if it's available, or cast your entire phone or computer screen instead (screen mirroring).

Screen mirroring is different from app casting. Instead of sending just the video from one app, you mirror everything your phone or computer displays. This works on the A95L through Google's Chromecast protocol, though the experience can be slower and less smooth than casting a single app. For everyday use—Netflix, YouTube, music—app casting is the better choice.

Comparing the A95L to TVs with Chromecast built in

Some TV brands, like Google's own Chromecast with Google TV devices or some TCL and Hisense models, advertise Chromecast as a built-in feature. The difference is mostly in branding and certification. These TVs use the same Google TV software as the Sony A95L and support casting the same way. The main practical difference is that a TV marketed as "Chromecast built-in" has gone through Google's certification process, while the A95L uses Google TV without that specific badge.

In real-world use, you won't notice a difference. Both can receive casts, both run Google TV, and both let you install the same apps. The Sony A95L's choice to use Google TV instead of Chromecast branding doesn't limit what you can do with casting or streaming.

Setting up casting on your A95L for the first time

To cast to the Sony A95L, first make sure the TV is connected to Wi-Fi. On the TV remote, go to Settings, then Network, and connect to your home network. Once the TV is online, open any casting-compatible app on your phone or computer. Look for the cast icon and tap it. The A95L should appear in the list of available devices. Select it, and the app will begin streaming to your TV.

If the A95L doesn't appear, make sure your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart the app, or restart the TV if the problem persists. Most casting issues come down to network connectivity rather than a problem with the TV itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from an iPhone to the Sony A95L?

Yes. iPhones can cast to the A95L through apps that support Google Cast, like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify. Open the app, tap the cast icon, and select the A95L. Some Apple apps like Apple TV+ also support casting to Google TV devices.

Does the A95L work with Google Home and voice commands?

Yes. The Sony A95L is compatible with Google Home devices and Google Assistant. You can use voice commands to turn the TV on or off, change the volume, or open apps. Set this up in the Google Home app by adding the TV as a new device.

What if I want to use AirPlay instead of Chromecast?

The Sony A95L does not support Apple's AirPlay protocol natively. If you need AirPlay, you would need to connect a separate Apple TV device to the A95L via HDMI, or use an app that supports both AirPlay and Google Cast.

Is Google TV on the A95L the same as Chromecast with Google TV?

They use the same underlying software, but Chromecast with Google TV is a standalone device you plug into any TV, while Google TV on the A95L is built into the television. Both support casting and have access to the same apps, so the experience is nearly identical.

Can I cast 4K video to the A95L?

Yes, the A95L supports 4K casting from compatible apps and devices. The TV itself is a 4K display, so it will show 4K content if the app and your internet connection support it. Netflix, YouTube, and other services can stream 4K to the A95L when you cast to it.