The Basic Steps to Cast to Your TV

To cast to your TV, you need three things: a Chromecast device plugged into your TV's HDMI port, a phone or computer on the same Wi-Fi network, and the app or content you want to cast. The actual casting takes seconds — you tap the cast icon in most apps, pick your TV from the list, and your screen appears on the television.

The setup happens once. After that, casting is as straightforward as tapping a button. If you have not yet plugged in your Chromecast or connected it to Wi-Fi, do that first — Google's setup app walks you through it in about five minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Chromecast device must be plugged into an HDMI port on your TV and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer.
  • Most streaming apps (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+) have a cast icon built in — tap it and select your TV from the list.
  • You can cast your entire phone or computer screen to your TV, not just individual apps, using the cast feature in your device's settings.
  • Your phone or computer stays connected to Wi-Fi during casting; you do not need to stay on the same screen or app while content plays on your TV.
  • If the cast icon does not appear, restart your Chromecast device and make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Casting from Apps Like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify

Most streaming apps have a cast icon built directly into the player. On YouTube, it looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner. On Netflix and Disney+, it is usually in the top right corner of the screen. Tap it, and a list of available devices appears — select your TV's name, and the content starts playing there.

The app on your phone or computer becomes a remote. You can pause, rewind, adjust volume, and skip forward without looking at your TV. You can also lock your phone or switch to another app — the content keeps playing on your television. When you are done, tap the cast icon again and select "Disconnect."

Not every app has a cast button. Spotify, for example, does not have one built in on all devices. If you do not see a cast icon in an app you use, you can cast your entire screen instead — see the section below.

Casting Your Entire Phone or Computer Screen

If an app does not have a cast button, or if you want to show your whole screen on the TV, you can cast the entire display. On Android phones, swipe down from the top twice to open Quick Settings, then tap "Cast" or "Screen cast." On iPhones and iPads, swipe down from the top right corner, long-press the screen mirroring icon (it looks like a rectangle with a triangle), and select your TV.

On Windows computers, press the Windows key and P together, then select "Connect to a wireless display." On Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top right, click "Screen Mirroring," and select your Chromecast device. Your entire screen appears on the TV, and you can use your device normally — everything you do shows up on the television.

Screen casting uses more of your device's battery and Wi-Fi bandwidth than casting a single app. If you are casting a video or music, casting just the app is usually smoother and longer-lasting.

Troubleshooting When Cast Does Not Appear

The most common reason the cast button does not show up is that your phone or computer is not on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Check your device's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network name (SSID) as your TV. Your Chromecast device name appears in your Wi-Fi list during setup, but after that it only shows up in the cast menu, not in your regular Wi-Fi list.

If you see the cast icon but your TV does not appear in the list, restart your Chromecast device. Unplug it from the HDMI port, wait ten seconds, and plug it back in. While it restarts, make sure your phone or computer is still on the correct Wi-Fi network. Once your Chromecast finishes restarting (the light on the device stops blinking), try casting again.

If your TV is on a different Wi-Fi band (some networks split into 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), your Chromecast might be on one and your phone on the other. Most Chromecast devices work best on 2.4 GHz. Check your router's settings or ask your internet provider which band your network is using, then manually connect your phone to the 2.4 GHz band if your router allows it.

What to Do If Your Chromecast Is Not Plugged In Yet

Your Chromecast device needs to be plugged into an HDMI port on your TV and powered on before you can cast anything to it. Plug the USB power cable into the Chromecast device, then plug the other end into a power outlet or a USB port on your TV (if your TV has one). The light on the Chromecast will blink while it starts up.

Once the light stops blinking, open the Google Home app on your phone. The app will find your Chromecast and walk you through connecting it to your Wi-Fi network. You only have to do this once. After setup, your Chromecast stays connected to that network and is ready to cast whenever you need it.

Casting From Multiple Devices to the Same TV

Only one device can cast to your TV at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you are already casting, their device will ask if they want to take over. If they confirm, the content switches to their screen. You can prevent interruptions by locking your cast session — some apps have this option in their cast menu, though not all do.

If you want to switch who is casting without interruption, the current person can tap the cast icon and select "Disconnect." Then the next person can cast when ready. There is no queue or waiting — whoever taps cast next takes over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast?

Yes. Your phone or computer and your Chromecast device must both be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you are on a guest network and your Chromecast is on the main network, they cannot see each other. Check your router settings or ask your internet provider if you are unsure which network you are on.

Can I cast if my phone screen is locked?

Yes. Once you start casting, you can lock your phone, switch to another app, or even turn the screen off. The content keeps playing on your TV. Your phone is just sending the signal — it does not have to stay awake or stay on the same app.

Why does casting sometimes lag or stutter?

Lag usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your network is crowded. Move your Chromecast device closer to your router, or move your phone closer to the router while you are casting. If many devices are using your Wi-Fi at once, ask others to pause downloads or streaming. Casting a single app uses less bandwidth than casting your entire screen.

Can I cast from my computer to my TV?

Yes. Windows computers and Macs can both cast to Chromecast. On Windows, press Windows key + P and select "Connect to a wireless display." On Mac, open Control Center and click "Screen Mirroring." Your computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast.

What if my TV does not have an HDMI port?

Older TVs without HDMI ports cannot use Chromecast. You would need a different device, such as a Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV, which may have different connection options. Check your TV's manual or the back panel to see what ports are available.