The basic steps to cast from your browser

To cast from Chrome, open the browser menu (three dots in the top right), select Cast, choose your device from the list, and then select the tab or window you want to send to your TV or speaker. The content appears on your device within a few seconds. You can keep using your computer while casting, or close the browser tab — the cast will continue.

Your computer and the device you're casting to must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you don't see your device in the Cast menu, check that both are connected to the same network and that the device is powered on and ready to receive.

Chrome casting works with any Chromecast device, Chromecast built into a TV, or a speaker with Chromecast built in. The process is the same regardless of which device you're using.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Chrome menu, select Cast, pick your device, and choose what to send — your entire screen, a single tab, or a window.
  • Both your computer and your Chromecast device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • You can continue using your computer while content is casting, or close the browser entirely and the cast will keep playing.
  • If your device doesn't appear in the Cast menu, restart both your computer and the Chromecast device and check your Wi-Fi connection.

Casting a single tab versus your entire screen

When you open the Cast menu, you'll see options for what to send. Cast tab sends only the active browser tab to your TV — useful if you're watching a video or looking at photos and don't want your other open tabs visible. Cast screen sends everything on your monitor, including your desktop, other windows, and notifications.

Most people use Cast tab for streaming video or photos. Use Cast screen when you want to show a presentation, play a game, or share your entire desktop with others in the room. Tab casting uses less bandwidth and battery than screen casting.

You can switch between tab and screen casting without stopping and restarting — just open the Cast menu again and select a different option.

What to do if your device doesn't show up

If you open the Cast menu and your Chromecast device isn't listed, first check that both your computer and the device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Look at your computer's Wi-Fi settings and the network name shown on your TV or in the Chromecast app on your phone. They must match.

Power off the Chromecast device (unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in) and restart your computer. Wait 30 seconds after the Chromecast restarts before opening Chrome again. If the device still doesn't appear, try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on your computer and reconnecting to it.

If you're using a Chromecast device that's brand new or hasn't been set up yet, you'll need to set it up using the Google Home app on your phone first. The device won't appear in Chrome's Cast menu until it's been configured and connected to Wi-Fi.

Controlling playback while casting

Once you've started casting, a small Cast icon appears in your Chrome address bar. Click it to open a control panel where you can pause, play, adjust volume, or stop the cast entirely. You can also use the remote control for your TV or speaker if it supports Chromecast controls.

If you're casting a tab, you can mute the tab in Chrome (right-click the tab and select Mute) without affecting the audio on your TV. You can also close the browser tab while casting — the content will keep playing on your device. To stop casting, click the Cast icon again and select Stop casting.

Casting from different types of websites and apps

Most video streaming sites like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+ have their own Cast button built into the player. Look for the Cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol) in the video controls and click it to cast directly from the app. This method is often more reliable than casting the entire tab because the streaming service handles the connection.

For websites that don't have a built-in Cast button, use Chrome's Cast tab feature instead. This works with most video players, photo galleries, and music streaming sites. Some websites may not work well with tab casting if they use certain types of video protection — in those cases, try casting your entire screen instead.

Google Chrome extensions can also add Cast buttons to websites that don't have them built in. Search the Chrome Web Store for "Cast" to see what's available, though the official Cast button in your browser menu works for nearly everything.

Casting audio to speakers

If you have a speaker with Chromecast built in (like Google Home, Nest Audio, or certain JBL and Sony speakers), you can cast audio from Chrome the same way you cast video. Open the Cast menu, select your speaker, and choose the tab or screen you want to send. Music, podcasts, and other audio will play through the speaker instead of your computer.

Some music streaming services like Spotify and YouTube Music have their own Cast buttons in the player, which often work better than casting the tab. If you're casting a tab to a speaker, make sure the volume on your computer is turned up — the speaker's volume is controlled separately through its own app or physical buttons.

Troubleshooting common casting problems

If casting starts but then stops or keeps disconnecting, move your computer closer to the Chromecast device or your Wi-Fi router. Walls, microwaves, and other wireless devices can interfere with the connection. Restarting both devices usually fixes temporary glitches.

If the video is choppy or keeps buffering, check your Wi-Fi speed. Casting uses bandwidth, especially when casting your entire screen. If other devices are using a lot of data (downloading files, streaming video), pause those and try casting again. You can also try casting a single tab instead of your entire screen, which uses less bandwidth.

If you're casting but there's no sound, check that your computer's volume is turned up and the tab isn't muted. Also check the volume on your TV or speaker. If you're casting a video from a website, some sites require you to click play on the TV screen after casting starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to cast from Chrome?

No. Casting from Chrome to a Chromecast device on the same Wi-Fi network doesn't require you to be signed into a Google account. However, if you're casting from certain apps like YouTube or Google Photos, you may need to be signed in to that specific service.

Can I cast from Chrome on a Mac?

Yes. The Cast feature works the same way on Mac as it does on Windows. Open the Chrome menu, select Cast, and choose your device. The process is identical.

What if I want to cast from my phone instead of my computer?

Most streaming apps on phones have their own Cast button. Open the app, find the Cast icon in the player or menu, and select your device. You can also cast your entire phone screen using the built-in screen mirroring feature in Android or AirPlay on iPhone (though AirPlay works with Apple TV, not Chromecast).

Can multiple people cast to the same device at the same time?

No. Only one person can cast to a Chromecast device at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you're already casting, their cast will take over and yours will stop. Some Chromecast devices have a guest mode that lets visitors cast without being on your home Wi-Fi network.

Does casting use a lot of internet data?

Casting itself doesn't use much data — the video or audio is streamed directly from the internet to your Chromecast device, not through your computer. Your computer just tells the device what to play. However, if you're casting your entire screen, it does use more bandwidth than casting a single tab.