The basic steps to send video, audio, or your screen from Chrome

Casting from Chrome means sending what you see on your computer screen to a Chromecast device, smart TV, or smart speaker connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You do this through Chrome's built-in Cast feature, which takes about three clicks and works with most streaming sites, videos, and web pages.

The simplest method is to click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome, select Cast, choose your device from the list, and then play your video or audio. The content streams directly from the internet to your Chromecast—your computer screen can go dark or you can close Chrome entirely and the cast keeps playing.

If you don't see a Cast option in the menu, your Chromecast may not be on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer, or you may need to restart Chrome. Make sure your Chromecast is plugged in and has finished its startup sequence before you try to cast.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Chrome's three-dot menu, click Cast, select your device, and play your content—the video or audio streams directly to your Chromecast without using your computer's screen.
  • You can cast individual tabs, your entire screen, or just audio from Chrome, depending on what you're trying to send and what your device supports.
  • Your computer and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • Once casting starts, you can close Chrome or put your computer to sleep and the content will keep playing on your TV or speaker.

Finding and opening the Cast menu

The Cast button lives in Chrome's main menu. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of your browser window, then look for the word Cast near the middle of the dropdown menu. Click it once.

A small panel will appear showing all the Chromecast devices and compatible smart devices on your Wi-Fi network. If you see your device listed, click its name to begin casting. If the list is empty, check that your Chromecast is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi as your computer.

If you don't see a Cast option at all in the menu, your version of Chrome may be outdated. Open Chrome's settings (three-dot menu, then Settings), click About Chrome on the left, and let it update automatically. Restart Chrome when the update finishes.

Casting a tab versus your entire screen

When you click Cast and select a device, Chrome asks you to choose what to send: Cast tab, Cast entire screen, or Cast audio. Each option works differently and uses different amounts of your computer's power.

Cast tab is the most common choice. It sends only the active Chrome tab to your Chromecast, so you can browse other tabs, check email, or use other programs on your computer without interrupting the cast. The video or audio streams directly from the internet to your Chromecast, not through your computer.

Cast entire screen sends everything on your monitor to the TV, including your desktop, other windows, and your cursor. This uses more of your computer's processing power and is slower than casting a single tab. Use it when you need to show someone your screen or when you're casting something that isn't in a Chrome tab.

Cast audio sends only sound to a Chromecast Audio device or a smart speaker. This is useful for playing music or podcasts without displaying anything on your TV.

What happens after you start casting

Once you select a device and start playing video or audio, a small Cast icon appears in Chrome's address bar to show that casting is active. The content plays on your TV or speaker, and you can minimize Chrome, switch to other programs, or even close Chrome entirely—the cast will keep playing.

To stop casting, click the Cast icon in the address bar and select Stop casting, or click the three-dot menu, select Cast, and click your device name again. The content will stop on your TV and you can close Chrome without interrupting anything.

If you're casting a tab and you navigate to a different website, the cast will follow you to the new page. If you want to cast something else, just play it in the same tab and it will appear on your TV.

Troubleshooting when Cast doesn't appear or work

The most common reason Cast doesn't work is that your computer and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name (SSID). If you have a 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz network with the same name, try connecting your computer to the same band your Chromecast is using.

If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the Cast list, restart it by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the light to stop blinking and the startup sequence to finish before you try to cast again. You may also need to restart Chrome or your computer.

If Cast works but the video keeps stopping or buffering, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Move your Chromecast closer to your router, or move your computer closer to the router while you're setting up the cast. Once casting is active, your computer can move away without affecting playback.

Some websites and apps block casting for copyright reasons. If you see a Cast option but it doesn't work on a specific site, that site may not allow casting. Try a different video or audio source to confirm that your Chromecast is working.

Casting from different types of content

Casting works with most video and audio on the web, including YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, podcasts, and news sites. straightforward play the content in Chrome, click Cast, select your device, and it will appear on your TV or speaker.

Some apps have their own Cast button built in instead of using Chrome's Cast menu. Look for a Cast icon (usually a rectangle with curved lines in the corner) inside the app itself. Clicking that button will send the content directly to your Chromecast without opening Chrome's Cast menu.

If you're trying to cast a video file stored on your computer, you'll need to open it in Chrome first. Drag the video file into a Chrome window, or right-click the file and select Open with Chrome. Once it's playing in Chrome, use the Cast menu as usual.

Using your computer while casting

One of the main advantages of casting is that your computer doesn't have to stay on or stay focused on the video. Once the cast starts, you can switch to other programs, browse the web in a different tab, or even put your computer to sleep—the content will keep playing on your TV.

If you're casting a single tab, the video streams directly from the internet to your Chromecast, so your computer is barely involved after the cast starts. If you're casting your entire screen, your computer does more work, but you can still use other programs as long as you don't mind them appearing on your TV as well.

To control playback while casting, use the controls on your TV remote if your Chromecast supports it, or use the Cast panel in Chrome by clicking the Cast icon in the address bar. Some apps also have their own playback controls that work while casting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to keep Chrome open while casting?

No. Once the cast starts, the content streams directly from the internet to your Chromecast. You can close Chrome, close your laptop, or put your computer to sleep and the video or audio will keep playing on your TV or speaker.

Can I cast from my phone or tablet to the same Chromecast?

Yes. Any device on the same Wi-Fi network can cast to the same Chromecast. You can cast from your phone, tablet, or computer to the same TV, and you can switch between devices without unplugging anything.

Why does my Chromecast not show up in the Cast list?

Your computer and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both are connected to the same network name. If they are, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then restart Chrome and try again.

Can I cast if my internet is slow?

Casting works on slow internet, but video may buffer or pause while it loads. The quality will adjust automatically to match your connection speed. If buffering is constant, try moving closer to your router or restarting your Chromecast.

What's the difference between casting and HDMI?

Casting is wireless and lets your computer stay in another room. HDMI requires a cable plugged directly into your TV. Casting also lets you keep using your computer while content plays on the TV, whereas HDMI usually mirrors your entire screen.