The Basic Steps to Cast Your Screen

To cast from your computer to your TV, you need three things: a computer with Chrome browser, a Chromecast device plugged into your TV, and both devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Cast, choose your TV from the list, and your screen will appear on the television within a few seconds.

The process works the same whether you're casting a single tab, your entire desktop, or a video playing in your browser. Chrome remembers which Chromecast you used last, so the next time you cast, you can skip straight to selecting the device from the menu.

Key Takeaways

  • You need Chrome browser, a Chromecast device, and both your computer and TV on the same Wi-Fi network to cast successfully.
  • Click the three-dot menu in Chrome, select Cast, and choose your TV from the device list to begin casting.
  • You can cast a single browser tab, your entire desktop, or full-screen video depending on what you're trying to show.
  • Casting uses your Wi-Fi connection, not your computer's screen, so you can close the browser window and your TV will keep playing.
  • If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the Cast menu, restart your router and make sure both devices are truly on the same network.

Casting a Single Tab vs. Your Entire Screen

Chrome gives you two casting options, and choosing the right one depends on what you want to show. Cast tab sends only the browser tab you're watching—if you switch to another tab or minimize Chrome, your TV goes blank. This is useful when you're showing a specific video, presentation, or website and don't want your desktop visible.

Cast desktop sends everything on your screen, including your taskbar, open windows, and any notifications. This option is better when you're troubleshooting something with someone else, giving a presentation that uses multiple programs, or want to show files on your computer. Your TV will mirror exactly what you see, including your mouse cursor.

To switch between them, click the Cast icon in your Chrome menu and look for the option labeled Cast tab or Cast desktop below your TV's name. You can change modes at any time without stopping the cast.

Why Your Chromecast Isn't Showing Up in the Cast Menu

If you click Cast and your TV doesn't appear in the list, the most common cause is that your computer and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both are connected to the same network name (SSID)—if you have a 5GHz and 2.4GHz network with different names, make sure both devices are on the same one. Some Chromecast models work better on 2.4GHz, so try switching your computer to that band if available.

The second most common issue is that your router needs to restart. Unplug your router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two minutes for it to fully boot. Then try casting again. If your Chromecast is brand new, make sure you've completed the initial setup in the Google Home app on your phone—Chromecast devices won't appear in Chrome until they're fully set up.

If restarting doesn't work, restart your computer and your Chromecast device. Unplug the Chromecast from your TV for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the light to stop blinking. Then open Chrome and try the Cast menu again.

Controlling Playback While Casting

Once you're casting, your computer becomes a remote control. You can pause, play, adjust volume, and skip forward or backward using the controls that appear in the Cast menu on your computer. The video keeps playing on your TV even if you minimize Chrome or switch to another program—your computer is just sending the signal, not displaying the video itself.

If you're casting a video from YouTube, Netflix, or another streaming service, use the playback controls in that app or website on your computer to control what's on your TV. Some apps have their own cast button instead of using Chrome's Cast menu—look for a cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol) within the app itself.

You can stop casting by clicking the Cast icon again and selecting Stop casting, or by straightforward closing the Cast menu. Your TV will go back to whatever it was showing before you started.

Casting Audio and Video Quality Issues

If your video is choppy, freezing, or the audio is out of sync, the problem is usually your Wi-Fi connection. Move your computer closer to your router or Chromecast, or reduce the number of devices using your Wi-Fi. Streaming video while casting uses significant bandwidth, so if other people are downloading files or watching videos on the same network, your cast will suffer.

If only the audio is cutting out while video plays smoothly, try casting a different tab or restarting the video. Some websites have audio issues with Chromecast that are specific to that site, not your setup. If the problem happens with every video, restart your Chromecast and router as described above.

For the best quality, position your Chromecast device in an open area away from metal objects and microwaves, which can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. If you're casting from far away from your router, consider moving the router closer to your TV or using a Wi-Fi extender.

Casting From Different Browsers and Devices

The Cast feature works in Chrome on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. If you're using a different browser like Firefox, Edge, or Safari, you won't see the Cast option in the menu—you'll need to use Chrome instead. Some websites have their own cast button built in (YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify all have this), which works in any browser, but the Chrome Cast menu is the most reliable way to cast anything.

If you want to cast from a phone or tablet instead of a computer, the process is different and depends on your device. Android phones and tablets can cast through Chrome or through the Google Home app. iPhones and iPads can cast through AirPlay to an Apple TV, but Chromecast casting from iOS requires using apps that have built-in cast support, like YouTube or Netflix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my computer while casting?

Yes. When you cast a tab, you can use other programs on your computer and the video keeps playing on your TV. When you cast your desktop, your TV shows everything you do, so moving your mouse or opening new windows will be visible on the television. You can also close Chrome entirely after casting starts and your TV will keep playing.

Does casting use a lot of internet?

Yes, casting video uses significant bandwidth. If you're streaming 4K video or casting to multiple TVs at once, your internet speed matters. For standard HD video, a typical home internet connection works fine, but if others are downloading files or streaming at the same time, your cast may become choppy.

Why does my cast keep disconnecting?

Disconnections usually mean your Wi-Fi signal is weak or unstable. Move your computer or Chromecast closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If you're casting over a long distance or through multiple walls, the signal may not be strong enough—try moving the router or Chromecast to a more central location.

Can I cast to multiple TVs at the same time?

No, Chrome only lets you cast to one Chromecast device at a time from a single computer. If you want to show the same content on multiple TVs, you would need to cast from different computers or phones to each TV separately.

What if my Chromecast is on a guest Wi-Fi network?

Your computer and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast. If your Chromecast is on a guest network and your computer is on the main network, they won't see each other. Connect both to the same network—usually the main one—and casting will work.