The basic steps to cast from your device to your TV

Chromecast works by connecting your phone, tablet, or computer to a Chromecast device plugged into your TV's HDMI port. Once both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, you can send video, music, photos, or your entire screen to the TV from any compatible app. The process takes about five minutes the first time, then becomes automatic on future uses.

You do not need a remote or any cables between your device and the TV — everything happens over Wi-Fi. Your phone or computer stays in your pocket or on your lap while the content plays on the big screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Plug the Chromecast device into an HDMI port on your TV and connect it to power, then switch your TV to that HDMI input.
  • read the Google Home app on your phone or tablet and sign in with your Google account to set up the Chromecast for the first time.
  • Once set up, open any compatible app like YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify, tap the Cast icon, and select your Chromecast device to start streaming.
  • You can cast from Android phones, iPhones, iPads, Windows computers, and Mac computers, though some apps work better on certain devices.
  • If casting does not work, restart both your Chromecast and your phone, and make sure both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Physical setup: plugging in and powering on

The Chromecast device itself is small — about the size of a thumb drive on a short cable, or a small puck depending on which model you own. Locate an HDMI port on the back or side of your TV. If your TV has multiple HDMI ports, any one will work.

Plug the Chromecast into the HDMI port, then connect the power cable to the Chromecast and plug it into a wall outlet or USB port. The device will light up and begin to boot. Switch your TV to the HDMI input where you plugged in the Chromecast — use your TV remote and look for an input or source button. You should see a Chromecast setup screen appear on your TV within 30 seconds.

Setting up Chromecast with the Google Home app

On your phone or tablet, read the Google Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and sign in with your Google account — if you do not have one, you can create one for free during the sign-in process.

Tap the plus icon (usually in the top left corner) and select "Set up device." Choose "Set up a new device" and the app will search for your Chromecast on the Wi-Fi network. When it finds it, the app will show you the name and a code. Confirm that the code on your phone matches the code on your TV screen, then tap "Yes" to proceed.

The app will ask you to select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Choose the same network your phone is connected to — Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi as your casting device. After you enter the password, the Chromecast will connect and the app will ask you to name it (for example, "Living Room" or "Bedroom TV"). You can change this name anytime in the Google Home app.

Casting video, music, and photos from apps

Once setup is complete, open any app that supports Chromecast — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, Hulu, and most major streaming services all work. Look for the Cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner (like a TV with a signal). It is usually in the top right corner of the app.

Tap the Cast icon and a list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Select the one you just set up. The content will when ready start playing on your TV instead of on your phone. You can now lock your phone, put it away, or use other apps — the video or music will keep playing on the TV. To stop casting, tap the Cast icon again and select "Disconnect."

Not all apps have the Cast icon. If you do not see it in an app you want to use, that app does not support Chromecast casting. Some apps let you cast your entire phone screen instead — look for a "Screen Cast" or "Mirror" option in your phone's settings or the app itself.

Casting your entire screen or window from a computer

If you want to show your computer screen on the TV, the process is different depending on whether you use Windows or Mac. On a Windows computer, right-click on the desktop and look for "Cast to device" or open the Action Center (bottom right corner) and select "Connect." Choose your Chromecast from the list.

On a Mac, open System Preferences, go to Displays, and look for an AirPlay option. Macs use AirPlay rather than Chromecast, so you will need an AirPlay-compatible device. Alternatively, you can use the Google Chrome browser on any computer — click the three-dot menu, select "Cast," and choose your Chromecast to mirror your browser tab or entire screen.

Troubleshooting when casting does not work

If the Cast icon does not appear in an app, or if your device cannot find the Chromecast, start by checking that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your phone's Wi-Fi settings and confirm you are connected. Then check the Google Home app to see what network the Chromecast is using — if they do not match, you will need to reconnect the Chromecast to your phone's network.

If both devices are on the same network but casting still does not work, restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it restarts, also restart your phone. Once both devices have restarted, try casting again. If the problem persists, open the Google Home app, find your Chromecast in the device list, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Forget device." Then set it up again from scratch using the steps above.

If you see a message that says the app is not compatible with Chromecast, that app straightforward does not support casting — you will need to use a different app or cast your entire screen instead.

What devices can cast to Chromecast

You can cast from Android phones and tablets, iPhones and iPads, Windows computers, and Mac computers. All of these devices can cast video, music, and photos to a Chromecast as long as they are on the same Wi-Fi network and the app supports Chromecast.

Some apps work better on certain devices — for example, YouTube casting is smooth on all platforms, but some smaller apps may only support casting from Android or only from computers. If an app does not have a Cast icon, try casting your entire screen instead, which works on all devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?

Yes, you need a Google account to set up Chromecast using the Google Home app. You can create one for free if you do not already have one. Once it is set up, other people in your home can cast to it without signing in — they just need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Can I cast from my iPhone to Chromecast?

Yes, iPhones and iPads can cast to Chromecast from any compatible app. Open the app, tap the Cast icon, and select your Chromecast. Some apps like YouTube and Netflix work perfectly on iOS, though a few smaller apps may not support casting from iPhone.

What if my Wi-Fi password has special characters or spaces?

Enter it exactly as it is, including spaces and special characters. If you are not sure of your password, check your router or your internet provider's paperwork. You can also change your Wi-Fi password in your router settings and then reconnect the Chromecast to the new password through the Google Home app.

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

Only one person can cast at a time — if someone else tries to cast while you are already casting, their content will take over and yours will stop. You can take turns by disconnecting and letting the next person cast.

Does Chromecast work without the internet?

No, Chromecast requires a Wi-Fi network to work. Both your device and the Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your internet goes down, Chromecast will not work until the connection is restored.