The basic steps to cast from your phone or computer

Chromecast works by sending a video or audio stream from your phone, tablet, or computer to a Chromecast device plugged into your TV. You don't need a cable or remote — your phone becomes the control. To cast, you open a compatible app (like YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify), tap the cast icon, select your Chromecast device, and the content plays on your TV while you keep your phone in your pocket.

The first time you set up Chromecast, you'll need to plug the device into an HDMI port on your TV, connect it to power, and run through a one-time setup on your phone or computer. After that, casting takes about three taps.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromecast plugs into your TV's HDMI port and connects to your home Wi-Fi network during setup.
  • You cast from apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Google Photos by tapping the cast icon and selecting your device.
  • Your phone or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast for casting to work.
  • Some apps let you cast your entire screen (called mirroring), while others stream specific content like a video or song.
  • Chromecast works with Android phones, iPhones, iPads, Windows computers, and Mac computers.

Setting up Chromecast for the first time

Plug the Chromecast device into an available HDMI port on your TV, then plug the power cable into a wall outlet or USB port. Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input where you plugged in the Chromecast. You should see a setup screen appear on your TV with a code and instructions.

On your phone or computer, read the Google Home app (free, available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac). Open the app, tap the plus icon to add a device, and select "Set up device." Choose "Set up a new device" and follow the prompts. When the app asks, enter the setup code shown on your TV screen. Then connect Chromecast to your Wi-Fi network by selecting your network name and entering your password.

Give your Chromecast a name (like "Living Room TV" or "Bedroom") so you can identify it when you cast from multiple devices. The setup usually takes two to three minutes. Once it's done, you're ready to cast.

How to cast from your phone or tablet

Open any app that supports casting — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, Hulu, Disney+, and many others all work. Look for the cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom-left corner. Tap it.

A menu will appear showing available Chromecast devices on your network. Select the one you want to cast to. The content will start playing on your TV, and you can control it from your phone — pause, skip forward, adjust volume, or switch videos without touching the TV remote.

If you don't see the cast icon in an app, that app doesn't support Chromecast casting. However, you can still use screen mirroring (see the next section) to send anything from your phone to your TV.

Screen mirroring: casting your entire phone or computer screen

If an app doesn't have a cast button, you can mirror your entire screen instead. This sends everything on your phone or computer display to your TV, which is useful for presentations, photos, or apps that don't natively support casting.

On Android: Swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open Quick Settings. Look for "Cast" or "Screen cast" and tap it. Select your Chromecast device. Your entire screen will appear on your TV.

On iPhone or iPad: Swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center. Tap "Screen Mirroring" and select your Chromecast device from the list.

On Windows: Open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast device, and tap "Cast my screen." On Mac, use the Google Chrome browser: click the three-dot menu, select "Cast," and choose "Cast desktop."

Troubleshooting when casting doesn't work

The most common reason casting fails is that your phone and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name. If you have a 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz network with the same name, try connecting your phone to the 2.4 GHz band — Chromecast devices sometimes work better on that frequency.

If you still don't see your Chromecast in the cast menu, restart both devices. Unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot (about 30 seconds). Then restart your phone. Open the Google Home app and check that your Chromecast is listed and shows "Connected."

If the cast icon doesn't appear in an app, make sure the app is up to date. Open your phone's app store, search for the app, and install any available updates. Some older app versions don't support casting.

If casting starts but stops after a few seconds, move your phone closer to the Chromecast or router. Weak Wi-Fi signal can interrupt the stream. You can also try restarting your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

What you can and cannot do with Chromecast

Chromecast works with most major streaming apps and services. You can cast videos, music, podcasts, photos, and web pages. Many apps let you continue using your phone for other tasks while content plays on your TV — the stream runs independently once it starts.

Chromecast does not work with cable TV boxes, satellite receivers, or antenna broadcasts. You cannot cast live TV from your cable provider unless that provider has a casting-enabled app. Some apps, like Apple TV+, require you to use AirPlay (Apple's casting system) instead of Chromecast on iPhones and iPads, though you can still cast from Android phones and computers.

Protected content like some movies or shows may not allow screen mirroring for copyright reasons, but you can usually cast through the app itself.

Using Chromecast without a phone: the remote and voice control

If you have a Chromecast with Google TV (the newer model that comes with a remote), you can use the remote to browse and launch apps directly on your TV without needing your phone. You can also use voice commands by pressing the microphone button on the remote and saying things like "Play The Office on Netflix" or "Show me cat videos."

Older Chromecast models without a remote still require your phone to start casting, but once content is playing, you can set your phone down. The remote option is more convenient if you plan to use Chromecast frequently without your phone nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a smart TV to use Chromecast?

No. Chromecast works with any TV that has an HDMI port, including older models. The Chromecast device itself adds the smart features — it doesn't matter if your TV is smart or not.

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 content is already playing, their cast will take over and interrupt what was playing. You can take turns by tapping the cast button and selecting the device again.

What happens if I leave my house — will casting still work?

No. Casting requires your phone and Chromecast to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you leave home, you won't be able to cast from your phone. However, if someone else at home casts to your Chromecast, it will work normally for them.

Can I cast from my work computer to my home TV?

Not directly. Your work computer would need to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your home Chromecast, which usually isn't possible. However, you can use Google's remote casting feature if you set it up in advance through the Google Home app — this is a separate feature that requires additional configuration.

Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

Chromecast may disconnect if your Wi-Fi signal is weak, your router is overloaded, or there's interference from other devices. Try moving your router closer to the Chromecast, restarting your router, or switching to the 2.4 GHz band if your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. If the problem persists, restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds.