Cast from Chrome in three steps

To send what you see in your Chrome browser to a Chromecast device, open Chrome on your computer, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select Cast, choose your Chromecast device from the list, and then pick whether you want to cast your entire screen or just the current tab. The video, audio, or webpage will appear on your TV within a few seconds. You can stop casting by clicking the Cast icon again and selecting Stop casting.

Your computer and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for this to work. If your device does not appear in the Cast menu, restart both your computer and your Chromecast, then try again.

Key Takeaways

  • Click the three-dot menu in Chrome, select Cast, and choose your device to send your screen or tab to your TV.
  • Tab casting shows only your active browser tab, while screen casting shows everything on your monitor.
  • Your computer and Chromecast must connect to the same Wi-Fi network before casting will work.
  • You can adjust volume and pause playback using your computer keyboard or the on-screen controls that appear during casting.

Tab casting versus screen casting

Tab casting sends only the Chrome tab you are watching to your TV. This is useful when you want to stream a video, show a presentation, or display a website while keeping other browser tabs and windows private on your computer. The tab continues to play even if you click away to another window on your computer.

Screen casting sends everything on your monitor to your TV, including all open windows, desktop icons, and notifications. Choose this option when you want to show your entire computer screen or when an app or website does not work well with tab casting. Screen casting uses more bandwidth and may slow down your computer slightly.

What to do if your Chromecast does not appear

If you click Cast and your device is not listed, first check that your Chromecast is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. Look at the light on the Chromecast itself — it should be solid white or blue, not blinking red.

Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it restarts, also restart Chrome or your entire computer. Once both devices have restarted, open Chrome again and check the Cast menu. If the device still does not appear, log out of your Google account in Chrome, then log back in — sometimes the connection needs to be refreshed.

If you have multiple Chromecasts on your network, each one will show its own name in the Cast menu. Make sure you are selecting the correct device for the room where your TV is located.

Controlling playback while casting

While you are casting a tab or screen, you can control what plays using your keyboard and mouse on your computer. Pause and play buttons appear on the screen, and you can adjust the volume using your computer's volume keys. Some websites and apps also show their own playback controls on your TV.

You can also use a Chromecast remote if your device came with one, though not all Chromecasts include a remote. The remote controls the Chromecast itself but not the content playing in Chrome — your computer still manages playback.

Why casting stops or disconnects

Casting stops if your computer goes to sleep, if you close Chrome, or if either device loses Wi-Fi connection. If you step out of range of your Wi-Fi network, the connection will drop. Restarting the cast from your computer will reconnect it once you are back in range.

If casting keeps disconnecting, move your computer and Chromecast closer to your Wi-Fi router, or check whether other devices on your network are using a lot of bandwidth. Streaming video while someone else is downloading large files can cause the connection to drop.

Casting audio and video from specific apps

Some apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify have their own Cast buttons built in. Look for a Cast icon (usually a rectangle with curved lines in the corner) within the app itself. Using the app's Cast button is often more reliable than casting your entire tab, because the app sends the video or audio directly to your Chromecast rather than streaming it through your browser.

If an app has its own Cast button, use that instead of casting your tab. The picture and sound quality are usually better, and you can close the app on your computer without stopping playback on your TV.

Troubleshooting common casting problems

If the picture is choppy or the sound cuts out, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Move your router closer to your Chromecast, or move your computer closer to the router. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If the video plays on your computer but not on your TV, check that your Chromecast is set to the correct input on your TV remote. Some TVs require you to manually switch to the HDMI input where your Chromecast is plugged in. Also check that your Chromecast is not already casting something else — only one cast session can run at a time.

If you see a black screen on your TV but hear audio, the video format may not be supported. Try casting a different video or website to see if the problem is specific to that content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from my phone or tablet to a Chromecast?

Yes. On Android, open the Google Home app or the app you want to cast from (like YouTube), tap the Cast icon, and select your device. On iPhone or iPad, some apps like YouTube and Netflix have built-in Cast buttons. Android phones and tablets cast the same way as computers — both device and phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Do I need a Google account to cast?

You need to be signed into a Google account in Chrome to see the Cast option in the menu. If you are not signed in, click your profile icon in the top right corner of Chrome and select Sign in. Your Chromecast also needs to be set up with a Google account, which you do during the initial setup process.

Can I cast if my computer and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks?

No. Both devices must connect to the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a guest network separate from your main network, make sure both your computer and Chromecast are on the same one. Check your router settings if you are unsure which network you are connected to.

What happens to my privacy when I cast?

When you cast a tab, only that tab's content goes to your Chromecast. When you cast your entire screen, everything on your monitor is visible on your TV, including notifications and open windows. If you are concerned about privacy, use tab casting instead and close any sensitive windows before you start.

Can I cast while my computer is locked?

No. Your computer must be awake and unlocked for casting to work. If your screen goes to sleep, casting will stop. Adjust your computer's power settings to prevent the screen from sleeping while you are casting, or keep your computer awake manually.