The basic connection process

To connect to Chromecast, your phone or computer and your Chromecast device must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Once they are, open the app you want to cast from — YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos, or any other app with a cast button — and tap the cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner). Select your Chromecast device from the list, and your content will start playing on your TV.

The first time you set up Chromecast, you'll need to plug it into your TV's HDMI port and connect it to power. Google Home app will walk you through choosing your Wi-Fi network and naming the device. After that setup is complete, you're ready to cast from any device on that same network.

If you don't see your Chromecast in the cast menu, the most common reason is that your phone or computer is connected to a different Wi-Fi network than the Chromecast. Check your device's Wi-Fi settings and make sure both are using the same network name.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone or computer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device before you can cast.
  • The cast button appears in most streaming apps and looks like a rectangle with curved lines; tap it and select your Chromecast from the list.
  • Initial setup requires the Google Home app, where you'll connect Chromecast to your Wi-Fi and give it a name.
  • If casting doesn't work, check that both your device and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network, not different ones.

Setting up Chromecast for the first time

Plug your Chromecast into an available HDMI port on your TV and connect the power cable. 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.

On your phone or computer, read the Google Home app (available on iOS, Android, and as a web app). Open the app and tap the plus icon to add a new device. Select "Set up device" and choose "Set up a new device." The app will search for your Chromecast and ask you to confirm the code shown on your TV screen matches the one in the app.

Next, choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Google Home will connect your Chromecast to that network. You can then name your device (for example, "Living Room TV" or "Bedroom Chromecast") so you can identify it when casting from multiple devices in your home.

Casting from Android phones and tablets

Open any app that supports casting — YouTube, Google Photos, Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, and many others display a cast icon in the top right or bottom of the screen. The icon looks like a rectangle with three curved lines in the lower left corner. Tap it and a menu will show all available Chromecast devices on your network.

Select the Chromecast you want to use. The content will when ready start playing on your TV, and you can control playback from your phone — pause, skip, adjust volume, or stop casting. Your phone screen can turn off and you can use other apps; the content continues playing on your TV.

If the cast icon doesn't appear in an app you're using, that app doesn't support Chromecast. You can still cast your entire phone screen by opening Google Home, tapping and holding your Chromecast device, and selecting "Cast my screen." This mirrors everything on your phone to your TV, though it uses more battery and may have a slight delay.

Casting from iPhones and iPads

Apps on iOS work the same way as Android: look for the cast icon and tap it to see available devices. YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, and many other apps include the cast button. Select your Chromecast and playback starts on your TV.

iPhone and iPad do not support full screen mirroring to Chromecast the way Android phones do. If you want to show your entire screen on your TV, you'll need to use AirPlay to an Apple TV instead. However, most major streaming apps have built-in cast support, so you can cast individual videos, music, or photos without needing screen mirroring.

Casting from Windows and Mac computers

On a Windows computer, open Chrome browser and go to any website or video you want to cast. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select "Cast," and choose your Chromecast device. The tab or window will stream to your TV. You can continue using your computer for other tasks while casting continues.

To cast your entire Windows screen, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, select "Cast," then click "Sources" and choose "Cast entire screen." Your desktop will appear on your TV. This works for presentations, games, or anything else on your computer.

On a Mac, the process is identical — use Chrome browser, click the three-dot menu, select "Cast," and choose your device. Mac does not have a native Chromecast screen mirroring option outside of Chrome, so the browser is your main tool for casting from a computer.

Troubleshooting when casting won't work

If you tap the cast button and don't see your Chromecast listed, first check that your phone or computer is on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast. Open your device's Wi-Fi settings and verify the network name. Then check that your Chromecast is powered on — look for a light on the device itself.

Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. While it's restarting, restart your phone or computer's Wi-Fi by turning Wi-Fi off and back on. Once both devices are back online and on the same network, the cast button should show your device again.

If you're still not seeing it, open Google Home app and check whether your Chromecast appears in the device list. If it does, the device is connected to the network but the casting app may not be finding it. Try closing and reopening the app you're trying to cast from. If your Chromecast doesn't appear in Google Home at all, it may have lost its Wi-Fi connection and needs to be set up again.

Controlling playback while casting

Once you've started casting, your phone or computer becomes a remote control. In most apps, you'll see playback controls on your device's screen — play, pause, skip forward or backward, and volume adjustment. These controls affect what's playing on your TV.

You can also control volume using your TV remote or your device's physical volume buttons. If you want to stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting." The content will stop playing on your TV, though it may continue playing on your device depending on the app.

Some apps let multiple people cast to the same Chromecast, queuing up videos or songs to play one after another. Check the app's settings to see whether it supports this feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?

You need a Google account to set up Chromecast using Google Home app. However, once it's set up, anyone on the same Wi-Fi network can cast to it without signing in. Guests can cast from their own phones or computers as long as they connect to your Wi-Fi.

Can I cast to Chromecast from a guest on my Wi-Fi?

Yes. Any device connected to the same Wi-Fi network can see and cast to your Chromecast. You don't need to add them to your Google account or give them any special permission. They straightforward tap the cast button and select your device.

What if my Chromecast keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

Move your Chromecast closer to your Wi-Fi router or remove obstacles between them. If your router is far away, consider using a Wi-Fi extender. You can also try changing your router's Wi-Fi channel in its settings — sometimes interference from nearby networks causes disconnections. Restart your Chromecast and router by unplugging both for 10 seconds.

Can I cast from two devices to the same Chromecast at the same time?

No. Only one device can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you're already casting, their content will take over and yours will stop. Some apps let you queue content so it plays after the current video finishes.

Does casting use a lot of data?

Casting streams over your home Wi-Fi network, so it doesn't use your phone's cellular data. However, if you're streaming video, it does use your home internet bandwidth. The amount depends on the video quality — 4K video uses more data than standard definition.