The basic steps to cast from your phone or computer to a Chromecast device
Chromecast works in three stages: plug the device into your TV, connect it to your home Wi-Fi network, and then send video or audio from your phone, tablet, or computer to the Chromecast receiver. The device itself does not have a remote or menu system — it only receives what you send to it. You control everything from the device you are casting from.
The process takes about five minutes the first time. After that, casting is usually one or two taps once your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Key Takeaways
- Plug your Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV and a power outlet, then turn on the TV and switch to that HDMI input.
- Use the Google Home app on your phone or tablet to connect the Chromecast to your Wi-Fi network during setup.
- Most streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Disney+) have a cast button built in — tap it to send video or audio to your Chromecast.
- Your phone, tablet, or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast to cast to it.
- Casting pauses if you leave the Wi-Fi network or turn off the source device, but the Chromecast itself stays connected and ready.
Plugging in and powering on your Chromecast
Locate an HDMI port on the back or side of your TV. Plug the Chromecast device into that port. Then plug the power cable (included with the device) into the Chromecast and into a wall outlet or power strip near your TV.
Turn on your TV and use the remote to switch to the HDMI input where you plugged in the Chromecast. You should see a setup screen appear on your TV — usually a Google logo and a prompt to set up the device. If you see nothing, try a different HDMI port or check that the power cable is fully connected.
Connecting Chromecast to your Wi-Fi network
On your phone or tablet, read the Google Home app (free, available on iPhone and Android). Open the app and tap the plus icon (+) in the top left corner, then select "Set up device" and "Set up new device."
The app will search for nearby Chromecast devices. When it finds yours, tap it to begin setup. The app will ask you to confirm a code shown on your TV screen — this confirms that your phone is controlling the right device. Then select your home Wi-Fi network from the list and enter your Wi-Fi password.
The Chromecast will connect to the network. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. Once connected, you can give the device a name (like "Living Room TV") or keep the default name. The setup is complete.
Casting video from your phone or tablet
Open any app that supports casting — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify, or many others. Start playing the video or audio you want to watch or listen to. Look for a cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner, like a Wi-Fi symbol rotated). Tap it.
A menu will appear showing available Chromecast devices on your network. Tap the name of your Chromecast. The video or audio will when ready start playing on your TV through the Chromecast, and your phone screen will show playback controls. You can pause, rewind, or adjust volume from your phone, or use your TV remote to adjust the TV volume.
To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting." The video will stop on your TV, but the app will keep playing on your phone if you want to continue there.
Casting from a computer or laptop
On a Windows or Mac computer, open Google Chrome (the web browser). Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select "Cast." A panel will open showing your available Chromecast devices. Click the device name to begin casting.
You can cast an entire browser tab, a specific window, or your entire desktop. Choose "Cast tab" to send only what is in that browser tab to your TV. The video or audio will play on your TV while you continue working on your computer. Click "Stop" in the cast panel to disconnect.
Not all websites support casting — YouTube, Netflix, and most major streaming sites do. Some sites may show a cast icon within the video player itself instead of requiring the Chrome menu.
Troubleshooting when casting does not work
If the cast icon does not appear in an app, the app may not support casting, or your phone and Chromecast may not be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name in your Wi-Fi settings.
If your Chromecast does not appear in the device list, restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then open the Google Home app again and look for it. If it still does not appear, restart your Wi-Fi router the same way.
If casting starts but the video freezes or buffers constantly, move your Chromecast closer to your Wi-Fi router, or move your router away from walls and metal objects that can block the signal. A weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common cause of casting problems.
What happens when you cast and then leave
If you leave your home Wi-Fi network while casting, the video will stop when ready. The Chromecast itself stays connected to the network and ready to receive new casts, but the current cast session ends.
If you turn off your phone or tablet while casting, the video will continue playing on your TV until it finishes or you manually stop it from another device. You can pick up your phone later, reconnect to Wi-Fi, and cast something else — the Chromecast does not need to be reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a remote to use Chromecast?
No. Chromecast has no remote. You control everything from your phone, tablet, or computer. You can use your TV remote to adjust the volume or switch inputs, but you cannot navigate menus or pause video with the TV remote.
Can multiple people cast to the same Chromecast at the same time?
No. Only one device can cast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you are already casting, their cast will take over and your video will stop. You can pass control back and forth by casting again from your device.
What if I forget my Wi-Fi password during Chromecast setup?
You can reset the Chromecast by holding the button on the device for 15 seconds until the light blinks. This erases all settings. Then plug it back in and start the setup process again. If you still do not know your Wi-Fi password, check your router (usually printed on a sticker) or contact your internet provider.
Can I cast to Chromecast from outside my home?
No. Your phone or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast. You cannot cast over the internet from a different location. However, some apps like YouTube allow you to remotely play content if you have a Google account linked to both your phone and the Chromecast.
Does Chromecast work with all streaming apps?
Most major apps support casting — Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Disney+, Hulu, and others. Smaller or older apps may not. Open the app and look for the cast icon. If it is not there, that app does not support casting to Chromecast.