The quickest way to know if your TV has Chromecast
Look for the Google Cast button in your TV's settings menu or in any app that streams video. If you see that button—usually a rectangle with curved lines at the bottom—your TV has Chromecast built in. You can also check your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website by searching your model number, which is printed on the back of the TV or inside the battery compartment of the remote.
Most newer TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Google's own Chromecast TV models include Chromecast. If your TV is more than five or six years old, it probably does not have it built in, though you can always add Chromecast with a separate device. The Cast button is the most reliable indicator because it only appears on TVs that actually support casting.
Key Takeaways
- The Google Cast button in your TV's settings or streaming apps is the clearest sign that Chromecast is built into your TV.
- Your TV's model number, printed on the back or in the battery compartment, can be searched on the manufacturer's website to confirm Chromecast support.
- TVs made in the last three to four years from major brands are likely to have Chromecast, but older models usually do not.
- If your TV does not have Chromecast built in, you can add it with a separate Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port.
Where to find the Cast button on your TV
Open your TV's settings menu using the remote. Look for a section called "System," "Network," "Connections," or "Apps." Inside one of these sections, you should see a Cast or Google Cast option. If it is there, your TV has Chromecast. The exact menu name varies by brand, but the Cast option will be grouped with other connectivity features.
You can also open any streaming app that supports Chromecast—Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, or Disney+—and look for the Cast button. It looks like a small rectangle with curved lines coming from the bottom left corner. If the button appears in the app, Chromecast is on your TV. If the button is grayed out or missing entirely, your TV does not have Chromecast built in.
Check your TV's model number and specs
Find your TV's model number on a sticker on the back of the set or inside the battery compartment of your remote. Write it down exactly as it appears, including any letters or dashes. The model number is usually a combination of letters and numbers, such as "UN55AU8000" for Samsung or "OLED55C1PUA" for LG.
Go to the manufacturer's website—Samsung.com, LG.com, Sony.com, or whoever made your TV. Use their search bar to find your exact model number. Look for a "Specifications" or "Features" section. If the page lists "Google Cast," "Chromecast," or "Cast-enabled," your TV has it built in. If those words do not appear, it does not. You can also call the manufacturer's customer service line with your model number if you cannot find the information online.
What to do if your TV does not have Chromecast
If your TV does not have Chromecast built in, you can add it with a separate device. Google makes the Chromecast with Google TV, a small box that plugs into an HDMI port on the back of your TV. You can also buy a Chromecast Audio device if you want to cast to speakers instead of a TV. The Chromecast with Google TV costs around $40 and includes a remote control.
Other brands make similar devices—Amazon's Fire TV Stick and Roku devices work the same way. All of them plug into an HDMI port, connect to your Wi-Fi, and let you cast from your phone or computer to your TV. The separate device costs between $30 and $100 depending on the model and features. Once plugged in, a separate Chromecast device works identically to one built into your TV.
TV brands that usually have Chromecast built in
Google's own Chromecast TV line always has Chromecast. Samsung TVs made after 2019 usually have it. LG TVs with "webOS" in the name (which most newer LG TVs have) include Chromecast. Sony TVs made in the last three years typically have it, though older Sony models do not. Checking your specific model is still the safest approach because not every TV from these brands includes the feature.
TCL, Hisense, and Insignia TVs often include Chromecast, especially newer models. Vizio TVs sometimes have it, but not all models do—checking your model number is the only way to be sure. If you bought your TV before 2018, it almost certainly does not have Chromecast, even if it is a major brand. Budget TV brands are less likely to include Chromecast than premium ones, so older or less expensive models should be checked before assuming they have the feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add Chromecast to a TV that does not have it?
Yes. Buy a Chromecast device and plug it into an HDMI port on the back of your TV. It costs $30 to $100 and works with any TV that has an HDMI port and Wi-Fi in the room. You will use the same casting process as you would with a TV that has Chromecast built in.
What if I see the Cast button but it does not work?
Make sure your TV and phone are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices. If the button still does not work, go back to your TV's settings and look for a "Cast" or "Chromecast" option that might be turned off. Turn it on if you find it.
Does Chromecast work on old TVs?
No, old TVs do not have Chromecast built in. But you can plug a separate Chromecast device into an HDMI port on any TV made in the last 10 years. The TV does not need to be smart or connected to the internet—the Chromecast device handles that.
Is Chromecast the same as a smart TV?
No. A smart TV has apps built in. Chromecast lets you send video from your phone to any TV. Some smart TVs have Chromecast built in, but you do not need a smart TV to use Chromecast—a regular TV with a separate Chromecast device works just as well.
Where exactly is the model number on my TV?
The model number is usually on a sticker on the back of the TV, near the power cord or HDMI ports. If you cannot find it there, open the battery compartment on your remote—many manufacturers print the TV model number inside. You can also check your TV's original box or receipt if you still have them.