The basic way to stream to Chromecast

Streaming to Chromecast works through a Cast button that appears in compatible apps on your phone, tablet, or computer. When you tap or click that button, you choose your Chromecast device from a list, and the app sends the video, music, or screen directly to your TV. Your phone or computer acts as a remote control—you can pause, rewind, or adjust volume from it while the content plays on the TV.

The Chromecast device itself must be plugged into your TV's HDMI port and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone, tablet, or computer. If your Chromecast is not yet set up, use the Google Home app to connect it to Wi-Fi first. Once that is done, any compatible app on your devices will see it and let you cast to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Look for the Cast button (a rectangle with curved lines) inside the app you are using—it only appears in apps that support Chromecast.
  • Your phone, tablet, or computer and your Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • Some apps let you cast video, others let you cast your entire screen, and some do both—check what your app supports.
  • If the Cast button does not appear, restart the app, restart your Chromecast, or check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Finding and using the Cast button in apps

The Cast button looks like a small rectangle with curved lines in the corner—it usually appears in the top or bottom corner of the app's screen. In YouTube, it is in the top right. In Netflix, it is in the top right. In Spotify, it is in the bottom right. The exact location varies by app, but the icon is always the same.

When you tap or click the Cast button, a list of available Chromecast devices appears. Select the one connected to your TV. The app will confirm that casting has started, and the content will begin playing on your TV. Your phone, tablet, or computer screen will show playback controls so you can pause, skip, or adjust volume without touching the TV remote.

Casting video from streaming services

Most video apps—YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others—have the Cast button built in. Open the video you want to watch, tap the Cast button, select your Chromecast, and the video starts on your TV. You can lock your phone's screen or switch to another app while the video plays; the Chromecast continues streaming independently.

Some apps require you to be signed in before the Cast button appears. If you do not see it, check that you are logged into your account. A few apps also require a paid subscription to cast—check the app's help section if you are unsure.

Casting music and audio

Spotify, YouTube Music, Google Play Music, and other audio apps support casting. The process is the same: tap the Cast button, select your Chromecast, and the music plays through your TV's speakers. You can control playback from your phone while the music plays, or lock your phone and use the TV remote if your Chromecast has one paired.

Some audio apps cast to Chromecast Audio devices (an older product Google no longer makes) or to Chromecast with Google TV. Check your app's settings if you are unsure which Chromecast types it supports.

Casting your entire screen or window

If an app does not have a Cast button, you can cast your entire phone, tablet, or computer screen instead. On Android phones and tablets, open Settings, search for "Cast," and select "Cast your screen." On iPhones and iPads, swipe down from the top right corner to open Control Center, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select your Chromecast. On Windows computers, press Windows key + K to open the Quick Settings panel, select "Cast to a device," and choose your Chromecast. On Mac computers, click the Control Center icon in the top right, select "Screen Mirroring," and pick your Chromecast.

Screen mirroring sends everything on your device's screen to the TV—your apps, notifications, and anything else visible. This uses more battery and Wi-Fi bandwidth than casting a single app, so it is best for one-time use rather than long viewing sessions.

Troubleshooting when casting does not work

If the Cast button does not appear or casting fails, check these things in order. First, restart the app you are trying to cast from—close it completely and open it again. Second, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Third, check that your phone, tablet, or computer and your Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network; if they are on different networks, casting will not work.

If the Cast button still does not appear, the app may not support Chromecast. Check the app's help section or look for an alternative app that does. If casting starts but stops after a few seconds, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak—move closer to your router or check that other devices are not using all the bandwidth.

Casting from a web browser

Google Chrome on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook computers has built-in casting. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select "Cast," and choose your Chromecast. You can cast a single tab (just that website) or your entire screen. Other browsers like Firefox and Safari do not have native casting, but you can use screen mirroring instead.

Casting a tab from Chrome is useful for websites that do not have their own apps—you can watch video on a website through your TV without mirroring your entire screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast?

Yes. Your phone, tablet, computer, and Chromecast must all be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you are on a guest network and your Chromecast is on your main network, casting will not work. Check your Wi-Fi settings and make sure all devices are on the same one.

Can I use my phone while something is casting?

Yes. Once casting starts, your phone, tablet, or computer acts as a remote. You can lock the screen, switch to another app, or even turn the screen off—the Chromecast continues playing independently. You can unlock your device anytime to adjust volume or pause.

Why does the Cast button not show up in my app?

Not all apps support Chromecast. Check the app's help section to confirm it does. If it should have the button, try closing and reopening the app, restarting your Chromecast, and making sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. If none of that works, try casting your entire screen instead.

What is the difference between casting and screen mirroring?

Casting sends just the video or audio from an app to your TV, while your phone stays responsive and uses less battery. Screen mirroring sends everything on your screen to the TV, including notifications and other apps. Casting is better for watching video; screen mirroring is better when you need to show something that does not have a Cast button.

Can I cast from an iPhone or iPad?

iPhones and iPads can cast video from apps that support Chromecast, like YouTube and Netflix. They cannot use screen mirroring to Chromecast the way Android phones can, but most major video and music apps have the Cast button built in.