How to Cast Video and Audio to Your TV Using Chromecast

The Basic Steps to Cast from Your Phone or Computer

Casting sends video, audio, or your entire screen from your phone, tablet, or computer to a TV with a Chromecast device plugged in. The process takes about 30 seconds once everything is set up. Your phone or computer and the Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network — that is the only requirement.

On an Android phone or tablet, open the app you want to cast from (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or any app with a cast button). Look for a rectangular icon with curved lines in the corner — that is the cast button. Tap it, select your Chromecast device from the list, and the content moves to your TV. Your phone becomes a remote; you can pause, rewind, or adjust volume from the screen.

On an iPhone or iPad, the process depends on the app. Some apps like YouTube have a built-in cast button you tap the same way. Others require you to use AirPlay instead, which is Apple's casting system. Check the app's menu or settings to see if it supports Chromecast casting directly.

From a computer (Windows, Mac, or Chromebook), open Chrome browser and click the three-dot menu in the top right. Select "Cast" and choose your Chromecast device. You can cast a single tab or your entire screen. Casting a tab is faster and uses less bandwidth if you only need one window on the TV.

Key Takeaways

Your phone, tablet, or computer must connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device before you can cast.
Android phones and tablets show a cast button (curved lines icon) in most apps; tap it and select your device to begin casting.
iPhones and iPads use AirPlay for most casting, though some apps like YouTube have their own cast buttons.
From a computer, use Chrome's Cast feature in the three-dot menu to send a single tab or your entire screen to the TV.
Once casting starts, your phone or computer controls playback, volume, and navigation from the screen.

Setting Up Your Chromecast Device and Network

Before you can cast anything, your Chromecast must be plugged into a TV's HDMI port and powered on. The device itself is small — about the size of a thumb drive — and comes with a power cable. Plug the power cable into the Chromecast and into a wall outlet or USB port on your TV.

Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input where the Chromecast is connected. You should see a setup screen on the TV. On your phone or computer, read the Google Home app (Android and iPhone) or open Chrome (computer). The app or browser will detect your Chromecast and walk you through connecting it to your Wi-Fi network. You will enter your Wi-Fi password once during this setup.

Once your Chromecast is on the same network as your phone or computer, it stays connected. You do not need to set it up again unless you move it to a different network or reset it. If you have multiple Chromecast devices in your home, each one will appear as a separate option when you tap the cast button.

Common Mistakes That Stop Casting from Working

The most frequent problem is that your phone and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network name (SSID) as the one you set up for your Chromecast. If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting your phone to the same band your Chromecast uses — most Chromecast devices work best on 2.4 GHz.

Another common issue is that the app you are trying to cast from does not support Chromecast. Not every app has a cast button. YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, and most major streaming services do support it. Smaller apps or older versions may not. Check the app's settings or help section to confirm it has casting built in.

If the cast button appears but your device does not show up in the list, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Also restart your phone or computer. Wait 30 seconds after restarting before trying to cast again — the device needs time to reconnect to the network.

Casting Your Entire Screen or a Single App

Casting a single app (like Netflix or YouTube) sends only that app to your TV. Everything else on your phone stays private — notifications, texts, and other apps remain on your device. This is the most common way to cast and uses the least amount of data and battery.

Casting your entire screen sends everything on your phone or computer to the TV, including notifications and anything you open while casting. This is useful if you want to show photos, browse the web together, or play a game on the big screen. On Android, tap the cast button and look for "Cast screen" or "Cast entire screen" as an option. On a computer in Chrome, select "Cast" and then "Cast entire screen" instead of "Cast tab."

Screen casting uses more battery and data than app casting. If you are casting from a phone, expect the battery to drain faster. Keep your phone plugged in if you plan to cast your screen for more than 15 or 20 minutes.

Controlling Playback and Volume While Casting

Once casting starts, your phone or computer becomes the remote. Pause, play, rewind, and fast-forward using the controls on your device's screen. Volume can be controlled from your phone's volume buttons or from the on-screen controls in the casting app. You can also use your TV remote to adjust volume — the TV's remote controls the TV's speakers, not the Chromecast itself.

If you want to stop casting, tap the cast button again and select "Stop casting" or "Disconnect." The content stops on the TV when ready. You can also just close the app on your phone — casting will stop within a few seconds.

If someone else on your network wants to cast to the same Chromecast, they can tap the cast button and select the device. The new content will replace what was playing. The previous person's phone will show that casting has stopped.

Casting Audio Only to Speakers

If your Chromecast is connected to a TV with speakers, you can cast audio-only content like music or podcasts. Open Spotify, Google Play Music, or any music app with a cast button. Tap the cast button and select your Chromecast. The audio plays through your TV's speakers, and the TV screen can show the album art or a blank screen — you control this from the app.

Audio casting is useful if you want music playing in a room without turning on the TV. Some people use a Chromecast Audio device (an older Google product, now discontinued) for this purpose, but a regular Chromecast works the same way. Just make sure the TV is on or the speakers are powered, or you will not hear anything.

Troubleshooting When Cast Button Does Not Appear

If you do not see a cast button in an app, the app may not support Chromecast. Check the app's settings or help menu to confirm. Some apps require you to update to the latest version before casting works. Go to your phone's app store (Google Play or Apple App Store) and check for updates.

If the cast button should be there but is not showing, restart the app completely. Close it fully and open it again. Also make sure your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network — if they are not connected to the same network, the cast button may be hidden or grayed out.

On older Android phones or tablets, some apps may not have a cast button at all. In that case, try casting your entire screen instead. This works with any app, though it uses more battery and data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?

You need a Google account to set up your Chromecast the first time using the Google Home app. After setup is complete, you can cast from any phone or computer on the same Wi-Fi network, even if they are not signed into a Google account. The Chromecast itself is tied to the Google account that set it up.

Can I cast from my phone while using other apps?

Yes, you can switch between apps on your phone while casting. If you are casting a single app like Netflix, switching to another app on your phone will not stop the video on your TV — it keeps playing. If you are casting your entire screen, switching apps will show those apps on the TV too. You can also lock your phone's screen and casting continues.

What if my Wi-Fi is slow or keeps dropping?

Casting works on slower Wi-Fi, but video quality will drop and buffering may happen. Move your phone or Chromecast closer to your router if possible. If your Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Also check if too many devices are connected to your network — this can slow down casting.

Can I cast from multiple phones to the same Chromecast at the same time?

Only one device can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If a second phone tries to cast, it will replace what the first phone was casting. The first phone will show that casting has stopped. You can take turns casting, or use multiple Chromecast devices if you want different content on different TVs.

Does casting work without an internet connection?

Your phone and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network, but that network does not need to connect to the internet. You can cast on a private Wi-Fi network with no internet access. However, if you are trying to cast content from the internet (like YouTube or Netflix), you will need internet access to load that content first.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.