The basic steps to cast from your browser
Casting from Chrome means sending video, audio, or your entire screen from your computer to a Chromecast device, smart TV, or compatible speaker. You do this through the Chrome browser's built-in cast menu, which takes about three clicks. Your computer and the device you're casting to must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
Open Chrome and look for the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Click them, then select "Cast" from the menu. A window will pop up showing available devices on your network. Click the device you want to use, and within a few seconds your content will appear on that screen.
The cast menu stays open while you're casting, so you can pause, stop, or switch devices without closing it. When you're done, click "Stop casting" in that same menu.
Key Takeaways
- Casting from Chrome requires the three-dot menu, then "Cast", then selecting your device — all from within the browser.
- Your computer and Chromecast device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
- You can cast a single tab, an entire window, or your whole screen depending on what you're trying to send.
- The cast menu stays open and lets you control playback, pause, or switch devices without restarting the cast.
- Some websites block casting for copyright reasons, so not every video or audio stream will cast even if the device is available.
Casting a single tab versus your entire screen
Chrome gives you three casting options, and which one you choose depends on what you're trying to do. The first option is "Cast tab" — this sends only the content from the browser tab you're currently viewing. If you switch to a different tab or minimize Chrome, the cast stops. This is the most common choice for streaming video or audio from a website.
The second option is "Cast window" — this sends everything in a specific Chrome window, even if you click between tabs. If you have multiple Chrome windows open, you can choose which one to cast. The third option is "Cast entire screen" — this sends everything on your monitor, including other applications, files, and windows outside of Chrome. Use this when you want to show your whole desktop or use an process that isn't a website.
To see all three options, click the three dots, select "Cast", and look at the dropdown menu next to your device name. It will say "Cast tab" by default, but you can click that dropdown to change it to "Cast window" or "Cast entire screen" before you select your device.
What to do if your device doesn't appear in the cast menu
If you don't see your Chromecast device in the list, the most common reason is that your computer and the device are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both are connected to the same network name. Some networks have separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands — try connecting your computer to whichever band your Chromecast is using.
If they are on the same network and the device still doesn't show up, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then wait about 30 seconds for it to reconnect to Wi-Fi. Open the cast menu again. If the device still doesn't appear, restart your computer's Wi-Fi by turning Wi-Fi off and back on in your system settings.
Some older Chromecast devices may not work with newer versions of Chrome. Check the device's manual or the Google support page to confirm it supports your Chrome version. If your device is very old, updating Chrome or the Chromecast firmware (through the Google Home app on a phone) may solve the problem.
Why some videos and websites won't cast
Many streaming services and websites block casting for copyright protection. Netflix, Disney+, and some other video platforms intentionally prevent casting from Chrome even though your device is available. This is a decision made by the content provider, not a problem with your setup. You may still be able to cast the same content using the app on your phone or tablet instead of the browser.
Some websites also require you to be on a paid or premium account before casting is allowed. Free versions of services like Spotify or YouTube may not support casting, while paid accounts do. Check the service's help page to see whether casting is included in your plan.
If a website or video player says casting is not supported, there is no workaround through Chrome — you would need to use the service's mobile app or a different device that supports casting.
Controlling playback while casting
While you're casting, the cast menu stays open on your computer and shows playback controls. You can pause, play, skip forward or backward, and adjust volume from this menu. The controls work the same way as if you were watching on your computer, but the video plays on your TV or speaker instead.
You can also use the controls on the website itself — play buttons, progress bars, and volume sliders in the video player will work normally. Some people find it easier to use the website's controls, while others prefer the cast menu because it's always visible.
If you want to stop casting, click "Stop casting" in the menu. The video will stop playing on your TV, but it will remain paused in your browser tab. You can resume it on your computer or cast it again to the same device.
Casting audio from music and podcast websites
Casting works for audio as well as video. You can cast music from Spotify, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, or any website with an audio player. The process is identical — open the cast menu, select your device, and the audio plays through your speaker or TV instead of your computer's speakers.
For podcasts, cast the tab that's playing the podcast, and the audio will come through your speaker. Some podcast apps have their own cast buttons built in, but casting from the browser tab works if the app is web-based.
Audio casting is useful when you want to listen to music throughout your home without keeping your computer on or in the room. You can close your laptop, walk away, and control playback from your phone or the cast menu on any other device on the network.
Casting from different browsers and devices
Casting only works from the Chrome browser on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook computers. Other browsers like Firefox, Safari, and Edge do not have a built-in cast feature. If you need to cast from a different browser, you would need to use a different method, such as casting from a phone app or using a different device.
You cannot cast directly from an iPhone or iPad using Chrome, because Apple's iOS does not allow third-party browsers to access casting features. On Android phones and tablets, Chrome does have a cast button, and the process is the same — tap the three dots, select "Cast", and choose your device.
If you're using a Chromebook (a laptop that runs Google's Chrome OS), casting works exactly the same way as on Windows or Mac. The cast menu is in the same place, and the process takes the same three clicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast from Chrome if I'm using a VPN?
No. A VPN changes your network connection, and your computer and Chromecast device need to be on the same local network to find each other. Turn off your VPN before casting, then turn it back on after you're done if you need it.
What happens if I close my laptop while casting?
The cast stops when ready. Your Chromecast device will stop playing and return to its home screen. You need to keep your computer awake and connected to Wi-Fi for casting to continue.
Can I cast to multiple devices at the same time?
No. Chrome only lets you cast to one device at a time from a single browser tab. If you want to cast to multiple TVs, you would need to open separate browser windows or use different computers.
Why is the video lagging or freezing while I cast?
Lag usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your network is congested. Move your computer closer to the router, or reduce the number of devices using Wi-Fi. You can also try casting your entire screen instead of a tab, which sometimes performs better on slower networks.
Do I need a Google account to cast from Chrome?
No. Casting from Chrome to a Chromecast device on your local network does not require a Google account. You only need to be on the same Wi-Fi network as the device.