The Basic Steps to Get Chromecast Working

Chromecast works by connecting a small device to your TV's HDMI port, then sending video or audio from your phone, tablet, or computer to that device over your home WiFi network. You do not need a cable box or special remote — you cast from the app itself.

The process has three parts: plug in the device, connect it to your WiFi, and then cast from an app on your phone or computer. Most people finish setup in under five minutes.

Before you start, make sure your TV has an available HDMI port and that you have a power outlet nearby. You will also need a WiFi network that your phone and the Chromecast device can both reach.

Key Takeaways

  • Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV, switch the TV to that input, and plug the power cable into an outlet.
  • Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, tap the plus icon, select "Set up device," and follow the prompts to connect Chromecast to your WiFi network.
  • Once connected, open any supported app (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Chrome browser) and tap the cast icon to send video or audio to your TV.
  • Your phone and Chromecast must be on the same WiFi network for casting to work.
  • You can cast from multiple apps at once, and the video or audio plays on your TV while your phone screen returns to normal.

Plugging In and Powering On

Locate an HDMI port on the back or side of your TV. Most TVs have at least two. Plug the Chromecast device into one of these ports — it looks like a small stick or puck with an HDMI connector on one end.

Plug the power cable into the Chromecast. The other end goes into a wall outlet or a USB power adapter. A light on the device will turn on, usually white or blue. Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input using your remote. You should see the Chromecast setup screen appear on your television.

Connecting to WiFi Using the Google Home App

On your phone or tablet, read the Google Home app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android) if you do not already have it. Open the app and sign in with your Google account.

Tap the plus icon in the top left corner, then select "Set up device." Choose "Set up a new device" and select your Chromecast from the list. The app will ask you to confirm the code shown on your TV screen — this confirms you are setting up the right device.

Next, select your home WiFi network from the list and enter your WiFi password. The Chromecast will connect to the network. Once the setup screen shows a checkmark or "Setup complete," you are ready to cast.

Casting Video and Audio from Your Phone

Open any app that supports casting — YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, Pandora, and many others all work. Look for the cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with WiFi waves in the corner. It is usually in the top right or bottom right of the app.

Tap the cast icon and select your Chromecast device from the list. The video or audio will start playing on your TV. Your phone screen will return to normal, and you can use your phone for other things while the content plays on the TV.

To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting." The content will pause on your TV, and you can resume it on your phone or cast something else.

Casting from Your Computer or Laptop

If you are using a Windows or Mac computer, you can cast from the Chrome browser. Open Chrome and go to any website or video you want to watch. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select "Cast."

A window will open showing available Chromecast devices. Select your device, and the content will appear on your TV. You can minimize the Chrome window on your computer and use your computer for other tasks while the video plays.

To cast your entire computer screen instead of just a single tab, click the three-dot menu, select "Cast," then choose "Cast entire screen" at the top of the device list. This is useful for presentations or showing photos stored on your computer.

Troubleshooting When Casting Does Not Work

If your Chromecast does not appear in the app or cast icon list, first check that your phone and Chromecast are on the same WiFi network. Open your phone's WiFi settings and confirm you are connected to the same network name as the one you selected during setup.

If the cast icon does not appear in an app, that app may not support Chromecast. Try a different app like YouTube or Netflix to test whether the device itself is working. If those apps work, the first app straightforward does not have casting built in.

If the Chromecast is not responding, unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the light to turn on and the setup screen to reappear on your TV. You do not need to set it up again — it will remember your WiFi network.

What You Can and Cannot Cast

You can cast video, music, podcasts, and photos from most major apps. YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Spotify, Pandora, Google Photos, and many others all support Chromecast. You can also cast web pages from the Chrome browser on your computer.

You cannot cast from apps that do not have the cast feature built in. Some apps block casting for licensing reasons. If an app does not show a cast icon, it does not support the feature — there is no way around it.

You can cast from multiple devices to the same Chromecast, but only one can play at a time. If someone else casts while you are casting, their content will take over and yours will pause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?

Yes. You need a Google account to set up Chromecast using the Google Home app. However, once it is set up, anyone on your WiFi network can cast to it without signing in — they just need to tap the cast icon in their app and select your device.

Can I use Chromecast without WiFi?

No. Chromecast requires a WiFi network to work. It connects to your home network and receives the video or audio stream from your phone or computer over that network. If your WiFi is down, Chromecast will not work.

What if my TV does not have an HDMI port?

Older TVs without HDMI ports cannot use Chromecast. You would need to replace the TV or use a different streaming device. Some people use an HDMI-to-composite adapter, but these are unreliable and not recommended by Google.

Can I cast to multiple TVs at the same time?

No. One Chromecast device can only receive one cast at a time. If you want to cast to multiple TVs, you need a separate Chromecast device plugged into each TV. You can then cast the same content to all of them from your phone, but each device must be set up separately.

Does casting use a lot of data?

Casting uses WiFi, not your phone's cellular data, so it does not count against a mobile data plan. However, the video itself uses bandwidth from your home WiFi network. Streaming 4K video uses more bandwidth than streaming standard definition, so if your WiFi is slow, lower the video quality in the app settings.