The basic steps to cast YouTube from your phone or computer
To cast YouTube to a Chromecast device, open the YouTube app or website on your phone, tablet, or computer, then tap or click the Cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner). Select your Chromecast device from the list that appears, and YouTube will begin playing on your TV. The video will stream from YouTube's servers directly to your Chromecast—your phone or computer acts as a remote control, not the source of the video itself.
The Cast icon appears in slightly different places depending on what you're using. On the YouTube mobile app, it's in the top right corner of the screen. On a computer browser, it's also in the top right. If you don't see it, make sure your phone, tablet, or computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.
Key Takeaways
- The Cast icon appears in the top right of the YouTube app or website—tap or click it and select your Chromecast device.
- Your phone, tablet, or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast for casting to work.
- Once you start casting, you can control playback from your device, and the video streams directly from YouTube to your TV.
- You can cast from the YouTube app on Android and iOS, or from YouTube.com on any web browser.
- If the Cast icon doesn't appear, restart your Chromecast device and make sure your YouTube app is up to date.
Casting from the YouTube mobile app
Open the YouTube app on your Android phone or iPhone. Find the video you want to watch, then look for the Cast icon in the top right corner of the screen—it's a small rectangle with three curved lines. Tap it, and a menu will show all available Chromecast devices on your network. Select the one connected to your TV.
The video will start playing on your TV within a few seconds. Your phone becomes a remote: you can pause, play, skip forward or backward, adjust volume, and browse for other videos without interrupting what's on the screen. The YouTube app will show a blue banner at the bottom indicating that casting is active. Tap that banner to return to the full cast controls if you navigate away.
Casting from YouTube on a web browser
Go to YouTube.com in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge on your computer or tablet. Find the video you want to watch and click the Cast icon in the top right corner of the player. A list of available Chromecast devices will appear—select the one you want to use.
The video will begin playing on your TV, and you can control it from your browser. Unlike the mobile app, the browser version doesn't show a persistent banner, but you can click the Cast icon again at any time to see casting controls or disconnect. Your computer can be used for other tasks while the video plays on your TV.
What to do if the Cast icon doesn't appear
The most common reason the Cast icon is missing is that your device isn't on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Check your phone, tablet, or computer's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it's connected to the same network your Chromecast is using. Your Chromecast's network name appears during setup and is usually printed on the device itself or in the Google Home app.
If you're on the correct network and still don't see the Cast icon, try closing and reopening the YouTube app, or refreshing the YouTube website. On mobile, check that your YouTube app is fully up to date by opening your device's app store and searching for YouTube. If you're using an older version of the app, updates sometimes add or fix the Cast feature. If nothing works, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.
Controlling playback while casting
Once casting starts, your phone, tablet, or computer acts as a remote. You can pause and play the video, skip to any point in the timeline by dragging the progress bar, and adjust volume using your device's volume buttons. The YouTube app and website both show full playback controls while casting is active.
You can also queue up videos to play next without interrupting what's currently on your TV. Browse YouTube normally on your device, and when you find a video you want to watch, tap or click the Cast icon again and select the same Chromecast device. The new video will be added to the queue. This is useful if you want to plan ahead without having to get up and change the TV manually.
Casting a video from the YouTube website to a smart TV
If your TV has Chromecast built in (sometimes called "Cast-enabled" or sold as a Google TV model), you don't need a separate Chromecast device. The process is identical: go to YouTube.com, find your video, click the Cast icon, and select your TV from the list. Built-in Chromecast works the same way as a standalone device.
Some older smart TVs don't have Chromecast built in. If your TV isn't showing up in the Cast menu, you may need a separate Chromecast device, which plugs into an HDMI port on the TV. These are inexpensive and widely available. Check your TV's manual or manufacturer's website to see if it has Chromecast support.
Stopping a cast session
To stop casting, tap or click the Cast icon again on your device and select Stop casting from the menu. The video will stop playing on your TV, and playback will not continue on your phone or computer unless you manually press play. You can also straightforward unplug your Chromecast or turn off your TV, though using the Stop casting option is cleaner.
If you want to switch to a different Chromecast device without stopping, tap the Cast icon and select a new device. YouTube will pause on the old device and resume on the new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a YouTube account to cast?
No. You can cast YouTube videos without signing in to a YouTube account. However, if you're signed in, your watch history and recommendations will sync across your devices, and you can access your playlists and subscriptions while casting.
Can I cast YouTube while using other apps on my phone?
Yes. Once casting starts, you can close the YouTube app or switch to other apps on your phone, and the video will continue playing on your TV. Your device is only controlling the stream, not providing it, so other apps won't interrupt the cast.
Why does casting stop when I close the YouTube app?
If you force-close the YouTube app (not just switching away from it), the cast connection may stop. Normally, minimizing or switching apps doesn't interrupt casting. If this happens repeatedly, try updating your YouTube app or restarting your phone.
Can I cast YouTube from my laptop to a TV in a different room?
Only if that TV's Chromecast device is on the same Wi-Fi network as your laptop. Chromecast doesn't work across different networks or over the internet—it only works on your local home network. If your Chromecast is in another room but on the same Wi-Fi, it will appear in your Cast menu.
What if my Chromecast keeps disconnecting?
Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds. If disconnections continue, move your Chromecast closer to your Wi-Fi router, or check that your router isn't overloaded with too many devices. You can also try restarting your router. If the problem persists, your Chromecast may need a factory reset—hold the reset button on the device for 25 seconds while it's plugged in.