Check your TV's settings menu first
The fastest way to know if your TV has Chromecast is to look in the settings. Pick up your remote and press the home or menu button. Navigate to Settings or System, then look for a section called About, Device Info, or System Info. If you see "Chromecast built-in" or "Google Cast" listed there, your TV has it.
Not all TVs organize their menus the same way. If you cannot find an About section, try looking under Apps, Connected Devices, or Network. Some TV brands bury this information deeper than others. If you get stuck, your TV's remote may have a Google Home or Chromecast button — that is a sign it is built in.
Key Takeaways
- Chromecast built-in appears in your TV's settings under About, Device Info, or System Info — check there first before assuming you do not have it.
- Your TV's remote may have a dedicated Google Home or Chromecast button, which means the feature is definitely installed.
- Most newer smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL include Chromecast, but older models and budget brands often do not.
- If your TV does not have Chromecast built in, you can add it with a separate device like a Chromecast dongle or a streaming box.
Look for a dedicated button on your remote
Many TVs with Chromecast built in have a button on the remote labeled with the Google Home icon, a microphone, or the word "Chromecast." Press this button and you will see a menu appear on screen asking you to cast content from your phone or computer. If this button exists and works, your TV definitely has Chromecast.
Not every TV with built-in Chromecast has a dedicated button — some require you to use the settings menu instead. But if the button is there, it is the easiest proof that the feature is active and ready to use.
Check what brand and model your TV is
Chromecast built-in became standard on most new smart TVs starting around 2016, but the year and brand matter. Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, and Hisense have included it on many of their models for several years. If your TV is from 2018 or newer and came from one of these brands, there is a good chance it has Chromecast.
Older TVs, budget models, and some off-brand sets do not have it. If you bought your TV before 2016 or it is a very basic model, Chromecast probably is not built in. You can search your exact TV model online — for example, "Samsung 55-inch 2020 Chromecast" — and the product page or manual will tell you whether it includes the feature.
Test it by trying to cast from your phone
The real test is whether casting actually works. On an Android phone, open any app that supports casting — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Google Photos all work. Look for a cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner) and tap it. Your TV should appear in the list of available devices if Chromecast is built in and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
On an iPhone, the process is similar in apps that support AirPlay or Google Cast. If your TV shows up in the cast menu and you can send video or audio to it, Chromecast is definitely there. If your TV never appears in the list, either Chromecast is not built in, or it is turned off in the settings.
What to do if your TV does not have Chromecast
If you have checked the settings, looked at the remote, and tried casting without success, your TV does not have Chromecast built in. This does not mean you cannot use Chromecast at all — you can buy a separate device to add the feature. A Chromecast dongle plugs into your TV's HDMI port and costs between $30 and $100 depending on the model. A streaming box like the Google TV box or Chromecast with Google TV does the same thing and often includes a remote and other apps.
Both options connect to your TV the same way a cable box would. Once plugged in and set up, they work exactly like built-in Chromecast — you cast from your phone or computer to the device, and the content appears on your TV. The main difference is that you have an extra piece of hardware to manage, but the casting experience is identical.
Make sure Chromecast is turned on and connected to Wi-Fi
Even if your TV has Chromecast built in, it will not show up in your cast menu if it is turned off or not connected to Wi-Fi. Go back to Settings and look for Connected Devices, Chromecast Settings, or Google Cast Settings. Make sure the toggle or switch next to Chromecast is turned on. Then check that your TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer — casting only works when all devices are on the same network.
If Chromecast is on but your phone still cannot find it, try restarting your TV and your phone. Sometimes a straightforward restart fixes connection problems. If it still does not work after a restart, your Wi-Fi may be the issue — move closer to your router or restart the router itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every smart TV have Chromecast?
No. Most newer smart TVs from major brands include it, but older models, budget TVs, and some off-brand sets do not. The only way to know for sure is to check your TV's settings or try casting from your phone.
Is Chromecast the same as Google TV?
No. Chromecast is the casting feature that lets you send content from your phone to your TV. Google TV is an operating system that some TVs run. A TV can have Chromecast without Google TV, or Google TV without Chromecast, though many newer TVs have both.
Can I add Chromecast to a TV that does not have it?
Yes. You can buy a Chromecast dongle or a streaming device with Chromecast built in and plug it into your TV's HDMI port. It works the same way as built-in Chromecast and costs between $30 and $100.
Why is my TV not showing up when I try to cast?
Your TV and phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast. Check that both devices are connected to the same network, that Chromecast is turned on in your TV's settings, and that your TV is powered on. Restart both devices if casting still does not work.
Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?
You need a Google account to set up Chromecast the first time, but once it is set up, anyone on your Wi-Fi network can cast to it without signing in.