The basic steps to cast from your phone or computer

To cast to your TV with Chromecast, you need three things: a Chromecast device plugged into your TV's HDMI port, your phone or computer on the same Wi-Fi network, and an app that supports casting. Open the app you want to cast from — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, or any other casting-compatible app — 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, and the content will appear on your TV within seconds.

The cast icon location varies by app. In YouTube, it's in the top right corner. In Netflix, it's in the top left. In Spotify, it's at the bottom right. If you don't see a cast icon, the app either doesn't support casting or you're not on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone or computer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device for casting to work.
  • The cast icon appears in most streaming apps — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, Disney+, and others — but not all apps support it.
  • Once you select your Chromecast from the cast menu, your phone or computer becomes a remote; you can pause, rewind, or switch apps without interrupting playback.
  • Casting uses very little battery on your phone because the TV streams directly from the internet, not from your device.

Setting up your Chromecast device for the first time

Before you can cast anything, your Chromecast must be set up and connected to your Wi-Fi. Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV, then plug the power cable into a wall outlet or USB port. Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input where you plugged in the Chromecast. You should see a setup screen appear on your TV.

On your phone or computer, open the Google Home app (available free on iOS and Android, or as a web app at home.google.com). The app will detect your Chromecast automatically. Follow the on-screen prompts to name your device, select your Wi-Fi network, and enter your Wi-Fi password. Once setup is complete, your Chromecast will remember that network and connect automatically in the future.

Casting from Android phones and tablets

Android phones and tablets cast the same way as any other device: open a compatible app, tap the cast icon, and select your Chromecast. However, Android also supports screen mirroring, which sends everything on your phone's screen to the TV — not just the app you're using. To screen mirror, swipe down from the top of your screen twice to open Quick Settings, then look for "Cast" or "Screen Cast." Tap it, select your Chromecast, and your entire phone screen will appear on the TV.

Screen mirroring is useful for showing photos, browsing the web, or playing games, but it drains your phone's battery faster than regular casting because your phone is doing the work of sending video to the TV. If you're just watching a video or listening to music, use the app's cast button instead.

Casting from iPhones and iPads

iPhones and iPads do not have a built-in screen mirroring option for Chromecast — that feature only works with Apple TV. However, you can still cast from any app that supports Google Cast. Open YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or another compatible app, tap the cast icon, and select your Chromecast device. The content will play on your TV while you control it from your phone.

If you want to mirror your iPhone or iPad screen to a Chromecast, you'll need a third-party app. Some apps like Replica or Google Home itself offer this feature, but they require a subscription or have limited functionality. For most people, casting from individual apps is simpler and more reliable.

Casting from Windows and Mac computers

On a Windows computer, open Chrome and navigate to the website or app you want to cast from. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select "Cast," and choose your Chromecast device. Your browser tab will appear on your TV. You can continue using your computer normally — the tab will keep playing on the TV even if you switch to another tab or minimize Chrome.

On a Mac, the process is the same if you're using Chrome. If you're using Safari, you'll need to use AirPlay instead, which requires an Apple TV rather than a Chromecast. Some Mac apps like Spotify and YouTube support casting directly through their cast buttons, so check the app before opening Chrome.

Troubleshooting when casting doesn't work

If the cast icon doesn't appear in your app, first check that your phone or computer and your Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open your device's Wi-Fi settings and confirm you're connected to the correct network. Then restart the app and try again. If the cast icon still doesn't appear, the app may not support casting — check the app's help section or try a different app.

If you see the cast icon but your Chromecast doesn't appear in the list, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the setup screen to appear on your TV, which means it's ready to receive casts. If it still doesn't show up, restart your phone or computer and try again. If your Chromecast is more than 15 feet from your Wi-Fi router, move it closer — distance and walls can weaken the signal.

If casting starts but stops after a few seconds, your Wi-Fi connection may be too slow or unstable. Move your Chromecast closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If you have many devices on your Wi-Fi, disconnect a few to free up bandwidth.

What happens to your phone while you're casting

Once you start casting, your phone or computer becomes a remote control. You can pause, play, rewind, skip forward, adjust volume, and switch apps without touching your TV. The content streams directly from the internet to your Chromecast, not from your phone, so your phone's battery drains very slowly. You can even lock your phone or put it in another room — the cast will continue playing on your TV.

If you want to stop casting, open the cast menu again and tap "Disconnect." The content will stop playing on your TV, but you can continue watching on your phone if you want. You don't need to do anything special to your Chromecast — it will just wait for the next cast command.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?

You need a Google account to set up Chromecast the first time using the Google Home app. After setup is complete, you don't need to be logged in to cast — anyone on the same Wi-Fi network can cast to your Chromecast without a Google account.

Can I cast to multiple TVs at the same time?

No, you can only cast to one Chromecast device at a time from a single phone or computer. However, if you have multiple Chromecast devices in different rooms, you can set them up in the Google Home app and switch between them by selecting a different device from the cast menu.

What if my Wi-Fi password changes?

Your Chromecast will lose connection to Wi-Fi and show an error on your TV. Open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon, and select "Wi-Fi." Follow the prompts to enter your new Wi-Fi password. Your Chromecast will reconnect automatically.

Can I cast if I'm not home?

No, your phone or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast to cast. You cannot cast over the internet from outside your home. Some apps like YouTube allow you to send videos to a Chromecast remotely if you're logged into the same Google account, but this is a different feature from regular casting.

Why does casting sometimes lag or stutter?

Lag usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your network is congested. Move your Chromecast closer to your router, restart your router, or disconnect other devices from Wi-Fi. If you're casting video, a weak connection may cause buffering — try lowering the video quality in the app's settings.