The basic steps to cast your browser to a Chromecast device

To cast from Chrome to a TV with a Chromecast receiver, open Chrome on your computer, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select Cast, choose your Chromecast device from the list, and your browser window will appear on the TV. The whole process takes about 10 seconds once your Chromecast is set up and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.

Your computer and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work. If they are on different networks — for example, if your computer is on a guest network and your Chromecast is on your main network — casting will not appear as an option.

Key Takeaways

  • Cast from Chrome by clicking the three-dot menu, selecting Cast, and choosing your device from the dropdown list.
  • Your computer and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can cast.
  • You can cast your entire browser window or just a single tab, depending on what you want to display on the TV.
  • Casting uses your computer's processing power, so your computer must stay on and awake while you are casting.
  • If the Cast option does not appear in the Chrome menu, restart Chrome, check your Wi-Fi connection, and make sure your Chromecast is powered on.

Finding the Cast option in Chrome

The Cast button lives in Chrome's main menu, not in a toolbar by default. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the Chrome window — this opens the menu. Scroll down until you see the word Cast with a small TV icon next to it. Click it.

A dropdown list will appear showing all Chromecast devices on your network. Each device is labeled with the name you gave it when you set it up — for example, "Living Room" or "Bedroom TV". Click the device you want to cast to. Within a few seconds, your browser window will appear on your TV screen.

Casting your entire browser versus a single tab

When you click Cast and select a device, Chrome gives you two options: Cast tab and Cast entire screen. Casting a tab sends only that one browser window to the TV. Casting your entire screen sends everything on your monitor — all open tabs, your desktop, notifications, and anything else — to the TV.

Most people cast a single tab when they want to show a video, website, or presentation on the TV while keeping other work private on their computer. Cast your entire screen when you want to use your computer as a remote control and display everything you are doing.

You can switch between tab and screen casting without stopping and restarting. Just open the Cast menu again and select the other option.

What happens to your computer while casting

While you are casting, your computer sends video and audio to the Chromecast device over Wi-Fi. Your computer does the work of processing and encoding what you are watching — the Chromecast is just receiving and displaying it. This means your computer must stay on and awake the entire time you are casting. If your computer goes to sleep or closes, casting stops.

You can use your computer for other things while casting — you can type, click, and navigate — and those changes will appear on the TV in real time. However, if you are casting a single tab, only that tab's content appears on the TV, so you can safely work in other tabs without the TV showing your activity.

Stopping a cast session

To stop casting, click the three-dot menu in Chrome again, click Cast, and then click the device name a second time. The cast will end when ready and your TV will return to whatever it was showing before you started casting.

You can also stop casting from the TV remote or the Chromecast app on your phone, but using the Chrome menu is the most straightforward method.

Troubleshooting when Cast does not appear

If you do not see the Cast option in Chrome's menu, the most common cause is that your computer and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your computer's Wi-Fi settings and make sure you are connected to the same network name (SSID) as your Chromecast. You can find your Chromecast's network name in the Google Home app on your phone under the device settings.

If you are on the same network, try restarting Chrome completely — close all Chrome windows and open it again. Make sure your Chromecast is powered on and has a solid light (not blinking). If the Cast option still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to boot up.

Some older versions of Chrome on Windows or Mac may not show the Cast option if they are out of date. Open Chrome's menu, click About Google Chrome, and let it update if an update is available. Restart Chrome after the update completes.

Why casting works differently than mirroring

Casting and screen mirroring are not the same thing. When you cast from Chrome, you are sending a video stream from your browser to the Chromecast. When you mirror your screen using your computer's built-in mirroring feature (like AirPlay on Mac or Miracast on Windows), you are sending everything on your monitor to the TV.

Casting is usually smoother and uses less Wi-Fi bandwidth because only the browser content is being sent, not your entire screen. Mirroring is useful when you want to show your desktop or use your computer as a complete remote control for the TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from Chrome on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Open Chrome on your phone or tablet, click the three-dot menu, select Cast, and choose your device. The process is identical to casting from a computer. Your phone or tablet must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast.

Does casting work if my computer is plugged into ethernet instead of Wi-Fi?

No. Your computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. If your computer is connected by ethernet cable, it is not on Wi-Fi and cannot cast. You will need to connect your computer to Wi-Fi, or use a different device that is already on Wi-Fi.

What if my Chromecast is on a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network and my computer is on 2.4 GHz?

They are considered different networks, so casting will not work. Most routers broadcast both frequencies under the same network name. Check your router settings to make sure your Chromecast and computer are connecting to the same frequency, or connect both to a network that broadcasts both bands simultaneously.

Can I cast audio only without video?

Chrome does not have a built-in audio-only casting option. If you want to play music or podcasts on your TV speakers, you can cast the entire browser tab that is playing the audio, which will show the website or app on the TV as well.

Does casting drain my computer's battery faster?

Yes. Casting uses Wi-Fi and your computer's processor continuously, so battery drain is faster than normal. If you are casting from a laptop, plug it in to avoid running out of power during a long cast session.