The basic steps to cast from Chrome
To cast from Chrome to your TV, you need three things: a Chromecast device plugged into your TV, your computer and TV on the same Wi-Fi network, and the Chrome browser open on your computer. Once those are in place, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome, select "Cast", choose your Chromecast device from the list, and Chrome will begin streaming to your TV.
The cast menu stays open in a small window on your computer while you browse. You can close it, minimize it, or leave it visible — it does not affect what appears on your TV. To stop casting, click the cast icon again and select "Stop casting".
Casting works with any website, video, or content you can view in Chrome. The video or webpage streams from your computer to the Chromecast device, which then displays it on your TV. Your computer stays in control the whole time.
Key Takeaways
- Your computer, TV, and Chromecast device must all be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before casting will work.
- The cast button lives in Chrome's three-dot menu in the top right corner, and you select your device from a dropdown list.
- Casting sends the video or webpage from your computer to your TV, and your computer remains the remote control for playback.
- You can cast full-screen video, a browser tab, or your entire desktop, depending on what you choose from the cast menu.
Casting a full browser tab versus your entire desktop
Chrome gives you two casting options. "Cast tab" sends only the active browser tab to your TV — everything else on your computer screen stays private. "Cast desktop" sends your entire screen, including any windows, notifications, or files you have open. Choose "Cast tab" if you are watching a video or showing a website. Choose "Cast desktop" if you need to display multiple windows or navigate between programs.
Tab casting uses less bandwidth and is faster to start. Desktop casting is useful when you want to show photos from a folder, switch between multiple websites, or use your computer as a full presentation tool. You can switch between the two modes at any time by opening the cast menu again and selecting a different option.
What to do if your device does not appear in the cast list
If your Chromecast device is not showing up, the most common cause is that your computer and TV are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both are connected to the same network name (SSID). If your home has a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network, Chromecast devices typically connect to 2.4 GHz, so make sure your computer is on that band as well.
Restart your Chromecast device by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then refresh the cast menu in Chrome by closing it and opening it again. If the device still does not appear, restart your computer and your Wi-Fi router. These steps resolve most connection issues within a few minutes.
If you have restarted everything and the device is still missing, check that your Chromecast is powered on by looking for a light on the device itself. Some Chromecast models have a small LED that glows when power is connected. If there is no light, the device may not be receiving power from your TV's USB port or power adapter.
Casting video from streaming services
Most streaming services — Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and others — have a built-in cast button inside their apps or websites. When you are watching a video, look for a cast icon (usually a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner) and tap or click it to send the video directly to your TV. This method is faster and uses less computer power than casting your entire browser tab.
Built-in cast buttons work even if your computer goes to sleep or you close the browser, because the streaming service is sending the video directly from its servers to your Chromecast device. Your computer is no longer involved once you start playback. This is different from tab casting, where your computer must stay awake and connected to the network.
If a streaming service does not have a cast button, you can still cast the browser tab instead. Open the service in Chrome, start playing the video, then use the cast menu to send that tab to your TV.
Controlling playback while casting
When you cast a browser tab, your computer is the remote. Use your keyboard and mouse to pause, play, skip forward, or adjust volume — the controls on your computer screen work just as they would if you were watching on your monitor. The cast menu window shows a small preview of what is on your TV and lets you stop casting from there.
When you use a streaming service's built-in cast button, the controls move to your TV. Some services display playback controls on your TV screen, while others let you control playback from your phone using the service's mobile app. Check the streaming service's instructions to see which devices can control playback once casting has started.
Fixing lag, stuttering, or poor video quality
If your video is choppy, freezes, or keeps buffering, the issue is usually your Wi-Fi connection. Move your computer closer to your Wi-Fi router or move the router closer to your TV. Walls, metal objects, and distance weaken Wi-Fi signals. If you are far from the router, a Wi-Fi extender can help, though it may introduce slight delay.
Close other programs on your computer that use the internet — downloads, video calls, or background updates will compete with your cast stream. If you are casting a browser tab, close unnecessary browser tabs and extensions. Casting your desktop uses more bandwidth than casting a single tab, so switch to tab casting if quality is poor.
Lower the resolution of the video you are casting. In YouTube, for example, you can click the settings icon during playback and choose a lower resolution like 480p instead of 1080p. This reduces the amount of data your Wi-Fi has to carry. Restart your Chromecast device and your router if the problem persists.
Casting from different devices and browsers
Casting works in Chrome on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It does not work in other browsers like Firefox, Safari, or Edge, because those browsers do not have built-in casting support. If you need to cast from a different browser, you will need to use a different method — some smart TVs have their own casting apps, or you can use a different device that supports casting.
You cannot cast directly from an iPhone or iPad using Chrome, because Apple does not allow third-party apps to cast to Chromecast devices. However, you can cast from an Android phone or tablet using the Chrome app. Some streaming services like Netflix and YouTube have their own cast buttons on iOS, so you can cast from those apps even though Chrome casting is not available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast if my computer is on a different Wi-Fi network than my TV?
No. Your computer, Chromecast device, and TV must all be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your home has a guest network, make sure both devices are on the main network, not the guest network. Check your Wi-Fi settings on both devices to confirm they are connected to the same network name.
Does my computer have to stay on while I am casting?
It depends on what you are casting. If you are casting a browser tab, your computer must stay on and connected to Wi-Fi — if it goes to sleep or disconnects, casting stops. If you are using a streaming service's built-in cast button, your computer can go to sleep after playback starts, because the video is coming from the service's servers, not your computer.
Can I cast audio only, without video?
Yes. If you are listening to music on a website or in a browser tab, you can cast that tab to your TV and the audio will play through your TV's speakers. The video or webpage will also display on your TV, but the audio is what matters. Some music services have their own cast buttons that work the same way.
What if the cast menu does not show up in Chrome?
Make sure you are using a recent version of Chrome. Open Chrome's menu, click "About Chrome", and let it update if needed. Restart Chrome after updating. If the cast option still does not appear, your Chromecast device may not be on the same Wi-Fi network, or your computer may not have permission to access the network.
Can I cast to multiple TVs at the same time?
No. Chrome casting sends to one device at a time. If you have multiple Chromecast devices, you can switch between them by opening the cast menu and selecting a different device, but only one will receive the stream. To cast to multiple TVs, you would need to cast from multiple computers or use a different casting method.