How to Cast From Your Chromebook
Casting from a Chromebook sends video, audio, or your entire screen to a Chromecast device connected to a TV or speaker. You do this through the Chrome browser's built-in Cast menu, which appears in the top-right corner of your screen. The process takes about 30 seconds once you know where to look, and your Chromebook and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
You have three casting options: cast a single tab (just the browser window you're watching), cast your entire desktop (everything on your screen), or cast media from certain apps. Most people start with tab casting because it's the simplest and uses less battery power than casting your whole screen.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Chrome menu (three vertical dots in the top-right), select Cast, then choose your Chromecast device from the list to begin casting a tab.
- Your Chromebook and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and the Chromecast must be powered on and set up before you can cast.
- Tab casting sends only the browser window you're watching, while desktop casting sends everything on your screen, including notifications and other open windows.
- Casting drains your Chromebook's battery faster than normal use, so plug in if you plan to cast for more than an hour.
- If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the Cast menu, restart both devices and check that they're on the same Wi-Fi network.
Cast a Single Tab or Window
Tab casting is the most common method because it sends only the video or content you're actively watching. Open the Chrome menu by clicking the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of your Chromebook screen. Scroll down and select Cast.
A small window will pop up showing all available Chromecast devices on your network. Click the device you want to use. Within a few seconds, the content from your current tab will appear on your TV. A blue Cast icon will appear in the Chrome menu to show that casting is active. You can continue using your Chromebook normally—minimize the browser, open other tabs, or even turn down the screen brightness to save battery.
To stop casting, click the Cast icon in the Chrome menu and select Stop casting. The content will disappear from your TV when ready.
Cast Your Entire Screen or Desktop
Desktop casting sends everything on your Chromebook screen to the TV, including notifications, multiple windows, and anything else that appears. This is useful if you're giving a presentation, troubleshooting with someone remotely, or want to show photos from multiple folders at once.
Open the Chrome menu, select Cast, then look for a dropdown menu near the top that says Cast tab. Click that dropdown and select Cast entire screen. Choose your Chromecast device, and your full desktop will appear on the TV. Everything you do on your Chromebook—opening files, typing, clicking—will show up on the TV in real time.
Desktop casting uses more battery power and may feel slightly slower than tab casting because your Chromebook is sending more data. If you notice lag or stuttering, switch back to tab casting or plug your Chromebook into power.
What to Do If Your Chromecast Doesn't Appear
If you open the Cast menu and your Chromecast device isn't listed, the most common cause is that your Chromebook and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your Chromebook's Wi-Fi connection by clicking the network icon in the bottom-right corner. Make sure you're connected to the same network your Chromecast is using—you can find this in the Chromecast's settings through the Google Home app on a phone or tablet.
If both devices are on the same network, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it's restarting, restart your Chromebook as well. Once both devices are back online, try opening the Cast menu again. If the Chromecast still doesn't appear, check that it's fully set up and working by looking at your TV—you should see the Chromecast home screen or a screensaver.
If you've just set up your Chromecast, wait a few minutes before trying to cast. New devices sometimes take time to fully connect to your network.
Casting Video From Streaming Apps
Many streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, and Spotify have their own Cast buttons built into their apps. These buttons usually appear in the top-right corner of the app and look like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner. Clicking this button lets you cast directly from the app without using the Chrome menu.
App-based casting is often smoother than tab casting because the app sends the video directly to your Chromecast rather than streaming it through your browser. This also means you can close the browser or turn off your Chromebook screen while the video continues playing on your TV—your Chromebook doesn't need to stay awake.
Not all websites and apps support this type of casting. If you don't see a Cast button in an app, use tab casting instead.
Battery and Performance Tips
Casting drains your Chromebook's battery significantly faster than normal use because your device is constantly sending data to your Chromecast. If you're casting for more than 30 minutes, plug your Chromebook into power. If you're giving a long presentation or watching a movie, this is essential.
Closing other browser tabs and apps before you cast can improve performance and reduce lag. If you notice the video stuttering or freezing, try closing unnecessary tabs or switching from desktop casting to tab casting. Moving your Chromebook closer to your Chromecast and router can also help if your Wi-Fi signal is weak.
If your Chromebook feels hot while casting, that's normal—the processor is working harder. However, if it becomes too hot to touch, stop casting and let it cool down for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast from a Chromebook to a regular TV without a Chromecast?
No. Chromecast is a specific device made by Google. Regular TVs don't have built-in Chromecast unless they're a Google TV model. If your TV doesn't have Chromecast, you need to buy a Chromecast device and connect it to an HDMI port on your TV.
Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast?
Yes. Your Chromebook and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you're on a guest network or a different network than your Chromecast, casting won't work. Check both devices' network settings to confirm they're on the same network.
Can I use my Chromebook while casting?
Yes, but it depends on what you're casting. If you're casting a single tab, you can use other tabs and apps normally. If you're casting your entire screen, everything you do will show up on the TV. You can also close the browser window while tab casting continues—the video will keep playing on your TV.
Why does the video keep stopping or freezing when I cast?
This usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak or your Chromebook is too far from the router. Move closer to the router, close other apps and tabs, or restart your Chromecast and Chromebook. If you're casting your entire screen, switch to tab casting instead, which uses less bandwidth.
Can I cast audio from my Chromebook to a Chromecast speaker?
Yes. If you have a Chromecast Audio device or a speaker with Chromecast built in, you can cast music and audio from apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Pandora. Use the Cast button in the app itself rather than the Chrome menu for the best results.