The basic steps to send video, audio, or your screen from Chrome

Casting from Google Chrome means sending what you're watching or doing on your computer to a TV, speaker, or other device connected to the same Wi-Fi network. You do this through the Cast button, which appears in Chrome's menu once you have a Chromecast device set up and powered on nearby.

The process takes three clicks: open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "Cast", choose your device, and the content streams to your TV. You can cast a single tab, your entire screen, or just audio to a speaker. Your computer stays connected to the network the whole time—you're not sending the file itself, but telling the Chromecast device where to find the stream.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cast button appears in Chrome's menu only when a Chromecast device is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi as your computer.
  • You can cast a single tab, your entire screen, or audio only, depending on what you're trying to send.
  • Your computer must stay connected to Wi-Fi while casting, but you can minimize Chrome or use other apps on your computer at the same time.
  • If the Cast button does not appear, restart your Chromecast device and make sure your computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Finding and using the Cast button in Chrome

Open Google Chrome and navigate to the page or app you want to cast. Click the three vertical dots (the menu icon) in the top right corner of the browser window. Scroll down and look for the word "Cast"—it appears as an option in the menu. Click it.

A small window will pop up showing all the Chromecast devices on your network. Click the device you want to cast to. Chrome will begin sending the content to that device, and you'll see a blue Cast icon appear in the menu bar to show that casting is active. To stop casting, click the three-dot menu again, click Cast, and select "Stop casting".

Casting a single tab versus your entire screen

When you click Cast and select a device, Chrome defaults to casting the current tab only. This means only what's happening in that one tab appears on your TV—other tabs, your desktop, and notifications stay on your computer. This is the most common choice for watching videos or streaming content.

If you want to cast your entire screen instead, click the three-dot menu, select Cast, and before choosing a device, look for a dropdown that says "Cast tab" or "Cast screen". Change it to "Cast screen" or "Cast entire screen", then select your device. Now everything on your monitor—your desktop, multiple windows, notifications—will appear on the TV. This uses more of your computer's processing power and may slow things down slightly.

Casting audio to a speaker or smart display

If you have a Chromecast Audio device or a Google Home speaker, you can cast audio from Chrome the same way you cast video. Open the page with music or a podcast, click the three-dot menu, select Cast, and choose your speaker. The audio will play through the speaker instead of your computer.

Some streaming services (like Spotify or YouTube Music) have their own Cast button built into the app or website, separate from Chrome's Cast menu. These buttons often appear as a speaker icon and let you cast without opening the full Cast menu. Both methods work—use whichever is faster for what you're doing.

What to do if the Cast button does not appear

The Cast button only shows up when Chrome detects a Chromecast device on your network. If you don't see it, first make sure your Chromecast is powered on and plugged in. Look for a light on the device itself—if it's dark, the device is off.

Next, check that your computer and your Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open your computer's Wi-Fi settings and confirm the network name. Then check your Chromecast's settings (usually through the Google Home app on your phone) and confirm it's on the same network. If they're on different networks, your computer won't see the device.

If both are on the same network and the device is powered on, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait about 30 seconds for it to fully restart, then refresh Chrome or close and reopen the menu. The Cast button should appear.

Keeping your computer connected while casting

Your computer must stay connected to Wi-Fi while you're casting, but you don't have to keep Chrome in focus. You can minimize the browser, open other apps, or even lock your screen—the cast will continue. The Chromecast device is receiving the stream directly from the internet, not from your computer's screen.

If you're casting a single tab and you close that tab, the cast stops. If you're casting your entire screen and you close Chrome, the cast stops. But if you're casting a tab and you switch to a different tab or open a new window, the original tab keeps playing on your TV.

Troubleshooting common casting problems

If the video starts but freezes or buffers constantly, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Move your computer closer to the router or move the Chromecast device closer to the router. If that doesn't help, restart both devices and try again.

If the video plays but the audio is out of sync, or if you see the video but no sound, try stopping the cast and starting again. If the problem persists, restart your Chromecast and your router (unplug the router for 10 seconds, then plug it back in).

If your computer keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi during casting, your router may be dropping the connection. Check that your router's firmware is up to date (you can usually do this through the router's settings page in a web browser). If the problem continues, contact your internet provider—the issue may be with the router itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from Chrome on my phone or tablet?

Yes. On Android, open Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, and select Cast. On iPhone or iPad, the Cast button may not appear in Chrome itself, but many streaming apps (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify) have their own Cast button built in. Use that instead.

Does casting use a lot of internet bandwidth?

Casting uses the same amount of bandwidth as streaming the content normally would. If you're watching a 4K video, it uses more data than a standard-definition video. Your internet speed needs to be fast enough to stream the content smoothly—usually at least 5 Mbps for HD video.

Can I cast from multiple devices to the same Chromecast at the same time?

No. Only one device can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you're casting, they'll see a message saying the device is in use. They can take over by selecting the device and confirming they want to stop your cast.

What happens if I lose Wi-Fi while casting?

The cast will stop when ready. When your Wi-Fi comes back, you'll need to start casting again from the beginning. This is why casting works best on a stable, reliable Wi-Fi connection.

Can I cast websites that have copy protection or DRM?

Most streaming services (Netflix, Disney+, YouTube) allow casting. Some websites block it for security reasons. If you try to cast and nothing appears on your TV, the website may have disabled casting. In that case, you can cast your entire screen instead, though this uses more bandwidth and processing power.