The basic steps to cast from Pixel to TV

To cast from a Google Pixel phone to a TV, open the app or video you want to watch, then tap the Cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner). Select your TV from the list that appears, and the content will play on your screen. The TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Pixel, and you need a Chromecast device or a TV with built-in Chromecast.

The Cast icon appears in most Google apps — YouTube, Google Photos, Google Play Music, Spotify, Netflix, and many others. Not every app supports casting, but the major streaming services do. If you don't see the Cast icon in an app you're using, that app doesn't support casting.

Once you've selected your TV, your Pixel controls the playback. You can pause, rewind, or skip using your phone, and the video continues on the TV. If you close the casting app on your phone, the video keeps playing — you don't need to keep the app open.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cast icon appears in most streaming apps; tap it and select your TV to begin casting.
  • Your Pixel and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • You can control playback from your phone even after casting starts, and the video continues if you close the app.
  • Casting works with any Chromecast device or TV with built-in Chromecast, but not with AirPlay or other casting standards.
  • If the Cast icon doesn't appear in an app, that app does not support casting.

What you need before you can cast

Your TV must have either a Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port or built-in Chromecast. Many newer TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and other manufacturers include Chromecast built in — check your TV's manual or settings to confirm. If your TV doesn't have it, a Chromecast device (the small dongle you plug into HDMI) costs between $30 and $100 depending on the model.

Both your Pixel and your TV need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you're on a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), casting may not work. Check your router settings or ask whoever manages your Wi-Fi if you're unsure which network to use.

Your Pixel should be running Android 5.0 or later. Almost all Pixels in use today meet this requirement, but if you're using an older device, check Settings > About Phone > Android Version to confirm.

Setting up Chromecast on your TV for the first time

If you have a Chromecast device, plug it into an HDMI port on your TV and connect the power cable. Switch your TV to that HDMI input. You'll see a setup screen on your TV asking you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi.

On your Pixel, open the Google Home app. Tap the plus sign (+) in the top left corner and select "Set up device." Choose "Set up a new device" and follow the prompts. The app will find your Chromecast and walk you through connecting it to your Wi-Fi network. Once it's connected, you're ready to cast.

If your TV has built-in Chromecast, you usually don't need to set anything up — just make sure the TV is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Pixel. Some TVs ask you to enable Chromecast in the settings menu; check your TV's manual if casting doesn't work right away.

Casting video, music, and photos from different apps

YouTube: Open a video, tap the Cast icon at the top right, select your TV, and the video plays on your screen. You can browse other videos on your phone while one plays on the TV.

Google Photos: Open a photo or album, tap the three dots menu, select "Cast," and choose your TV. Photos display on your TV while you control them from your phone.

Spotify: Open a song or playlist, tap the "Now Playing" bar at the bottom, then tap the Cast icon. Select your TV and the music plays through your TV's speakers.

Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming apps: Open the app, start playing a show or movie, tap the Cast icon, and select your TV. The content moves to your screen.

Google Play Music and YouTube Music: Tap the Cast icon in the player controls and select your TV. Music plays through your TV's speakers.

Troubleshooting when casting doesn't work

If the Cast icon doesn't appear in an app, that app doesn't support casting. Try a different app to test whether casting itself is working. YouTube is the easiest app to test with because the Cast icon always appears there.

If the Cast icon appears but your TV doesn't show up in the list, check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your Pixel and your TV, then try again. If your TV is on a 5 GHz network and your Pixel is on 2.4 GHz (or vice versa), they won't see each other — switch both to the same band in your router settings.

If your TV appears in the list but casting fails after you tap it, restart your Chromecast device by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully boot up (the light will stop blinking) before trying to cast again.

If you see a message saying "Unable to connect," your Pixel and TV may not be on the same network, or there may be a firewall blocking the connection. Ask your network administrator if you're on a work or school network — some networks block casting.

Casting your entire Pixel screen to your TV

You can cast your whole phone screen, not just individual apps. This is useful for presentations, gaming, or showing photos from your gallery. Open Settings on your Pixel, go to Connected Devices, and tap Cast. Select your TV, and your entire screen appears on the TV.

Screen casting uses more battery and data than casting from an app, so your phone may get warm during long sessions. The connection is also less stable than app-based casting — if your Wi-Fi signal drops, the screen cast will disconnect.

To stop screen casting, open the Quick Settings panel (swipe down twice from the top), find Cast, and tap it to disconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast to a TV that's not on my home Wi-Fi network?

No. Chromecast requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network. If you're at a hotel, office, or friend's house, you can cast if you connect both your Pixel and the TV to the same network. Some public networks block casting — ask the network administrator if it's not working.

What happens if I turn off my phone while casting?

The video keeps playing on your TV. You can turn your phone off, and the cast will continue until you manually stop it from another device or until the video ends. To stop casting, turn your phone back on and tap the Cast icon, then select "Stop Casting."

Can I cast to multiple TVs at the same time?

No. You can only cast to one Chromecast device at a time from your Pixel. If you want to play the same content on multiple TVs, you would need to cast from a different phone to each TV, or use a different casting method.

Does casting work over mobile data, or only Wi-Fi?

Casting requires Wi-Fi. It doesn't work over cellular data. Both your Pixel and your TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to function.

Why does my cast keep disconnecting?

Weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common cause. Move closer to your router or check if other devices are using a lot of bandwidth. Restart your Chromecast device and your Pixel, then try again. If disconnections continue, your Wi-Fi network may be unstable — try connecting to a different band (2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz, or vice versa).