The Basic Steps to Cast Content to Your Chromecast Device

Casting sends video, audio, or your entire screen from your phone, tablet, or computer to a TV connected to a Chromecast device. The process takes about 30 seconds once your Chromecast is set up and connected to the same WiFi network as your source device.

On Android phones and tablets, open any app that supports casting — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, or Chrome — and look for the Cast icon (a rectangle with a WiFi symbol in the corner). Tap it, select your Chromecast device from the list, and the content plays on your TV while you keep control on your phone. On iPhones and iPads, the process is identical in apps that support AirPlay to Chromecast, though not all apps offer this feature.

From a computer, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select Cast, choose your device, and pick whether you want to cast a single tab or your entire screen. Your computer's audio plays through your TV speakers automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Chromecast device and your phone, tablet, or computer must be connected to the same WiFi network for casting to work.
  • The Cast icon appears in compatible apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify on Android, and in some apps on iPhone and iPad.
  • You can cast a single app tab from Chrome on a computer, or cast your entire screen and all audio to the TV.
  • Once you start casting, your phone or computer becomes a remote — you can pause, skip, or adjust volume from the device in your hand.
  • Casting stops when you close the app, turn off your device, or manually disconnect from the Cast menu.

Casting from Android Phones and Tablets

Open the app you want to cast — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, or any other app with a Cast button. Look for the Cast icon in the app's menu or player controls. It looks like a small rectangle with a curved WiFi symbol in the bottom right corner. Tap it once.

A list of available Chromecast devices appears. Select the one connected to your TV. The content starts playing on your TV when ready, and your phone becomes a remote. You can pause, skip forward or backward, adjust volume, and browse for new content without interrupting what's playing on the TV. Your phone's screen can turn off or lock without stopping the cast.

To stop casting, tap the Cast icon again and select Stop Casting, or straightforward close the app. The TV returns to its previous input or home screen.

Casting from iPhones and iPads

Not all apps on iOS support casting to Chromecast — Apple's native AirPlay system is more common on iPhones. However, apps like YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, and Google Photos do include Cast buttons. Open the app, find the Cast icon (same rectangle with WiFi symbol), and tap it to see available devices.

Select your Chromecast from the list. The app will ask for permission the first time you cast; tap Allow. Content plays on your TV, and your iPhone or iPad controls playback. You can lock your device or switch to another app without stopping the cast — the content continues on your TV.

If an app you want to use does not show a Cast button, it does not support Chromecast casting. Check the app's settings or help section to confirm, or look for an alternative app that does support it.

Casting Your Entire Screen from a Computer

Open Google Chrome on your Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select Cast. A small window opens showing available Chromecast devices. Select the one connected to your TV.

Chrome asks whether you want to cast a tab or your entire screen. Choose Cast Tab to send only the current browser tab to your TV, or Cast Entire Screen to mirror everything on your monitor, including your desktop, open windows, and all audio. Your computer's keyboard and trackpad still control everything — the TV shows exactly what you see.

Screen casting is useful for presentations, showing photos from your computer, or playing browser-based games on a larger display. Tab casting works better for streaming video because it uses less bandwidth and your computer can run other tasks without slowing down the cast.

Troubleshooting When Casting Does Not Work

The most common reason casting fails is that your device and Chromecast are not on the same WiFi network. Check your phone's WiFi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network name as your Chromecast. Your Chromecast's network is shown in the Google Home app under the device settings.

If the Cast icon does not appear in an app, that app does not support casting. Try a different app or check the app's settings to see if casting is disabled. Some apps require you to sign in before the Cast button appears.

If your Chromecast does not appear in the device list, restart both your Chromecast (unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in) and your phone or computer. Wait 30 seconds for them to reconnect to WiFi, then try casting again. If your WiFi router is far from your Chromecast or phone, move closer to improve the connection.

If casting starts but stops after a few seconds, your WiFi signal may be weak. Move your router or Chromecast closer together, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

What Happens During and After Casting

Once casting begins, your device sends a signal to the Chromecast telling it what to play. The Chromecast then connects directly to the internet and streams the content itself — your phone or computer does not have to stay connected or keep the app open. This is why you can lock your phone, switch apps, or even turn it off without stopping the cast.

Your device acts as a remote control. You control volume, pause, skip, and playback speed from your phone or computer. Some apps let you browse and queue up new content while something else plays on the TV.

To disconnect, tap the Cast icon and select Stop Casting, or straightforward close the app. The TV stops playing and returns to its previous state. You can cast again when ready by opening another app and selecting the same Chromecast device.

Casting Audio Only to Speakers

If your Chromecast is connected to a speaker or sound system instead of a TV, you can cast music and podcasts the same way. Open Spotify, YouTube Music, Google Podcasts, or any audio app, tap the Cast icon, and select your Chromecast device. The audio plays through the speaker while you control playback from your phone.

This works for any app that supports casting, including Pandora, Apple Music (on some devices), and audiobook apps. Your phone's screen can turn off without interrupting the audio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be on the same WiFi network to cast?

Yes. Your phone, tablet, computer, and Chromecast must all be connected to the same WiFi network. If you are on a guest network and your Chromecast is on your main network, casting will not work. Check your WiFi settings and connect to the same network as your Chromecast.

Can I cast if my phone screen is locked?

Yes. Once casting starts, your phone can be locked, turned off, or used for other tasks without stopping the cast. The Chromecast streams directly from the internet, not from your phone. You can unlock your phone and use it as a remote whenever you need to pause or skip.

Why does the Cast icon not appear in my app?

Not all apps support casting. YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Google Photos do, but many others do not. Check the app's settings or help section to confirm. If casting is not supported, try a different app or use screen casting from Chrome instead.

What if my Chromecast does not show up in the device list?

Make sure your Chromecast and phone are on the same WiFi network. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Restart your phone as well. Wait 30 seconds for both to reconnect to WiFi, then open the app and look for the Cast icon again.

Can I cast from multiple devices to the same Chromecast?

Only one device can cast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you are casting, they will see an option to take over. The current cast stops and the new one begins. You can take control back by casting again from your device.