The Basic Steps to Cast to Your Chromecast Device
Casting to Chromecast means sending video, audio, or your entire screen from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV through a Chromecast device. The process differs slightly depending on what you're casting from, but the core idea is the same: your device finds the Chromecast on your home network and sends the content to it.
Before you start, make sure your Chromecast is plugged into your TV, powered on, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the device you're casting from. Your phone, tablet, or computer must also be on that same network. If your Chromecast isn't set up yet, you'll need to use the Google Home app to connect it to Wi-Fi first.
Key Takeaways
- Your casting device and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
- Android phones and tablets can cast directly from many apps using the cast button, or cast your entire screen through Settings.
- iPhones and iPads can cast video from supported apps like YouTube and Netflix, but screen mirroring requires an Apple TV, not a Chromecast.
- Windows and Mac computers can cast your entire screen or individual Chrome browser tabs through the Chrome browser's cast menu.
- If casting fails, restart both your Chromecast and your casting device, then check that they're on the same Wi-Fi network.
Casting from an Android Phone or Tablet
Android devices have the easiest casting experience because Google built Chromecast support directly into the operating system. Many apps—YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, and others—include a cast button that looks like a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner. Open the app, find that button, tap it, and select your Chromecast from the list that appears.
If the app you want to use doesn't have a cast button, you can cast your entire Android screen instead. Go to Settings, then Display, then look for "Cast" or "Screen Cast" (the exact name varies by phone maker). Tap it, select your Chromecast, and your phone's screen will appear on your TV. This works for any app, but it drains your phone's battery faster than casting from within an app.
While casting, your phone stays connected to the content and controls playback. You can lock your phone, use other apps, or even turn the screen off—the video will keep playing on your TV. To stop casting, tap the cast button again and select "Disconnect."
Casting from an iPhone or iPad
iPhones and iPads don't support full screen mirroring to Chromecast the way Android devices do. However, many video and music apps built by Google or other developers include cast buttons. YouTube, YouTube Music, Google Play Movies, Spotify, and Netflix all let you cast from their apps on iOS. Look for the cast button (the rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol), tap it, and choose your Chromecast.
If you need to mirror your entire iPhone or iPad screen to your TV, Chromecast is not the right tool—you would need an Apple TV instead. Chromecast is designed for casting individual apps and content, not for full screen mirroring from Apple devices.
Some third-party apps claim to mirror iOS screens to Chromecast, but they typically don't work well and may not be find. Stick to casting from apps that have built-in cast buttons.
Casting from a Windows or Mac Computer
The easiest way to cast from a computer is through the Google Chrome browser. Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, and select "Cast." A panel will appear showing your available Chromecast devices. Click the one you want to use, then choose whether you want to cast your entire screen or just the current Chrome tab.
Casting a tab is useful when you want to watch a video or view a website on your TV without sending everything on your screen—your open email, chat windows, and other tabs stay private on your computer. Casting your entire screen sends everything, including your cursor and any notifications that pop up.
On Windows, you can also cast without using Chrome. Go to Settings, then System, then Display, then look for "Cast to devices" or "Connect to a wireless display." This opens Windows' built-in casting tool, which can find Chromecast devices on your network. The process is similar: select your Chromecast and choose whether to cast your screen or a specific app window.
Mac computers don't have a built-in casting feature outside of Chrome, so using the Chrome browser is your best option on Apple computers.
Troubleshooting When Casting Won't Work
The most common reason casting fails is that your device and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your phone or computer's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it's connected to the same network name (SSID) as your Chromecast. If you recently changed your Wi-Fi password, your Chromecast may still be trying to connect to the old one—use the Google Home app to reconnect it.
If your device sees the Chromecast but casting fails partway through, restart both devices. Unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the light to stabilize. Then restart your phone, tablet, or computer. This clears temporary connection problems that prevent casting from starting.
If the cast button doesn't appear in an app you're using, that app may not support Chromecast. Try casting your entire screen instead, or use a different app. Some apps require you to be signed in before the cast button appears, so check that you're logged in to the service.
If your Chromecast keeps disconnecting during casting, move your router closer to the Chromecast or move the Chromecast away from other electronics that might interfere with Wi-Fi. Microwaves, cordless phones, and baby monitors can all weaken Wi-Fi signals.
What Happens When You Cast
When you cast, your device sends a signal to the Chromecast telling it what to play and where to get the content from. The Chromecast then connects directly to the internet and streams the video or audio itself—your phone or computer isn't doing the heavy lifting. This is why you can lock your phone or close your laptop and the content keeps playing.
Because the Chromecast streams directly, casting uses very little of your device's battery and data. If you're on a mobile data plan, casting still uses your home Wi-Fi, not your cellular data. The only exception is if you're casting a Chrome tab or your entire screen—in that case, your computer or phone is sending the image to the Chromecast, which does use more battery.
Casting Audio Only
Many music and podcast apps let you cast audio to Chromecast devices, including Google Home speakers and other Chromecast Audio-compatible devices. The process is the same as casting video: look for the cast button in apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, or Google Podcasts, tap it, and select your device. Your music will play through your TV's speakers or through a Chromecast Audio device if you have one.
Some older Chromecast Audio devices are no longer sold, but if you have one, it still works for casting music and podcasts. Google Home speakers and Nest speakers also accept audio casting from compatible apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast?
Yes. Your casting device and Chromecast must both be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you're on a guest network and your Chromecast is on your main network, casting won't work. Check your Wi-Fi settings and connect to the same network as your Chromecast.
Can I cast while using my phone for something else?
Yes. Once casting starts, your phone or computer is no longer needed to keep the video playing. You can lock your phone, switch to another app, or even turn the screen off. The content will keep playing on your TV. To stop casting, open the cast menu again and select disconnect.
Why does the cast button not show up in my app?
Not all apps support casting. If the app you want to use doesn't have a cast button, try casting your entire screen instead. Some apps also require you to be signed in before the cast button appears, so check that you're logged into the service.
Can I cast from multiple devices 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 already casting, they'll see a prompt asking if they want to take over. You can choose to allow it or keep your content playing.
What should I do if casting keeps disconnecting?
First, restart both your Chromecast and your casting device. Unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart. If disconnections continue, move your Wi-Fi router closer to the Chromecast or move the Chromecast away from other electronics that might interfere with the signal.