VLC can cast to Chromecast, but the process depends on which device you're using

VLC Media Player does not have built-in Chromecast support on Windows or Mac. Instead, you will need to use your operating system's native casting feature — Windows uses Miracast, and Mac uses AirPlay — to mirror your entire screen to Chromecast, then play the video in VLC. On Android, VLC has a Chromecast button built in, making the process much simpler. On iPhone and iPad, you cannot cast directly from VLC to Chromecast at all, because Apple's ecosystem does not allow third-party apps to cast to non-Apple devices.

The method you use also depends on what you are trying to cast: a local video file on your computer, a stream from the internet, or a DVD. Each has a different setup path. This guide covers the most common scenarios — casting from Windows, Mac, and Android — and explains what to do if your device is not supported.

Key Takeaways

  • Android users can cast directly from VLC using the Chromecast button in the app, which is the fastest method.
  • Windows users must mirror their entire screen to Chromecast using Miracast, then play the video in VLC on the mirrored display.
  • Mac users can mirror to Chromecast through AirPlay if their Chromecast is set up as an AirPlay receiver, or use screen mirroring as a fallback.
  • iPhone and iPad cannot cast to Chromecast from VLC because Apple restricts casting to Apple devices only.
  • Your Chromecast and the device running VLC must be on the same Wi-Fi network for any casting method to work.

Casting from Android: Using VLC's Built-In Chromecast Button

Android is the easiest platform for casting VLC to Chromecast. Open VLC on your Android phone or tablet, then tap the three-line menu button (hamburger menu) in the top left corner. Scroll down and tap Renderer — this is VLC's name for the Chromecast device you want to cast to. A list of available Chromecast devices on your network will appear. Tap the one you want to use.

Once you have selected a Chromecast, open the video file you want to play. You can browse your phone's storage, a network drive, or a streaming source within VLC. When you press play, the video will stream directly to your Chromecast instead of playing on your phone screen. You can control playback from your phone — pause, rewind, adjust volume — while the video plays on your TV. To stop casting, tap the Renderer menu again and select None.

If you do not see your Chromecast in the Renderer list, make sure your phone and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Restart VLC and check again. If the Chromecast still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Casting from Windows: Screen Mirroring with Miracast

Windows 10 and Windows 11 can mirror to Chromecast using Miracast, a wireless display standard. First, make sure your Windows PC and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then open VLC and load the video you want to play. Do not press play yet.

Open the Windows notification panel by pressing Windows key + A. Look for a button labeled Project or Cast to device (the name varies by Windows version). Tap it. A list of available devices will appear — your Chromecast should be listed by name. Select it. Windows will begin mirroring your screen to the TV. Once the mirror is active, press play in VLC. The video will appear on your TV, and you can control it from your keyboard and mouse.

If your Chromecast does not appear in the Project menu, check that both devices are on the same network. Some older Chromecast models do not support Miracast — if you have a first-generation Chromecast, this method will not work. As an alternative, you can cast the video through your web browser instead: open Chrome, go to the three-dot menu, select Cast, choose your Chromecast, then navigate to the video file or stream you want to play.

Casting from Mac: AirPlay and Screen Mirroring

Mac does not have native Miracast support, so casting VLC to Chromecast requires either AirPlay or a workaround. If your Chromecast is set up to receive AirPlay (some newer models support this), you can mirror your Mac screen directly. Click the Control Center icon in the top right corner of your Mac, then select Screen Mirroring. Your Chromecast should appear in the list. Select it, and your Mac screen will mirror to the TV. Open VLC and play your video.

If your Chromecast does not support AirPlay, the most reliable method is to use Google Chrome instead of VLC. Open Chrome on your Mac, click the three-dot menu, select Cast, choose your Chromecast, then open the video file or stream. This bypasses VLC entirely but gives you the same result — video playing on your TV controlled from your computer.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party app like Airflow or Streamer for Chromecast, which adds Chromecast support to Mac. These apps cost between $5 and $15 and act as a bridge between your Mac and Chromecast. They are useful if you cast frequently and want a faster workflow than screen mirroring.

What to Do If Your Device Is Not Supported

If you are using an iPhone, iPad, or an older device that does not support the methods above, you have two main alternatives. The first is to use a web browser instead of VLC. Open Chrome or Safari, navigate to the video file or streaming service, and use the browser's built-in cast button to send it to Chromecast. Most streaming services — YouTube, Netflix, Plex — have cast buttons built into their web versions.

The second alternative is to upload your video file to a cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox, then open it in your web browser and cast from there. This works on any device with a browser, including iPhone and iPad, though it requires an internet connection and takes time to upload large files.

If you frequently need to cast video from devices that do not support VLC casting, consider using Plex Media Server instead. Plex is a free media server that runs on Windows, Mac, or Linux and has native Chromecast support on all platforms, including iPhone and iPad. You set it up once on a computer, then cast from any device on your network.

Troubleshooting Common Casting Problems

If your video starts to buffer or stutter after you begin casting, the problem is usually your Wi-Fi connection. Move your device closer to your router, or move your router closer to your Chromecast. If that does not help, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Buffering can also happen if you are casting a large local file over an older Wi-Fi standard — upgrading to a 5 GHz network (if your router supports it) can improve performance.

If the video plays on your device but does not appear on the TV, check that you selected the correct Chromecast in the cast menu. Some homes have multiple Chromecasts with similar names. Unplug the Chromecast you want to use, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Then try casting again — it should be the only device available.

If VLC crashes when you try to cast, update VLC to the latest version. Older versions sometimes have bugs with Chromecast. On Android, go to the Google Play Store, search for VLC, and tap Update. On Windows and Mac, open VLC, click Help, then Check for Updates.

Understanding File Format and Codec Limits

VLC can play almost any video format on your computer, but Chromecast has stricter limits. Chromecast supports H.264 video codec and AAC or MP3 audio. If you are casting a file in an unusual format — like MKV with FLAC audio, or VP9 video — Chromecast may not be able to play it, even though VLC can. When this happens, you will see an error on the TV or the video will not start.

If you run into a format problem, the easiest fix is to convert the file to MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio before casting. Free tools like HandBrake (Windows, Mac, Linux) can do this conversion. It takes time — a two-hour movie might take 30 minutes to an hour to convert — but the result will cast reliably. Alternatively, use a media server like Plex, which automatically converts files to compatible formats on the fly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast a DVD to Chromecast using VLC?

VLC can play DVDs, but you cannot cast a DVD disc directly to Chromecast. You must first rip the DVD to a video file on your computer using a tool like HandBrake or MakeMKV, then cast that file using one of the methods above. Ripping takes 20 to 60 minutes depending on the DVD length and your computer speed.

Why does my Chromecast not appear in the cast menu?

Your device and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both are connected to the same network name. If they are, restart your router and Chromecast, then try again. If your Chromecast still does not appear, it may be too far from your router — move it closer or move your router closer to it.

Can I cast VLC from my phone while using other apps?

Yes. Once you start casting, your phone screen can turn off or you can open other apps. The video will continue playing on your TV. You can control playback by opening VLC again and using the playback controls, or by using a Chromecast remote app on your phone if you have one installed.

Does casting use a lot of data?

Casting a local video file from your computer or phone uses almost no data — it streams over your home Wi-Fi. Casting a video from the internet uses the same amount of data as watching it normally. If you have a limited internet plan, casting a long video or multiple videos in one day can add up quickly.

Is there a way to cast VLC from an iPhone to Chromecast?

VLC on iPhone cannot cast to Chromecast because Apple restricts third-party apps from casting to non-Apple devices. Your options are to use a web browser to cast instead, or to use an app like Plex that has built-in Chromecast support on iPhone.