The fastest way to change your Chromecast background

You change your Chromecast background through the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Open the app, select your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon (three dots in the top right), scroll down to "Display settings," and choose "Screensaver." From there you can pick from Google's built-in photo collections, upload your own photos, or connect to a service like Spotify or a news feed.

The background only shows when your Chromecast is idle — when nothing is actively casting to it. Once you start casting a show, app, or photo, your chosen background disappears until casting stops.

Key Takeaways

  • You control Chromecast backgrounds entirely through the Google Home app; there is no way to change them from the device itself.
  • Google offers built-in photo collections (Earth, Landscapes, Pets, Art) at no cost, and you can upload your own photos from your phone's gallery.
  • Some Chromecast models support casting a live feed from Spotify, YouTube Music, or news sources as your screensaver background.
  • Background changes take effect when ready and explore only when the device is idle, not during active casting.

Using Google's built-in photo collections

The easiest option is to pick from Google's pre-loaded collections. These include Earth (satellite and nature photography), Landscapes, Pets, Art, and Cityscapes. Open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast, go to Settings > Display settings > Screensaver, and tap "Google Photos" or the collection name. Tap the collection you want, then confirm.

Google rotates these photos automatically, so you see a different image each time your Chromecast goes idle. You do not need to do anything after you choose — the rotation happens on its own.

Uploading your own photos as a background

To use photos from your phone as your Chromecast background, open the Google Home app, select your device, go to Settings > Display settings > Screensaver, and tap "Google Photos." Then tap "Your photos" or "Photos from your library." The app will ask permission to access your phone's photo gallery — allow it, then select which photos or albums you want to use.

You can choose a single album, multiple albums, or let Google pull from your entire photo library. Once you confirm, those photos will rotate as your screensaver. If you add new photos to the album later, they automatically appear in the rotation without you having to change any settings.

Connecting music and news feeds to your screensaver

Some Chromecast models let you display a live feed while your device is idle. In the Screensaver settings, you may see options like "Spotify," "YouTube Music," or "News." If your model supports these, tap the one you want, then sign in with your account if prompted.

Spotify will show album art and now-playing information from your account. YouTube Music shows a similar display. News feeds show headlines and images that update throughout the day. Not all Chromecast generations support these features — if you do not see them in your Screensaver menu, your device does not have them.

Troubleshooting background changes that do not appear

If you change your background but it does not show up, first make sure your Chromecast is actually idle. The background only displays when nothing is casting — if an app, video, or photo is actively playing, you will not see it. Stop casting and wait a few seconds for the screensaver to appear.

If the background still does not change, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. After it restarts, wait 30 seconds and let it go idle again. If you are using your own photos and they still do not appear, check that the Google Home app has permission to access your phone's photo library. Go to your phone's Settings > Apps > Google Home > Permissions > Photos and make sure it is turned on.

Why your Chromecast background keeps reverting to default

If your background keeps changing back to Google's default collection, your Chromecast may not have saved your choice. This usually happens if you did not wait for the change to fully process before closing the app or turning off your phone. Make the change again, then leave the Google Home app open for at least 10 seconds after you tap confirm.

Another cause is that your Chromecast lost connection to your Wi-Fi network briefly. When it reconnects, it sometimes resets to the last background it successfully saved. If this happens repeatedly, check that your Wi-Fi signal is strong where your Chromecast is located. You can also try moving your router closer or removing obstacles between the router and the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a video as my Chromecast background instead of photos?

No. Chromecast screensavers only support still photos, music feeds, or news feeds. You cannot set a video clip as your idle background. If you want video content on your TV, you will need to actively cast it from your phone or another device.

What happens to my background when I cast something to my Chromecast?

Your background disappears and is replaced by whatever you are casting — a show, app, photo, or video. Once you stop casting and the device goes idle again, your chosen background returns automatically.

Do I need a Google account to change my Chromecast background?

Yes. You control Chromecast through the Google Home app, which requires a Google account. The account does not have to be the same one you use on your phone, but you do need one to access the settings.

Can multiple people in my house have different backgrounds on the same Chromecast?

No. A Chromecast device has one background at a time, set through whoever controls it in the Google Home app. If multiple people in your household have the app, whoever changes the background last is the one that shows.

Why are some of my photos blurry or cropped on the Chromecast screensaver?

Chromecast scales photos to fit your TV's screen size and aspect ratio. Very small photos or those with unusual dimensions may appear stretched or cropped. For best results, use photos that are at least 1920 by 1080 pixels and in a standard landscape or portrait orientation.