Change the background image on your Chromecast display

You can change what appears on your Chromecast screen when it is not actively playing video or music. The background—sometimes called the screensaver or backdrop—can be a photo from your phone, a Google photo album, or one of Google's built-in images. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you are using a Chromecast with Google TV (the box or stick with a remote) or an older Chromecast device (the smaller dongle).

For a Chromecast with Google TV, go to Settings on the device itself using your remote, select Display & Sound, then Screensaver. From there you can choose from Google's default images, your own photos, or a connected photo service. For an older Chromecast, you change the background through the Google Home app on your phone—there is no on-device menu.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromecast with Google TV lets you set the screensaver directly on the device using your remote, choosing from Google images, your phone's photos, or photo services.
  • Older Chromecast models require you to use the Google Home app on your phone to change the background.
  • You can upload your own photos, connect a Google Photos album, or use Google's rotating collection of artwork and nature images.
  • The background appears whenever your Chromecast is idle and not playing content.

Setting the background on Chromecast with Google TV

If you have a Chromecast with Google TV (the larger device with a remote), the easiest way to change the background is through the on-screen menu. Pick up your remote and press the Home button to go to the main screen. Navigate to Settings—usually found at the top or bottom of the menu depending on your interface version.

Once in Settings, look for Display & Sound or just Display. Select Screensaver from that menu. You will see several options: Google's built-in images (rotating artwork, nature scenes, and photography), your own photos, or connected services like Google Photos. Choose whichever appeals to you. If you select your own photos, the device will ask you to pick a folder or album from your phone or cloud storage.

After you make your choice, the new background takes effect when ready. Your Chromecast will display it whenever the device is on but not playing anything. You can return to this menu anytime to switch to a different background.

Changing the background on older Chromecast models

Older Chromecast devices (the small HDMI dongle without a remote) do not have an on-screen settings menu. Instead, you control the background through the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Open the app and tap the device you want to adjust—it will show as "Chromecast" or by whatever name you gave it.

Tap the settings icon (usually a gear or three dots) to open device settings. Look for Screensaver or Background. From there, you can choose Google's default images, upload photos from your phone, or connect a Google Photos album. The changes sync to your Chromecast within a few seconds.

If you do not see a Screensaver option in the Google Home app, your Chromecast model may not support custom backgrounds. Older first-generation devices sometimes lack this feature. Check the device name or model number in the app settings to confirm which version you own.

Uploading your own photos as the background

Both Chromecast with Google TV and older models let you use photos from your phone or computer. On Chromecast with Google TV, go to Settings > Display & Sound > Screensaver, select Photos, and then choose a folder or album from your device. The screensaver will rotate through those images.

On older Chromecast, open Google Home, tap your device settings, select Screensaver, and choose Photos. You can then pick specific images or an entire folder. Google Photos integration works on both versions—if you have a Google Photos account, you can point your Chromecast to a specific album, and it will display those photos in rotation.

Keep in mind that very large image files may take a moment to load on the display. If you notice lag or slow transitions, try using compressed or lower-resolution versions of your photos.

Using Google's built-in image collections

Google provides several rotating collections of images you can use without uploading anything yourself. These include fine art from museums, nature photography, travel scenes, and abstract designs. On Chromecast with Google TV, these appear as options in the Screensaver menu—just select one and it will cycle through automatically.

On older Chromecast, open Google Home, go to device settings, select Screensaver, and choose from Google's collections. The images rotate on a schedule, so you will see something different each time your Chromecast goes idle. This is a good option if you want variety without managing your own photo library.

Troubleshooting background and screensaver issues

If your background is not changing or appears stuck on one image, first check that your Chromecast is fully updated. On Chromecast with Google TV, go to Settings > System > About and look for system updates. On older models, open Google Home, tap your device, and check for app updates in your phone's app store.

If you uploaded photos and they are not appearing, make sure the folder or album you selected is still accessible. If you used Google Photos, confirm that the album is shared with your Google account and that you are signed into the same account on your Chromecast. Disconnect and reconnect the device to power if the screensaver still will not load.

If the screensaver option is missing entirely from your menu, your device model may not support this feature. Very old first-generation Chromecast devices sometimes lack background customization. Check Google's support site for your specific model number to confirm what features are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a video as my Chromecast background?

No, Chromecast backgrounds must be still images. You can use photos, artwork, or Google's built-in image collections, but not video files. If you want video playing on your TV, you will need to actively cast content to your Chromecast rather than relying on the screensaver.

Will changing the background use more power or data?

Changing to a local photo or Google's built-in images uses minimal extra power. If you connect a cloud-based photo album, your Chromecast will read images over Wi-Fi, which uses a small amount of data but should not noticeably affect your internet speed or bill.

Can I set different backgrounds for different times of day?

Chromecast does not have a scheduling feature for backgrounds. You can only set one background at a time. If you want to change it regularly, you will need to do so manually through the settings menu or Google Home app.

What happens to the background when I cast content to my Chromecast?

When you cast a video, photo, or music to your Chromecast, the background disappears and your content takes over the screen. The background returns when the content stops playing and your device goes idle again.