How to Cast from Chrome to Your Chromecast Device

Casting from Chrome is a built-in feature that sends what's on your computer screen to a TV connected to a Chromecast

You can cast a single tab, your entire desktop, or just a video or photo from Chrome to any Chromecast device on the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. The process takes about 30 seconds once everything is set up. You'll use the Cast button in Chrome's menu — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner — and select your Chromecast device from the list that appears.

This works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook computers. Your Chromecast must be plugged in, turned on, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. You don't need to read anything extra; the Cast feature is built into Chrome itself.

Key Takeaways

The Cast button is in Chrome's menu (three vertical dots in the top right), under "Cast" — it only appears when a Chromecast is detected on your network.
You can cast an entire tab, your whole screen, or just audio from a video, and you can stop casting from either your computer or your TV remote.
Both your computer and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
Casting uses your Wi-Fi connection, not a cable, so you can move around the room while content plays on the TV.

Check that your Chromecast and computer are on the same network

Before you cast, make sure your Chromecast is powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. On your TV, you should see the Chromecast home screen (usually a rotating background with the Chromecast logo). If you see a setup screen instead, complete the setup process first using the Google Home app on a phone or tablet.

On your computer, open Chrome and check which Wi-Fi network you're connected to. Look at the Wi-Fi icon in your system tray (bottom right on Windows, top right on Mac). Your computer and Chromecast must be on the same network — if one is on your main Wi-Fi and the other is on a guest network, casting won't work.

Open the Cast menu in Chrome

In Chrome, click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the window. This opens the menu. Look for the word "Cast" in the list — it usually appears near the middle of the menu. Click it.

If you don't see "Cast" in the menu, your Chromecast isn't being detected on your network. Go back and check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that your Chromecast is powered on. You may need to wait 10 to 15 seconds for Chrome to discover the device.

Select your Chromecast device from the list

When you click "Cast", a small window opens showing all Chromecast devices Chrome found on your network. Each device is listed by name — for example, "Living Room" or "Bedroom TV". Click the device you want to cast to.

If you have only one Chromecast, it will be the only option. If you have multiple devices, make sure you're clicking the right one. The name appears on the Chromecast home screen on your TV, so you can check the TV to confirm which device you're selecting.

Choose what to cast: tab, screen, or audio only

After you select a device, another menu appears with three options. "Cast tab" sends only the current Chrome tab to your TV — the rest of your screen stays private on your computer. "Cast screen" sends everything on your monitor to the TV, including other windows and your desktop. "Cast audio" sends only sound from a video or audio player, useful if you want to play music without showing the browser window.

For most uses, "Cast tab" is the right choice. It lets you keep working on other things on your computer while the content plays on the TV. Choose "Cast screen" only if you need to show your entire desktop — for example, during a presentation where you're switching between multiple programs.

Stop casting when you're done

To stop casting, click the three dots in Chrome again and open the Cast menu. The device you're casting to will now show a blue dot next to its name. Click the device name to disconnect. The content will stop playing on your TV when ready, and your computer will no longer send anything to the Chromecast.

You can also stop casting from your TV remote. Press the back button or home button on the remote, and the Chromecast will return to its home screen. Either method works — use whichever is closest to you.

Troubleshooting common casting problems

If the Cast button doesn't appear in Chrome's menu, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully boot up (you'll see the home screen on your TV), then try opening the Cast menu again. If it still doesn't appear, restart your computer's Wi-Fi by turning Wi-Fi off and back on in your system settings.

If casting starts but the video is choppy or keeps stopping, move your computer closer to your Wi-Fi router. Casting uses a lot of bandwidth, and distance or obstacles between your computer and router can cause problems. You can also try closing other programs that use the internet — streaming apps, downloads, or video calls — to free up bandwidth for casting.

If you can see the Cast button and your Chromecast in the list, but clicking it doesn't work, try casting a different tab or a different website. Some websites block casting for technical reasons. If one site doesn't work, try another to confirm the problem is with that specific site, not your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my computer while something is casting to the TV?

Yes, if you chose "Cast tab". Your computer stays fully usable — you can open other tabs, switch to other programs, or even close Chrome without stopping the cast. If you chose "Cast screen", your computer is still usable, but anything you do on it will show on the TV as well.

What if my Chromecast is on a different Wi-Fi network than my computer?

Casting won't work if they're on different networks. Connect both to the same Wi-Fi network. If your router has a main network and a guest network, make sure both devices are on the main network. Check your router's settings or ask whoever manages your Wi-Fi.

Can I cast from my phone or tablet instead of a computer?

Yes, but the process is different. On Android phones and tablets, you use the Cast button in the Chrome app or in other apps like YouTube and Google Photos. On iPhones and iPads, some apps have a Cast button, but Chrome itself doesn't support casting from iOS. Use AirPlay instead if you have an Apple TV.

Does casting use a lot of internet bandwidth?

Yes, especially for video. Casting sends data from your computer to your Chromecast over Wi-Fi, so it uses bandwidth the same way streaming from Netflix would. If your internet is slow or you're sharing it with many people, casting may be choppy. Wired internet connected to your router will perform better than Wi-Fi.

Can I cast to a Chromecast that's not on my home network?

No. Casting only works on the same local Wi-Fi network. You can't cast to a Chromecast at a friend's house or at work unless you're connected to that same Wi-Fi network. This is a security feature built into Chromecast.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.