Casting from Chrome is a built-in feature that sends your browser tab or entire screen to a Chromecast-connected TV

You can send what you're watching or working on in Chrome directly to any Chromecast device on the same Wi-Fi network. The cast button lives in Chrome's menu, and once you click it, you choose which Chromecast receiver to send to. The connection happens when ready, and you keep controlling playback from your computer while the video or content plays on the TV.

This works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, and on Chromebooks. You do not need to install anything extra — the cast feature is already built into Chrome.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "Cast", and choose your Chromecast device from the list.
  • You can cast a single tab (just that one website) or your entire screen, and switch between them at any time.
  • Your computer and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • You can pause, play, and adjust volume from your computer while the content plays on the TV.
  • Casting stops when you close the cast window or turn off your Chromecast, and your computer stays in control the whole time.

How to open the Cast menu in Chrome

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

A small window will pop up showing all Chromecast devices on your network. If you do not see your Chromecast listed, make sure both your computer and the Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If they are on different networks, casting will not work.

Choosing what to cast: tab or screen

When you open the Cast window, you will see two options at the top: "Cast tab" and "Cast entire screen". Cast tab sends only the current browser tab to your TV. Everything else on your computer stays private — your other tabs, your desktop, your notifications. This is the most common choice for watching videos or looking at websites.

Cast entire screen sends everything on your monitor to the TV, including your desktop, all open windows, and any notifications that pop up. Use this if you want to show someone your full screen or control a presentation from your computer while it displays on the TV. You can switch between tab and screen casting at any time without disconnecting.

Selecting your Chromecast device and starting the cast

Once you have the Cast window open, you will see a list of available Chromecast devices. Each one is labeled with the name you gave it when you set it up — for example, "Living Room TV" or "Bedroom Chromecast". Click the device you want to cast to.

The cast will start when ready. Your browser tab or screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. The Cast window stays open on your computer so you can pause, play, or switch devices if needed. A small cast icon will also appear in your Chrome address bar to remind you that casting is active.

Controlling playback and volume while casting

While you are casting, your computer is still in control. If you are casting a video, you can use the play and pause buttons on the video player in your browser, and those controls work on the TV too. The same goes for volume — adjusting volume in your browser affects what comes out of the TV speakers.

You can also use your TV remote or Chromecast remote to control playback if your TV or Chromecast supports it, depending on what you are casting. For most videos and streaming services, both your computer and the remote will work.

Stopping the cast

To stop casting, click the Cast icon in your Chrome address bar or open the Cast menu again and click "Stop casting". The content will disappear from your TV when ready, and your computer will go back to normal. You can also unplug or turn off the Chromecast itself, and the cast will end.

Closing the browser tab you were casting does not automatically stop the cast — you have to click the stop button. If you close Chrome entirely, the cast will continue playing on the TV until you manually stop it.

Troubleshooting when your Chromecast does not appear

If you open the Cast menu and your Chromecast is not listed, check these things first: Make sure your computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your home has a guest network, both devices need to be on the main network, not the guest one. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Restart Chrome or your entire computer.

If your Chromecast is still not showing up, check that it is powered on and that the TV it is plugged into is turned on. Some Chromecast devices will not appear in the cast list if they are in standby mode. You can also try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on your Chromecast and reconnecting it — this is done through the Google Home app on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your computer stays fully usable while casting. You can open other tabs, check email, or do anything else. Only the tab or screen you chose to cast will appear on the TV, so your other work stays private.

What happens if I close my laptop while casting?

The cast will continue playing on the TV. Your Chromecast does not need your computer to stay on or connected once the cast has started. If you want to stop it, you have to click the stop button in Chrome or use your TV remote.

Can I cast from my phone or tablet to the same Chromecast?

Yes. Phones and tablets have their own cast buttons in apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Chrome. You can cast from your phone to the same Chromecast device at the same time as your computer, though only one cast will play at a time — the newest one takes over.

Why is my video buffering or stuttering while I cast?

Casting uses your Wi-Fi network to send video from your computer to the Chromecast. If your Wi-Fi is slow or crowded, the video may buffer or play poorly. Move your computer or Chromecast closer to your router, or reduce the number of other devices using Wi-Fi.

Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast?

Yes. Your computer and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you are away from home, you cannot cast to a Chromecast on your home network unless you set up remote casting through the Google Home app, which is a separate process.