Casting from a Mac to Chromecast requires Google Chrome and a Chromecast device on the same Wi-Fi network
Your Mac can send video, tabs, and your entire screen to a Chromecast device using Google Chrome. The process is straightforward: open Chrome, click the menu icon in the top right, select "Cast", choose your Chromecast device, and pick what you want to send. Unlike some other devices, Macs cannot cast through the system settings—you must use Chrome or a compatible app.
Before you start, make sure your Chromecast is plugged in, powered on, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. Your Mac must also have Google Chrome installed. If you do not have Chrome yet, read it from google.com/chrome.
Key Takeaways
- Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu, and select "Cast" to see available Chromecast devices on your network.
- You can cast an entire tab, a specific window, or your entire screen—each option appears in the Cast menu.
- Your Mac and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
- Casting stops when you close the Cast menu, disconnect from the device, or close Chrome.
- If your Chromecast does not appear in the Cast menu, restart both devices and check that they are on the same network.
Opening the Cast menu in Chrome
Launch Google Chrome on your Mac. In the top right corner, you will see three vertical dots (the menu button). Click on it to open the dropdown menu.
Look for the word "Cast" in the menu. Click it. A new window will appear showing all Chromecast devices on your network. If you see your device listed, you are ready to cast. If you do not see it, check that both your Mac and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, then try again.
Choosing what to cast: tab, window, or screen
After you click "Cast" and select your Chromecast device, Chrome will ask you what you want to send. You have three options at the top of the Cast window: "Cast tab", "Cast window", or "Cast entire screen".
Cast tab sends only the active Chrome tab to your TV. This is the most common choice and uses the least bandwidth. The tab continues to play on your Mac as well, so you can still interact with other windows.
Cast window sends an entire Chrome window to your TV, including all tabs in that window. Use this if you want to switch between multiple tabs on the big screen without your Mac screen showing what you are doing.
Cast entire screen sends everything on your Mac display to the TV—every window, menu, and notification. This is useful for presentations or when you want to show your desktop, but it also means your personal notifications and alerts will appear on the TV.
Casting video and streaming content
Many streaming services—YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and others—have a Cast button built into their player. When you play a video on one of these sites, look for a rectangular icon with a small triangle in the corner (the Cast icon) in the video player controls. Click it and select your Chromecast device. The video will start playing on your TV, and you can close Chrome or use your Mac for other tasks.
If a streaming service has its own Cast button, use that instead of casting the entire tab. It is faster, uses less bandwidth, and gives you better playback control. If the service does not have a Cast button, use "Cast tab" from the Chrome menu instead.
For videos that do not have a built-in Cast button, casting the tab works well. Open the video in Chrome, click the Cast menu, select your device, and choose "Cast tab". The video will play on your TV while you control it from your Mac.
Stopping the cast and disconnecting
To stop casting, click the Cast icon in Chrome again. A window will appear showing your connected device. Click "Stop casting" at the bottom of that window. The video or content will stop playing on your TV when ready.
You can also disconnect by closing Chrome entirely, turning off your Chromecast, or switching your Mac to a different Wi-Fi network. If you straightforward close the tab you were casting, the Cast menu will remain open and the device will stay connected—you will need to click "Stop casting" to fully disconnect.
Troubleshooting when your Chromecast does not appear
If you open the Cast menu and do not see your Chromecast device, the most common cause is that your Mac and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your Mac's Wi-Fi settings and confirm you are connected to the same network your Chromecast is using. Your Chromecast's network name appears on the TV screen when you first set it up, or you can find it in the Google Home app on your phone.
If both devices are on the same network, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then restart Chrome on your Mac. Wait 30 seconds and try opening the Cast menu again. If the device still does not appear, restart your Wi-Fi router as well.
Some older Chromecast models may have trouble connecting to 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. If you have a dual-band router, try connecting your Mac to the 2.4 GHz network instead and see if your Chromecast appears. You can usually find this setting in your router's Wi-Fi options or in the Google Home app.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Do not assume your Chromecast is on the same network just because it is in your home. Chromecast devices sometimes connect to a guest network or a different band than your Mac. Always check the network name in your Mac's Wi-Fi menu and compare it to the network your Chromecast is using.
Do not close Chrome while casting. If you close the browser, the cast will stop when ready. If you want to use your Mac for other tasks, use "Cast tab" instead of "Cast entire screen", or use a streaming service's built-in Cast button so you can minimize Chrome.
Do not expect to cast from Safari, Firefox, or other browsers. Only Google Chrome has built-in Chromecast support on Mac. Some apps like Spotify and Apple TV have their own Cast buttons, but the web browser must be Chrome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast from Safari or Firefox instead of Chrome?
No. Chromecast casting on Mac only works through Google Chrome. Safari and Firefox do not have built-in Chromecast support. Some apps like Spotify, Apple TV, and YouTube have their own Cast buttons, but web browsers other than Chrome cannot cast to Chromecast.
Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting?
Disconnections usually happen when your Mac or Chromecast loses Wi-Fi signal or switches networks. Move your Chromecast closer to your router, or move your Mac closer to the router. If disconnections keep happening, restart both devices and your router. Interference from other devices on 2.4 GHz networks can also cause drops—try switching to 5 GHz if your router supports it.
Can I cast while my Mac is locked or asleep?
No. Your Mac must be awake and Chrome must be running for casting to work. If you close Chrome or put your Mac to sleep, the cast will stop. To prevent your Mac from sleeping while casting, go to System Preferences, click "Energy Saver", and increase the "Turn display off after" time.
Does casting use a lot of internet bandwidth?
Casting a tab or screen uses some bandwidth, but not as much as downloading the video. Streaming services with built-in Cast buttons are more efficient because they send the video directly to your Chromecast rather than routing it through your Mac. If your internet is slow, use the service's Cast button instead of casting the tab.
Can I cast audio only, like from Spotify or Apple Music?
Yes, if the app has a Cast button. Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and other audio services have their own Cast icons in their players. Click the Cast icon and select your Chromecast device. Audio will play on your TV speakers, and you can control playback from your Mac or phone.