Samsung TVs and Chromecast: What Works and What Doesn't

Not all Samsung TVs support Chromecast built in. Older Samsung models and some current ones use Samsung's own SmartThings system instead. Before you start, check whether your TV has Chromecast support by going to Settings > About This TV > Support on your remote. If you see "Google Cast" or "Chromecast built-in" listed, you're ready to cast. If you don't see it, you have two options: buy a separate Chromecast device (a small dongle that plugs into your TV's HDMI port), or use a different casting method through SmartThings.

If your Samsung TV does have Chromecast built in, the casting process is straightforward and works from phones, tablets, and computers. The TV and your casting device must be on the same Wi-Fi network for this to work.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your Samsung TV's settings to confirm it has Chromecast built in — not all models do.
  • Your phone, tablet, or computer and your TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can cast.
  • To cast from an Android phone or iPhone, open any compatible app (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Chrome), tap the cast icon, and select your TV.
  • To cast your entire screen from a computer, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, select "Cast", choose your TV, and pick "Cast entire screen".
  • If your Samsung TV doesn't have Chromecast built in, a separate Chromecast device costs $30 to $50 and plugs into any HDMI port.

Casting from Your Phone or Tablet

Open the app you want to cast from — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, or any other app with a cast icon. Look for a small rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner, usually in the top right or bottom right of the screen. Tap it.

A list of available devices will appear. Select your Samsung TV by name. The app will start playing on your TV within a few seconds, and you can control playback from your phone. Your phone screen will dim or show a cast card, but you can lock your phone or use other apps while content plays on the TV.

If you don't see the cast icon in an app, that app doesn't support Chromecast. Most major streaming and media apps do, but not all.

Casting Your Entire Screen from a Computer

Open Google Chrome on your computer. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, then select Cast. A small window will open showing available devices.

Click your Samsung TV's name. A second menu will appear asking what you want to cast. Select Cast entire screen to mirror everything on your monitor, or select a specific Chrome tab if you only want to cast one tab. Your computer screen will appear on the TV a moment later.

To stop casting, click the cast icon again and select Stop casting. Your computer screen will no longer appear on the TV.

Troubleshooting When Your TV Doesn't Appear

If your TV isn't showing up in the cast menu, the most common cause is that your phone, tablet, or computer is on a different Wi-Fi network than your TV. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name. Some homes have separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks — make sure both your casting device and TV are on the same one.

Restart your TV and your casting device. Unplug the TV for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully load. Then try casting again. If your TV still doesn't appear, restart your phone or computer as well.

If you've confirmed both devices are on the same network and restarting didn't work, check that Chromecast is actually enabled on your TV. Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services and make sure it's turned on. Some Samsung TVs also have a separate Chromecast setting under Settings > General > External Device Manager — toggle it on if it's off.

Using a Separate Chromecast Device with Samsung TVs

If your Samsung TV doesn't have Chromecast built in, you can buy a Google Chromecast device separately. The standard Chromecast (the round puck) costs around $30, and the Chromecast with Google TV (which includes a remote and runs apps) costs around $50. Both plug into any HDMI port on your TV.

Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port and power it with the included USB cable. Switch your TV to that HDMI input. Follow the on-screen setup steps, which will ask you to connect to your Wi-Fi network and sign into your Google account. Once setup is complete, casting works exactly the same way as with built-in Chromecast.

The advantage of a separate device is that it works with any TV, not just Samsung models. The disadvantage is that it takes up an HDMI port and requires its own power source.

Casting Audio to Samsung TVs

You can cast music and podcasts from Spotify, YouTube Music, Google Podcasts, or other audio apps the same way you cast video. Open the app, tap the cast icon, select your TV, and the audio will play through your TV's speakers. This is useful for playing music throughout your home without needing a separate speaker.

Some apps let you cast audio to multiple devices at once. Spotify, for example, lets you group your TV with other speakers and play the same song everywhere. Check your app's settings to see if this option is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast on my Samsung TV?

If your TV has Chromecast built in, you don't need a Google account to cast to it — casting works as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. However, if you buy a separate Chromecast device, you'll need to sign into a Google account during setup.

Can I cast to my Samsung TV if I'm on a guest Wi-Fi network?

No. Your casting device and your TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your home has a guest network, connect both devices to the main network instead. Some routers allow guest networks to communicate with main network devices — check your router settings if you're unsure.

What if my Samsung TV is too old to have Chromecast built in?

Buy a separate Chromecast device and plug it into any HDMI port. It works with any TV made in the last 10 years. The standard Chromecast is inexpensive and doesn't require any special setup beyond connecting to Wi-Fi.

Can I cast from my iPad to a Samsung TV?

Yes. iPad casting works the same way as iPhone casting. Open a compatible app, tap the cast icon, and select your TV. AirPlay (Apple's casting system) doesn't work with Chromecast, but most major apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify support Chromecast on both iOS and Android.

Why does casting keep stopping or disconnecting?

Weak Wi-Fi signal is the most common cause. Move your casting device closer to your router, or move your router closer to your TV. If your home has thick walls or interference from other devices, consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system. Also check that your TV's software is up to date — go to Settings > Support > Software Update and install any available updates.