Casting Spotify to Chromecast requires the Spotify app on your phone or tablet, a Chromecast device connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and an active Spotify account

When you cast Spotify, the music streams directly from Spotify's servers to your Chromecast device, not through your phone. This means you can close the Spotify app, lock your phone, or even switch to another app, and the music keeps playing on your speakers or TV. The cast button appears in the Spotify app once your Chromecast is on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.

Casting works on both free and paid Spotify accounts, though free accounts have some restrictions on skipping tracks. The process is the same whether you're using an Android phone, an iPhone, or a tablet.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone, Spotify app, and Chromecast device must all be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
  • The cast button appears in the Spotify app's "Now Playing" screen once a Chromecast is detected on your network.
  • After you cast, your phone can be locked or closed without stopping the music on your Chromecast device.
  • Free Spotify accounts can cast but have limits on skipping — paid accounts have no skip limit.

Check your Wi-Fi connection and Chromecast setup first

Before you open Spotify, make sure your Chromecast is plugged in, powered on, and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. If your Chromecast is on a different network — for example, a guest Wi-Fi — Spotify won't see it. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings to confirm you're on the same network as the Chromecast.

If you're not sure whether your Chromecast is set up, look at the TV or speaker it's connected to. A Chromecast that's ready to receive a cast usually shows a screensaver or a pulsing light. If you see a setup screen, complete the Chromecast setup in the Google Home app before opening Spotify.

Open Spotify and find the cast button

Open the Spotify app on your phone and start playing any song, playlist, or album. Once music is playing, look at the bottom of the screen. On the right side of the playback controls, you'll see a small icon that looks like a rectangle with curved lines coming from the bottom-left corner — that's the cast button.

If you don't see the cast button, your Chromecast isn't on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. Go back and check your Wi-Fi settings. Once the cast button appears, tap it.

Select your Chromecast device from the list

When you tap the cast button, a menu appears showing all Chromecast devices on your network. Each device is listed by name — for example, "Living Room" or "Bedroom Speaker." Tap the name of the Chromecast where you want the music to play.

Spotify connects to that device in a few seconds. You'll see the device name appear at the bottom of the Spotify screen, and the music will start playing through your Chromecast speakers or TV instead of your phone's speaker.

Control playback from your phone while casting

Once you're casting, the Spotify app on your phone becomes a remote control. You can pause, play, skip forward, or skip backward using the buttons on your phone's screen. The volume controls on your phone adjust the volume of the Chromecast device, not your phone's speaker.

You can also change songs, switch to a different playlist, or search for new music — all while the current song plays through your Chromecast. If you want to stop casting and play music through your phone speaker again, tap the cast button and select "Disconnect."

Troubleshooting when the cast button doesn't appear

The most common reason the cast button doesn't show up is that your phone and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure you're connected to the same network as the Chromecast. If you're on a work or school network, some networks block Chromecast devices — try connecting to a personal Wi-Fi network instead.

If you're on the same network and still don't see the cast button, restart your Spotify app. Close it completely and open it again. If that doesn't work, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully boot up before opening Spotify again.

If your Chromecast is very old, it may not support Spotify casting. Chromecast devices released before 2013 don't work with Spotify. Check the model number on the back of your Chromecast or in the Google Home app to confirm it's a supported device.

What happens to your phone while casting

Once you're casting to a Chromecast, your phone is no longer playing the audio — the Chromecast is. You can lock your phone, switch to another app, or even turn off the screen, and the music continues playing on your speakers or TV without interruption. This is different from playing music through your phone's speaker, where closing the app usually stops the music.

The only time your phone needs to stay active is if you want to control the music. If you want to pause, skip, or change the volume, your phone needs to be unlocked and connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If your phone loses Wi-Fi connection, you'll lose the ability to control playback, but the music will keep playing until the current song ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast Spotify from my computer to Chromecast?

Yes. Open Spotify on your computer, play a song, and look for the cast icon in the playback controls. It looks the same as on mobile. Click it and select your Chromecast device. Your computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast.

Why does my free Spotify account skip fewer times than my friend's?

Free Spotify accounts have a limit on skips per hour when casting. You can skip a certain number of tracks per hour, then you'll have to wait or listen to ads. Paid Spotify accounts have unlimited skips. This limit applies to casting but not to playing music through your phone speaker.

Can multiple people cast to the same Chromecast at the same time?

No. Only one person can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you're already casting, their cast will take over and your music will stop. You can hand off control by tapping the cast button and selecting the other person's device, or they can do the same from their phone.

What if my Chromecast keeps disconnecting from Spotify?

This usually means your Wi-Fi connection is weak or unstable. Move your Chromecast closer to your router, or move your router closer to the Chromecast. You can also restart both your Chromecast and your phone's Wi-Fi connection by turning Wi-Fi off and back on in your phone's settings.

Do I need a paid Spotify account to cast?

No. Free Spotify accounts can cast to Chromecast. The main difference is that free accounts have skip limits when casting, while paid accounts don't. Both can play music through a Chromecast device.