Set Up Chromecast on Your Vizio TV First

To cast to a Vizio TV, you need either a Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port on your TV, or a Vizio TV model with built-in Chromecast (sometimes called "Chromecast built-in"). Most Vizio TVs made after 2018 have Chromecast built in, but older models do not. Check your TV's manual or settings to confirm whether yours has it.

If your Vizio TV does not have built-in Chromecast, buy a Chromecast device (the small dongle or the Chromecast with Google TV box) and plug it into an available HDMI port on the back or side of your TV. Then plug the power cable into a nearby outlet. Your TV will detect the device within a few seconds.

Once the Chromecast is plugged in, your TV will show a setup screen. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect the Chromecast to your home Wi-Fi network. You will need your Wi-Fi password. Write down the name your Chromecast is given (for example, "Living Room TV") — you will use this name when casting from your phone or computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Vizio TVs made after 2018 usually have Chromecast built in; older models need a separate Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port.
  • During setup, connect your Chromecast to your home Wi-Fi network using the on-screen prompts and your Wi-Fi password.
  • Your phone or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast to cast successfully.
  • Most apps with a cast button (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos) work the same way: tap the cast icon and select your TV's name.
  • If casting fails, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.

Cast From Your Phone or Tablet

Open any app that supports Chromecast — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, and many others all have the feature. Look for the cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom left corner. It is usually in the top right or bottom right of the app screen.

Tap the cast icon. A menu will appear showing all Chromecast devices on your Wi-Fi network. Select your Vizio TV by its name (the one you noted during setup). The app will connect to your TV within a few seconds, and whatever you were watching or listening to will appear on the big screen.

While casting, your phone acts as a remote. You can pause, play, skip forward or backward, and adjust the volume using your phone's screen. The video or music will keep playing even if you lock your phone or switch to another app — the cast continues until you stop it.

Cast From Your Computer or Laptop

If you are using Google Chrome browser on a Windows or Mac computer, you can cast your entire screen or just a single tab to your Vizio TV. Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Cast from the menu.

A small window will pop up showing available Chromecast devices. Click your Vizio TV's name. You will see options to cast your entire screen, cast a single Chrome tab, or cast files from your computer. Choose whichever matches what you want to display, then click Cast.

Casting from a computer is useful for presentations, showing photos from your computer, or streaming a website to your TV. Your computer stays connected to the cast until you click the stop button in that same Chrome menu.

Troubleshoot When Casting Does Not Work

The most common reason casting fails is that your phone and your Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that your phone is connected to the same network name (SSID) that you used to set up the Chromecast. If you recently changed your Wi-Fi password, your Chromecast may still be trying to use the old one — you will need to set it up again.

If your Chromecast is not appearing in the cast menu at all, restart it by unplugging the power cable for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the setup screen to appear again, which means it is ready. Then try casting again.

If the cast icon is missing from an app you want to use, that app may not support Chromecast. Check the app's help section or look for a settings menu within the app — some apps hide the cast button in a menu rather than showing it on the main screen. YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, Hulu, Disney+, and most major streaming apps all support Chromecast.

Control Playback and Volume While Casting

Once you are casting, your phone or computer becomes a remote control. In most apps, you can tap the cast icon again to see playback controls — pause, play, skip, and volume adjustment. These controls work the same way they would if you were watching on your phone, but the video or audio plays on your TV instead.

You can also use your TV's physical remote to adjust the volume or change inputs if you need to. The cast will continue playing even if you adjust the TV's volume with the remote. If you want to stop casting, tap the cast icon on your phone or computer and select Stop casting.

Cast Photos and Videos From Your Phone's Gallery

Google Photos and most phone gallery apps have built-in cast support. Open the photo or video you want to display, tap the cast icon, and select your Vizio TV. The image or video will appear on your TV screen, and you can swipe through your phone to show different photos — each one will update on the TV as you swipe.

This is useful for showing family photos, home videos, or screenshots without having to connect cables or transfer files. The cast works as long as your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate Chromecast device if my Vizio TV is newer?

Most Vizio TVs made in 2018 or later have Chromecast built in, so you do not need a separate device. Check your TV's settings menu or manual to confirm. If your TV does not have it, you will need to buy a Chromecast dongle or Chromecast with Google TV box.

Can I cast if I am not on the same Wi-Fi network?

No. Your phone, computer, and Chromecast must all be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you are on a guest network or a different network, casting will not work. Switch to the same network as your Chromecast and try again.

Why does the cast icon not appear in my app?

Not all apps support Chromecast. If the app does not have a cast button, it may not be compatible. Major streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Spotify all support it. Some apps hide the cast button in a menu — check the app's settings or help section.

Can I use my phone while casting?

Yes. Once the cast starts, your phone can lock, switch apps, or go to sleep — the cast continues on your TV. You can unlock your phone and tap the cast icon again to bring up controls if you need to pause or skip.

What should I do if my Chromecast keeps disconnecting?

Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. If disconnections continue, move your Chromecast closer to your Wi-Fi router, or check that your Wi-Fi password has not changed. If your router recently updated, you may need to set up the Chromecast again with the new network settings.