Casting to a TCL Roku TV works the same way as casting to any other Chromecast device — you use the Cast button in a compatible app, select your TV from the list, and the content streams directly to the screen.

TCL makes Roku TVs with built-in Chromecast, which means you do not need a separate Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port. The TV itself receives the cast signal. Your phone, tablet, or computer sends video, audio, or your entire screen to the TV over your home WiFi network.

The process takes about 10 seconds once you have everything set up. You will need your TV connected to WiFi, your casting device on the same WiFi network, and an app that supports Chromecast — like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Google Photos.

Key Takeaways

  • TCL Roku TVs have Chromecast built in, so you cast directly to the TV without needing an external device.
  • Your phone, tablet, or computer must be on the same WiFi network as your TV for casting to work.
  • Look for the Cast button (a rectangle with WiFi waves) in apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and Google Photos.
  • If your TV does not appear in the Cast list, restart your TV and casting device, then check that both are on the same WiFi network.

Set Up Your TCL Roku TV for Casting

Before you cast anything, make sure your TV is connected to WiFi. On your TCL Roku TV remote, press the Home button, then go to Settings > Network > WiFi and select your home network. Enter your WiFi password if prompted. Your TV should show "Connected" when it is done.

Next, confirm that your phone, tablet, or computer is on the same WiFi network. Open your device's WiFi settings and select the same network name (SSID) you just connected the TV to. Both devices must be on the same network for Chromecast to find the TV.

You do not need to create an account or sign into anything on the TV itself. Chromecast works as long as both devices see each other on the network.

Cast From Your Phone or Tablet

Open an app that supports Chromecast — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, or many others. Look for the Cast button, which looks like a rectangle with three curved WiFi lines in the corner. It is usually in the top right or bottom right of the screen.

Tap the Cast button. A list of nearby devices will appear. You should see your TCL Roku TV listed by name (for example, "Living Room TV" or "TCL-XXXX"). Tap your TV's name.

The app will send the content to your TV. Your phone screen will show a "casting" indicator, and the video or music will play on the TV. You can close the app on your phone, lock the screen, or switch to another app — the content keeps playing on the TV.

Cast From Your Computer or Laptop

On a Windows or Mac computer, open Google Chrome and go to the website or app you want to cast from — YouTube, for example. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of Chrome, then select "Cast".

A Cast window will open showing available devices. Click your TCL Roku TV from the list. Chrome will ask which tab or window you want to cast. Select the tab with the content you want to watch, and it will appear on your TV.

You can also cast your entire screen instead of just one tab. In the Cast window, click "Cast entire screen" or "Sources" and choose "Entire screen". Your whole desktop will display on the TV — useful for presentations or showing photos from your computer.

What to Do If Your TV Does Not Appear in the Cast List

If you tap the Cast button and your TV is not listed, the most common cause is that your phone and TV are not on the same WiFi network. Check your phone's WiFi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network as your TV. Guest networks or separate 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands can sometimes cause this problem — try connecting your phone to the same band your TV is using.

Restart both devices. Turn off your TV completely using the remote (not just sleep mode), wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Restart your phone or computer as well. Open the casting app again and look for the Cast button.

If the TV still does not appear, check that Chromecast is enabled on your TV. On the remote, press Home, go to Settings > System > About, and look for the Chromecast version number. If it shows a version number, Chromecast is on. If you see an error or no version listed, your TV model may not have Chromecast built in — some older TCL Roku TVs do not.

Casting Stops or Keeps Disconnecting

If casting starts but then stops, or if the connection keeps dropping, your WiFi signal may be weak. Move your phone or computer closer to the TV or router, or move the TV closer to the router if possible. Walls, metal objects, and distance can weaken the signal.

Restart your WiFi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully restart (usually 2 to 3 minutes), then try casting again.

If one app works but another does not, the problem is usually with that specific app, not your TV or network. Try casting from a different app to confirm. If casting works from other apps, the app that is failing may need an update — check your phone's app store for updates.

Casting Audio Only (Music and Podcasts)

Apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Podcasts work the same way as video apps. Open the app, find the Cast button, and select your TV. The audio will play through your TV's speakers instead of your phone's speaker. The TV screen will show a straightforward display — usually the album art or a colored background — while the audio plays.

This is useful for playing music throughout your home without keeping your phone screen on. You can lock your phone, put it in your pocket, or use other apps while the music continues on the TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to cast to my TCL Roku TV?

No. Chromecast works over your home WiFi network and does not require you to sign into anything on the TV. You may need to sign into the app on your phone (like Netflix or YouTube), but that is separate from casting.

Can I cast from my iPhone or iPad?

Yes. The Cast button works the same way on iOS as it does on Android. Open a compatible app, tap Cast, and select your TV. Some apps may not support casting on iOS — check the app's help section if you do not see the Cast button.

What if I have a TCL Roku TV but it is an older model?

Older TCL Roku TVs may not have Chromecast built in. Check your TV's settings by pressing Home, going to Settings > System > About, and looking for the Chromecast version. If there is no Chromecast listed, you can buy a separate Chromecast device and plug it into an HDMI port on the TV.

Can I cast while someone else is watching the TV?

Yes. When you cast, your content takes over the TV screen. The previous content stops. If someone else is watching, they will see your cast appear. Only one cast session can be active at a time — if two people try to cast at once, the second one will interrupt the first.

Is casting the same as screen mirroring?

No. Casting sends content from an app to your TV, while screen mirroring copies your entire phone or computer screen. Casting uses less WiFi bandwidth and lets you use your phone for other things while content plays on the TV. Screen mirroring shows everything on your screen, including notifications and other apps.