The basic steps to cast YouTube from your phone or computer

To cast YouTube to a Chromecast device, open the YouTube app on your phone or the YouTube website on your computer, find the video you want to watch, and tap or click the Cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner. Select your Chromecast device from the list that appears, and the video will start playing on your TV within a few seconds. Your phone or computer then becomes a remote control for the video.

The Cast icon appears in slightly different places depending on what device you're using. On an Android phone, it's in the top right corner of the YouTube app. On an iPhone or iPad, it's also in the top right. On a computer, the Cast icon is in the bottom right corner of the video player. If you don't see it, make sure your phone, tablet, or computer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.

Once the video is casting, you can pause, play, skip forward or backward, and adjust the volume from your device. You can also lock the screen on your phone and the video will keep playing — this saves your phone's battery. To stop casting, tap the Cast icon again and select "Stop casting".

Key Takeaways

  • The Cast icon appears in the top right corner on phones and tablets, and in the bottom right corner on computers.
  • Your phone, tablet, or computer must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.
  • After you cast a video, your device acts as a remote — you can pause, play, skip, and adjust volume from it.
  • You can lock your phone's screen while a video is casting and it will continue playing on your TV.
  • Casting stops when you select "Stop casting" from the Cast menu, or when you close the YouTube app.

What to do if the Cast icon doesn't appear

If you don't see the Cast icon in the YouTube app or website, the most common reason is that your device isn't on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Check your phone or computer's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it's connected to the same network your Chromecast is using. Your Chromecast's network name appears during setup and is usually printed on the device itself or in your router's connected devices list.

If you're on the correct network and still don't see the Cast icon, try closing and reopening the YouTube app, or refreshing the YouTube website in your browser. On Android phones, you can also check that you have the latest version of the YouTube app installed from the Google Play Store. On iPhones and iPads, check the App Store for updates. If you're using a computer, make sure you're using a supported browser — Chrome, Edge, and Firefox all support casting.

Casting from a web browser on your computer

If you're watching YouTube in a web browser on your computer, the Cast icon appears in the bottom right corner of the video player, next to the fullscreen button. Click it, select your Chromecast device, and the video will start playing on your TV. The video will pause if you close the browser tab, so keep the tab open while you're watching.

You can also cast your entire computer screen to your Chromecast if you want to show something other than just a YouTube video. To do this in Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the browser, select "Cast", then choose "Cast desktop" instead of casting a specific tab. This is useful if you want to show photos, documents, or other content on your TV.

Using YouTube on a Chromecast with Google TV

If your Chromecast device has Google TV built in, you don't need to cast from another device — you can open the YouTube app directly on the Chromecast itself using your remote. Navigate to YouTube, search for a video, and press play. The video will start on your TV when ready without needing your phone or computer.

You can still cast to a Chromecast with Google TV from your phone or computer if you prefer, and the steps are the same as casting to a regular Chromecast. The main difference is that you have the option to use the YouTube app on the device itself instead.

Controlling playback and adjusting settings while casting

While a video is casting, your phone or computer shows playback controls on the screen. You can tap or click the pause button to pause the video, use the progress bar to skip to a different part of the video, and adjust the volume using your device's volume buttons or the on-screen slider. The video will pause if you receive a phone call or notification, and you can resume it from where it stopped.

If you want to adjust picture settings like brightness or color, those controls are on your TV itself, not in the YouTube app. The YouTube app controls only playback — what the video plays, when it plays, and how loud it is. Your TV's remote controls everything else about how the picture looks.

What happens when you stop casting

To stop casting, open the Cast menu by tapping or clicking the Cast icon again, and select "Stop casting". The video will stop playing on your TV, and your device will no longer be connected to the Chromecast. If you close the YouTube app or turn off your device, casting will also stop automatically.

If you want to switch to a different Chromecast device in your home, tap the Cast icon, select a different device from the list, and the video will start playing on that device instead. The video will stop on the first device and start on the new one.

Troubleshooting common casting problems

If the video starts on your TV but then stops or keeps buffering, the problem is usually your Wi-Fi connection. Move your phone or computer closer to your router, or move your Chromecast closer to the router. If your Wi-Fi is slow, other devices using the network (like streaming services, downloads, or video calls) can cause YouTube to buffer. Pause those activities while you're casting, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

If the video casts but the audio doesn't come through, check that your TV's volume isn't muted and that the correct input or HDMI port is selected on your TV. Some TVs have a separate volume control for each input. If you're using a soundbar or external speakers, make sure they're turned on and connected to your TV. You can also try restarting your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast YouTube from my iPad or tablet?

Yes. On an iPad or Android tablet, open the YouTube app, tap the Cast icon in the top right corner, select your Chromecast device, and the video will start playing on your TV. The steps are the same as on a phone.

What if I have multiple Chromecast devices in my home?

When you tap the Cast icon, you'll see a list of all your Chromecast devices. Select the one you want to cast to, and the video will play on that device. You can switch between devices by tapping the Cast icon again and choosing a different one.

Do I need to pay for YouTube to use Chromecast?

No. Casting YouTube videos to Chromecast works with the free version of YouTube. YouTube Premium subscribers can also cast, but casting itself is not a Premium feature.

Can I cast YouTube while using other apps on my phone?

Yes. Once you start casting, you can close the YouTube app, open other apps, or even lock your phone's screen. The video will continue playing on your TV. Your phone is just sending the video to your Chromecast — it doesn't need to stay in the YouTube app.

Why does casting stop when I close the YouTube app?

Closing the YouTube app tells your Chromecast to stop playing. If you want to keep watching, keep the YouTube app open in the background. You can lock your phone's screen to save battery, but don't close the app itself.