How to Connect Your Phone or Computer to Chromecast

The Basic Steps to Connect

To connect to Chromecast, your phone or computer and your Chromecast device must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Once they are, open the app you want to cast from — YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos, or another supported app — look for the Cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner), tap or click it, and select your Chromecast device from the list. The content will then play on your TV instead of your phone or computer screen.

The Cast icon appears in the top right corner on most phones and computers. If you do not see it, the app may not support casting, or you may need to update the app first. Once you tap the icon, a menu shows all Chromecast devices on your network — select the one connected to your TV.

After you select your device, the app will confirm the connection and begin streaming. You can then control playback from your phone or computer — pause, skip, adjust volume — while the video or music plays on your TV. Your phone or computer screen can go dark or lock without interrupting the stream.

Key Takeaways

Your phone, computer, and Chromecast must all be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can cast.
The Cast icon appears in most streaming apps in the top right corner and shows you all available Chromecast devices.
After you select your Chromecast device, playback controls remain on your phone or computer, not the TV remote.
If the Cast icon does not appear, update the app or check that your device supports casting.
Your phone or computer can lock or go to sleep without stopping the stream once casting has started.

Setting Up Your Chromecast Device First

Before you can cast to it, your Chromecast must be plugged into your TV's HDMI port and powered on. During first setup, the Chromecast displays a code on your TV screen. On your phone or computer, open the Google Home app, tap the plus icon to add a device, select "Set up device," and follow the prompts to connect your Chromecast to your Wi-Fi network using that code.

Once setup is complete, your Chromecast appears in the Google Home app and becomes available in the Cast menu of any compatible app. You do not need to repeat this setup process — your Chromecast remembers your Wi-Fi network and will connect automatically when you power it on.

Connecting on Android Phones

On Android, the Cast icon appears in the top right corner of most Google apps and third-party streaming apps like Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube. Tap the Cast icon, select your Chromecast device, and the content begins playing on your TV. You can adjust volume, pause, or skip tracks from your phone while the stream continues.

If you do not see the Cast icon, swipe down from the top of your screen to open Quick Settings, look for a "Cast" or "Screen Cast" option, and tap it to see available devices. This method works for any app, even those that do not have a built-in Cast button.

Connecting on iPhones and iPads

iPhones and iPads can cast to Chromecast through apps that have built-in Cast support, such as YouTube, Netflix, Google Photos, and Spotify. Open the app, tap the Cast icon (usually in the top right), and select your Chromecast device. The content will stream to your TV while you control it from your iPhone or iPad.

Not all apps support casting from iOS devices — this depends on whether the app developer has added that feature. If an app does not show a Cast icon, check the app's settings or help section to see if casting is available. Many apps that do not support direct casting allow you to mirror your entire screen instead.

Connecting on Windows and Mac Computers

On a Windows computer, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top right, select "Cast," and choose your Chromecast device. You can then cast a single tab or your entire screen. On a Mac, the process is the same — open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, select "Cast," and pick your device.

You can also cast from other apps on your computer if they have built-in Cast support, such as YouTube or Google Play Music. For apps without a Cast button, use Chrome's screen-casting feature to mirror your entire desktop to your TV, then open the app on your computer and it will appear on the TV screen.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If your device does not appear in the Cast menu, first check that both your phone or computer and your Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Restart your phone or computer as well, then try casting again.

If the Cast icon still does not appear, update the app you are trying to cast from — older versions may not support casting. On Android, you can also check that your phone's Wi-Fi is turned on and that you are not on a guest network, as some networks block casting. If you are using a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network, try switching to 2.4 GHz, as some Chromecast devices work better on the older standard.

If the connection drops during streaming, move your phone or computer closer to your router or Chromecast device, as weak Wi-Fi signals can interrupt the stream. You can also reduce interference by moving away from other devices that use the same frequency, such as microwaves or cordless phones.

Controlling Playback After You Connect

Once casting begins, your phone or computer becomes a remote control. You can pause, play, skip forward or backward, adjust volume, and seek to any point in the video or song without touching your TV remote. The controls appear in the app you are casting from or in the Google Home app.

If you want to stop casting, tap the Cast icon again and select "Disconnect" or "Stop Casting." The content will stop playing on your TV, and your phone or computer will resume playing it locally if you want to continue. You can also cast from a different app or device at any time — the previous stream will stop automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?

You need a Google account to set up your Chromecast device using the Google Home app. Once setup is complete, you do not need to sign in again to cast — your phone or computer just needs to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast.

Can I cast from multiple devices at the same time?

Only one device can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you are already streaming, their cast will take over and your stream will stop. Some Chromecast devices have a queue feature that lets you add content to play next, but only one stream plays at a time.

What if my Wi-Fi network has a special character in the password?

During Chromecast setup, enter your Wi-Fi password exactly as it is, including any special characters. If you are having trouble connecting, double-check that caps lock is off and that you are typing the password correctly. You can also reset your Chromecast and try setup again.

Can I cast if my phone is not plugged in?

Yes. Your phone or computer does not need to be plugged in to cast, though casting does use battery. Your device can go to sleep or lock without stopping the stream once casting has started — the Chromecast continues playing independently.

Why does the Cast icon not appear in some apps?

Not all apps support casting — it depends on whether the developer added that feature. If an app does not have a Cast button, you can use your computer's Chrome browser to cast the entire screen instead, or check if the app offers screen mirroring as an alternative.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.