Connect Chromecast to your TV using the HDMI port and power cable

Chromecast plugs directly into an HDMI port on the back or side of your TV. Plug the device into any available HDMI port, then connect the USB power cable to the Chromecast and plug the other end into a power outlet or USB port on your TV. Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input where you plugged in the Chromecast — you should see the Chromecast setup screen appear within 30 seconds.

If your TV has a USB port on the back, you can power the Chromecast from that port instead of using a separate outlet. This works if the port supplies enough power, though a wall outlet is more reliable. Some Chromecast models come with a longer power cable specifically for this reason.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromecast connects to the HDMI port on your TV and needs a power source — either a wall outlet or your TV's USB port.
  • After plugging in the device, switch your TV to the correct HDMI input to see the setup screen.
  • You will need the Google Home app on your phone or tablet to complete the setup and connect Chromecast to your Wi-Fi network.
  • Once connected, you can cast video, music, and photos from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV.

Set up Wi-Fi using the Google Home app on your phone

read the Google Home app on your phone or tablet — it is free on both Android and iOS. Open the app and tap the plus icon in the top left corner, then select "Set up device." Choose "Set up a new device" and select your home location. The app will search for nearby Chromecast devices and show you the one you just plugged in.

Tap on your Chromecast when it appears in the list. The app will ask you to confirm a code that appears on both your phone and your TV screen — this confirms you are setting up your own device. Once confirmed, the app will ask you to select your Wi-Fi network and enter your password. Chromecast will connect to that network and finish setup in about one minute.

Check that your Chromecast is on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone

Chromecast and your phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast content. During setup, the Google Home app will connect Chromecast to whichever network you selected. If you change your Wi-Fi password later or switch networks, you will need to set up Chromecast again using the same steps above.

If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, Chromecast will connect to whichever one your phone is currently using. If your phone is on 5 GHz and Chromecast connects to 2.4 GHz instead, they may not see each other. Check your router settings or contact your internet provider if you need to force Chromecast to a specific band.

Test casting from your phone to confirm everything works

Open any app that supports casting — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Google Photos, and most streaming services have a cast button. Look for the cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner. Tap it and select your Chromecast from the list. The content should start playing on your TV within a few seconds.

If the cast button does not appear or your Chromecast does not show up in the list, make sure your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices if they still will not connect — turn off your phone's Wi-Fi, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on, then do the same with your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds.

Troubleshoot if Chromecast does not appear on your TV screen

If you see nothing on your TV after plugging in Chromecast, first check that you are on the correct HDMI input. Use your TV remote to cycle through the inputs until you see the Chromecast setup screen. Some TVs label inputs as HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and so on; others use names like "HDMI (ARC)" or "HDMI 3/eARC."

If you still see nothing, unplug the Chromecast power cable for 30 seconds and plug it back in. Wait another 30 seconds for the device to restart. If the screen remains blank, try a different HDMI port on your TV — one of the ports may be faulty. You can also try powering Chromecast from a wall outlet instead of your TV's USB port, as some USB ports do not supply enough power.

Rename your Chromecast for easier identification

By default, Chromecast uses a generic name like "Living Room" or "Bedroom." You can change this in the Google Home app to something more specific, especially if you have multiple Chromecast devices. Open the Google Home app, long-press on your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon, and select "Device name." Type a new name and save it.

A custom name makes it easier to find the right device when you are casting from your phone. If you have Chromecast in your bedroom and living room, naming them "Bedroom TV" and "Living Room TV" takes the guesswork out of which one you are casting to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a smart TV to use Chromecast?

No. Chromecast works with any TV that has an HDMI port, whether the TV is smart or not. The Chromecast device itself provides the streaming capability, so an older TV will work just as well as a newer one.

Can I use Chromecast without Wi-Fi?

No, Chromecast requires a Wi-Fi network to function. It uses Wi-Fi to receive content from your phone or other devices. If you do not have Wi-Fi, Chromecast will not work.

What if my TV does not have a USB port for power?

Use the included power cable and plug it into a wall outlet near your TV. The cable is long enough to reach most outlets behind or beside a television stand. This is actually more reliable than powering from a TV USB port.

Can I cast from a computer to Chromecast?

Yes. On a Windows or Mac computer, open Chrome, click the three-dot menu, select "Cast," and choose your Chromecast device. You can cast a single tab or your entire screen. Some apps like Netflix and YouTube also have cast buttons on the web version.

Why does Chromecast keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

This usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak where the Chromecast is located. Move your router closer to the TV, or check if other devices are having the same problem. If only Chromecast disconnects, try moving it to a different HDMI port or restarting both the device and your router.