The Basic Steps to Cast From Your Phone or Computer

Casting to Chromecast means sending video, music, or your screen from a phone, tablet, or computer to your TV through a wireless connection. The process takes about 30 seconds once everything is set up. Your phone or computer and your Chromecast device must be on the same WiFi network — that's the only requirement.

Open the app you want to cast from (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or any app with a cast button). Look for the cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom left corner. Tap or click it. A menu will appear showing available devices. Select your Chromecast by name. The content will start playing on your TV within a few seconds, and you can control it from your phone or computer.

If you don't see the cast icon in an app, that app may not support casting. You can still cast your entire screen instead — this works with any app, though it uses more battery and may have slight lag. On Android, swipe down twice from the top and tap "Cast." On a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top right, then "Screen Mirroring," then select your Chromecast. On Windows, press Windows key + K, then select your device.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone, computer, and Chromecast must all be connected to the same WiFi network before casting will work.
  • Most streaming apps have a cast button (rectangle with curved lines) that lets you send video or music to your TV in seconds.
  • If an app doesn't have a cast button, you can cast your entire screen instead, though this drains battery faster.
  • Once casting starts, you control playback from your phone or computer, and your device can lock or go to sleep without stopping the video.

Setting Up Your Chromecast Device for the First Time

Before you can cast anything, your Chromecast must be plugged into your TV's HDMI port and powered on. Plug the USB power cable into the Chromecast device and into a power outlet or USB port on your TV. Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input — use your remote to find the input where you plugged in the Chromecast.

On your phone or computer, read the Google Home app (free from the App Store or Google Play). Open it and tap the "+" button to add a new device. Select "Set up device," then "New device." The app will search for your Chromecast. When it appears, tap it. Follow the on-screen steps to connect it to your WiFi network. You'll need to enter your WiFi password. The setup usually takes two to three minutes.

Once setup is complete, give your Chromecast a name you'll recognize — something like "Living Room TV" or "Bedroom Chromecast." This name is what appears when you tap the cast button in apps. You can change the name later in the Google Home app if needed.

Casting Video From Streaming Apps

Most video apps work the same way. Open Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, or any streaming service on your phone or tablet. Find the video you want to watch. Tap the cast icon (rectangle with curved lines) — it's usually in the top right or bottom right corner of the screen. A list of available devices appears. Tap your Chromecast's name. The video starts playing on your TV within a few seconds.

While the video plays on your TV, your phone becomes a remote. You can pause, play, skip forward or backward, and adjust volume from your phone. The video keeps playing even if you lock your phone or switch to another app. If you want to stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting."

Some apps let you cast in the background while you do other things on your phone. Others require the app to stay open. If the video stops when you switch apps, go back to the streaming app and it will resume where it left off.

Casting Music and Audio

Casting music works the same way as video. Open Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, or any music app. Find the song or playlist you want to play. Tap the cast icon. Select your Chromecast. The audio plays through your TV's speakers. Your phone becomes a remote — you can pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume without touching your TV.

Music apps often let you cast to multiple devices at once. If you have Chromecast devices in different rooms, you can send the same song to all of them for synchronized playback. Check your app's settings to see if this option is available.

If you want to cast music but keep your phone free for other tasks, most music apps let you lock your phone without stopping playback. The music continues on your TV while your phone's screen goes dark.

Casting Your Entire Screen or Computer Display

Screen casting sends everything on your phone or computer screen to your TV — not just one app. This is useful when an app doesn't have a cast button, or when you want to show photos, documents, or web pages on the big screen.

On Android, swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the full Quick Settings menu. Look for "Cast" or "Screen Mirroring." Tap it. Select your Chromecast from the list. Your entire screen appears on your TV. To stop, swipe down again and tap "Cast" to disconnect.

On a Mac, click the Control Center icon in the top right corner of the menu bar. Click "Screen Mirroring." A list of available devices appears. Select your Chromecast. Your Mac's display appears on your TV. To stop, click Control Center again, click "Screen Mirroring," then click "Turn Off Mirroring."

On Windows 10 or 11, press the Windows key and K at the same time. A panel opens on the right side showing available devices. Click your Chromecast. Your screen appears on your TV. To stop, press Windows + K again and select "Disconnect."

Troubleshooting Common Casting Problems

If the cast icon doesn't appear in an app, the app may not support casting. Check the app's settings or help section to confirm. You can always cast your entire screen instead. If you see the cast icon but your Chromecast doesn't appear in the device list, make sure your phone and Chromecast are on the same WiFi network. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If casting starts but the video freezes or buffers constantly, move your phone or computer closer to your WiFi router. Thick walls or distance can weaken the signal. You can also try restarting your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If multiple devices are using your WiFi, they may be slowing it down — try casting when fewer devices are connected.

If your TV shows "No Signal" or a black screen, check that your Chromecast is plugged into the correct HDMI port and that your TV is set to that input. Use your TV remote to cycle through inputs until you see the Chromecast home screen. If you still see nothing, unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds and plug it back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for Chromecast or casting?

No. Chromecast is a one-time hardware purchase, but casting itself is free. You only pay for the streaming services you use (Netflix, Spotify, etc.). The Google Home app and casting feature are free.

Can I cast from an iPhone or iPad?

Yes. Most major apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify support casting from iPhones and iPads. Some apps may have limited casting features on iOS compared to Android, but the basic process is the same — tap the cast icon and select your device.

What happens if my WiFi disconnects while I'm casting?

The video or music stops when ready. Your Chromecast needs a constant WiFi connection to receive the stream. Once your WiFi reconnects, you can cast again from where you left off in most apps.

Can I use my phone for something else while casting?

Yes. Once casting starts, your phone is just a remote. You can lock it, switch apps, or even turn the screen off. The content keeps playing on your TV. Some apps require the app to stay open, but most let you do other things on your phone.

How far away can my phone be from the TV while casting?

Your phone needs to stay on the same WiFi network, but it can be in another room. The distance doesn't matter as long as the WiFi signal reaches both devices. You don't need a direct line of sight between your phone and the Chromecast.