Getting Your Chromecast Connected to Power and WiFi

Chromecast is a small device that plugs into your TV's HDMI port and connects to your home WiFi network. Once connected, you can send video, music, photos, and web pages from your phone, tablet, or computer directly to your TV screen.

Start by plugging the Chromecast into an available HDMI port on your TV. If your TV is mounted on a wall, the HDMI port may be difficult to reach — in that case, use the included HDMI extender cable to move the device to a more accessible spot. Plug the power cable into the Chromecast and connect it to a power outlet or USB port on your TV (if your TV has one with enough power).

Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input where you plugged in the Chromecast. You should see the Chromecast setup screen appear on your TV — it will show a code and ask you to visit a website on your phone or computer to complete setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromecast requires an HDMI port on your TV and a power source, plus a WiFi network that your phone or computer can also reach.
  • The setup process happens on your phone or computer using the Google Home app or a web browser, not on the TV itself.
  • Once set up, you send content to your TV by tapping the Cast button in compatible apps or using the Cast feature in your web browser.
  • Chromecast works best when your phone, computer, and Chromecast are all on the same WiFi network.
  • You can cast from multiple devices to the same Chromecast, but only one device can be casting at a time.

Completing Setup on Your Phone or Computer

On your phone or tablet, read the Google Home app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and tap the plus icon in the top left corner, then select "Set up device" and choose "Set up a new device." The app will search for your Chromecast and display it when found.

If you prefer to use a computer, visit google.com/chromecast/setup in your web browser instead. The process is the same: the website will guide you through finding and naming your device.

When the app or website finds your Chromecast, it will ask you to confirm the code shown on your TV screen matches the one on your phone or computer. This confirms you are setting up the correct device. Next, select your home WiFi network from the list and enter your WiFi password. The Chromecast will connect to the network — this may take a minute or two.

Give your Chromecast a name (for example, "Living Room TV" or "Bedroom TV") so you can identify it when you have multiple Chromecasts in your home. The setup is now complete.

Casting Video and Music from Apps

Many streaming apps include a Cast button — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner. Open any compatible app (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Disney+, and many others), start playing something, and tap the Cast button. A list of available Chromecasts on your network will appear. Select the one you want to cast to, and the content will begin playing on your TV.

While content is casting, you can use your phone or tablet for other things — the cast will continue on your TV. To stop casting, tap the Cast button again and select "Stop casting." The content will stop on your TV but will remain paused in the app on your device.

Not all apps support casting. If you do not see a Cast button in an app you use, that app does not have Chromecast built in. Some apps may require you to be a paid subscriber to use the Cast feature.

Casting from Your Web Browser

You can cast web pages, videos, and tabs from Google Chrome on your computer to your TV. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Select "Cast" from the menu. A window will appear showing available Chromecasts. Click the one you want to use.

You have two options: cast a single tab (which sends only that tab to your TV) or cast your entire screen (which mirrors everything on your computer monitor). For most uses, casting a single tab is better because you can continue working on your computer without sending everything to the TV.

To stop casting from Chrome, click the Cast icon again and select "Stop casting." Your computer screen will return to normal.

Casting Photos and Screensavers

Chromecast can display photos from Google Photos, your phone's camera roll, or other photo apps that support casting. Open a compatible photo app, find the Cast button, select your Chromecast, and the photos will appear on your TV. You can swipe through them on your phone to control what appears on the screen.

When you are not actively casting, Chromecast can display a screensaver on your TV. In the Google Home app, select your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon (gear), and choose "Screensaver." You can select from Google's built-in screensavers or connect your Google Photos account to display your own photos when the TV is idle.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Problems

If your Chromecast does not appear in the Cast menu, first check that your phone, computer, and Chromecast are all connected to the same WiFi network. Chromecast cannot cast across different networks. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If casting starts but stops after a few seconds, your WiFi signal may be weak. Move your Chromecast closer to your router, or move your router closer to your TV. Interference from other devices can also cause problems — try moving the Chromecast away from cordless phones, microwaves, or other wireless devices.

If the Chromecast setup screen never appears on your TV, make sure you selected the correct HDMI input. Use your TV remote to cycle through inputs until you see the Chromecast logo. If you still do not see it, try a different HDMI port on your TV.

Using Chromecast with Multiple Devices

You can set up the same Chromecast to work with multiple phones, tablets, and computers. Each device just needs to be on the same WiFi network and have the Google Home app or Chrome browser installed. When you tap the Cast button, you will see the shared Chromecast in the list of available devices.

Only one device can cast at a time. If someone else starts casting while you are already casting, their content will take over and yours will stop. You can take back control by tapping the Cast button on your device and selecting the Chromecast again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?

You need a Google account to set up Chromecast using the Google Home app, but you do not need one to cast from Chrome on your computer. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free at google.com.

Can I cast if I am not on the same WiFi network?

No. Chromecast only works when your phone, computer, and the device are all on the same WiFi network. You cannot cast over cellular data or from a different network.

What if my TV does not have an HDMI port?

Older TVs without HDMI ports cannot use Chromecast. You would need to upgrade to a TV with at least one HDMI port, or consider a different streaming device designed for older televisions.

Can I cast audio only, without video?

Yes. Apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, and Pandora let you cast audio to Chromecast. The TV screen will show a static image or album art while the audio plays.

Why does casting stop when I lock my phone?

Some apps stop casting when your phone screen locks for security reasons. Others continue casting in the background. Check the app's settings to see if there is an option to keep casting while your phone is locked.