Screen sharing with Chromecast means casting your entire screen or a single app from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV

When you screen share, everything on your device's display appears on the TV in real time. You control what the TV shows from your device—you can swipe, tap, type, or click as normal, and the TV follows along. This works differently from casting a single app (like Netflix or YouTube), where only that app appears on the TV and the app itself handles what plays.

The method you use depends on what device you're casting from: Android phones and tablets, iPhones and iPads, Windows computers, and Mac computers all have different steps. All of them require your device and your Chromecast to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Key Takeaways

  • Your device and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can screen share.
  • Android devices use the "Cast" button in Quick Settings; iPhones and iPads use Control Center and AirPlay; Windows uses the Connect app or built-in casting; Macs use AirPlay in the menu bar.
  • Screen sharing drains your device's battery faster than normal use, so plug in if you plan to share for more than 30 minutes.
  • If your device doesn't find your Chromecast, restart both devices and check that they're on the same Wi-Fi network, not a guest network.

Screen sharing from an Android phone or tablet

Open Quick Settings by swiping down from the top of your screen twice (or once on some devices). Look for a button labeled "Cast" or "Screen cast"—the exact name varies by manufacturer and Android version. Tap it.

Your device will search for nearby Chromecast devices. When your Chromecast appears in the list, tap its name. Your screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To stop sharing, open Quick Settings again, tap Cast, and select "Stop casting".

If you don't see a Cast button in Quick Settings, swipe right to see more options, or check your device's settings under Display or Connected devices. Some older Android phones may not have built-in casting—in that case, you can read the Google Home app and cast from there instead.

Screen sharing from an iPhone or iPad

Open Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner of your screen (or swiping up from the bottom on older models). Look for a button that shows overlapping rectangles or says "Screen Mirroring". Tap it.

Your device will show a list of available Chromecast devices. Tap the name of your Chromecast. Your screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. The Control Center button will turn blue to show that mirroring is active.

To stop sharing, open Control Center again, tap the Screen Mirroring button, and select "Stop Mirroring". Note that iPhones and iPads use AirPlay technology, which Chromecast supports, but some older iPad models may not have this feature.

Screen sharing from a Windows computer

Open the Connect app (also called the Wireless Display app) by pressing the Windows key and typing "Connect". Launch the app. Your computer will search for nearby Chromecast devices and display them in a list.

Click the name of your Chromecast. A dialog box will appear asking how you want to project—choose "Extend" to show your full screen on the TV while keeping your computer display separate, or "Duplicate" to show the same thing on both. Click "Connect".

Your screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. To stop sharing, click the notification that appears in the bottom-right corner and select "Disconnect". Alternatively, you can use Windows 11's built-in casting feature by right-clicking the desktop, selecting "Display settings", and looking for a "Cast to device" option.

Screen sharing from a Mac

Click the Control Center icon in the top-right corner of your menu bar (it looks like overlapping rectangles). Select "Screen Mirroring" from the dropdown menu. A list of available Chromecast devices will appear.

Click the name of your Chromecast. Your screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds. The menu bar icon will turn blue to show that mirroring is active. To stop sharing, click Control Center again, select Screen Mirroring, and choose "Turn Off Screen Mirroring".

Troubleshooting when your device won't find your Chromecast

The most common reason a device can't find a Chromecast is that they're not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check that both your device and your Chromecast are connected to the same network name (SSID). If your router has a separate guest network, make sure both are on the main network, not the guest one.

Restart both devices: unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds and plug it back in, then restart your phone, tablet, or computer. Wait for both to fully boot up and reconnect to Wi-Fi before trying again. If you still don't see your Chromecast, move your device closer to the Chromecast and router to rule out a weak signal.

If your Chromecast is very new, it may still be in setup mode. Open the Google Home app on your phone and complete the setup process. Once your Chromecast is fully set up and shows a solid light (not blinking), it should appear in your casting list.

Why screen sharing drains your battery faster

Screen sharing uses your device's Wi-Fi radio, processor, and display continuously, all at once. Your device is constantly sending video data to the Chromecast while also keeping your own screen on. This combination drains the battery much faster than normal use.

If you plan to screen share for more than 30 minutes, plug your device into power. This is especially important for phones and tablets, which have smaller batteries than computers. Keeping your device plugged in also prevents it from overheating during long casting sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone while screen sharing?

Yes, but everything you do on your phone appears on the TV. If you open a text message, check email, or adjust volume, the TV shows all of it. If you want privacy, stop screen sharing first. Some devices let you cast a single app instead, which shows only that app on the TV while you use other apps on your phone.

Why does my screen sharing keep disconnecting?

Weak Wi-Fi is the most common cause. Move your device closer to your router or Chromecast. If your Wi-Fi network is crowded (many devices connected), try disconnecting other devices. Restarting your router, Chromecast, and device often fixes random disconnections.

Can I screen share from my laptop to a Chromecast in another room?

Only if both your laptop and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. They don't need to be close to each other—the network connection handles the distance. However, if your Wi-Fi signal is weak in that room, the connection may be unreliable.

Does screen sharing work if my phone is locked?

No. Your phone's screen must be on and unlocked for screen sharing to work. If your phone locks during casting, the TV will show a blank screen or stop receiving video. Keep your phone unlocked and plugged in if you're sharing for a long time.

What's the difference between screen sharing and casting an app?

Screen sharing shows your entire device display on the TV—everything you do appears there. Casting an app sends only that specific app to the TV, so you can use other apps on your phone without the TV seeing them. Casting uses less battery and works better for streaming video or music.