What Screencasting on Chrome Means and How to Start
Screencasting on Chrome means sending your computer's screen to a Chromecast device so you can watch it on your TV. You do this through Chrome's built-in Cast feature, which takes about 30 seconds to set up once your Chromecast is plugged in and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
The Cast button lives in Chrome's menu (the three vertical dots in the top right). Click it, select your Chromecast device from the list, and your screen appears on the TV. You can cast your entire desktop, a single Chrome tab, or just audio from a video or music app.
Your computer and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If they are not, the Cast button will not show your device. Check your Wi-Fi settings on both before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Open Chrome's menu, click Cast, and select your Chromecast device to send your screen to the TV in under a minute.
- You can cast your entire desktop, a single tab, or audio only, depending on what you want to show.
- Your computer and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for casting to work.
- Casting uses your computer's Wi-Fi connection, not your internet speed, so a slow connection will not affect picture quality.
- You can stop casting by clicking the Cast button again and selecting "Stop casting" from the menu.
Finding and Clicking the Cast Button in Chrome
The Cast button is in Chrome's main menu, which is the three stacked horizontal lines (or dots) in the top right corner of your browser window. Click it and look for the word "Cast" near the top of the dropdown menu that appears. If you do not see it, your Chromecast is either off, not on the same Wi-Fi network, or not yet set up.
Once you click Cast, a small window pops up showing all the Chromecast devices on your network. Each device shows its name (usually something like "Living Room" or "Bedroom") and a small icon. Click the device you want to cast to.
If this is your first time casting to that device, Chrome may ask you to confirm. Click "Cast" in the confirmation box. Your screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.
Choosing What to Cast: Desktop, Tab, or Audio
When you click Cast and select your device, Chrome shows you three options at the bottom of the Cast window: "Cast your entire screen", "Cast tab", and "Cast audio". Choose based on what you want the TV to show.
Cast your entire screen sends everything on your computer monitor to the TV—your desktop, all open windows, and anything you click. This is useful for presentations, showing photos from your file manager, or playing games. Your mouse and keyboard control what appears on the TV.
Cast tab sends only the active Chrome tab to the TV. Everything else on your computer stays private. This is the best choice for watching YouTube, streaming video, or sharing a website. If you click another tab or minimize Chrome, the TV shows a blank screen until you return to the casting tab.
Cast audio sends only sound to your Chromecast speaker or TV speakers, not video. Use this when you want to play music or a podcast through your TV's speakers without showing anything on screen.
Troubleshooting When Your Device Does Not Appear
If your Chromecast device does not show up in the Cast menu, the most common reason is that your computer and Chromecast are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your computer's Wi-Fi settings and make sure you are connected to the same network name (SSID) as your Chromecast. You can find your Chromecast's network in the Google Home app on your phone or in your router's settings.
If both devices are on the same network and the device still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Then wait 30 seconds for it to fully boot up. Open Chrome's Cast menu again.
If the Cast button itself is missing from Chrome's menu, you may be using an older version of Chrome. Open Chrome's menu, click "Settings", then "About Chrome" to check for updates. Chrome will read and install any available updates automatically.
What Happens When You Cast and How to Stop
Once you select a device and choose what to cast, your screen or tab appears on the TV within a few seconds. You will see a small blue Cast icon in Chrome's address bar, showing that casting is active. Your computer's screen stays visible to you—you can continue working, browsing, or typing while the TV shows what you are doing.
The TV will show exactly what your computer shows. If you move your mouse, the TV sees the movement. If you type, the TV sees the text. If you minimize a window or switch tabs, the TV updates when ready. There is no delay or lag unless your Wi-Fi connection is very weak.
To stop casting, click the blue Cast icon in the address bar (or open the Cast menu again) and select "Stop casting". The TV screen goes blank and returns to whatever it was showing before. Your computer is no longer sending anything to the Chromecast.
Casting from Different Apps and Websites
Most video streaming sites and apps built into Chrome (like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify) have their own Cast button separate from Chrome's Cast feature. Look for a rectangular icon with a small triangle in the corner—this is the Cast button. Click it to send that specific app or video to your TV without casting your entire screen.
Using an app's built-in Cast button is often smoother than casting your whole screen because it sends video directly to your Chromecast without going through your computer's display. The picture quality is usually better, and you can use your computer for other things without affecting what plays on the TV.
If an app does not have its own Cast button, use Chrome's Cast feature instead. Open the app in a Chrome tab, click Chrome's Cast button, select "Cast tab", and choose your device.
Performance and Network Tips for Smooth Casting
Casting uses your Wi-Fi network to send video from your computer to your Chromecast, so a strong Wi-Fi signal matters. If your computer is far from your router or the signal is weak, you may see stuttering, freezing, or a delayed picture on the TV. Move your computer closer to the router or move the router closer to your Chromecast if possible.
If other devices are using a lot of bandwidth (someone streaming video on their phone, for example), casting may slow down. Pause other streaming or downloads while you cast for the smoothest experience.
Casting does not depend on your internet speed—only on your local Wi-Fi network. A slow internet connection will not affect casting quality. If your picture is choppy, the problem is Wi-Fi signal strength, not your internet provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast from my phone or tablet to the TV using Chrome?
No, Chrome's Cast feature only works from a computer. If you want to cast from a phone or tablet, use the Google Home app or the Cast button built into video apps like YouTube and Netflix. Those apps work on phones and tablets as well as computers.
What if my Chromecast is on a different Wi-Fi network than my computer?
Casting will not work. Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Connect your computer to the same network as your Chromecast, then try casting again. You can check which network your Chromecast is on in the Google Home app.
Does casting drain my computer's battery faster?
Yes, casting uses Wi-Fi and your computer's processor, so battery drains faster than normal. If you are casting for a long time, plug your computer in. The effect is small if you are already plugged in.
Can I cast while my computer is locked or asleep?
No. Your computer must be awake and unlocked for casting to work. If your screen goes to sleep, casting stops. Keep your computer awake while you cast by adjusting your power settings or moving your mouse occasionally.
What if the picture on the TV is blurry or pixelated?
This usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak. Move your computer or router closer to your Chromecast, or reduce the number of other devices using Wi-Fi. If you are casting a tab with video, try lowering the video quality in the app's settings.