The quickest way to know if your TV has Chromecast

Your TV has Chromecast built in if you can see the Chromecast symbol in the settings menu or if the TV came with a remote that has a Google Assistant button. The easiest test: open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the "+" button to add a device, and see if your TV appears in the list. If it shows up, your TV has Chromecast. If nothing appears, your TV does not have it built in.

Most newer TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL include Chromecast, but not all models do. The feature became standard around 2020, so older TVs are less likely to have it. A TV can also have Chromecast without you knowing it was turned on — it may be disabled in the settings by default.

Key Takeaways

  • The Google Home app on your phone will show your TV in the device list if Chromecast is built in and turned on.
  • Check your TV's settings menu under "Apps," "Connections," or "Network" for a Chromecast or Google Cast option.
  • Your TV's model number and brand determine whether Chromecast is available — check the manual or the manufacturer's website to be sure.
  • If your TV does not have Chromecast built in, you can add it with a separate device like a Chromecast dongle or a streaming box.

Check the settings menu on your TV

Turn on your TV and look for a settings or menu button on the remote. Navigate to the section labeled "Apps," "Connections," "Network," or "System." The exact name varies by brand. Look for an option that says "Chromecast," "Google Cast," "Cast," or "Google Home." If you find any of these, your TV has Chromecast built in.

Some TVs hide this setting under "About" or "Device Information" instead. If you cannot find it after checking the main sections, try searching your TV's manual online using the model number. The manual will tell you whether Chromecast is a feature on your specific model.

Use your phone to search for the TV

Open the Google Home app on an Android or iPhone. Tap the "+" icon in the top left corner and select "Set up device." Choose "Set up new device" and let the app search for nearby devices. If your TV appears in the list, it has Chromecast. Write down the exact name it shows — that is the name you will use when casting from your phone.

If your TV does not appear, it either does not have Chromecast, Chromecast is turned off in the settings, or the TV is not connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. Move your phone closer to the TV and try again. If it still does not show up after checking the settings menu, your TV does not have the feature.

Look up your TV model online

Find your TV's model number on a sticker on the back or bottom of the set, or in the settings menu under "About" or "System Information." Go to the manufacturer's website — Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense, and Vizio all list their TV specs online. Search for your exact model number and look for "Chromecast," "Google Cast," or "Smart TV features" in the specifications.

The manufacturer's page will also tell you what version of Chromecast your TV has, if any. Some older TVs have an earlier version that works differently from newer ones. If the specs say your TV has Chromecast but you cannot find it in the settings, the feature may be disabled — check the TV's manual for how to turn it on.

Check what year and brand your TV is

Chromecast became a standard feature on most smart TVs around 2020. If your TV is from 2020 or later and is a major brand — Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense, or Vizio — it almost certainly has Chromecast. Smaller brands and budget models may not include it even if they are newer.

If your TV is older than 2020, check the model number online before assuming it does not have Chromecast. Some earlier models did include it, but it was less common. Budget TVs from any year are less likely to have the feature than mid-range or premium models from the same brand.

What to do if your TV does not have Chromecast

If your TV does not have Chromecast built in, you can add it with a separate device. A Chromecast dongle plugs into an HDMI port on your TV and costs between $30 and $50. A Chromecast with Google TV is a larger box that also plugs into HDMI and costs around $50 to $70 — it works as both a Chromecast and a full streaming device with its own remote and apps.

Both devices connect to your Wi-Fi and work the same way as built-in Chromecast. You use the Google Home app on your phone to cast to them, just as you would with a TV that has Chromecast built in. The dongle is simpler if you only want to cast from your phone; the full device is better if you want a dedicated streaming box with its own apps and remote.

Troubleshoot if your TV has Chromecast but it is not showing up

If you found Chromecast in the settings menu but your phone cannot find the TV, the feature may be turned off. Go back to the settings menu and look for an option to enable or turn on Chromecast. Some TVs require you to restart after turning it on.

Check that your phone and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. If your phone is on a 5 GHz network and your TV is on 2.4 GHz, they may not see each other. Most routers broadcast both at once, but some require you to switch manually. Restart both your TV and your phone's Wi-Fi, then try the Google Home app again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my TV have Chromecast if it is a smart TV?

Not necessarily. A smart TV has built-in apps and internet access, but that does not mean it has Chromecast. Many smart TVs use other systems like Roku, Fire TV, or Samsung's Tizen instead. Check the settings menu or your TV's model number online to know for sure.

Can I use Chromecast on a TV that does not have it built in?

Yes. You can buy a Chromecast dongle or a Chromecast with Google TV device and plug it into an HDMI port. Both work the same way as built-in Chromecast and cost between $30 and $70.

What if my TV has Chromecast but I cannot find it in the settings?

It may be turned off. Look in the settings menu under "Apps," "Connections," or "System" for an option to enable Chromecast. If you still cannot find it, restart your TV and try again. If it is still missing, check your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm your model has the feature.

Is Chromecast the same as Google Cast?

Yes, they are the same thing. Google Cast is the older name for the technology. Most TVs and devices now call it Chromecast, but you may see both names used in settings menus and manuals.

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?

Yes. You need a Google account to set up Chromecast and use the Google Home app. The account does not cost anything, but you must create one to cast from your phone to your TV.