Turn on your Chromecast by plugging it into power
Chromecast turns on automatically when you plug it into a power outlet or USB port. There is no power button. Plug the device into an available HDMI port on your TV, then connect the USB power cable to a wall outlet, a powered USB hub, or a USB port on your TV if it supplies enough power. Within 30 seconds, a light on the device will turn on and you should see a setup screen appear on your TV.
If nothing appears on your TV after a minute, check that the HDMI input is set to the correct port. Use your TV remote to switch inputs until you see the Chromecast welcome screen. The device itself has no remote — all control happens through your phone or computer.
Key Takeaways
- Chromecast powers on automatically when you plug in the USB cable; there is no on/off button to press.
- You must connect both the HDMI cable to your TV and the USB power cable to an outlet for the device to work.
- The setup screen appears on your TV within 30 seconds if the HDMI input is set correctly.
- You control Chromecast from your phone, tablet, or computer — the device itself has no remote or buttons.
- If your TV's USB port does not supply enough power, use a wall outlet or powered USB hub instead.
Check your HDMI connection and TV input
Chromecast only works if both the HDMI cable and the power cable are connected. The HDMI cable carries the picture to your TV; the USB power cable provides electricity to the device. Plug the HDMI end firmly into an available HDMI port on the back or side of your TV, then plug the USB end into a power source.
After plugging in the power cable, switch your TV to the correct HDMI input. Use your TV remote to find the input or source button, then select the HDMI port where you plugged in Chromecast. You should see a welcome screen with the Chromecast logo and setup instructions within 30 seconds.
Connect Chromecast to your Wi-Fi network
Once the setup screen appears on your TV, you will need to connect Chromecast to your home Wi-Fi. The TV screen will show a list of available networks. Select your Wi-Fi network name from the list, then enter your Wi-Fi password using your phone or a web browser on your computer.
Chromecast will confirm the connection and display a code on your TV. Open the Google Home app on your phone or visit the setup page on your computer, select "Set up device," and follow the prompts to link Chromecast to your Wi-Fi. The entire process usually takes two to three minutes. Once connected, Chromecast is ready to receive video, music, or photos from your devices.
Verify the device is working by casting from your phone
After setup is complete, test Chromecast by casting something from your phone. Open any app that supports casting — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Google Photos are common choices. Look for the cast icon (a rectangle with a curved line in the corner) and tap it. Your phone should show Chromecast as an available device.
Select Chromecast from the list. The content should appear on your TV within a few seconds. If it does not, check that your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. If you see the cast icon but Chromecast does not appear in the list, restart both your phone and Chromecast by unplugging the power cable for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.
Troubleshoot if the setup screen does not appear
If you plug in Chromecast and see nothing on your TV, first check that you are on the correct HDMI input. Press the input or source button on your TV remote and cycle through each HDMI port until you see the Chromecast welcome screen. Some TVs label HDMI ports as HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and so on.
If you still see nothing after checking all HDMI ports, the power cable may not be connected properly. Unplug the USB cable from the power outlet, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Make sure the cable is fully inserted into both the Chromecast device and the power source. If the light on Chromecast does not turn on after 30 seconds, try a different USB power adapter or outlet — some USB ports on TVs do not supply enough power.
Understand what happens after the first setup
Once Chromecast is set up and connected to Wi-Fi, it stays connected even after you turn off your TV. The device itself remains powered on as long as the USB cable is plugged in. When you turn your TV back on and switch to the correct HDMI input, Chromecast will be ready to receive content from your phone or computer when ready.
You do not need to set up Chromecast again unless you factory reset it or move it to a different Wi-Fi network. If you change your Wi-Fi password, Chromecast will lose connection and you will need to reconnect it using the Google Home app. To do this, open the app, select your Chromecast device, tap the settings gear icon, choose "Wi-Fi," and enter your new password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn Chromecast on and off with a remote?
No. Chromecast has no power button or remote. It turns on automatically when you plug in the USB cable and stays on as long as the cable is connected. You control what plays on your TV through your phone or computer, not through a remote.
What if my TV's USB port does not power Chromecast?
Some TV USB ports do not supply enough power. If the light on Chromecast does not turn on, use a wall outlet instead. Plug the USB power cable into a standard USB power adapter (like the one that came with your phone), then plug the adapter into a wall outlet near your TV.
Can I use Chromecast without Wi-Fi?
No. Chromecast requires a Wi-Fi connection to receive content from your phone or computer. It cannot work on a cellular network or without internet. If your Wi-Fi is down, Chromecast will not function until the connection is restored.
How do I know if Chromecast is actually on?
A small light on the Chromecast device turns on when power is connected. You should also see the welcome screen on your TV if the HDMI input is set correctly. If the light is on but nothing appears on your TV, switch to the correct HDMI input using your TV remote.