What Chromecast Does and How to get your free guide

Chromecast is a small device that plugs into your TV's HDMI port and lets you send video, music, and photos from your phone, tablet, or computer to your television. You don't use a remote to control Chromecast itself — instead, you tap a button in an app on your device, and the content appears on your TV. The device streams directly from the internet, not from your phone, so you can keep using your phone for other things while something plays on the screen.

Before you start, you'll need a Chromecast device (Google makes several versions), a TV with an available HDMI port, a power outlet near the TV, and a home Wi-Fi network. Your phone, tablet, or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast for casting to work.

Key Takeaways

  • Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV, connect it to power, and join it to your Wi-Fi network using the Google Home app on your phone.
  • Once set up, you cast content by opening a compatible app (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Chrome browser) and tapping the cast icon, then selecting your Chromecast device.
  • Your phone, tablet, or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast for casting to work.
  • You can cast video, music, photos, or your entire screen, depending on the app and device you're using.
  • If casting doesn't work, restart both your Chromecast and your phone, and confirm they're on the same Wi-Fi network.

Plugging In and Powering On Your Chromecast

Locate an HDMI port on the back or side of your TV. Chromecast devices are small — about the size of a thumb drive — and plug directly into this port. If your TV's HDMI ports are close together or blocked by cables, you may need an HDMI extension cable (a short cable that lets you move the Chromecast away from the port).

Connect the power cable that came with your Chromecast to the device and plug the other end into a wall outlet or power strip near your TV. The device will light up, and after a few seconds, you should see a Chromecast setup screen appear on your TV. If nothing appears, try switching your TV to the correct HDMI input using your TV remote — look for a button labeled "Input," "Source," or "HDMI."

Connecting Chromecast to Your Wi-Fi Network

On your phone or tablet, read the Google Home app (free, available on both iPhone and Android). Open the app and tap the plus sign or "Create" button to add a new device. Select "Set up device" and then "Set up new device." The app will search for nearby Chromecast devices.

When your Chromecast appears in the list, tap it to begin setup. The app will ask you to confirm a code shown on your TV screen — this confirms that your phone is controlling the right device. After confirming, select your home Wi-Fi network from the list and enter your Wi-Fi password. The Chromecast will connect to the network, and setup is complete.

If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the Google Home app, make sure your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast (it broadcasts its own temporary network during setup). If you're still having trouble, restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Casting Video from Apps Like YouTube and Netflix

Open any app that supports casting — YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and many others all work with Chromecast. Start playing a video. Look for the cast icon, which looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom-right corner of the video player. Tap it.

A menu will appear showing available devices. Select your Chromecast by name (you named it during setup, or it has a default name like "Living Room"). The video will when ready begin playing on your TV, and you'll see a small cast icon in the app showing that content is being sent to your Chromecast. You can now lock your phone, use other apps, or adjust the volume on your TV remote — the video will keep playing.

To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting." The video will stop on your TV, and you can resume it on your phone if you want.

Casting Music and Photos

Casting music works the same way as video. Open Spotify, YouTube Music, Google Play Music, or another music app, start playing a song, and tap the cast icon. Select your Chromecast, and the music will play through your TV's speakers. You can browse other songs in the app while music plays — the song continues uninterrupted.

To cast photos, open Google Photos or another photo app, select a photo or album, and look for the cast icon. Tap it and select your Chromecast. The photo will appear on your TV. Some apps let you set photos to rotate automatically, creating a slideshow on your screen.

Casting Your Entire Screen or Browser Tab

If an app doesn't have a built-in cast button, you can cast your entire phone or tablet screen. On Android, swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open Quick Settings, then tap "Cast" and select your Chromecast. Everything on your phone screen will now appear on your TV. This works for any app, but it uses more battery and may be slower than casting from an app that supports it natively.

On a computer, open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and select "Cast." Choose whether to cast a tab (just the browser tab) or your entire screen. Select your Chromecast from the list. Casting a tab is faster and uses less bandwidth than casting your whole screen.

Troubleshooting Common Casting Problems

If casting doesn't work, the most common cause is that your phone and Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name. You can see your phone's network in Settings; you can see your Chromecast's network in the Google Home app by tapping the device and checking "Wi-Fi."

If the cast icon doesn't appear in an app, the app may not support Chromecast. Try a different app, or use screen casting instead. If your Chromecast was working and suddenly stops, restart it by unplugging it for 10 seconds. If that doesn't work, restart your phone and your Wi-Fi router (unplug it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in).

If video stutters or stops playing, your Wi-Fi signal may be weak. Move your Chromecast closer to your router, or move your router closer to your TV. Avoid placing the Chromecast behind metal objects or inside a cabinet, as these block the Wi-Fi signal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Chromecast remote?

No. You control Chromecast entirely from your phone, tablet, or computer. Some Chromecast models come with a remote, but it's optional — you can always use your device instead. If you have a remote, you can use it to pause, play, and adjust volume without picking up your phone.

Can I cast from multiple devices at the same time?

Only one device can cast to a Chromecast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you're already casting, their content will take over. You can switch back by casting again from your device.

What if my TV doesn't have an HDMI port?

Older TVs without HDMI ports cannot use Chromecast. You would need to replace the TV or use a different streaming device. Some very old TVs have composite or component ports, but Chromecast does not work with those.

Does Chromecast work without an internet connection?

Chromecast needs Wi-Fi to stream content from the internet. However, you can cast photos stored on your phone or music files saved locally without internet. Streaming video and music from services like Netflix or Spotify requires an active internet connection.

Can I use Chromecast with a mobile hotspot instead of home Wi-Fi?

Yes, as long as your phone and Chromecast are both connected to the same hotspot network. However, this uses a lot of data and may be slow. It's better to use a home Wi-Fi network if one is available.