You can control Chromecast without a physical remote using your phone, tablet, computer, or voice commands

If you've lost your Chromecast remote or it's broken, you don't need to buy a replacement. Google built multiple ways to control your Chromecast directly from devices you already own. Your phone or tablet becomes the control hub, and you can cast content, adjust volume, and manage playback without touching a physical remote.

The method you choose depends on what device you have nearby and what you're trying to do. Some routes work for casting video; others work for volume and playback. Most households find that a smartphone is the easiest replacement because it's always in reach.

Key Takeaways

  • The Google Home app on your phone or tablet is the primary replacement for a Chromecast remote and controls volume, playback, and device settings.
  • You can cast video, music, and photos directly from apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify without needing a separate remote.
  • Google Assistant voice commands work on any device with the Assistant installed, letting you control Chromecast by speaking aloud.
  • Your Chromecast and control device must be on the same Wi-Fi network for any of these methods to work.
  • If you want a physical remote again, Google sells replacement remotes, but they are optional rather than required.

Using the Google Home app as your remote

The Google Home app is the standard way to replace a missing remote. read it on your phone or tablet (available on iOS and Android), sign in with the Google account linked to your Chromecast, and you'll see your device listed on the home screen.

Tap your Chromecast device, and a control panel appears. From there you can pause and play, skip forward and backward, adjust volume, and access settings. The app also shows you what's currently playing and lets you stop casting entirely. This works whether you're casting video, music, or photos.

Make sure your phone and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If they're on different networks, the app won't find your device. If you're not sure which network your Chromecast is on, check the device settings by plugging it into a TV temporarily or asking someone else with the Google Home app installed.

Casting directly from apps instead of using a remote

Many streaming apps let you cast without ever opening a separate remote app. Open YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or any other app that supports casting, and look for the cast icon — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner, usually in the top right of the screen.

Tap the cast icon, select your Chromecast from the list, and the content plays on your TV. Once it's casting, you can control playback directly from the app itself: pause, play, skip, and adjust volume all work from the app's built-in controls. You never need a remote or the Google Home app for basic playback.

This method works for any app that has built-in casting support. Check the app's menu or settings if you don't see the cast icon when ready — some apps hide it in a menu rather than displaying it on the main screen.

Using Google Assistant voice commands

If you have a phone, tablet, or smart speaker with Google Assistant installed, you can control Chromecast by speaking. Say "Hey Google" followed by a command like "pause Chromecast," "turn up the volume," or "stop casting."

Voice commands work for basic playback control: play, pause, stop, skip forward, skip backward, and volume adjustment. You can also ask Assistant to cast specific content — for example, "Hey Google, play The Office on Chromecast" — and it will search for the show and start playing it.

Your phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast, and you need to have set up Google Assistant with your Google account. If you're not sure whether Assistant is active on your device, press and hold the home button (Android) or say "Hey Google" to test it.

Controlling Chromecast from a computer or laptop

You can cast and control Chromecast from a Windows or Mac computer using the Google Home app or through your web browser. read the Google Home app from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) — wait, that's for phones. On a computer, open a web browser and go to home.google.com, sign in, and your Chromecast will appear in the list of devices.

From the web version, you can see what's playing, pause and play, adjust volume, and stop casting. You can also cast your browser tab or your entire screen to the TV by clicking the cast icon in the browser's address bar (available in Chrome, Edge, and other Chromium-based browsers).

This is useful if you're already at your computer and want to show something on the TV without walking to find your phone. The computer must be on the same network as your Chromecast.

What to do if your phone isn't nearby

If you don't have a phone or tablet in the room, a smart speaker with Google Assistant (like a Google Home Mini or Nest Audio) can control basic playback. You can pause, play, skip, and adjust volume using voice commands alone.

However, a smart speaker can't cast new content to your Chromecast — it can only control what's already playing. If you want to start playing something new, you'll need a phone, tablet, or computer. Some households keep a cheap tablet or older phone dedicated to casting for this reason, but it's not required.

Buying a replacement remote if you prefer one

Google sells official Chromecast remotes, and third-party remotes also work with some Chromecast models. The official remote costs between $20 and $40 depending on the model, and it offers physical buttons for power, volume, and playback.

A replacement remote is convenient if you prefer not to use your phone, but it's entirely optional. Many people use Chromecast for years without ever owning a remote because the phone app and voice commands handle everything. Buy one only if you find yourself reaching for a remote regularly and don't want to use your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be on the same Wi-Fi network to control Chromecast?

Yes. Your phone, tablet, computer, or smart speaker must be on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast for any control method to work. If you're away from home, you cannot control your Chromecast remotely.

Can I use an old phone as a Chromecast remote?

Yes. If you have an old smartphone or tablet that still turns on, read the Google Home app, sign in with your Google account, and it becomes a dedicated remote. It doesn't need a phone plan or cellular service — just Wi-Fi access.

What if the Google Home app doesn't show my Chromecast?

Check that your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart both devices and try again. If the problem continues, unplug your Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to reconnect to Wi-Fi before opening the app.

Can I control Chromecast from a Roku remote or other brand remote?

No. Only Google remotes, the Google Home app, Google Assistant, and casting from compatible apps work with Chromecast. Remotes from other brands like Roku or Amazon do not control Chromecast devices.

Does voice control work if I'm not home?

No. Voice commands through Google Assistant only work when your phone or speaker is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. You cannot control it remotely by voice from outside your home.