Yes, you can cast YouTube TV to a Chromecast device
YouTube TV works with Chromecast on most devices. You can cast from your phone, tablet, or computer to a Chromecast-connected TV. The process takes about 30 seconds once you have the right setup in place.
Chromecast is Google's streaming device that plugs into your TV's HDMI port. YouTube TV is built to work with it because both are Google products. You do not need a separate app or subscription beyond your YouTube TV membership.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Chromecast device plugged into your TV and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer.
- Open YouTube TV on your phone, tablet, or computer, then tap or click the Chromecast icon to send the video to your TV.
- Your casting device (phone, tablet, or computer) acts as a remote control once the video is playing on your TV.
- YouTube TV casting works on Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV, and most Android TVs that have Chromecast built in.
What you need before you start casting
First, you need a Chromecast device or a TV with Chromecast built in. Chromecast is a small device that costs between $30 and $100 depending on the model. Chromecast with Google TV is the newer version and includes a remote control. Many smart TVs from brands like Sony, TCL, and LG have Chromecast built directly into the TV, so you may not need to buy anything extra.
Second, your Chromecast and your phone or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network. If your phone is on your home Wi-Fi and your Chromecast is on a different network (like a guest network), casting will not work. Check your Wi-Fi settings on both devices to make sure they match.
Third, you need the YouTube TV app on your phone or tablet, or you can use the YouTube TV website on a computer. The app is free to read from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iPhone and iPad).
How to cast YouTube TV from your phone or tablet
Open the YouTube TV app and start playing a show or channel. Look for the Chromecast icon in the top right corner of the screen — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner. Tap it.
A list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Select the Chromecast or TV you want to cast to. The video will start playing on your TV within a few seconds. Your phone or tablet becomes the remote — you can pause, rewind, change channels, or adjust the volume from your device while the video plays on the TV.
To stop casting, tap the Chromecast icon again and select "Stop casting." The video will stop on your TV, but it will keep playing on your phone or tablet if you want to continue watching there.
How to cast YouTube TV from your computer
Open YouTube TV in a web browser on your computer. Play the show or channel you want to watch. Click the Chromecast icon in the top right corner of the video player — it looks the same as on phones and tablets.
A menu will show your available Chromecast devices. Click the one you want to cast to. The video will appear on your TV. Your computer acts as the remote, so you can pause, rewind, or change channels from the browser window.
To stop casting from your computer, click the Chromecast icon again and select "Stop casting."
Common reasons casting does not work
The most common problem is that your phone, tablet, or computer is not on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Check your Wi-Fi settings and make sure both devices are connected to the same network name. If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting both devices to the same band.
Another issue is that your Chromecast is not set up yet. When you first plug in a Chromecast device, you need to go through a setup process using the Google Home app. If you have not done this, the Chromecast will not appear in the list of available devices. read the Google Home app, follow the on-screen instructions, and connect your Chromecast to your Wi-Fi.
If the Chromecast icon does not appear in YouTube TV, try closing and reopening the app. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to see available devices. If it still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.
What happens when you cast YouTube TV
When you cast YouTube TV to a Chromecast device, the video streams directly from YouTube TV's servers to your TV. Your phone or tablet sends only control signals — it does not send the video itself. This means you can lock your phone, switch to another app, or even leave the room while the video keeps playing on your TV.
The video quality depends on your internet speed and the Chromecast model you are using. Standard Chromecast supports up to 1080p video. Chromecast with Google TV supports up to 4K video if your TV and internet connection support it. YouTube TV will automatically adjust the quality based on your connection speed.
Casting to Android TVs with built-in Chromecast
If your TV has Chromecast built in, you do not need a separate Chromecast device. Open YouTube TV on your phone, tablet, or computer and tap or click the Chromecast icon. Your TV should appear in the list of available devices. Select it and casting will start the same way as with a standalone Chromecast device.
Some Android TVs require you to turn on the Chromecast feature in the TV's settings before you can cast to them. Check your TV's manual or settings menu if you do not see your TV in the list of available devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast YouTube TV to multiple TVs at the same time?
No. YouTube TV only allows one active stream at a time per account. If you try to cast to a second TV while one is already playing, the first one will stop. You would need a separate YouTube TV account to watch on multiple TVs at the same time.
Do I need to pay extra to use Chromecast with YouTube TV?
No. Casting is included with your YouTube TV membership at no extra cost. You only pay for the Chromecast device itself if you need to buy one, which is a one-time purchase.
What if my Chromecast is on a different Wi-Fi network than my phone?
Casting will not work if the devices are on different networks. Connect both your phone and your Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network. If you have a guest network, make sure both devices are on the main network, not the guest network.
Can I cast YouTube TV from my iPhone or iPad?
Yes. The YouTube TV app works on both iPhone and iPad. Open the app, play a video, tap the Chromecast icon, and select your device. The process is the same as on Android phones.
What should I do if the Chromecast icon does not show up in YouTube TV?
First, make sure your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then close the YouTube TV app completely and reopen it. If the icon still does not appear, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds. You can also try restarting your phone or checking that your YouTube TV app is up to date in your device's app store.