The fastest way to get YouTube on your TV screen

You can send YouTube from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV using a Cast button that appears in the YouTube app or website. The button looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the corner. Tap or click it, select your TV from the list, and the video plays on your screen instead of your device—your phone becomes a remote control.

This works if your TV has a built-in Chromecast, or if you own a separate casting device plugged into an HDMI port. Most smart TVs made in the last five years have Chromecast built in. If your TV is older or doesn't have it, a Google Chromecast device (a small stick or puck you plug in) costs between $30 and $100 and does the same job.

The video streams directly from YouTube to your TV over your home Wi-Fi network. Your phone doesn't have to stay connected to the same Wi-Fi after casting starts—you can lock your phone, switch apps, or even leave the room, and the video keeps playing on the TV.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cast button appears in the YouTube app on phones and tablets, and on the YouTube website on computers, as long as your TV or casting device supports it.
  • Your TV must have Chromecast built in, or you must own a separate Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port on the TV.
  • Your phone, tablet, or computer and your TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you cast.
  • Once you tap Cast and select your TV, the video plays on the TV and your device acts as a remote—you can pause, rewind, or adjust volume from your phone.

Check if your TV can receive a cast

Most TVs sold since 2018 have Chromecast built in. Look at your TV's settings or the manual to confirm. On many TVs, you can go to Settings, then look for "Chromecast built-in" or "Google Cast" in the menu. If you see it listed, you're ready to cast.

If your TV doesn't have Chromecast built in, or you're not sure, you have two options: buy a separate Chromecast device, or use a different casting method (see the section below on alternatives). A Chromecast device is a small piece of hardware—either a stick that looks like a thumb drive or a puck about the size of a hockey puck—that plugs into an HDMI port on the back of your TV. Once plugged in and set up, it works the same way as built-in Chromecast.

Set up your Wi-Fi and casting device

Before you cast, make sure your phone, tablet, or computer and your TV (or Chromecast device) are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Check your device's Wi-Fi settings and confirm the network name matches the one your TV is using. If you don't know which network your TV is on, check your TV's settings or the setup instructions that came with it.

If you're using a separate Chromecast device for the first time, plug it into an HDMI port on your TV, then follow the on-screen setup steps. You'll be asked to select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Once that's done, the Chromecast is ready to receive casts from any device on that same network.

Your phone, tablet, or computer does not need to stay on the same Wi-Fi after you start casting. Once the video is playing on your TV, you can disconnect from Wi-Fi, switch to mobile data, or even turn off your device—the video will keep playing on the TV.

Cast from the YouTube app on your phone or tablet

Open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet and find a video you want to watch. In the top right corner of the screen, you'll see the Cast button—it looks like a rectangle with three curved lines coming from the bottom left corner. Tap it.

A list of available devices appears. Select your TV or Chromecast device from the list. The video will start playing on your TV within a few seconds. Your phone screen will show a smaller version of the video and playback controls—pause, play, rewind, and volume buttons all work from your phone.

If you don't see the Cast button, your phone may not be on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV, or your TV doesn't have Chromecast. Check your Wi-Fi connection and try again. If the Cast button still doesn't appear, your TV may not support casting, and you'll need to use one of the alternative methods described below.

Cast from YouTube on your computer

Go to YouTube.com in your web browser on your computer. Find a video and click the Cast button in the bottom right corner of the video player—it's the same rectangle-with-curved-lines icon. A list of devices on your Wi-Fi network appears. Click your TV or Chromecast device.

The video will start playing on your TV. Your computer screen will show the video player with standard controls. You can pause, rewind, or adjust volume from your computer, or you can close the browser tab and the video will keep playing on the TV.

If the Cast button doesn't appear, make sure your computer is on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV, and that your browser is up to date. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox all support casting, but older versions may not show the button.

Troubleshoot when casting doesn't work

If the Cast button doesn't appear or your device doesn't show up in the list, start by checking your Wi-Fi. Both your phone and your TV must be connected to the same network—not a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz). Restart your phone and your TV, then try again.

If your TV still doesn't appear in the list, restart your router (unplug it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in). Wait a minute for it to come back online, then try casting again. If you're using a separate Chromecast device, make sure it's plugged in and powered on—look for a light on the device itself.

If you've restarted everything and the Cast button still doesn't show up, your TV or device may not support Chromecast. Check your TV's manual or settings to confirm. If it doesn't have Chromecast, you'll need to use an alternative method (see below) or buy a separate Chromecast device.

Other ways to watch YouTube on your TV

If your TV doesn't support Chromecast or casting isn't working, you have other options. Many smart TVs have the YouTube app built in—you can open it directly on the TV and search for videos without using your phone. Look in your TV's app store or home menu for YouTube.

You can also connect your phone or computer to your TV with an HDMI cable. Plug one end into your device's HDMI port (or use an adapter if your device doesn't have one) and the other end into an HDMI port on your TV. Switch your TV to the correct HDMI input, and your phone or computer screen will appear on the TV. This method works on any TV with an HDMI port, but you'll have a cable running between your device and the TV.

Some older devices support AirPlay (Apple's casting system) instead of Chromecast. If you have an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible TV, you can cast from iPhones and iPads using the same Cast button in the YouTube app—it will show your Apple TV instead of a Chromecast device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for casting or a subscription?

No. Casting is a free feature built into YouTube. You don't need YouTube Premium to cast videos. A separate Chromecast device costs money if you need to buy one, but the casting feature itself is free.

Can I cast to multiple TVs at the same time?

No. You can only cast to one device at a time from a single phone or computer. If you want to watch on a second TV, you would need to stop casting on the first TV, then start casting to the second one.

What happens if I get a call while casting?

The video will keep playing on your TV. You can answer the call on your phone, and the cast will continue. When you hang up, you can go back to controlling the video from your phone.

Can I cast if I'm not home?

No. Your phone and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. You can't cast over the internet from outside your home. However, some newer Chromecast devices support remote casting if you set it up in your Google Home app, but this requires additional configuration.

Why does the video keep stopping or buffering while I cast?

This usually means your Wi-Fi signal is weak. Move your phone closer to your router, or move your TV or Chromecast device closer to the router. If your Wi-Fi is slow, other devices using the network may also be slowing it down. Restart your router and try again.