Casting YouTube sends video from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV screen using a wireless connection

Casting is the process of streaming video from a smaller device to your television without plugging in a cable. When you cast YouTube, your phone or computer acts as a remote control while the TV displays the video. The actual video streams directly from YouTube's servers to your TV, not through your phone — so you can pause the video on your TV, then pick up your phone and do something else without interrupting playback.

To cast, you need three things: a TV or TV-connected device that supports casting, a phone or computer on the same WiFi network, and the YouTube app (on phones) or a web browser (on computers). The cast button appears in the YouTube player once your devices are connected to the same network.

Key Takeaways

  • Your TV must have a built-in cast receiver, or you need a separate device like a Chromecast, Roku, Fire Stick, or Apple TV plugged into it.
  • Your phone, tablet, or computer must be connected to the same WiFi network as your TV or casting device.
  • On phones, open YouTube and tap the cast icon (a rectangle with WiFi waves) in the top right corner of the player.
  • On computers, click the cast icon in the YouTube player and select your TV from the list that appears.
  • Once casting starts, your phone or computer becomes a remote — you can control volume, pause, and skip without touching the TV.

Check what casting device your TV has or needs

Many newer TVs have casting built in. Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, and Sony Bravia TVs all support casting without extra equipment. If your TV is older or doesn't have casting, you need a separate device plugged into an HDMI port. The most common options are Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku devices, and Apple TV.

To learn about your TV has built-in casting, look in the settings menu or check the TV's manual. If you're not sure, try the casting steps below anyway — if your TV isn't listed when you search for devices, you'll know you need to buy a separate device. Chromecast is usually the cheapest option and works with any phone or computer.

Cast from an iPhone, iPad, or Android phone

Open the YouTube app and start playing any video. Look for the cast icon in the top right corner of the video player — it looks like a rectangle with three curved WiFi-like lines in the bottom left corner. Tap it.

A list of available devices appears. Select your TV or casting device from the list. If you don't see your TV, make sure your phone and TV are connected to the same WiFi network. Once you tap your TV, the video starts playing on the big screen within a few seconds.

While casting, your phone screen shows a smaller version of the video and playback controls. You can pause, rewind, skip forward, and adjust volume from your phone. The video keeps playing on your TV even if you lock your phone or open a different app. To stop casting, tap the cast icon again and select "Stop casting."

Cast from a Windows or Mac computer

Open YouTube in any web browser and start playing a video. Look for the cast icon in the bottom right corner of the video player — same rectangle with WiFi waves. Click it.

A window appears showing available devices. Click your TV or casting device. The video begins playing on your TV within seconds. Your computer stays connected and acts as a remote — you can pause, rewind, and adjust volume from the keyboard or trackpad.

Unlike phone casting, your computer screen doesn't show a smaller video window. Instead, you see the YouTube page normally, and the video plays only on your TV. You can minimize the browser window or switch to other programs without stopping playback. To stop casting, click the cast icon again and select "Stop casting."

Troubleshoot when your TV doesn't appear in the device list

The most common reason your TV doesn't show up is that your phone or computer is on a different WiFi network than your TV. Check that both devices are connected to the same network — look in your phone's WiFi settings or your computer's network settings and confirm the network name matches.

If the networks match, restart your TV or casting device by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it restarts, restart your phone or computer's WiFi by turning WiFi off and back on. Once both devices are fully restarted, try casting again.

If your TV still doesn't appear, make sure your casting device is up to date. Check the device's settings menu for a software update option. Some older Chromecast or Roku devices may need a firmware update before they work with newer phones. If you've tried these steps and your TV still isn't listed, your device may not support casting — check the manufacturer's website or manual to confirm.

Understand what happens to your internet when you cast

Casting uses your WiFi network, but the video streams directly from YouTube's servers to your TV, not through your phone. This means casting uses less phone battery than playing video on your phone screen, but it does use your home WiFi bandwidth. If other people are using your WiFi heavily, casting video might slow down their connections.

The video quality depends on your internet speed and WiFi signal strength. If your WiFi is weak near your TV, the video may buffer or play at lower quality. Moving your router closer to your TV, or moving your TV closer to the router, can improve performance. Most casting devices work best when they're within 30 feet of your WiFi router.

Cast a YouTube playlist or channel to your TV

You can cast playlists and entire channels the same way you cast individual videos. Open the playlist or channel in the YouTube app or browser, tap or click the cast icon, and select your TV. The first video in the playlist starts playing, and the next videos play automatically one after another.

While a playlist is casting, you can add more videos to the queue from your phone or computer. Open any video, and instead of tapping the regular play button, tap "Add to queue" or "Play next." The video is added to the list of videos that will play after the current one finishes. This lets you build a playlist on your phone while videos play on your TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast YouTube while using my phone for other things?

Yes. Once casting starts, your phone is just a remote control. You can lock your phone, open other apps, or even close the YouTube app — the video keeps playing on your TV. The only time you need the YouTube app open is if you want to pause, skip, or change videos.

Does casting work on any WiFi network?

Your phone or computer and your TV must be on the same WiFi network. If you're at a friend's house or a hotel, you can cast if both devices connect to the same guest network. Some networks with login pages (like airport WiFi) may not support casting — try restarting your casting device if it doesn't work.

What if my TV is too far from the router?

Move your router closer to the TV, or move the TV closer to the router if possible. If that's not practical, a WiFi extender or mesh WiFi system can strengthen the signal in that room. Casting works best within 30 feet of the router with a clear line of sight.

Can I cast to multiple TVs at the same time?

No. One phone or computer can cast to only one device at a time. If you want the same video on multiple TVs, you'd need to cast from different phones or computers to each TV separately.

Does casting drain my phone battery faster?

Casting uses less battery than playing video on your phone screen because the screen is off. Your phone only needs to maintain the WiFi connection and receive your remote control commands, which uses very little power.