The fastest way to send YouTube from your computer to your TV
The most direct method is to use Google Cast, which works on any TV with a Chromecast device or built-in Chromecast support. Open YouTube on your PC in Chrome, click the Cast icon (it looks like a rectangle with a WiFi symbol in the corner) in the top right of the browser, select your TV from the list, and the video will play on your screen. The Cast button appears in the address bar once you have a compatible device on the same WiFi network as your computer.
If your TV does not have Chromecast, you can use an HDMI cable to connect your PC directly to the TV, or use other casting methods like Miracast (Windows) or AirPlay (if you have an Apple TV). Each method has different setup steps and works best in different situations.
Key Takeaways
- Google Cast is the simplest method if your TV has Chromecast built in or you own a separate Chromecast device.
- An HDMI cable is the most reliable backup option and requires no WiFi or special devices.
- Windows PCs can use Miracast to cast to compatible smart TVs without needing Chromecast.
- Make sure your PC and TV are on the same WiFi network before you attempt to cast.
Setting up Google Cast on your PC
Before you cast, confirm that your TV has Chromecast built in (most newer Samsung, LG, and Sony models do) or that you have a Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port. Check your TV's manual or settings menu if you are unsure. Your PC and TV must be connected to the same WiFi network—if they are on different networks, the Cast button will not show your TV as an option.
Open YouTube in Google Chrome on your PC. Look for the Cast icon in the top right corner of the browser window, next to your profile picture. If you do not see it, click the three-dot menu, select "Cast," and Chrome will search for nearby devices. Once your TV appears in the list, click it. YouTube will begin playing on your TV within a few seconds, and you can control playback from your PC keyboard or mouse.
Your PC screen will not mirror to the TV—only the YouTube video will appear. You can close Chrome, minimize it, or even turn off your monitor while the video plays. The video will continue on your TV as long as your PC stays connected to WiFi and remains powered on.
Using an HDMI cable as a direct connection
An HDMI cable is the most reliable method because it does not depend on WiFi or special devices. Plug one end into your PC's HDMI port (or USB-C/DisplayPort adapter if your PC does not have HDMI) and the other end into an available HDMI port on your TV. Your TV will either detect the connection automatically or you may need to press the Input or Source button on your remote to switch to that HDMI port.
Once the connection is active, your entire PC screen will display on the TV. Open YouTube in your browser and play a video—it will appear on both your PC and your TV. You can control playback from your keyboard, mouse, or by touching your trackpad. This method works with any TV that has an HDMI port, regardless of age or smart features.
The downside is that you are tethered to the TV by a cable, and your PC screen will be mirrored, so you cannot use your computer for other tasks without the TV seeing them. HDMI cables are inexpensive (usually $5 to $15) and widely available at electronics stores.
Casting with Miracast on Windows PCs
If your TV supports Miracast (most Windows-compatible smart TVs made in the last five years do), you can cast wirelessly without Chromecast. On your Windows PC, press the Windows key and the K key together to open the Quick Settings panel. Click "Cast to a device" and wait for your TV to appear in the list. Select your TV and Windows will begin mirroring your screen.
Once the connection is established, open YouTube and play a video. The video will appear on your TV, and you can control it from your PC. Unlike Google Cast, Miracast mirrors your entire screen, so anything you do on your PC will be visible on the TV. This is useful if you want to show multiple things, but it also means your PC is in use while casting.
If your TV does not appear in the Cast list, check your TV's manual to confirm Miracast support is enabled. Some TVs require you to turn on a "wireless display" or "screen mirroring" setting in the TV menu first. If Miracast still does not work, your TV may not support it, and you should use Google Cast or an HDMI cable instead.
Troubleshooting when the Cast button does not appear
The most common reason the Cast icon does not show up is that your PC and TV are not on the same WiFi network. Check your PC's WiFi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network name (SSID) as your TV. If you have a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network with the same name, try connecting your PC to the 2.4 GHz band, as some Chromecast devices work better on that frequency.
If both devices are on the same network and the Cast button still does not appear, try restarting Chrome completely. Close all Chrome windows and reopen the browser. If that does not work, restart your Chromecast device by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait about a minute for it to fully boot up before trying to cast again.
Make sure you are using Google Chrome, not Edge or Firefox—the Cast feature is built into Chrome. If you are using a different browser, open Chrome instead. Also confirm that your Chromecast device is powered on and has a solid light (not blinking), which indicates it is ready to receive a cast.
Controlling playback while casting
When you cast YouTube to your TV using Google Cast, your PC becomes the remote control. Use your keyboard to pause (spacebar), skip forward (right arrow), or skip backward (left arrow). You can also click the pause button on the YouTube player in your browser. The volume on your TV will be controlled by your TV remote, not your PC.
If you want to stop casting, click the Cast icon again and select "Stop casting." The video will stop playing on your TV, and you can continue watching on your PC if you want. You can also cast a different video by selecting a new one in YouTube and clicking Cast again—the new video will play on your TV instead.
If you are using an HDMI cable or Miracast, your PC keyboard and mouse control everything just as if you were watching on your computer screen. The TV is straightforward displaying what your PC is showing.
When to use each casting method
| Method | Best for | Requirements | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Cast | Wireless casting with minimal setup | Chromecast device or TV with built-in Chromecast; same WiFi network | Requires compatible device; PC must stay powered on |
| HDMI cable | Reliable connection with any TV | HDMI cable; HDMI port on both PC and TV | Tethered by cable; entire screen mirrors to TV |
| Miracast | Wireless casting on Windows without Chromecast | Windows PC; TV with Miracast support; same WiFi network | Not all TVs support it; entire screen mirrors |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast YouTube to my TV if I do not have WiFi?
Yes, if you use an HDMI cable. A direct cable connection does not require WiFi and will work anywhere. Google Cast and Miracast both require WiFi because they are wireless methods.
Will the video keep playing if I close my PC or put it to sleep?
With Google Cast, the video will continue playing on your TV even if you close Chrome or minimize it, but your PC must stay powered on and connected to WiFi. If your PC goes to sleep, the cast will stop. With HDMI or Miracast, your PC must remain awake and active.
Can I cast from my phone to the TV instead of my PC?
Yes. The YouTube app on Android and iOS has a built-in Cast button that works the same way as casting from a PC. Just tap the Cast icon in the YouTube app and select your TV.
What if my TV is older and does not have Chromecast or Miracast?
Use an HDMI cable to connect your PC directly to the TV. This works with any TV that has an HDMI port, regardless of how old it is or what smart features it has.
Does casting use a lot of internet bandwidth?
Google Cast streams the video from YouTube through your WiFi network, so it uses the same amount of internet as watching on your PC. The video quality depends on your internet speed, just like it would on your computer.