The fastest way to send YouTube from your phone or computer to your TV

You can send YouTube videos to your TV in three main ways: using a Chromecast button built into the YouTube app, connecting a streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick, or using AirPlay if you have an Apple TV. The Chromecast method is fastest if your TV supports it — you tap a button in the YouTube app and pick your TV from a list. If your TV doesn't have Chromecast built in, a separate streaming device costs $25 to $50 and plugs into an HDMI port on the back of your TV.

All three methods require your phone, tablet, or computer and your TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network. Once they are connected, you control playback from your phone — the TV just displays the video. You can lock your phone, switch apps, or even leave the room, and the video keeps playing on the TV.

Key Takeaways

  • The Chromecast button appears in the YouTube app on phones, tablets, and computers if your TV supports Chromecast or you have a Chromecast device plugged in.
  • Your phone and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can cast — they do not need to be on the same network as your computer.
  • Streaming devices like Roku, Fire Stick, and Google TV cost $25 to $100 and plug into an HDMI port, then connect to your Wi-Fi like any other device.
  • Once you cast a video, you control it from your phone using the YouTube app — pausing, rewinding, and changing volume all work from your device.
  • If the Chromecast button does not appear, restart both your phone and TV, then check that they are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Casting from the YouTube app on your phone or tablet

Open the YouTube app and find the video you want to watch. In the top right corner of the screen, you will see a Chromecast icon — it looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom left corner. Tap it.

A list of available devices appears. Select your TV from the list. The video starts playing on your TV within a few seconds, and you control it from your phone. The YouTube app shows a small player at the bottom of your screen so you can see what is playing, pause it, or skip ahead without looking at the TV.

If the Chromecast icon does not appear, your phone and TV are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network as your TV. Restart both devices and try again.

Casting from a web browser on your computer

Go to YouTube.com in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge and find the video you want to watch. Look for the Chromecast icon in the video player — it is usually in the bottom right corner next to the volume control and fullscreen button. Click it.

A menu appears showing available devices. Click your TV. The video begins playing on your TV, and you can control it from your computer using the same controls you would use to play it on your screen. Your computer stays connected to the video, so closing the browser tab will stop playback.

If you do not see the Chromecast icon, your computer and TV are not on the same Wi-Fi network, or your browser does not support casting. Chrome has the most reliable casting support. Restart your computer and TV, check your Wi-Fi connection, and try again.

Setting up a streaming device if your TV does not have Chromecast

If your TV does not have Chromecast built in, you can buy a separate device. Google Chromecast ($30 to $40) is the simplest option — it plugs into an HDMI port and connects to Wi-Fi. Roku ($25 to $100 depending on the model), Amazon Fire Stick ($30 to $55), and Google TV ($20 to $70) are other popular choices. All of them let you cast YouTube from your phone or computer.

Plug the device into an HDMI port on the back of your TV. Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input where you plugged in the device. Follow the on-screen setup steps to connect the device to your Wi-Fi network. Once setup is complete, the Chromecast button will appear in the YouTube app on your phone and computer, just as if your TV had Chromecast built in.

Keep the device plugged in and powered on whenever you want to cast. Most streaming devices use very little power and can stay plugged in all the time.

Using AirPlay if you have an Apple TV

If you own an Apple TV, you can send YouTube from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac using AirPlay instead of Chromecast. Open the YouTube app or go to YouTube.com, find your video, and look for the AirPlay icon — it looks like a triangle with a circle underneath. Tap or click it and select your Apple TV from the list.

The video plays on your TV and you control it from your device. AirPlay works the same way as Chromecast, but only with Apple devices and Apple TV. If you have a mix of Apple and Android devices in your home, you may want to use a Chromecast or Roku instead so everyone can cast from any device.

Troubleshooting when the cast button does not appear

The most common reason the Chromecast button is missing is that your phone or computer is not on the same Wi-Fi network as your TV or streaming device. Check your Wi-Fi settings on your phone and make sure you are connected to the same network name (SSID) as your TV. If you are on a guest network or a different band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), switch to the main network your TV is using.

Restart both your phone and TV. Turn off your phone's Wi-Fi, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. Unplug your TV or streaming device for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Once both devices have restarted, open the YouTube app again and look for the Chromecast icon.

If the button still does not appear, make sure your YouTube app is up to date. Open your phone's app store (Google Play on Android, App Store on iPhone) and check for YouTube updates. Install any available updates and try again. If you are using a web browser on your computer, try using Chrome, which has the most reliable casting support.

Controlling playback and adjusting settings while casting

Once a video is casting to your TV, your phone or computer becomes a remote control. You can pause, play, rewind, and fast-forward using the controls in the YouTube app or on the web player. Tap the small player at the bottom of your phone screen to bring up full controls, or use the player on your computer screen.

You can adjust the volume using your TV remote or the volume buttons on your phone — both work. To stop casting, tap the Chromecast icon again and select "Stop casting" or just close the YouTube app. The video stops on your TV and you can start a new one or switch to a different input.

If you want to watch a different video, just search for it in the YouTube app on your phone and tap the Chromecast icon again. The new video starts playing on your TV without you having to get up or touch the TV remote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special TV to cast YouTube?

No. If your TV does not have Chromecast built in, you can plug in a separate streaming device like a Chromecast, Roku, or Fire Stick for $25 to $50. These devices do the casting for you and work with any TV that has an HDMI port.

Can I cast YouTube from my phone if my computer is not on the same network?

Yes. Your phone and TV need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, but your computer does not need to be connected at all. You can cast from your phone while your computer is off or on a different network.

What happens if I close the YouTube app while a video is casting?

The video keeps playing on your TV. You can lock your phone, switch to a different app, or close the YouTube app entirely, and the video continues. To stop playback, open the YouTube app again and tap the Chromecast icon, then select "Stop casting."

Can multiple people cast to the same TV at the same time?

No. Only one device can cast to a TV at a time. If someone else tries to cast while you are already casting, their video will take over and yours will stop. You can hand off control by tapping the Chromecast icon and selecting a different device or person.

Why does the Chromecast button appear sometimes but not other times?

The button only appears when your phone or computer detects a compatible device on the same Wi-Fi network. If your TV or streaming device is off, unplugged, or on a different network, the button will not show up. Turn on your TV, make sure it is plugged in, and check that it is on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.