The basic steps to connect

To connect to a Chromecast, your phone or computer and the Chromecast device must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Once they are, you open an app that supports Chromecast (like YouTube, Netflix, or Google Photos), tap the cast icon, select your Chromecast from the list, and the content plays on your TV instead of your device's screen.

The cast icon looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom-left corner. It appears in the top or bottom corner of the app you are using. When you tap it, a menu shows all Chromecast devices nearby that are connected to your Wi-Fi.

You do not need to pair or enter a password. As long as both devices see the same Wi-Fi network, the Chromecast will appear in that menu and you can start casting immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Your phone or computer and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network before you can cast.
  • The cast icon appears inside apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Google Photos — not on your home screen.
  • Casting sends video or audio to your TV while you keep using your phone or computer for other things.
  • If your Chromecast does not appear in the cast menu, restart both your device and the Chromecast, then check that they are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Setting up your Chromecast for the first time

Before you can cast anything, your Chromecast needs to be plugged into your TV and connected to Wi-Fi. Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV, then plug the power cable into an outlet or USB port.

Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input where you plugged in the Chromecast. You should see a setup screen appear. On your phone or computer, open the Google Home app (on Android or iPhone) or go to google.com/chromecast in a web browser. The app or website will guide you through connecting the Chromecast to your Wi-Fi network.

During setup, you will choose which Wi-Fi network the Chromecast should join and enter the password. Once it connects, you can give it a name like "Living Room TV" so you know which device to cast to if you have more than one Chromecast in your home.

Casting from different types of apps

Not every app supports Chromecast, but most major streaming services do. YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, Google Photos, and Google Play Music all have the cast icon built in. When you open one of these apps and tap the cast icon, you see a list of Chromecast devices on your network.

Some apps let you cast your entire screen or browser tab instead of just the app's content. On Android, you can cast your whole screen by going to Settings, then Display, then Cast. On a Mac, you can cast your screen through Control Center. On Windows, use the Quick Settings menu and look for Cast.

Screen casting uses more of your device's battery and can be slower than casting from an app, but it works when an app does not have a built-in cast button.

Troubleshooting when your Chromecast does not show up

If you tap the cast icon and your Chromecast does not appear in the list, the most common reason is that your phone or computer is on a different Wi-Fi network than the Chromecast. Check that both devices are connected to the same network name.

If they are on the same network, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it restarts, also restart your phone or computer. Once both are back on, open the app again and tap the cast icon.

If your Chromecast still does not appear, check that your Wi-Fi router is working and that other devices can connect to it. Some older routers or networks that require you to log in through a web page (like hotel Wi-Fi) do not work with Chromecast. If you are on a network like that, you may need to use a mobile hotspot from your phone instead.

What happens when you cast

When you cast, your phone or computer sends a signal to the Chromecast telling it what to play. The Chromecast then connects directly to the internet and streams the video or audio itself. Your phone or computer does not have to stay connected or even stay awake — you can lock your phone, switch to a different app, or close your laptop and the content keeps playing on your TV.

This is different from mirroring your screen, where your device sends a live copy of everything on your screen to the TV. Casting is faster, uses less battery, and lets you use your device for other things while content plays.

You can control what is playing by tapping the cast icon again and using the playback controls that appear. You can pause, skip forward or backward, or stop casting entirely.

Casting from a computer or laptop

On a Mac or Windows computer, you can cast from Google Chrome by clicking the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, selecting Cast, and choosing your Chromecast. You can cast a tab (just the browser tab you are watching) or your entire screen.

Many streaming apps also work on computers. Netflix, YouTube, and others have cast buttons in their web versions. Click the cast icon the same way you would on a phone, and your Chromecast appears in the list.

If you are using a different browser like Firefox or Safari, you may not see a cast option. In that case, you can use screen casting instead, though it may be slower than casting from Chrome.

Controlling who can cast to your Chromecast

By default, anyone on your Wi-Fi network can cast to your Chromecast. If you want to restrict this, open the Google Home app, tap your Chromecast device, then tap Settings. Look for the option called "Guest mode" or "Casting" and you can choose to allow only people on your home network, or turn off casting entirely.

Some Chromecast models also let you set a PIN that guests must enter before they can cast. This is useful if you have visitors or live in a place with a shared Wi-Fi network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?

You need a Google account to set up your Chromecast the first time using the Google Home app. After setup is complete, you do not need to stay logged in to cast. Anyone on your Wi-Fi network can cast to it.

Can I cast from my iPhone or iPad?

Yes. Apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify work the same way on iPhone and iPad as they do on Android. Open the app, tap the cast icon, and select your Chromecast. Screen casting also works on iPad through Control Center.

What if I want to cast but I am not home?

You cannot cast over the internet to a Chromecast that is far away. You have to be on the same Wi-Fi network. However, some Chromecast models support remote casting if you set it up in the Google Home app first. Check your device's settings to see if this option is available.

Can multiple people cast at the same time?

No. Only one person can cast at a time. If someone else tries to cast while content is already playing, their cast will replace what is currently on the screen. You can pause or stop casting from the cast menu if you want to let someone else take a turn.

Does casting work on a 4G or 5G phone connection?

No. Your phone must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast. If you are using your phone's mobile data (4G or 5G), you cannot cast. You need to connect to Wi-Fi first.