What you need before you start

Chromecast is a small device that plugs into your TV's HDMI port and lets you send video, music, and photos from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV screen. Before you plug it in, gather: the Chromecast device itself, a power source (either a USB cable plugged into your TV or a wall outlet), your WiFi network name and password, and a phone or computer that will control what plays.

The setup process takes about five minutes. You'll connect Chromecast to your WiFi first, then use an app on your phone or a browser on your computer to send content to it. Chromecast works with most streaming apps — Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Disney+, and many others — but only if your phone or computer is on the same WiFi network as the Chromecast device.

Key Takeaways

  • Plug Chromecast into your TV's HDMI port and power it on, then use the Google Home app on your phone to connect it to your WiFi network.
  • Your phone, tablet, or computer must be on the same WiFi network as Chromecast in order to send content to it.
  • Most streaming apps have a cast button (usually a rectangle with curved lines in the corner) that you tap to send video or music to your TV.
  • If Chromecast won't connect to WiFi, restart both the device and your router, then try again with your WiFi password.

Physical setup: plugging in and powering on

Find an HDMI port on the back or side of your TV. Chromecast is a small stick or puck that slides directly into this port. If your TV doesn't have a free HDMI port, you can use an HDMI extender cable (a short cable that lets you plug Chromecast into the port while leaving room for other devices).

Plug the power cable into Chromecast. This cable either connects to a USB port on your TV (if your TV has one and provides enough power) or to a wall outlet using the included power adapter. Once power is connected, you'll see a light on the Chromecast device. Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input where you plugged in Chromecast. You should see the Chromecast setup screen appear on your TV within a few seconds.

Connecting Chromecast to your WiFi network

On your phone or tablet, download the Google Home app (free, available on both iPhone and Android). Open the app and tap the plus sign (+) in the top left corner, then select "Set up device" and "Set up new device." The app will search for Chromecast devices on your network.

When your Chromecast appears in the list, tap it. The app will ask you to confirm a code — you'll see a code on your TV screen and in the app, and they should match. Tap "Yes" to confirm. Next, the app will ask which WiFi network you want to use and will request your WiFi password. Enter your password exactly as it is (uppercase and lowercase letters matter), then tap "Connect."

Wait for the connection to complete — this usually takes 30 seconds to a minute. Once connected, you can give your Chromecast a name (like "Living Room TV" or "Bedroom") so you can tell it apart from other Chromecast devices in your home. The setup is now complete.

Sending content from your phone or computer

Open any streaming app that supports Chromecast — Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Disney+, Hulu, and hundreds of others all work. Look for the cast button, which looks like a rectangle with curved lines in the bottom right corner. Tap or click it.

A list of available devices will appear. Select your Chromecast by name (the one you named during setup). The content will now play on your TV instead of on your phone or computer screen. You can control playback — pause, play, skip, adjust volume — from your phone or computer, and the TV remote will also work.

If you're using a computer, open Chrome browser and go to any website with video content. Click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select "Cast," and choose your Chromecast device. This works with YouTube, Netflix in a browser, and many other websites.

Troubleshooting when Chromecast won't connect

If Chromecast doesn't appear in the Google Home app during setup, first check that your phone is on the same WiFi network as the Chromecast device (look at your phone's WiFi settings). Chromecast needs to be on the main 2.4 GHz band of your WiFi — some routers broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and Chromecast may not see the 5 GHz band.

Restart both Chromecast and your WiFi router. Unplug Chromecast for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Unplug your router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for both devices to fully restart (the router usually takes a minute or two), then try the setup again.

If the connection keeps dropping after setup, move your Chromecast closer to your router or remove obstacles between them. Thick walls, microwaves, and cordless phones can interfere with WiFi. If you have a 5 GHz network available and your Chromecast model supports it (check your device's specs), you can try connecting to that instead, though 2.4 GHz is more reliable for Chromecast.

What to do if an app doesn't have a cast button

Not every app supports casting directly. If you don't see a cast button in the app you want to use, you have two options. On Android phones, you can use Google Cast (built into Android) to mirror your entire phone screen to the TV — open Settings, search for "cast," and select your Chromecast. On iPhones, this option is not available through Google Cast, but some apps like Apple TV+ and others have built-in AirPlay support instead.

Alternatively, if the content is on a website, open it in Chrome browser on your computer and use the cast feature from there. This works for YouTube, many news sites, and other web-based video.

Controlling your Chromecast after setup

Once Chromecast is connected and content is playing, you can control it in several ways. Use your phone or computer to pause, play, skip forward or backward, and adjust volume. Your TV remote will also control volume and power. If you want to stop casting without turning off the TV, just tap the cast button again and select "Stop casting."

To change which WiFi network Chromecast uses, open the Google Home app, find your Chromecast device, tap the three dots next to its name, select "Settings," then "WiFi," and choose a different network. You can also rename your Chromecast, adjust display settings, or remove it from your account from this same menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Google account to use Chromecast?

You need a Google account to set up Chromecast using the Google Home app. Once it's set up, you don't need to stay logged in to use it — anyone on your WiFi network can cast to it. However, if you want to use voice commands through Google Assistant, you'll need to stay logged in.

Can I use Chromecast without WiFi?

No, Chromecast requires a WiFi connection to work. It cannot connect to your phone through Bluetooth or a direct connection. Both your phone and Chromecast must be on the same WiFi network.

What if my TV doesn't have an HDMI port?

Older TVs without HDMI ports cannot use Chromecast. You would need a different streaming device, like a Roku or Fire Stick, that supports older connection types. Check your TV's ports before purchasing Chromecast.

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

Only one person can cast content at a time. If someone else tries to cast while content is already playing, it will interrupt what's currently on screen. However, multiple people can take turns casting from their own devices.

Why does Chromecast keep disconnecting from WiFi?

This usually means your WiFi signal is weak where Chromecast is located, or your router is dropping connections. Move Chromecast closer to your router, restart your router, or check if too many devices are connected to your WiFi. If the problem continues, your router may need a firmware update.