How to use Chromecast: everything you need to know

• How to use Chromecast: everything you need to know

• The 20 Best Chromecast Apps of 2016

• How to improve Chromecast performance

• How to use Chromecast to mirror your screen

• How to use Chromecast to play

• How to use Chromecast to stream audio

• How to turn off your Chromecast

• How to Cast VLC Player to Chromecast

• How to use Chromecast without Wi-Fi

• How to reset your Chromecast

• Chromecast Tips and Tricks

Google Chromecast is an incredibly simple way to seamlessly cast video and audio from your smartphone, tablet, computer, or smart device to your TV, no matter where you are in the house. To make things even better, Chromecast is wonderfully affordable and easy to use.

As long as your app selection includes Chromecast support, you’re using the Chrome browser, or your smart device supports Google Cast, you can cast virtually anything to your TV via Chromecast. You can even mirror your device’s screen on your TV if you prefer to have a big screen experience.

Additionally, guests will be able to use your Chromecast thanks to Guest Mode. Anyone within 25 feet of the Chromecast and who has the Google Cast/Home app can cast content from their phone or device to the transmitter. Alternatively, you can set it up as a user by giving it the four-digit PIN found in the app settings on your device.

How to set up Chromecast

The first step to using a Chromecast is to purchase one (this may seem obvious and you probably already have one if you’re here). If you don’t have one or are looking for a new one, you can get the latest and greatest in Amazon for about 70 dollars. If you’re happy with a slightly older (but still great) model, you can find it for around $35 online.

Chromecast works over Wi-Fi and connects to other devices that are on the same Wi-Fi network. The first thing you’ll need to do to get started is connect your device to your TV. You can then start the simple setup process:

Download “Google Home”

Using your smartphone, download the Google Home app available on iOS and Android.

Sign in to your Google account and click “Get Started.”

Click ‘Set up new devices’

Click “Create another home” and then “Next.”

Give your house a nickname and address

Click ‘Chromecast’ if the app couldn’t find your device

If your Google Home app didn’t find your Chromecast, check your connections and make sure the light is on. Verify that the device with the Google Home app is connected to Wi-Fi. Follow the connection prompts in the app to complete your setup.

The “Deal” icon

Now that you have everything set up, it’s time to start streaming. You can do this with so many devices that we can’t cover them all, so the first thing we’ll do is get familiar with the “Cast Icon.”

Whenever you see this icon, on any device, you can click or tap it to open the option to cast content to your Chromecast (well, almost “everyone”, but here’s a compatible apps list for you). You’ll see it in everything from Facebook videos to Netflix content. If you’re trying to stream from your phone, computer, or tablet, locate this icon to get started.

How to cast from Google Chrome

Google Chrome makes it very easy to stream content, so we’ll start here. Open your web browser and visit the site you want to display on your TV. We’ll use Netflix as an example, but you can use any website that appeals to you.

Click on the three vertical lines in Chrome

Click “Stream”

Click on your Chromecast

Choose your font

You can choose whether you want to stream the tab, the entire desktop, or just a file. Once you’ve made your selections, the content you’re streaming will automatically appear on your TV. When you’re done, simply click the “Cast” icon in the top right corner of your web browser.

Cast from apps

Whether you’re using Netflix, PlutoTV, Spotify, or any other popular app, you can cast directly from your device to your Chromecast. Let’s review some of the most popular:

Use Chromecast to stream Netflix

On Netflix, the icon is at the top right of the screen. To cast, press the icon, select your Chromecast in the next box, and after a short delay, the video will play on your TV.

Use Chromecast to stream Spotify

I love music? With the Spotify app you can stream your music directly to your Chromecast. Don’t have a speaker that plays music loud enough for you? Why not use television?

Spotify is one of those apps that doesn’t have the traditional streaming icon. Instead, it has a speaker/TV icon at the bottom left. Tap that and select “Chromecast.”

Is my stream icon missing? What I can do?

If you can’t find the cast icon using the app, or even a web browser, there are a few things you can do.

First, make sure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Open the Google Home app and check your WiFi source.

Second, make sure your browser or the app you are using is up to date. You won’t see the option to cast if you’re using outdated software.

Can I cast my phone screen to Chromecast?

Yes, if you are an Android user. Open the Google Home app on your Android device and tap your Chromecast. Tap “Cast My Screen” and your phone screen will appear on your TV.

Just make sure your microphone permissions are turned on in your phone’s settings and that you’re connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Chromecast for this to work.

Does Chromecast support Kodi for streaming?

Yes, those using a Kodi-compatible device (such as Android or PC) can cast content using their Chromecast.