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How to cast and mirror to Chromecast
The smart TV market is convoluted with all kinds of devices, operating systems, and user interfaces. It continues to be a mess. This is what makes Chromecast dongles an enticing offering. They offer smart TV-like functionality without all the fuss and complications. Cast from your smartphone to your TV – that is the Google Cast promise. And it does this at a very reasonable price!
There are multiple ways to do this, though. Traditionally, this was only possible when connected to the same Wi-Fi network, but now it’s possible to cast without being in the same network.
You can cast content using a supported app like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, etc. It’s also possible to mirror your Android phone’s screen to it.
You can look at our How to set up Chromecast tutorial if you need some help getting set up first.
QUICK ANSWER
There are multiple ways to to cast and mirror to Chromecast. If you're using a smartphone, you need to ensure you're connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device. Then launch a Cast-supported app, and tap on the Google Cast icon. Select the device you want to stream to.
To mirror your Android device, launch the Google Home app and go into your Chromecast device. Select Cast my screen and tap on Cast Screen.
There are also ways to cast and mirror to Chromecast using a computer, and you can even allow other devices to Cast in Guest mode. Keep reading to learn about these other methods.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
Editor’s note: We formulated these instructions using a Google Pixel 7 running Android 13, a custom PC running Windows 11, and a Chromecast Ultra. Some steps may be slightly different depending on your device and software version.
How to cast your content
Casting videos, images, or music is a straightforward process if your smartphone/tablet and the dongle are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Here’s how to do it!
How to cast to Chromecast with a smartphone:
- Connect your smartphone (Android or iOS) to the same Wi-Fi network as the dongle.
- Open a supported app and launch the content you want to cast.
- A Google Cast icon will appear, usually in the top-right corner.
- Tap on it and select the device you want to cast to.
- Watch the magic happen!
How to cast to Chromecast with a computer:
- Connect your computer to the same Wi-Fi network as your dongle.
- Open a supported service’s website using Chrome.
- Start playing the content you want to cast.
- The Google Cast icon should show up. Tap on it and select the device you want to cast to.
- Enjoy!
Don’t leave guests out of the party! One of Google’s coolest features allows users to cast to Chromecast without being connected to the Wi-Fi network at all. Google calls this feature Guest Mode. Just remember this won’t work with the newer Chromecast with Google TV.
How to cast to Chromecast without Wi-Fi:
- The host needs to open the Google Home app.
- Go into the Devices tab.
- Find your Chromecast device. Tap and hold onto it for a couple of seconds.
- Tap on the gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Hit Recognition & sharing.
- Go to Guest Mode.
- Toggle Guest Mode on.
- Guests can now go to the Chromecast-supported apps and hit the Cast button.
- Select Nearby device and follow the instructions.
- The Chromecast will ask for a PIN, which the host can provide.
- Enjoy your content!
How to mirror your screen to Chromecast
You got an app that isn’t supported, or simply want to show others your screen? There’s a way to do that too! This is how you do it.
How to mirror your smartphone to Chromecast:
- Connect the phone and dongle to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.
- Find the Chromecast device you want to mirror your screen to. Tap and hold onto it.
- Tap on the Cast my screen button in the lower-left corner.
- Select Cast screen.
- Hit Start now.
- You can hit Stop mirroring when done.
How to mirror your computer to Chromecast:
- Connect the computer and dongle to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Chrome browser on your computer.
- Hit the three-dot menu button in the top-right corner.
- Select Cast….
- Hit the Sources button and select Cast tab or Cast screen.
- Click on the Chromecast device you want to mirror your screen to.
- Click on it again to stop mirroring.
FAQs
It’s possible for a guest to cast to Chromecast without connecting to the same Wi-Fi network, but the owner needs to enable Guest Mode first.
No. The newer Chromecast with Google TV devices don’t support Guest Mode. People will need to connect to your Wi-Fi network to access Google Cast on your devices.
With most Chromecast devices, a smartphone or tablet is needed to set up the device, as well as to use it. However, you could get away with using a computer once you’ve set the device up. Chromecast with Google TV products are more independent, as they run Android TV, and you can control them using the included remote.
Chromecast devices need the Google Home app, which is compatible with devices running Android 8.0 or later, or iOS 15 or later.