Chromecast is a group of TV dongles that plug into your TV’s HDMI port to add smart features to your TV. Google launched his first Chromecast in 2013, updated it with his Chromecast 2 in 2015, and updated it again in 2018 with his third-generation Chromecast. In 2016, Google announced the Chromecast Ultra. It works just like its predecessor but offers the ability to stream 4K streams. Chromecast Ultra also supports Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, ensuring plenty of connectivity for your more demanding streams. The Chromecast Ultra continues to be the device that displays Google Stadia on your TV.
Requirements:
It must be connected to the HDMI input of your TV or display and plugged into power. For Chromecast, this could be the USB socket on the back of your TV. Chromecast Ultra requires an outlet or doesn’t have enough power to work. It also requires a compatible Android or iOS device running the latest version of the app (now called Google Home).
Alternatively, you must have a compatible Windows computer, Mac, or Chromebook running the latest version of the Chrome browser. The Google Home app is the same app you use to control other Google hardware like your Nest Hub and set up smart home features that you can control from your phone.
Steps to Set up Chromecast:
- The process involves connecting your Chromecast to your TV’s HDMI port and power, installing the Google Home mobile app on your mobile device to begin the setup process, and following the app’s setup instructions.
- The app will automatically detect your Chromecast and ask you to connect to the same Wi-Fi network of your mobile device.
- You can also set up your Chromecast to work with your computer.
- Just install the Chrome browser that natively casts to Chromecast.
Steps to Cast Videos to Google Chromecast:
- Once you’ve set up Chromecast, simply tap the Cast button in any casting-enabled app like YouTube and your content will instantly appear on your big-screen TV.
- If you have multiple Chromecast-compatible devices, you’ll see different options for when to play your content.
- You can also tap the cast button on a video player such as YouTube on your computer’s Chrome browser.
- A cast button is also available in the Chrome browser menu. Remember, once you’re done streaming, all control is from your phone.
- So if you want to play, pause or skip, do it on your phone.
Types of Apps and Sites:
Streaming to your TV is an easy way to enjoy your mobile apps on the big screen. You can use your mobile device or tablet as a remote to control everything from playback to volume. Tap What’s On in the Google Home app to browse the content of your installed Cast-enabled apps. You can also tap Get Apps to find Cast-enabled apps you haven’t installed yet. Big apps include:
- Netflix
- Amazon Video
- Spotify
- HBO Now
- Angry Birds wi
- Google Photos
- YouTube
Casting has many entertainment options, but sharing photos from your phone with Chromecast is a very easy option. If you have Chromecast with Google TV, most of these apps reside on the device itself.
Troubleshoot and Fix Chromecast Problems:
Chromecast not showing up as a casting option: If you don’t see your Chromecast, try restarting it. It may not be connected to the network and will reconnect to the network after a reboot. Chromecast won’t connect to Wi-Fi: If your Chromecast doesn’t connect at all, there may be a problem detecting the connection. The best thing to do is move your Chromecast closer to your wireless router (such as another TV). Then plug it in and make sure the software is updated. Or you may need a Wi-Fi booster.