The second generation Chromecast is a simple, plug-and-play internet streaming stick. Unlike other streaming devices, such as the Roku Streaming Stick, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV, it doesn’t come with a remote or even an interface of its own. When Chromecast is enabled and connected, you will see a slideshow of some amazing pictures on your TV is from around the world.
To do anything with your Google Chromecast, you need to use another device that can be your Android phone, iPhone, or a PC.
The Chromecast does not stream content via your controlling device by default. Your device sends the link to Chromecast, and then it takes care of the streaming. This frees up your smartphone for other things helps in saving the battery life.
Apart from that, once you have got a Chromecast, you can use third-party apps to make it do much more than just stream content. In this article, you will learn how to set up and use a Google Chromecast.
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Easy steps to set up a Chromecast
When you unbox the Chromecast package, you will see the round Chromecast dongle with an HDMI cable and a power brick with a Micro-USB cable. For setting up the Chromecast, you will need to access an Android phone or an iPhone running the Google Home app or a PC. Then, follow the instructions given below: –
- First of all, connect the Chromecast dongle to the HDMI input on your TV, power brick to a power outlet and Micro USB cable to the other end of Chromecast.
- Then, turn on your TV and switch over to the HDMI input where you have connected the Chromecast.
- Now, open the Google Home app on your phone or on your PC, go to www.chromecast.com/setup. For this guide, we will assume that you are using an Android phone running the Google Home app to set up your Chromecast.
- After opening the Google Home app, make sure you have turned on Wi-Fi. The app will ask you to start scanning for the new devices.
- Then, after the scan is complete, the app should discover a new Chromecast around you. Tap on Next.
- The Chromecast and Google Home app will display a code. After verifying that it is the same code, tap on Yes.
- Now, name your device and tap on Next.
- After that, connect the Wi-Fi network to use for the Chromecast. Now, if you are already logged in to the network on your Android phone, you won’t have to log in again.
- That’s all. Now, you’re connected.
How to Stream Online Media to your Google Chromecast?
Now, when your Chromecast is paired up, all you need to stream content is to find that little Cast icon from the app or website you’re in.
Cast from Android and iPhone
- First, open your app that has Chromecast support like YouTube, and look for the Cast icon.
- Generally, you can find it in the top toolbar. As long as you are on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast, you will find the Cast icon in the app.
- Then, tap on Cast icon and select the Chromecast from the list. Now, the app will assign the “output” as Chromecast.
- Next, continue browsing around and tap on media to start playback. The media will start playing instantly on your TV and you will see that playback controls are on your phone.
- Now, you can lock your device and the media will continue to play. Lockscreen media controls work with Chrome cast on both Android and iOS. On Android, you can control volume as well. So, if you want to pause the playback quickly, press the Pause button from the lockscreen.
Cast From your PC
To cast from your Windows or Mac PC, you will need to use the Google Chrome browser. Several media players, such as YouTube and Netflix come with Chromecast support.
When you open a compatible video player (your PC is on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast), you will see the Cast icon in the video player itself. You have to click on it, select your Chromecast, and the playback will switch to your TV. You can use the web page to control the playback.
Controlling a Chromecast Using Google Assistant
You can use Google Assistant on your phone and in Google Home devices to control your Chromecast. Say something like “play [songname] on Chromecast” and in a second, Chromecast will start playing that song. By default, this functionality works for YouTube. After connecting your account, you can also use it for Netflix.
However, if you have a Google Home device and a TV that supports the HDMI-CEC standard, then you can do some really cool things. You can just walk in and say, “OK Google, play
on the TV” and Chromecast will turn on the TV and start playing the video. APart from that, you can also ask your Google Home device to pause and resume playback.