How to Chromecast From Laptop to TV

Chromecast lets you send what’s on your laptop screen to a TV, either mirroring the entire display or casting just a browser tab. This is handy for watching videos, giving presentations, or showing photos on a bigger screen. Before you start, make sure your laptop and Chromecast device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and that your TV is turned on with the Chromecast plugged in and set up.

What You’ll Need

A laptop running Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS
A Chromecast device (Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast with Google TV, or a TV with built-in Chromecast)
Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browser installed on your laptop
Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network

Step-by-Step

Connect to the same Wi-Fi. Ensure your laptop and Chromecast are on the same network. If they’re on different networks (like a guest network), casting won’t work.
Open Chrome or Edge. Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on your laptop. Both support Chromecast natively.
Click the three-dot menu. In the top-right corner of the browser, click the three vertical dots (or the menu icon) to open the options menu.
Select Cast. From the menu, choose “Cast…” (in some versions it may be under “Save and Share” or “Cast”). A small pop-up window will appear.
Choose your Chromecast device. In the pop-up, click the name of your Chromecast. If you don’t see it, click the “Sources” dropdown and select “Cast desktop” to mirror your whole screen, or “Cast tab” to share just the current tab.
Stop casting. To end the cast, click the Cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol) in the browser toolbar, then click your device name and select “Stop casting.”

Common Mistakes

Not being on the same network. If your laptop is on a 5GHz network and the Chromecast is on a 2.4GHz network (or vice versa), they won’t see each other. Connect both to the same network band.
Using an unsupported browser. Firefox and Safari don’t support Chromecast directly. Use Chrome or Edge.
Clicking the wrong source. If you want to mirror your entire screen, select “Cast desktop” instead of “Cast tab.” Otherwise, only the browser tab content will show.
TV input not set to Chromecast. Make sure your TV is on the correct HDMI input that the Chromecast is plugged into.

Tips

Use “Cast tab” for video streaming. When watching Netflix or YouTube, casting the tab is more reliable than casting the desktop, and it uses less bandwidth.
Adjust video quality. In the Cast pop-up, you can click the three-dot menu next to your device to adjust the video quality or enable “Use high-quality video.”
Keep laptop awake. If your laptop goes to sleep, the cast will stop. Change your power settings to prevent sleep during long casts.
Use the Cast icon shortcut. In Chrome, you can right-click on a video and select “Cast” to send it directly to your TV.

Troubleshooting

Device not showing up. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. Also restart your laptop and router. Ensure both are on the same Wi-Fi.
Cast keeps dropping. This is often due to weak Wi-Fi. Move your router closer, or reduce interference by turning off other high-bandwidth devices.
No sound on TV. If you’re casting a tab, the audio should come through the TV. If not, check that the TV volume is up and not muted. In Chrome, click the speaker icon on the tab to unmute it.
Video is laggy or blurry. Lower the video quality in the Cast settings, or close other tabs that use bandwidth.
Chromecast not responding. Use the Google Home app on your phone to restart the device, or do a factory reset if needed (press the button on the device for 25 seconds).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from a Mac to a Chromecast?

Yes, as long as you use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Safari does not support Chromecast.

Do I need an internet connection to Chromecast?

Yes, both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, and an internet connection is typically required for the Chromecast to receive the stream.

Can I cast a PowerPoint presentation?

Yes, you can cast your entire desktop and then open the presentation, or open the PowerPoint in a browser tab and cast that tab.

Why can’t I see the Cast option in Chrome?

Make sure you have the latest version of Chrome. The Cast option is usually under the three-dot menu, but it may be hidden under “More tools” in some versions.

Can I use my laptop while casting?

Yes, you can use other apps, but if you’re casting the desktop, everything you do will be visible on the TV. If you cast a tab, you can switch to other windows without affecting the cast.

Does casting drain laptop battery quickly?

Yes, casting uses more battery because it’s encoding and sending video. Keep your laptop plugged in if possible.

Sources: Google Chromecast Help. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.