How to Chromecast From Phone to TV

What You’ll Need

A Chromecast device plugged into your TV, or a TV with Chromecast built in (most Android TVs and many newer smart TVs).
A phone (Android or iPhone) with the Google Home app installed.
Both the phone and the TV/Chromecast connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
The app you want to cast from (like YouTube, Netflix, or Chrome) installed on your phone.

Step-by-Step

Set up your Chromecast – Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV and connect its power cable. Switch the TV to the correct HDMI input. If it’s your first time, follow the on-screen setup instructions.
Connect phone and TV to the same Wi-Fi – On your phone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and note the network name. On the TV or Chromecast, make sure it’s on the same network. If you’re using a TV with built-in Chromecast, check its network settings.
Open the Google Home app – On your phone, open Google Home. If you haven’t signed in, do so with the same Google account you used to set up the Chromecast.
Link your Chromecast – In Google Home, tap the “Devices” icon (usually a TV or speaker symbol) at the top. Find your Chromecast and tap it. If it’s not listed, tap the “+” icon and follow the setup prompts.
Cast your screen or an app – To mirror your entire phone screen, tap “Cast my screen” in the Google Home app and select your TV. To cast from a specific app, open the app (like YouTube) and tap the Cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi-Fi symbol in the corner). Choose your TV from the list.
Stop casting – When you’re done, tap the Cast icon again and select “Stop casting,” or in Google Home tap “Disconnect.” Your TV will return to its normal input.

Common Mistakes

Not being on the same Wi-Fi – The most common issue. If your phone is on a 5GHz network and the TV is on 2.4GHz (or vice versa), they may not see each other. Use the same band or enable “AP isolation” off on your router.
Using the wrong Google account – The Google Home app must be signed in with the same account that set up the Chromecast. If you have multiple accounts, switch to the correct one.
Forgetting to turn on the TV – Sounds obvious, but if the TV is off, casting won’t work. Some Chromecast devices can wake the TV via HDMI-CEC, but not always.
Old app versions – If the Cast icon doesn’t appear, the app might be outdated. Update the app from your phone’s app store.

Tips

Use “Cast screen” for non-casting apps – If an app doesn’t have a Cast icon, you can still mirror your whole screen via Google Home. This works for most apps, but video quality may be lower.
Keep your phone unlocked during screen casting – Some phones stop casting if the screen locks. Adjust your screen timeout to stay awake during long casts.
Use guest mode – If a friend wants to cast but isn’t on your Wi-Fi, enable Guest Mode in Chromecast settings. They’ll need a PIN shown on your TV.
Reboot the Chromecast – If casting is glitchy, unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds and plug it back in. This often fixes connectivity issues.

Troubleshooting

My phone can’t find the TV. First, check that both are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart your router, then restart the Chromecast and your phone. If you’re using a VPN, turn it off temporarily.

Casting keeps dropping. Move the Chromecast closer to your router, or reduce interference from walls and other electronics. Also, close other apps on your phone that might be using bandwidth.

Video plays but no sound. Make sure the TV volume is up and not muted. If you’re casting from a specific app, check the in-app volume. For screen mirroring, the phone’s volume may control the TV’s output.

The Cast icon is missing. Not all apps support casting. For those that do, make sure the app is updated and that your TV is powered on. If it’s still missing, try restarting the app.

Google Home says “Device not found.” Unplug the Chromecast, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Then open Google Home and tap “Devices” > “+” > “Set up device.” Follow the prompts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast from an iPhone?

Yes, Chromecast works with iPhones and iPads. Download the Google Home app from the App Store and follow the same steps.

Do I need a Google account to cast?

Yes, you need a Google account to set up the Chromecast and use Google Home. Once set up, you can cast from apps without signing in each time.

Can I cast to a TV without Chromecast?

If your TV doesn’t have Chromecast built in, you can use a streaming device like Chromecast, or some TVs support casting via Miracast or AirPlay, but those are different protocols.

Does casting use my phone’s data?

No, casting streams directly from the internet to the TV. Your phone only sends a command to start the stream, so it doesn’t use your phone’s data (unless you’re casting your screen, which uses Wi-Fi).

Can I cast to multiple TVs at once?

Yes, you can cast to multiple Chromecast devices simultaneously from the same phone, but some apps may not support it. Google Home allows you to select multiple devices.

Why is my casting laggy?

Lag is usually due to a weak Wi-Fi signal. Move your router closer, or use a Wi-Fi extender. Also, close other apps that are using the internet on your phone.

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