Quick Answer
- Using the Google Home app, you can setup the Chromecast (all models) on your TV.
Google Chromecast or Chromecast is a casting device used to cast or screen mirror media files to your TV. To set the Google Chromecast devices to your TV, you need to use the Google Home smartphone app to go through the on-screen prompts.
When the Chromecast 1st Gen was launched, you could setup the device using your smartphone or PC. But, with the latest models like Chromecast 3rd Gen or Chromecast Ultra, the Google Home smartphone app is the only way to set up the devices.
In this guide, you will learn how to setup and use the Google Chromecast device on your TV. If you are new to Chromecast, we highly recommend you read our review article on Chromecast to get a better understanding.
How to Setup Chromecast
The setup process required for the Chromecast device can be categorized into three sections. Wire Connection, On-screen prompts, and casting the content. If you are using the Chromecast with Google TV, check our review guide for the Chromecast with Google TV device.
Wire Connections
1. Plug the Chromecast device on the HDMI port of your TV.
2. Then, connect one end of the USB cable to the Chromecast and the other end to the power cord.
3. If you are using the Chromecast Ultra, you have to connect the ethernet cable to the power adapter.
4. Now, turn on the TV and the Chromecast’s power supply.
5. Using the remote, switch to the Chromecast-connect HDMI input to start the on-screen prompts.
On-screen Prompts
1. When you get the Google logo on your TV, open the Google Home app on your smartphone. If you don’t have the app, install it from the Play Store or App Store.
2. If you are using the app for the first time, click the Get Started button to start the setup process. If not, you will get the home screen by default.
3. Click the Add icon to add the Chromecast device.
4. Your smartphone will look for a nearby Chromecast device. When it is detected, click the Yes button.
5. It will take a minute to complete the pairing. When the pairing is done, you will get the Connected screen.
6. Then, you will get the activation code on the app. If you see the same code on your TV, click the Yes button. If not, click the No button to start the pairing again.
7. Now, you will get the Help Improve Chromecast screen. Tap Yes to send device stats and reports to Google. If not, click the No thanks button.
8. Then, choose where the Chromecast device is located in your home and tap the Next button.
9. Now, you will get the WiFi connection screen. Choose your WiFi network and enter the password to connect to it.
10. Once it is connected to WiFi, it will link to your Google account. When it is done, click the Next button.
11. In the Stay in the Know screen, you can sign up to get new updates about Chromecast from Google. Click No Thanks to opt-out.
12. Then, you can add video services to use on the Chromecast. Choose your preferred device and click the Next button to link the account. You can also tap the Not Now button to skip the process.
13. Now, you will get the All done! screen. Click the Continue button.
14. Now, it will check for the latest firmware to update the device. When it is done, you can click the Continue button.
15. On the next screen, you will get a sample tutorial on how to cast video content from apps. If you want, you can play the tutorial video. If not, skip the section.
How to Cast Content to Chromecast
1. Now, you are ready to cast media files to your TV using Chromecast. Before the casting, always make sure that Chromecast and your smartphone are connected to the same WiFi network.
2. Open the streaming app on your smartphone. We are using the Plex app.
3. Tap the Cast icon on the app. The placement of the Cast icon may differ based on the app.
4. From the list of devices, choose your Chromecast device.
5. Then, play any video content from the app. It will appear on your TV.
6. You can use your smartphone to adjust the volume and control the playback.
7. To stop the casting, click the Cast icon and tap the Disconnect button.
Based on your device, the casting steps may vary. To Chromecast from Mac, you can use the Chrome browser. For iPhone, you can use the Replica app.
FAQ
No, you can’t use your Windows or Mac PC to set up the Chromecast device. Without the Google Home app, you can’t set up the Chromecast 1st Gen or any other models.
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