Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsAn old Chromecast can still turn a compatible HDMI display into a Cast receiver, show selected photos or artwork, or mirror a Chrome tab. What works depends on the model, the apps you use and your Wi-Fi. Check the model first: Google says support for Chromecast (1st gen) has ended, it receives no software or security updates, and performance may degrade. Google no longer provides technical support for it.
Before you reuse it, check the model and setup requirements
Chromecast (3rd gen and older) is set up with a compatible phone or tablet and the Google Home app, not a computer. You need a Google Account, an HDMI display, and a secure Wi-Fi network. Google’s current setup guidance lists the supported phone and tablet requirements; check it for your device and model because operating-system minimums and network-band support vary.
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For general casting, the phone, tablet or computer sending content and the Chromecast receiving it must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Discovery and playback can also depend on local-network permissions, the app, your region, any required subscription, the Chromecast generation and network quality. An old device may not work with every current streaming service.
1. Make a spare HDMI screen a Cast receiver
Connect the Chromecast to the display’s HDMI port, complete setup in Google Home from a mobile device, and use a supported app to cast while the sender and Chromecast share Wi-Fi. This can give a spare television or monitor another use without making it a general-purpose smart TV: playback depends on compatible Cast-enabled apps, and app support can vary by model and over time.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
2. Show Google Photos or artwork with Ambient Mode
Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra can use Ambient Mode to display selected Google Photos albums or artwork. Link your Google Photos account and choose albums in Google Home. Photos archived in Google Photos are excluded from the display, even if they belong to a selected album. Ambient Mode also does not let you control exactly when a particular image appears.
3. Cast a Chrome tab or your computer screen
Chrome can cast a browser tab or the computer’s screen to a Chromecast on the same Wi-Fi network. A tab is useful for showing web content; screen casting can suit a casual presentation. Treat either as a convenience rather than a guaranteed substitute for a direct display connection: latency and app restrictions may affect what you can show.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Audio behaves differently depending on what you cast. When you cast a Chrome tab, its audio plays on the TV. When you mirror the whole screen, audio may stay on the computer.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →4. Play supported app audio through the TV setup
A Cast-enabled app can send supported media to a Chromecast receiver, which may let you play music or other audio through the TV’s speakers or connected audio setup. This is an app-dependent option, not a promise that every service offers audio-only casting on every older model, or that the Chromecast functions as a dedicated audio endpoint.
Rank #3
- Ask to control your TV with your voice, and quickly cast your photos, videos, music and more from your phone, tablet, or PC to your TV with Chromecast built in
- Built-in Virtual Assistant – just press the mic button on the remote to get what you want
- Built-in content and entertainment including YouTube, Play Movies & TV, and more
- Support for thousands of Apps on the Play Store
- 2K resolution TV streaming
5. Move it to another room—or let visitors cast over your Wi-Fi
An older Chromecast can be moved to a different Wi-Fi network using its device settings in Google Home. It remembers one network at a time. If it has already disconnected from the old network, Google says you may need to factory-reset it before setting it up on the new one.
Visitors who want to cast need to join the host’s Wi-Fi. Google says Guest Mode is no longer supported, so an old Chromecast does not provide a separate guest-access method.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV; Google Chromecast lets you stream your favorites from your phone, tablet, or laptop; no remote needed
- Chromecast is easy to set up up; just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming to turn your TV into a smart TV; it works with almost any TV that has an HDMI port
- Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
- With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
- Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
If casting is unreliable
- Confirm that the sender and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network, and check whether the app supports casting to your model.
- Check the phone or tablet’s local-network permissions if the Chromecast is not appearing for casting.
- If a first-generation Chromecast has Wi-Fi reception trouble, Google recommends trying the HDMI extender that came with it; the guidance says it may reduce Wi-Fi interference. That is not a guarantee that an arbitrary third-party HDMI extension cable will help.
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