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Use Google Photos to cast a selected photo or video: connect your phone and Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network, open the item in Google Photos, then choose More → Cast and select your Chromecast. The steps work on Android phones and iPhone or iPad; the iOS flow also requires signing in to your Google Account in Google Photos.
Cast from Google Photos on Android
- Connect your Android phone and Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Google Photos and select a photo or album.
- Tap More → Cast, then choose your Chromecast.
- Open a photo or video on your phone to show it on the TV. Swipe between photos to change what is displayed.
- When finished, tap Cast → Stop casting.
Google’s Android instructions list Android 4.4 or later for this Google Photos feature. This is the version threshold stated for the photo-casting flow, not a universal minimum for setting up every Chromecast feature. Google Photos Help: Android instructions.
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Cast from Google Photos on iPhone or iPad
- Connect your iPhone or iPad and Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Google Photos and sign in to your Google Account.
- Select a photo or album, tap More → Cast, and choose your Chromecast.
- Open a photo or video on your device to show it on the TV. Swipe between photos to change the displayed image.
- To finish, tap Cast → Disconnect.
Google Photos Help: iPhone and iPad instructions.
If your Chromecast does not appear
- Check the Wi-Fi network. Confirm that both the phone and Chromecast are connected to the same network, then reopen Google Photos and try More → Cast.
- Allow local-network discovery on iPhone or iPad. On iOS 14 or later, Google says Google Cast needs Local Network permission to discover Cast devices. Check the device’s privacy settings and allow access for the relevant app.
- Check the app and device requirements for the task. Google’s general instructions for casting from Google Cast-enabled apps list Android 6.0+ and iOS 12.0+ as mobile requirements. Separately, Google Home setup compatibility is listed as Android 9.0+ and iOS 17.0+. These requirements cover different tasks; they do not replace the Android 4.4+ threshold Google lists for its Google Photos casting instructions. Google Cast app requirements · Chromecast and Google TV Streamer requirements.
- Use the right menu. Cast controls can appear in different places across apps. In Google Photos, use More → Cast.
Google notes that Cast availability and performance can vary by app, device, network, and location. If the target remains missing after these checks, confirm that the receiver and app support Google Cast and can be reached on the local network.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Photo casting is different from mirroring your phone
The steps above send a selected photo or video from Google Photos to the TV. They are not instructions for mirroring the phone’s entire screen or casting a browser tab. Google’s separate guidance about a pink or purple screen concerns casting a tab and desktop steps; it notes whole-screen casting as a possible workaround for that issue, with potential performance or stability trade-offs. It does not define the standard phone photo-casting flow. Google’s pink or purple screen guidance.
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 3
Best Value
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select, start streaming in 4K, AI-powered search, and free & live TV, find shows faster with Alexa+
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
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- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Rank #4
Google Chromecast with Google TV - Streaming Entertainment with Voice Search - Watch Movies, Shows, and Live TV in 4K HDR Streaming Media Player - Includes Pouch and Cleaning Cloth - Snow
- Watch the entertainment you love with Chromecast with Google TV, including live TV in up to 4K HDR; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs
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- Press the Google Assistant button on the remote and use voice search to find specific shows, youtube tv streaming, or search by mood, genre, actress, and more; control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers, hands-free
- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming
Rank #3
Sale
Roku Streaming Stick HD with Voice Remote | Compact 4K Streaming Device for TV with Roku Voice Remote & Long-Range Wi-Fi - Free & Live Local News, Sports
- 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
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Rank #2
Google Streamer 4K – Fast Streaming Entertainment with Voice Search Remote, Watch Movies, Shows, Live Channels and Netflix in HDR, Smart Home Control, 32 GB Storage, Porcelain
- 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
#1 Best Overall
Google TV Streamer 4K - Fast Streaming Entertainment on Your Device with Voice Search Remote - Watch Movies, Shows, Live, and Netflix in HDR - Smart Home Control - 32 GB of Storage - Hazel
- 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
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