To change what appears on a Chromecast’s ambient screen, open the device’s Ambient mode settings and choose Google Photos, Art Gallery, or an available Experimental source. The route depends on the device: classic Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra use the Google Home app; Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer also have settings on the TV.
Choose the settings route for your Chromecast
Sign in to the Google Account associated with the streaming device before changing its ambient screensaver. Google’s setup instructions provide these routes:
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| Device | Settings route |
|---|---|
| Chromecast or Chromecast Ultra | In Google Home, tap Home > All devices, touch and hold the Chromecast tile, then tap Settings > Ambient mode. Google Support |
| Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer | On the TV, open Settings > System > Ambient mode > Settings. You can also use the Google Home app route. Google Support |
Menu wording can vary by device generation. If a setting is missing, confirm which Chromecast model you have and use the corresponding route.
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Change the photo source
In Ambient mode, select the source you want the screen to use:
#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
- Google Photos: Show pictures from albums associated with your Google Account. Select the albums in the Ambient mode settings. You can select named shared albums; Favorites appears as an option when the collection has at least four favorited photos. Archived photos are not displayed, even if they belong to a selected album. Google Support
- Art Gallery: Use online imagery, including sources such as Google Earth, rather than your personal photo albums. Google Support
- Experimental: Try other image sources and features that Google makes available. Options are experimental and are not guaranteed to be identical across devices or locations. Google Support
Google Photos requires a Google Photos account. If you use a Google Workspace account and album access is unavailable, your organization may require an administrator to authorize access before you can select albums.
Adjust photo details, time, and weather
Personal photos can display identifying details such as the album name, date, and location. On supported devices, open Settings > Photo Frame > Google Photos > Personal photo data and choose Hide to suppress those details. Google Home’s Ambient mode settings also let you control whether the time and weather appear and choose Celsius, Fahrenheit, both, or no temperature. Google Support
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
Weather uses the address set for your Google Home when one is available. Otherwise, Google may use the device’s IP address, so the reported weather can differ among devices in the same home. Google Support
Know the limits of special photo options
Google’s Family & Friends album requires the Google Photos app on your phone and face groups to be enabled. It updates automatically with selected people based on Google’s photo selection. Google says the feature is unavailable in Europe, Illinois, and Texas. Google Support
Rank #3
- 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
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR
- Your home screen displays movies and TV shows from all your services in one place with Chromecast 4K; get personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own
- 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
For a Workspace account, Google’s documented route requires a domain administrator to allow the specified client and scopes. The administrator then reboots the streaming device, after which you can select albums through Google Home’s Ambient mode settings. Organization policies can affect availability, so contact your Workspace administrator if that route does not work. Google Support
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the new settings do not appear
Google’s first documented troubleshooting step is to restart the streaming device, then check Ambient mode settings again. A restart is not a guaranteed fix for account authorization, network issues, or other causes. Google Support
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
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.
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