If your old Chromecast still powers on, connects to Wi-Fi and appears in Google Home or a supported casting app, it may still be useful as a photo-and-art display or as a receiver for Chrome tabs, your computer screen, and compatible mobile apps. Which option works depends on the Chromecast’s generation and condition.
Choose a reuse that fits what you want on the TV
| Use | Best for | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Ambient screensaver | A mostly passive display of personal photos or artwork while the Chromecast is idle | Google Home; a Google Account; Google Photos for personal albums |
| Chrome tab or computer-screen casting | A webpage, browser content, or computer screen shown on the TV | Chrome on a computer and a strong Wi-Fi connection |
| Mobile-app casting | Media in an app that supports Google Cast | A supported app and a phone, tablet, or computer on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast |
Use the Chromecast as a photo or art display
Google says Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra can show an Ambient screensaver when they are not in use. In Google Home, select the Chromecast, open its settings, and choose Ambient mode. From there, choose Google Photos albums or Art gallery imagery; settings can also include local time and weather. Google’s Ambient screensaver setup instructions describe the options and setup requirements.
Check photo privacy and display details
- You need a Google Account to configure Ambient mode, and Google Photos to show personal albums. Archived photos do not appear.
- Selected photos may display the album name, date, location, and other personal information by default. You can hide personal photo data in the Ambient settings.
- Weather is associated with the device location. If no home address is set, Google says it is based on the Chromecast’s IP address and may vary across devices in the same home.
- For Chromecast Ultra, Ambient screensaver resolution is capped at 1080p.
- A factory reset removes the Chromecast’s Ambient preferences.
Cast a Chrome tab or computer screen
On a computer, open Chrome, use the Cast menu, and choose the Chromecast receiver. Your computer and the Chromecast should have a strong Wi-Fi connection. Google says most web content can be cast, although some plugins will not work. See Google’s instructions for casting from Chrome.
Choose tab casting when you want the browser tab’s audio to play through the TV. Other tabs and apps continue playing sound on the computer. If you cast the whole computer screen instead, audio may stay on the computer.
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Cast from a supported mobile app
For media in an app, make sure the phone, tablet, or computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open a current Google Cast-enabled app and use its Cast button to select the device. Support and app interfaces vary, so an app without that option may not be able to send its content to your Chromecast. Google’s app-casting help explains the basic requirements.
What to expect from a first-generation Chromecast
Google says the first-generation Chromecast no longer receives software or security updates and is no longer covered by Google technical support; performance may also degrade. This warning applies specifically to the first generation, not every older Chromecast. A device’s age alone does not establish which generation it is or whether its Wi-Fi and casting features still work. Google’s guidance is available in its Chromecast support documentation.
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What if someone else wants to cast?
Guest mode is no longer supported. Google’s current guidance is for visitors to join the host’s Wi-Fi network before casting. Google’s Guest mode help page states that the feature is no longer available.
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