22 Things You Didn't Know Google Chromecast Could Do (2023)

Google helps simplify your life online, from email and online storage to news anddigital maps. But you can also control your TV with Chromecast.

Google currently sells two versions of it.media streaming device-To dieChromecast ultraYChromecast com Google TV. The latter gave Google's dongle a much-needed overhaul, adding a remote control and on-screen menu. Many people are probably still streaming on older devices; Chromecast has been around since 2013. Its functionality is also built into many of today's best smart TVs.

Regardless of how you "cast" your content, part of the Chromecast's appeal is in its portability and ease of use; Just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and you're streaming Netflix, Spotify,hbo max, Hulu and more from your mobile device or PC to your TV in an instant, not to mention music, workout and sports apps.

While ultraportables are pretty much plug-and-play, a few tips and tricks can make streaming more magical. Check it out below.

1. Sea staff

You share a lot with the people you love, but maybe you don't like movies and shows. Everyone in your household can keep their watchlists (and, more importantly, their recommendations) separate with Google TV on Chromecast. Go to the Google TV home screen and select your profile. Select Add Account. Sign in to the Google account you want to add, answer the profile setup questions, and selectstreaming servicesyou want to assign to the profile.

2. Look Away From Your Watch List

Instead of going through menus to access your watchlist, just press the Google Assistant button on the side of your remote and say "Show me my watchlist".

3. Ligue

If you lost your Chromecast remote in your couch cushions, you can use the Google Home app (Android(opens in a new window),iOS(opens in a new window)) or the Google TV app (Android(opens in a new window),iOS(opens in a new window)). To use Google Home, turn on your TV and open the app. Select Google TV, then open the remote. For the Google TV app, turn on the TV and open the app. Then select Remotedevice scan; Choose your device and follow the onscreen instructions.

4. Make your meetings bigger

(Image: Google)

We're reluctant to broach the subject of video conferencing, but if you're tired of watching it on a small screen, you can make it more entertainment-oriented and bring it to your TV. you can throw yours awaygoogle meetingMeetings while still using your computer for camera, microphone and audio. Download the Meet app, open your meeting with Google Calendar or the Meet app, and selectbroadcast this meeting. You can select the casting device you want to use from the Casting tab. To finalize the transfer, select the three-dot menu and click on itEnd the cast meeting.

5. Send Google Slides to your TV

If you use Google Slides, you can show your presentation with Chromecast because that's what Google Cast is forintegrated not chrome. In the top right corner of your presentation, click and select the Present optionDisplay on another screenand select your Chromecast device.

6. Mirror your Android device to TV

If you want your Android screen to appear on your TV for work or entertainment,Screen casting is supported(opens in a new window)on devices running Android 5.0 and above (sorry iPhone users). While your mileage may vary depending on your phone; The screenshot above is from a OnePlus 5T. Open the Google Home app, tap your Chromecast device, then tapdump my screenin the background and afterproject screen. To defeatstop reflectingwhen you finish

7. Merge Apple TV and Google TV

(Image: Google)

There may be a great rivalry between Apple and Google, but you don't have to settle for conflict if you have a Chromecast with Google TV. The Apple TV app that includesAppleTV+, Esaccessible(opens in a new window)in the app area of ​​the home screen. It's the kind of friendly cooperation you'd findplush bow.

8. Clear the buffer with an Ethernet adapter

(Image: Google)

Chromecast is a useful device for streaming.netflix, YouTube and other mobile content to your TV, but requires a strong Wi-Fi connection to deliver unbuffered streams. However, not everyone has a super fast Wi-Fi network. For those that don't, Google has one.$20 ethernet adapter(opens in a new window)for Chromecast with Google TV. (FORsimilar adapter(opens in a new window)for older generation Chromecasts has been out of stock for some time).

The adapter looks like your existing Chromecast power cord, but the plug end includes a small Ethernet port. Plug an Ethernet cable that's also connected to your modem into this port, plug the USB end of the adapter into the Chromecast, plug the Chromecast into your TV's HDMI port, and you're done.

9. Send music to your TV

Spotify, Pandora e Amazon Music

If you have an impressive sound system connected to your television, why not use it to listen to your favorite music? a crowd ofmusic streaming servicesYou can stream music to Chromecast including Spotify, Pandora and Amazon Music. Make sure your device is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast, look for the "More Devices" button or Chromecast icon and select your Chromecast from the displayed list. Exit the Music app or the Google Home app.

10. Chromecast-Gastmodus

If you have guests for a week or party guests for a night, you might want to let them decide what to watch without giving them access to your Wi-Fi. Contact for older Chromecast modelsGastmodus(opens in a new window). (Guest mode is not available on Chromecast with Google TV.) Open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast, tap the settings cog in the upper-right corner, scroll down to Guest Mode and tap to turn it on.

Then when guests want to stream something, they can tap and select the Cast icon in a compatible appdevice searchand enter the four-digit PIN displayed on the TV or provided by you.

11. Do Not Track

It's impossible to disable all tracking as Chromecast is simply a content channel, but you can limit what it sends to Google. In your Chromecast device's settings menu, look for a setting that mentions sending device statistics and crash reports to Google and disable it.

12. Add photos to Chromecast background

Change Chromecast background with Ambient Mode. You can useyour own photos(opens in a new window)or choose from Google's selection of art, landscape photography and satellite imagery. In the Google Home app, tap your Chromecast icon. Tap the gear icon and scroll down to Ambient mode. Here you can choose whether you want your Chromecast to display images from Google Photos or a gallery of Google-curated images and artwork. For low-bandwidth mode, tap Experimental. You can also add the weather and time to the screen, and set how fast the Chromecast cycles through each photo.

13. Cast Google Photos to TV

Likewise, Chromecast can serve as a modern alternative to old-school slideshows — no projector required. Google Photos hasChromecast compatibility(opens in a new window), so you can send your Google Photos images on iOS, Android and PC to your TV. At the top of the Google Photos app, find the Cast icon and tap to connect.

14. Where is the remote? It doesn't matter

Since the Chromecast plugs into a port on your TV, you'll need to switch the input on your TV to switch between your set-top box, Chromecast, and any other home entertainment setup. However, if your TV supports HDMI-CEC, it may jump as soon as you hit the cast button in a compatible app. No old-school remotes required.

Some TV manufacturers may call it by a different name (Google has an overview here(opens in a new window)), but if your TV is compatible, go to the TV settings, select the HDMI-CEC option and enable it. Please note that your Chromecast must be powered from a wall outlet and does not need to be connected to a USB port on your TV.

15. Listen in your headphones

If you want to watch something on your TV but don't want to disturb others with the sound, Chromecast with Google TV supports Bluetooth, which you can access from the "Remotes & Accessories" section of the Google TV home screen (note that some stability issueswas reported(opens in a new window)).

Try it on older Chromecast devicesLocal Cast for Chromecast(opens in a new window). With it, you can stream video to your TV while keeping the audio on your device. DefeatForward audio to phoneon the Now Playing screen and plug in the headphones. This LocalCast feature has been in beta for a long time and the developer warns that it may have bugs. But the app is free, so it's worth a try if you need to keep noise to a minimum.

16. Ask Google Assistant for help

The remote that comes with Chromecast with Google TV includes a Google Assistant button. Tap to search by voice or ask Google's virtual assistant to open compatible apps. If you have an older Chromecast and a Google Smart Home device like a Nest display,to connect(opens in a new window)and say things like "Ok Google, playWeird stuffon Netflix." Other supported services include Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and YouTube TV.

17. Make things familiar

Families with Chromecast with Google TV can set up separate profiles for their kids, so parents don't have to worry about unattended screen time. Parents can control which apps their kids can access (including YouTube Kids), choose a theme, and even manage screen time. "When it's almost time to turn off the TV, your kids will be greeted with three countdown warning signals before a final 'time out' screen appears and the watch time ends."google these(opens in a new window). Kids are smart, so parents can protect their own profiles with a PIN.

18. Create a YouTube TV queue

The only annoying thing about watching YouTube on a Chromecast is that you have to pick it up and turn the device off every time you want to watch a different video. or your Open the YouTube app, tap the cast button, select your Chromecast device and choose a video to watch. A popup will appear where you can play the video immediately or add it to your queue. Add as many videos as you want to watch to your queue and relax. Tap the up arrow at the bottom of the screen to view or edit your next video selections.

19. Cast Plex to Chromecast

One of the main complaints about Chromecast is that it doesn't support local media playback, so you can't access content stored in the cloud. But with media management appplexus, you can stream music, movies and photosvia chromecast(opens in a new window). plexusorganizedYour content spreads and allows you to view it from tablets, TVs, phones and more.Record(opens in a new window), download and open the Plex app and cast your content to Chromecast.

20. Stream games with Stadia

HeGoogle StadiaThe streaming platform lets you play console and PC quality games on your phone, in a Chrome browser tab, or on your TV with a compatible streaming device. At launch, that meant a Chromecast Ultra, but in June 2021 GoogleAdded support for Stadia(opens in a new window)for Chromecast with Google TV for more big-screen gaming options.

21. Stream DVDs with Vudu (for a price)

If you have lots of DVDs and nothing to play, or just want the convenience of streaming, you canUse Vodu to convertold media to new. Download the Vodu app (Android(opens in a new window),iOS(opens in a new window)), sign in or register for an account. Go to the menu, select Disc to Digital and scan the disc's UPC code. You can stream your DVDs on the Vudu app on Chromecast for $2 per title for standard definition and $5 per title for high definition.

22. Chromecast preview

If spoilers don't put you off, you should be fine.Chromecast preview(opens in a new window). It brings you the latest Chromecast features before they are released to the public. According to Google, the program is not a beta version, just a preview of stable features.

To sign in, open the Google Home app on an Android or iOS device. Tap your Chromecast and the gear icon in the top right corner and scroll down to Previewer. Select it, tapjoin the programand I agree to receive emails about new features. To exit, simply return to this page and tapExit the program.