How to set up Chromecast with your smartphone Android Authority

Publish date: 2022-02-12

Have you just purchased a brand new Chromecast with no clue on how to set it up? Maybe you set it up long ago, lost the instructions, and now need to reconnect it. Whatever the reason is, don’t worry — Android Authority is here to help you through the Chromecast setup process. All you need is your phone!

Read Next: How to cast and mirror to Chromecast

If you haven’t yet purchased a Chromecast, you might want to consider doing so. The base version is only $29.99, and it allows you to beam content from your phone, tablet, and sometimes even a computer, to a TV. Depending on your needs, it could be a total replacement for actual smart TV devices. Some of us here at Android Authority would say it is the best $30 we have spent in a while.

There are two Chromecast versions at this stage; the standard model and the Chromecast with Google TV. Setting up the Chromecast with Google TV adds some extra steps, so we will also go over that process in this article.

QUICK ANSWER

TO set up a Chromecast with your phone, download the Google Home app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Open the Google Home app, tap the + button, select Set up device, and hit New device. Follow instructions to personalize your experience and you're set!

JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS

Editor’s note: All steps in this article were put together using a Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast with Google TV, and Google Pixel 4a with 5G running Android 12.

How to set up Chromecast

To get started, plug your Chromecast into your TV’s HDMI input and the USB port on your TV. If there isn’t a free USB port on your TV, use the included power adapter to connect the device to an outlet. Next, change your TV’s input channel to the one your Chromecast is connected to.

Okay, before we can set things up, we’re going to need to do a few things on your phone:

  • Download the Google Home Android app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
  • Open the app, accept the terms, sign in to your Google account, and follow the instructions.
  • The main page should show up after the initial setup is complete.
  • Tap the + button, tap on Set up device, and tap New device.
  • Confirm the home.

    • Just a few more steps involving the app and the TV are needed:

  • The app will start searching for devices. Make sure your Chromecast is connected to the power and your TV. It should enter pairing mode automatically.
  • Hit Yes once the Chromecast shows up on your phone.
  • When connected, both the phone and the TV screen should show a four-digit security code. Confirm it’s the same one by hitting Yes on your smartphone.
  • Decide whether you want to share information with Google or not.
  • Select which room the Chromecast will live in. Then, hit Next.
  • Pick your Wi-Fi connection. Then, hit Next.
  • Enter your password and tap on Connect.
  • You’ll be asked about personal preferences. Follow instructions.

    • Once it’s set up, compatible applications on your devices should show a Cast icon when connected to the same Wi-Fi network. When watching a YouTube video, hit the Cast icon and select your specific device. The content will appear on your large screen TV, and you can easily control it with your smartphone. Easy as pie!

    Also: Awesome tricks you can try with Google Home, Nest Audio, and Chromecast

    How to set up Chromecast with Google TV

    David Imel / Android Authority

    You need to get started the same way with the Chromecast with Google TV. Plug the device into your TV using the HDMI port and connect the power cable to an outlet. You can also hard-wire using an Ethernet port for better internet performance. Turn your TV on and switch it to the HDMI source you connected the Chromecast to.

    Set up Chromecast with Google TV using a phone:

  • Connect your phone to the Wi-Fi network you want your Chromecast with Google TV to connect to. Ensure the Chromecast with Google TV is connected to the power and TV. It should enter pairing mode on its own after some minutes.
  • The TV should ask you to pair the remote. You’ll need to simultaneously press and hold the Back and Home buttons on the remote.
  • Us the remote to select your language.
  • Download the Google Home Android app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Open the app, accept the terms, sign in to your Google account, and follow the instructions.
  • The main page should show up after the initial setup is complete. Tap +, tap on Set up device, and tap New device.
  • Pick the home the Chromecast with Google TV will live in. Then hit Next.
  • When the application finds the Chromecast with Google TV, hit Yes.
  • Tap on Scan code and allow any necessary permissions.
  • Use the phone’s camera to scan the QR code that shows up on the TV.
  • Google Home will start connecting to your Chromecast with Google TV.
  • Accept the terms.
  • Select the room where you’ll have your Chromecast with Google TV and hit Next.
  • Pick your Wi-Fi network and tap on Next.
  • Enter your password or use a saved one. Hit OK. Then wait for the Chromecast to connect to the internet.
  • You’ll be asked to link your Google account, privacy preferences, and more. Follow instructions and verify your identity.
  • Now you can use your remote to finish the setup. Follow instructions and personalize your experience.

    • Set up the remote:

    You can set up your remote to work with your TV’s power and volume settings.

  • If the remote isn’t set up, you should see a Control volume and power with your Chromecast remote announcement.
  • Select Set up remote.
  • To configure the volume button, go ahead and select the brand of the device used to play sound.
  • The TV should now say You’ll hear music next. Make sure the audio device (TV or speakers) and select Next.
  • When you hear the music, point at your device with the remote and try to control the volume.
  • The UI will ask you if changing the volume worked. Select Yes or No, try again.
  • Just turn the TV off by pressing the power button on your remote to configure the power button. Wait eight seconds and turn it back on.
  • The UI will ask you if turning the TV on/off worked. Select Yes or No, try again.
  • To configure the input button, point your remote at the TV and try to cycle through input methods. Switch back to the input source your Chromecast is connected to.
  • The UI will ask you if the button worked. Select Yes or No, try again.
  • The screen should now say Chromecast remote is ready.

    • Related: Common Chromecast issues and how to fix them

    FAQs

    Should I plug the Chromecast into the TV's USB port or to an outlet?

    It’s always better to plug your Chromecast into an actual outlet. Some TV USB ports don’t offer enough power to operate a Chromecast device. You can try it, though!

    Can I play video games with a Chromecast?

    You can always mirror your smartphone or tablet display to a larger TV and game away, but there will be some lag. Another option is to use a Stadia controller with a Chromecast Ultra, which supports Stadia cloud gaming.

    Do I need a smartphone or tablet to set up a Chromecast?

    Yes. You will need to run either the Android or iOS app, which requires a smart device. This could be a smartphone or a tablet.

    Can I use my Chromecast device on any TV after it's set up?

    You can use your Chromecast on any TV within reach of your Wi-Fi network, and it will work seamlessly. That said, you’ll need to set up the Wi-Fi connection if you decide to take your Chromecast somewhere else.

    Comments

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