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(Pocket-lint) - Google Chromecast is a hardware and system you can use to send content from one device to be viewed on another. It is easy to understand, configure and use.

To help you find out what Google Chromecast is, how it works, and what you can do with it, we've covered everything you need to know about the affordable HDMI dongle.

What is Chromecast?

Chromecast is a family of dongles for your TV, connecting to the TV's HDMI port to add smart features to your TV.

Google launched the first Chromecast in 2013, updated it in 2015 with the Chromecast 2, and then again in 2018 with the third-generation Chromecast.

In 2016, Google introduced the Chromecast Ultra, which functions identically to its predecessors but offers the ability to stream 4K streams. Chromecast Ultra also supports Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi connectivity, to ensure you have a good enough connection for the most demanding streams. Chromecast Ultra is still used, as it is the device that installs Google Stadia on your TV.

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In 2020, the Chromecast with Google TV launched, taking Chromecast in a different direction.

This model provides the casting features offered by previous Chromecast devices, but thanks to Google TV and a remote control, offers a full user interface, with native apps. This means you don't have to cast everything, you can use it as a streaming stick, Roku rival or Fire TV. In concrete terms, it is easier to use than all the other devices.

It's important to note that most of what we discuss below only applies to the Chromecast side of the Chromecast with Google TV.

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Chromecast connects to your home network and can then be controlled with your smartphone. This will allow you to open an entertainment app on your phone and, via Chromecast, play content on your TV.

Importantly, it uses the Google Cast protocol to get this content to your TV, so there must be support from the source you're using. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Chrome (the browser), Android, and many more support Google Cast, so it's a great platform for streaming.

Google has also offered Chromecast Audio in the past. Unlike other Chromecast models, it doesn't support video, but audio lets you stream wirelessly to speakers and connect via 3.5mm, although this version isn't widely available - mainly because streaming audio is now widely supported by smart speakers directly, without the need for a dongle.

How does Chromecast work?

The important thing to realize about casting is that it's not about sending content from your phone to the Chromecast. In the vast majority of cases, all you do is use your phone to tell the Chromecast device what content to play by pointing it at the source. Chromecast then uses its own connection to fetch that stream in the best possible quality.

This means that if you connect a Chromecast Ultra to a 4K TV, for example, it will stream 4K content that you won't be able to view on your phone.

However, if you're mirroring your phone to the TV or viewing a website, you're sending it directly from your phone or computer to the Chromecast and the two should stay connected. This is the case whether you are casting your Android device screen, a Chrome tab, or your Chromebook desktop.

Requirements

For Chromecast to work, you need to plug it into an HDMI input on a TV/display, as well as a power supply. On Chromecast, it might be a USB jack on the back of your TV. For Chromecast Ultra, it must be a wall outlet, or there is not enough power for it to work.

You also need a compatible Android device or iOS device with the latest version of the app - now called Google Home - installed, or you need a compatible Windows, Mac or Chromebook computer with the latest version Chrome browser installed. The Google Home app is the same one you use to control other Google hardware, like Nest Hub, and to set up smart home features to control through your phone.

It is important that your Chromecast and your device or computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, you cannot cast to your TV.

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Configure Chromecast

Setting up Chromecast is really simple. The process involves plugging your Chromecast into your TV's HDMI port and a power source, then installing the Google Home mobile app on your mobile device to begin the setup process and following the setup instructions. 'application.

The app will automatically find your Chromecast and prompt you to connect it to the same Wi-Fi network connected to your mobile device.

You can also configure Chromecast to work with your computer. Just install the Chrome browser which will stream natively to your Chromecast.

things you can do

With Chromecast, you can cast movies, TV shows, and photos from Cast-enabled apps on Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones, and iPads. You can also cast entire sites or tabs from the Chrome browser on Windows computers, Macs, and Chromebooks. To manage your Chromecast, use the Google Home app or the Google Cast browser extension.

Importantly, no user interface or remote control is required - all control comes from your phone or computer.

You can also cast your Android screen to your TV, or from particular apps on your phone, to your Chromecast, to share music or photos, for example.

How to cast

All you have to do - once you've set up Chromecast - is hit the Cast button from a Cast-enabled app like YouTube, and the content will appear instantly on your big TV. If you have multiple Chromecast-enabled devices, you'll see a range of options to let you know when you want content to play.

From the Chrome browser on your computer, you can also press the Cast button in a video player like YouTube. You will also find the Cast button in your Chrome browser in the menu.

Once you're streaming, remember that all commands come from your phone - whether you want to play, pause or skip, you do it on your phone.

Which sites and apps are Cast compatible?

apps

Casting to your TV is an easy way to enjoy your mobile apps on a big screen. You can use your mobile device or tablet as a remote and control everything from playback to volume.

In the Google Home app, you can tap What's New to browse content from Cast-enabled apps you already have installed. You can also tap Get Apps to find Cast-enabled apps you haven't installed yet.

Some of the great applications include:

There are plenty of entertainment options for casting, but using Chromecast to share your photos from your phone is a very easy option.

Of course, if you're using the Chromecast with Google TV, most of these apps will be on the device itself, without having to worry about casting.

Websites

Some websites are Cast-enabled. Currently, YouTube, Netflix, Google Play Movies and more are Cast-enabled, and Google said it's constantly adding new ones. You'll know if a website is Cast-enabled when you see the Cast button on the website in the video player. For sites that aren't compatible with Google Cast, you can use the browser itself - if you're using Chrome - to display content on your TV.

Some embedded videos are also stream-enabled.

How to Fix Chromecast Problems

Chromecast is great, but it can suffer from some issues. Here is the main breakdown:

Chromecast is not listed as a casting option: If you don't see your Chromecast, try restarting it. It is likely not connected to the network and restarting it will allow it to reconnect to the network.

Chromecast won't connect to your Wi-Fi: If your Chromecast isn't connecting at all, it may be having trouble finding a connection. The best thing to do is move the Chromecast closer to your Wi-Fi router, perhaps to another TV. Then you can connect it and make sure the software is updated etc. Alternatively, you might need a Wi-Fi extender.

Your phone does not offer streaming from a compatible app: you need to locate the icon in the app you want to stream (normally at the top right of the app or video) to start streaming. If you can't find it and you're using an app that supports casting, like Netflix, chances are your phone isn't connected to the network or the Chromecast is offline. If your phone doesn't detect anything to cast to, it won't offer an icon.

You can't control streaming once you've started: This can be a problem: you start streaming, then at some point during the show, your phone stops giving you control. If you're watching Netflix, for example, you can't stop the cast and it'll binge on a few more episodes. Try restarting your phone or try watching on another Android device, which could indicate that something is streaming. If all else fails, you may just need to turn off your Chromecast.

Chromecast quality seems poor: Chromecast automatically plays the best quality it can get from the stream. If it seems lumpy, it's probably because your network connection isn't good. Also, make sure your TV's HDMI settings are correct for the quality you're trying to stream.