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Use a Google Cast-enabled app on a phone or tablet connected to the same Wi-Fi network as Google TV. Select the app’s Cast control and choose your television. If it is missing, check the network and TV software.

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EntertainmentBox editorial cover: How to cast streaming apps to Google TV
Original editorial cover illustration. EntertainmentBox

What you need before you cast

Google says you can cast content from phones, tablets, or laptops to your Google TV.

Your casting device and Google TV must be on the same Wi‑Fi network.

Use the latest version of a Chromecast-enabled app, or use Chrome on a computer.

  1. Check that your app or Chrome browser is up to date.
  2. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi‑Fi network.
  3. Open the video, show, or site you want to cast.

Cast from a supported app or Cast-enabled site

In a Chromecast-enabled app, the Cast button is the normal way to send content to your TV.

On Cast-enabled sites, the Cast button appears in the video or audio player.

When the Cast button turns solid, Google says you are connected.

  1. Open the app or website that has the content.
  2. Tap or click Cast.
  3. Select your Google TV from the list.
  4. To stop, open Cast and choose Disconnect.

Cast from Chrome on a computer

Google says Chrome can show a tab or your screen on a TV with a Chromecast or Google TV Streamer (4K) device.

Some plugins will not work, including Silverlight, QuickTime, and VLC.

When you cast a tab, the sound plays on your TV while other tabs and apps still play on your computer.

  1. Open Chrome on your computer.
  2. Go to More > Cast, save, and share > Cast…
  3. Select the cast receiver you want to use.
  4. If you want to share your whole screen, choose Sources, then Cast screen, then select the device.
  5. Choose Stop casting when you are finished.

Use the Google TV app carefully

The Google TV app can control Google TV or Android TV and can handle playback, power, Assistant, volume, and text entry.

Google’s Android-phone instructions show a nearby-TV pairing path in the app.

For playback, the app can also show a video or TV show and let you tap Watch on TV when that option appears.

  1. On an Android phone, open the Google TV app, tap TVs nearby, and follow the pairing prompts if shown.
  2. If you want to start supported playback, open the Google TV app, select the title, and tap Watch on TV when offered.
  3. If the content will not start, confirm the third-party app is installed on the TV and cast is turned on.

Fix common casting problems

If casting fails, Google says to make sure Google Cast is enabled on the TV.

Also confirm that the TV and casting device are on the same Wi‑Fi network.

If an update is available, install it through System > About > System update.

  1. Open Google TV settings and check that Google Cast is enabled.
  2. Compare the Wi‑Fi network name on the TV and on your casting device.
  3. Go to System, then About, then System update, and install any update offered.
  4. On Android, if the phone keeps switching networks, turn off Adaptive connectivity until casting starts.

Sources & verification

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