How to Connect a Chromebook to a Projector

This article explains how to connect a Chromebook to a projector to display the on-screen content as you would any media device. Once connected, you can browse the web, watch movies, and preview media through the projector screen.

Which Method Should You Use?

There are several ways to connect a Chromebook, and most laptops, to a projector. You can do so wirelessly (Over-the-Air or OTA), via a wired connection or adapter (HDMI), or by using a streaming device such as a Roku or Chromecast.

We cover all of the potential options here, but you’ll need to decide which method works best for you. Not all Chromebooks have an HDMI port, and not all projectors will work wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

How to Hook Up a Chromebook to a Projector via HDMI

Assuming your Chromebook and your projector have HDMI ports, you can connect the two relatively easily. If one of those devices is missing an HDMI port, you will need an adapter.

The adapter we’re going to use in this guide is a USB-C to HDMI converter. We’ll also be using the HP x360 14 as a Chromebook example, which does not have a native HDMI output.

1. Either connect the adapter into the USB-C port on the Chromebook or the HDMI cord to the appropriate port. If you’re using the adapter, you’ll also need to plug in a standard HDMI cable.

2. Plug the opposite end of the HDMI cable into the projector. If your projector does not have an HDMI port, you will need an adapter. Some examples include:

   • USB-C to HDMI
   • VGA or DVI to HDMI
   • HDMI to RCA (red, white, and yellow)

3. Power on the Chromebook and the projector if they aren’t already. Set the projector to display content from the correct HDMI input. Or if you have it connected via RCA, VGA, or DVI, then select those inputs.

4. When you first connect the Chromebook, the projector will likely appear as an “extended” display. That means the computer treats it as a second monitor outside the boundaries of the first. If you open a window or app, you’ll need to drag it onto the projector’s workspace. You can adjust the setup so that it mirrors the original display instead.

How to Mirror Your Chromebook Display

To adjust your Chromebook so that it treats the projector as a mirrored display, you must do the following:

1. Open Settings > Device > Displays

2. You will see two rectangles in the Displays menu, which denote two displays, both the native one and the projector. Below the Arrangement section, you will see a small box that says Mirror Built-in Display. Tick the box.

   Instead of extending the desktop, the projector will show the same thing as the main display.

How to Wirelessly Project a Chromebook Screen to a Projector

For this guide, we’re going to assume that you have a streaming device such as a Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire TV, or otherwise. This method will not work if your projector does not have an HDMI input.

1. Ensure that your projector is plugged in and powered on, and connect the streaming device to one of the HDMI ports.

2. If you have used your streaming device before, you've probably logged in and had access to the popular apps. If you have never used it before, you’ll need to follow the on-screen prompts to set up an account and set up the streaming device before going any further.

3. Connect your streaming device to your local network or WiFi connection.

4. On your Chromebook, open the Chrome browser and do the following:

   Settings (three dots in top right) > Cast…

5. Select your streaming device in the list

   Note:

   The cast menu will display all streaming devices you have available on your network. If you have other smart TVs or devices, you may also see them in the list, so be sure to choose the one connected to your projector.

6. With the Cast menu open, select the Sources dropdown and choose Cast desktop. Doing this will ensure that you’re sharing your entire desktop and any of the applications or windows you have open.

   Note:

   Some apps will let you cast directly, but the feature is not compatible with all devices. For example, Roku systems only allow casting the entire screen or desktop instead of an individual app or window cast.

That's it! Now everything you do on your Chromebook will show on your projector screen, as well.