How to Use Google Chromecast on Android and iOS

This article explains how to send content from your Android or iOS device to your TV using a Google Chromecast streaming device plugged into the HDMI port on your TV.

Setting up Google Chromecast on Your iPad, iPhone, or Android

Setting up your Chromecast device is simple, though it takes several steps.

1. Plug the Chromecast dongle into the HDMI port on the TV and connect the USB power cable either into a compatible port on the TV or to a power outlet.

2. Go to Google Play Store or the Apple app store on your mobile device and get the Google Home app. The majority of Android devices have Chromecast pre-installed.

3. Turn on your TV. In Google Home, select Devices which is located in the top right-hand corner. The app will proceed to take you through the relevant steps to set up Chromecast.

4. Towards the end of the setup process, there will be a code on the app and on the TV. They should match and if they do, select Yes.

5. On the next screen, choose a name for your Chromecast. There is also the option to adjust privacy and guest options at this stage.

6. Connect Chromecast to the Internet network. Get a password from your mobile device or input manually.

7. If you’re a first timer to Chromecast, select the tutorial and Google Home will show you how casting works.

How to Cast Content to Chromecast With Your iPad, iPhone, or Android

Turn on your mobile device and TV, making sure the latter is switched to the correct input.

1. Open the Google Home app, go to the media or audio streaming provider you want to use, i.e. Netflix, and select the content you want to watch or listen to. Tap the cast button to play.

2. If you have different casting devices, make sure you’ve chosen the correct casting device on which to view your content. When you tap the cast button, if you have different casting devices, Chromecast will list the devices for you to select the correct one.

3. Once the content has been cast onto your TV, use your mobile device as a remote control for volume, starting the video or audio and more. To stop watching the content, tap the cast button again and select disconnect.

Mirroring Your iPad or iPhone to the TV via Chromecast

On the surface, it is not possible to mirror an iPad or iPhone directly to the TV. However, it is possible to use AirPlay mirroring from a mobile device to a PC, then use Google’s Chrome desktop to mirror to the TV using a third-party app.​

1. Connect the mobile device, Chromecast, and PC to the same Wi-Fi network.

2. Install an AirPlay receiver app, for example, LonelyScreen or Reflector 3, onto the PC.

3. Launch Google Chrome and from the Menu, click on Cast.

4. Click the arrow next to Cast to. Click Cast desktop and select the name of your Chromecast.

5. To mirror the mobile device, run the AirPlay receiver you’ve downloaded.

6. On the iPad or iPhone, swipe up from the button to display the Control Center and tap AirPlay Mirroring.

7. Tap the AirPlay receiver to start mirroring the screen.

The display on the iPad or iPhone should now be mirrored to the PC, Chromecast, and the TV. However, there will be a short time lag when you perform an action on your mobile device before it appears on the PC, and again on the TV. This will cause a problem when watching a video or listening to audio.