Are you wondering what Google Chromecast is? Or you just bought a Google Chromecast and you want to know how to set it up as soon as possible. In this article, you’ll learn about Google Chromecast and how you can connect it to Wi-Fi so you can enjoy it right away.
What is Google Chromecast?
Google Chromecast is a device that allows you to stream media files from mobile phones and tablets to your TV or PC. It’s one of the easiest and budget-friendly streaming media player. Specifically, it lets you watch videos, play games, listen to music, look through web pages on your TV screen, and even use other multiple apps from the internet on your TV. It is a device that you plug into your TV’s HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port and can stream content from your phone or computer. Your phone, desktop, laptop, or tablet acts as the launch site for the entertainment and as the remote control for what you see and hear on the TV screen
Google Chromecast has two varieties. The regular Chromecast costs $35 and can broadcast content at up to 1080p. Chromecast Ultra is the other variety. It costs $70 and can broadcast contest at up to 4k resolution enhanced with HDR technology. Also, the Chromecast Ultra has a built-in port for an Ethernet cable, it also requires an external power source.
Other streaming devices such as Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku all have on-screen interfaces that display the channels/apps that can be played through them. Using Chromecast, you’ll find the content you want to watch/listen to/play on your mobile device or in your Chrome browser and then display it on your TV.
Google Chromecast is one of the most portable devices amongst streaming devices. You can take it anywhere. Besides, using a Chromecast requires no extra fees or subscription, the initial purchase fee is all you’ll pay. But you have to pay for premium streaming services like Netflix or Hulu to access them.
For you to use Google Chromecast, you will need a TV or monitor with an open HDMI port. You’ll also need a good Wi-Fi connection. It is supported by the following operating systems:
- Android Gingerbread 2.3 or higher
- Windows 7 or higher
- Chrome OS or higher
- Mac OS 10.7 or higher
- iOS 6.0 or higher
What can you do with Google Chromecast?
- You can use Google Chromecast to stream videos. It lets you stream videos you buy from Google Play Store likewise stream videos from top content providers such as Netflix, HBO, YouTube, ESPN, History, Amazon Video, Hulu, NBA, and many more.
- Google Chromecast allows you to play music from several services such as Google Music, Boomplay, Pandora, Audiomack, Spotify, and many more.
- Using Google Chromecast, you can mirror your entire screen to your TV. It would let you watch a video or read a document or showcase a presentation on your screen.
How to connect Chromecast to Wi-Fi
Connecting Chromecast to Wi-Fi and setting it up is a simple process. If you have a Wi-Fi network (you will need to know your Wi-Fi password for this setup), a compatible device that is connected to that network, then you’re ready to go.
- Firstly, you’ll need to plug the USB power cable into the Chromecast and to a power source, then plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on your television set. You can make use of an HDMI extender which can be connected to your TV if there’s no room for the device directly in the HDMI port.
- Now that the device is connected and powered, you should simply switch the TV’s input to the right HDMI port (HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.). The TV will display a “set me up screen” that instructs you to visit google.com/chromecast/setup. You’ll need to visit this site on the device you want to use as the control for the Chromecast. From the device, you’ll be able to download, install, and run a Chromecast app. You need to have a Chrome browser installed on your system to use Google Cast extension that’s if you’re using a desktop or laptop.
- Using the Chromecast app, you’ll go through several more steps to set up your device which involves connecting your phone’s Wi-Fi to the Chromecast itself. A code will appear on both the TV screen and on your device screen. The code has to match before you confirm to move forward.
- Then it prompts you to change the name of the Chromecast to something personal (e.g. “Living Room” or “Family time”).
- You then choose your home Wi-Fi network and click the finish button. In other words, provided there are no connection issues, your mobile device or computer should be ready to stream to your TV through Chromecast.
Now it’s time to grab your popcorn and relax.
How to change the Wi-FI network connected to your Chromecast
Chromecast is amazing but there’s a small catch – it can only remember one Wi-Fi network at a time. This poses an issue if you take your Chromecast with you when you travel. You can also have multiple Wi-Fi sources inside the house or you want to switch from broadband to mobile hotspot. This means that if you want to change networks, you’ll need to reset your Chromecast.
Manually resetting the Chromecast
- Press and hold down the reset button on the side of the device. The reset button can be found on the side of your Chromecast, next to the micro-USB port. You will have to press and hold this button until the orange light starts flashing white.
- Then disconnect the USB power cable and wait for a few seconds.
- Reconnect the USB power cable to rest the device to factory conditions.
- Once you reset your Chromecast, you will have to go through steps to set up your device again.
Changing Wi-Fi on the Chromecast
To do this:
- Start the TV and open the Google Home app.
- On your device, select your Chromecast, it should have the name you saved it with.
- Click the gear icon at the top right corner of your screen.
- The next step involves tapping “Wi-Fi > Forget this Network”
That’s it.