How to set up a Chromecast with your Android phone

Have you just purchased a brand new Chromecast without having a clue on how to set it up? Or maybe you set it up a long time ago, lost the instructions, and now need to reconnect it. Whatever the reason, don’t worry — Android Authority is here to help you through the Chromecast setup process.

Read Next: How to use Google Home with Chromecast?

If you haven’t yet purchased a Chromecast, you might want to consider doing so. It’s only $35 for the base model and allows you to beam content from your phone or tablet to a TV. Depending on your needs, it could be a full replacement for actual smart TV devices. Some of us here at Android Authority would say it is the best $35 we have spent in a while. There are now two Chromecast versions at this stage; the standard model and the Chromecast Ultra, which streams video content in 4K resolution. However, the setup for both devices are the same.

Either way, let’s just jump right into your Chromecast setup.

Editor’s suggestion: Looking for a whole new TV? A number of brands now include “Google Cast” technology baked right in. 

Chromecast setup using your Android phone

To get started, Plug your Chromecast into your TV’s HDMI input and plug it into the USB port on your TV as well.  If there isn’t a free USB port on your TV (or if it’s being used), go ahead and use the included power adapter to connect the device to an outlet.

Next, change your TV’s input channel to the one your Chromecast is connected to.

Okay, before we can set things up, we’re going to need to do a few things on your phone as well.

1. Download the Google Home Android app from the Google Play Store. Open the app, accept the terms, sign into your Google account, and follow the instructions.
2. The main page should show up after the initial setup is complete. Tap “Add,” then tap on “Set up devices,” and finally tap “Set up new devices” once you see your Chromecast appear.
3. Confirm which Google Account you want to use for your Chromecast. Allow the app to use Location services, and then tap “OK.”
4. The app should then start scanning for your plugged-in Chromecast. When it shows up on your app screen, Tap on “Next.”

Just a few more steps involving the app and the TV are needed:

1. The TV should show a code to confirm the Chromecast is connected to your app. When it does, tap “Yes.”
2. You may be asked to send device stats and crash reports to Google. Tap “Yes, I’m in,” if you want to or “No thanks” if you don’t.
3. Next, you can choose the room in your home where the Chromecast is located, or create your own name by tapping on “Add custom room” and typing out the room name.
4. Next, you will be asked to choose a Wi-Fi network for your Chromecast. Go through the necessary steps and then select “Set Network.”
5. Your Chromecast might get some software updates. Just wait until they are done.
6. Your Chromecast device should launch. After this, you are ready to enjoy your Google Cast experience!

Once it’s all set up, compatible applications on your devices should show a Cast icon when connected to the same Wi-Fi network. When watching a YouTube video, simply hit the Cast icon and select your specific device. The content will show up on your large screen TV and you can easily control it with your smartphone. Easy as pie!

Any questions on Chromecast setup issues? Feel free to reach out in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help you out.

Related

• 3 things you didn’t know you could do with Google Home and Chromecast
• How to stream from Kodi to Chromecast – it’s easier than you think
• You’ll soon be able to stream your entire (probably illegal) movie library on Chromecast

from Android Authority http://bit.ly/2QUFgbw