Chromecast Guides (All About Chromecast) is a community for owners of all Chromecast devices: Chromecast (Chromecast 2013), Chromecast 2nd Gen (Chromecast 2015), Chromecast Audio, and Chromecast Ultra (Chromecast 2016).
Detailed how-to style guides show you how to use Chromecast devices effectively.
The Chromecast guides are organised into the following categories.
Chromecast How-to guides
You can find detailed how-to guides for using Chromecast, Chromecast 2nd Gen and Chromecast Ultra.
For example, how to reset Chromecast, how to change/switch Chromecast WiFi, how to stream local videos in Chromecast, how to use Google cast app, how to use Android screen mirroring, how to use Plex media server for Chromecast, how to use Videostream extension, differences between Miracast and Chromecast, how to use Chromecast guest mode, Chromecast vs Fire TV, how to check and redeem Chromecast offers …
Chromecast Audio guides
Chromecast Audio guides are organized separately so that Chromecast Audio owners can find the relevant guides easily without fiddling around with other guides that are not relevant to Chromecast Audio …
So far, we have covered most aspects of using Chromecast Audio. For example, the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast Audio, why Chromecast Audio is better than Bluetooth speakers, how to set up and reset Chromecast Audio, how to stream music with Chromecast Audio, how to choose the correct audio cable for your Chromecast Audio, how to use Chromecast Audio multi-room group playback …
Chromecast setup manual
Chromecast setup manual explains the detailed steps to set up Chromecast.
Chromecast 101 series eBooks section
Chromecast 101 is a series of eBooks on how to set up, use and troubleshoot Chromecast.
Currently, there are two titles available on Amazon:
- Chromecast 101: the Unofficial Chromecast Setup Manual (Kindle Edition, released Feb. 2014, ASIN: B00ICGDDY4). Most of the contents can be found on the Chromecast setup manual page.
- Chromecast 101: How to stream local media files with Chromecast (Kindle Edition, released November 2014, ASIN: B00Q7TSL3G)
List of recent Chromecast guides
Here is the list of the most recent Chromecast guides. The complete list of Chromecast guides can be found in Chromecast Guides.
What’s new in Chromecast 2018 (3rd gen of Chromecast)?
simonOn October 9 2018, Google announced the 3rd generation of Chromecast (Chromecast 2018) as the successor of the 2nd generation of Chromecast (Chromecast 2015).
There is no update for Chromecast Ultra or Chromecast Audio this year. Update: Google discontinued Chromecast Audio in early 2019.
This Chromecast guide explains the new features of Chromecast 2018 (3rd gen of Chromecast), and whether it is worth to update your Chromecast.
The successor of Chromecast 2018, Chromecast with Google TV (Chromecast 2020; Chromecast 4th Gen), were released on September 30, 2020.
What are the new features in Chromecast 2018 (3rd gen of Chromecast)?
Chromecast 2018 is a minor update to Chromecast 2015 (2nd gen Chromecast). So, there are no jaw-dropping new features in Chromecast 2018.
Because Chromecast is so unique that there are no serious direct competitors in the market, it is hard to judge whether Chromecast 2018 is behind or ahead of the industry trends.
But one thing is sure your $35 will be well spent if you do not own a Chromecast or Chromecast Ultra now.
As Google stopped selling the 2nd gen Chromecast, you will get the latest Chromecast 2018 if you purchase the Chromecast from now on.
The new … Continue to read the post....
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How to use Plex media server to stream local media to Chromecast (from your PC)
simonWhy do we need one more solution (robust and free) of streaming local media to Chromecast?
To stream local media to Chromecast is not as simple as many expected. Google intends to make Chromecast an internet thing, not a local media player.
If you used Chromecast for online streaming, you probably are very happy with this $35 device. It works with more and more services, and the online streaming quality is quite impressive most of the time.
But if you have a lot of media files in the hard drive of your PC, you may feel the pain to stream local media to Chromecast (to watch on the big screen).
In the Chromecast how-to guides section, I shared two methods of streaming local media to Chromecast:
- Stream local video to Chromecast through a Chrome browser tab.
- Share the whole desktop screen (and audio) to Chromecast through desktop sharing.
Both of the methods are not robust, with obvious limitations.
Using a Chrome tab to stream local media to Chromecast is the simplest method. But it is severely limited by the media formats that you can play through Chrome browser. Very often, the user has to install additional software or … Continue to read the post....
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Newsletter
simon… Continue to read the post....
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Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring
simonUpdate 1: Android screen mirroring through Chromecast is available! Please read this post for details.
Chromecast was hailed by Time Magazine as the most innovative gadget in 2013. This affordable HDMI dongle changes the way people consume content, especially online video and music.
Most people now have multiple screens: smartphones ( normally 3.5-7″), tablets (normally 7-12.2″), laptops (normally 10-17″), PCs (normally 19-34″), and of course, TVs (normally 34-80″). Different sizes give different experiences and some content. For example, full-length movies are preferred on a larger TV screen.
How to unify these screens?
There are different answers from different vendors. But most of them are vendor-dependent. In other words, the solution only works for some specific-branded devices. For example, Apple has AirPlay (which requires Apple TV); Samsung introduced AllShare Cast since Galaxy S3 (which requires certain Samsung Galaxy devices).
Chromecast delivered an answer that is independent of hardware vendors!
Another hardware-independent answer is Miracast.
Because Android has supported Miracast natively since Jelly Bean 4.2, a lot of Chromecast owners confused Chromecast with Miracast.
I will try to explain to you Chromecast vs Miracast: the difference between Chromecast and Miracast (Miracast enabled devices), the advantages and disadvantages of … Continue to read the post....
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How to use the new Chromecast app?
simonWith the announcement of the new Chromecast (Chromecast 2015) and Chromecast Audio, Google also dramatically updated the Chromecast app for Android and for iOS.
The new Chromecast app not only adds support of the new Chromecast and Chromecast Audio, but also introduces new features to help you find apps and contents that can be used with Chromecast devices. The new Chromecast app works with all Chromecast devices: the new Chromecast(Chromecast 2015) Chromecast Audio, the old Chromecast (1st generation of Chromecast).
This guide shows you the new features in the new Chromecast app and how to use them.
This guide is based on Chromecast for Android. It works similarly in iOS devices.
How do I know whether I have the new Chromecast app?
The new Chromecast app for Android refers to Chromecast app version 1.12.32, which was officially released on September 29, 2015.
You can easily know whether you have the new Chromecast app with one of the following methods.
Method 1: Check Chromecast app icon.
The icon for the new Chromecast app is blue Google cast (as shown below in the left). The old icon is a Chrome logo on a TV as shown in the right below..… Continue to read the post....
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Chromecast manual
simonThis is the online version of Chromecast manual. You can get the Kindle eBook version of this book on Amazon Kindle Book store.
The Chromecast manual here is to help you set up and enjoy the $35 HDMI dongle. I try to make it as simple as possible. Of course, the PDF version of the Chromecast manual will be more comprehensive.
If you want to include more contents or topics in this online Chromecast manual, please let us know in the comment box below. We will update this Chromecast manual regularly.
Update 2: Google discontinued the support of setting up Chromecast through the Chrome browser on the PC/Mac. So, you have to set up a new Chromecast on an Android or iOS device through the Google Home app.
But this does NOT affect the casting functions of Chrome browser on a PC or Mac. You can still cast a tab, or the desktop, or a file from the browser directly as explained in this guide. In fact, you do not need to install any extensions on the PC/Mac.
Update 1: Chromecast app is renamed as Google Home app, which manages both Chromecast and Google Home devices.… Continue to read the post....
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What are the 3 compatible audio cables for Chromecast Audio? and why it matters?
simonOnly one audio output port, but you can use 3 different types of audio cables for Chromecast Audio.
Chromecast Audio, like Chromecast, is very simple in design and use.
There are only two ports: one micro USB port for power adapter. The other port on the opposite side is for audio cables.
So, there is no reason to insert the audio cables for Chromecast Audio in the wrong port.
But you may not know the single 3.5-mm audio port can be used for 3 different types of compatible audio cables for Chromecast Audio:
- 3.5-mm stereo cable for analog output. The yellow audio cable is included in your Chromecast Audio box
- 3.5-mm-stereo-to-RCA cable for analog output. This audio cable is NOT included.
- Mini TOSLINK-to-TOSLINK optical cable for digital output. This optical audio cable is NOT included.
Although you can use 3 different audio cables for Chromecast Audio, you cannot use them simultaneously because there is only one port.
Even if you use an audio jack splitter, the audio output format is determined by the audio cable inserted into the output port.
What are the differences between the three compatible audio cables for Chromecast Audio?
The 3 types of compatible audio cables for Chromecast … Continue to read the post....
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How to use Android app to stream local media files to Chromecast?
simonThis guide will show you how to use an Android app to stream local media files to Chromecast. It is intended mainly for streaming contents saved in your Android devices.
Using an Android app to stream local media files (on your Android device) is one of the 5 major methods of streaming local media files for Chromecast. For a detailed comparison (advantages and limitations) of these 5 local media streaming methods, please check this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast.
Update (Jan 2018): VLC for Android now also supports Chromecast. It offers a better way to stream local media in Android to Chromecast. You may check the guide here. It also supports 4K streaming to Chromecast Ultra.
How to find an Android app to stream local media files to Chromecast?
There are many Android apps that can stream local media contents to Chromecast. In other words, in Google Play store, you can easily find an Android app to stream local media files to Chromecast. But some work poorly. Normally, if the average review score is less than 3, you should avoid that app.
Google Play store now has a special Chromecast … Continue to read the post....
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How to use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents?
simonIf you want to stream 4K contents, among Chromecast family (Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, and Chromecast Ultra), only Chromecast Ultra (update: and the Chromecast 2020, aka Chromecast with Google TV) has this capability.
But a lot of Chromecast Ultra owners found they cannot stream 4K contents with Chromecast Ultra.
What are the possible causes? What are the solutions?
This Chromecast guide first explains the requirements of using Chromecast to stream 4K contents, then show you the solutions for some problems related to streaming 4K contents with Chromecast Ultra.
The 6 requirements of using Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents
Chromecast Ultra is a very powerful streaming gadget.
You can use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K Ultra HD contents with HDR. While normal Chromecast (Chromecast and Chromecast 2nd Generation) can only stream full HD contents (1080p) without HDR.
Although Chromecast does not require a 4K TV, there are a few requirements to meet if you want to use Chromecast Ultra to stream 4K contents, including:
- a 4K TV;
- fast internet connection (at least 10-20Mbps);
- HDCP 2.2 support;
- the original power adapter;
- a high-speed HDMI cable;
- 4K contents.
Among these 6 requirements, 2 are related to the … Continue to read the post....
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How to use VLC media player on PC to stream music and video to Chromecast and Chromecast Audio?
simonChromecast support was finally introduced in VLC media player 3.0. So, you can now easily use VLC media player on PC to stream music and video to Chromecast and Chromecast Audio.
This adds one more method to stream local media files to Chromecast and Chromecast Audio.
Please note, Google Home, Google Hoem Mini, and Google Home Max also support Chromecast. This means you can also use VLC media player on PC to stream music to those Google Home devices. Therefore, this guide also applies to Google Home devices.
The advantages of using VLC media player on PC to stream music and video to Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, and Google Home
If you have an extensive collection of music and movies in the hard drive, you can stream them to TV with Chromecast or Chromecast Audio with various methods.
Chromecast is officially supported in VLC media player 3.0. So, you have one more method to stream local media (music and video) to Chromecast and Chromecast Audio.
Compared to other six methods of streaming local music and video to Chromecast and Chromcast Audio, the VLC media player method has several advantages including:
- Free.
- Open source. If the development
… Continue to read the post....
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Happy casting!