Chromecasts have revolutionized how we stream content onto our media devices. You can easily stream shows, movies and general videos directly from smartphones, tablets or computers using this handy device. Many people use it to stream media from one connected device to a monitor or TV; which allows them to control the device with a PC or mobile instead of the remote.
Effectively, you can convert any TV that has an HDMI port to a smart TV. All you need to do is to plug the Chromecast into the device and set it up. Now most persons use their smartphones to control their Chromecast. However, for whatever reason, you may want to control your Chromecast from your PC instead.
This is indeed possible and in this article, we’ll focus on controlling a Chromecast from a computer easily.
Before we go ahead, keep in mind that there are different types of Chromecasts and you needone that delivers video.
What Do You Need?
For a successful setup, you will essentially need a TV with a HDMI port along with Wifi connection and PC with the Chrome browser installed.
Step 1: Connect the devices to your Wi-Fi network
Before you can start using your computer to manage Chromecast, you need to ensure that everything is set up properly. The fist step is doing so is setting up the internet connection for all devices.
Firstly, you need to make sure that you connect the Chromecast to your TV’s HDMI port.
Connect Chromecast directly into an HDMI port of your TV and power it on. Also, connect it to the same wireless network that your computer is on. If this is your first time setting up Chromecast – for help do check the setup guide of Google’s device.
Just visit this website – chromecast.com/setup on your PC and follow the instructions. You can then simply download the application and follow the rest of the steps. It’s pretty simple.
Step 2: Install the Relevant Application
There are a number of applications that you can install and use to control your Chromecast from your TV.
Examples include Any live TV app (Sling TV linked), Teamviewer, Pocket casts, Solid Explore and the Google Home App. You can choose whichever you are comfortable with.
In this example, we will discuss using Teamviewer or the Google Home app. Using one of these apps is your key tool for controlling Chromecast from a computer.
They are available for Windows, Mac OS X and Chromebook users alike. Downloading from its respective website makes installation and launch effortlessly!
Step 3: Setup The Device Using Teamviewer
Teamviewer is freed and will help you to launch videos from Chrome to your own PC and then you can cast it to Chromecast. In other words, you can think of it as a remote control.
The major advantage of Teamviewer is that you can switch to other applications and do other activities while the video is running and casted in the background.
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Step 4: Setup The Device Using Google Home
In the Google Home app, click on the “+” symbol to add devices. Choose “Set Up Device”, followed by “Add New Devices in Your Home”, to begin scanning for available devices on your network.
Once Chromecast appears as one option you should follow the onscreen instructions to complete its set up process.
Step 1: Cast from the Chrome browser
One of the easiest and simplest ways to cast content from your computer to Chromecast is with Google’s Chrome browser.
If you don’t already have it installed on your computer, download it directly from their website if necessary and launch your browser before opening any website you would like to cast from and clicking “Cast”.
After selecting your Chromecast device from this drop-down list, content should start playing on TV screen immediately!
Step 2: Cast from the Google Home app
The Google Home app makes it easy and effortless to stream media directly onto your television by selecting your Chromecast device in the app and choosing its type (music videos photos etc) when casting content directly.
Simply tap or swipe to cast whatever type of media file is desired – then it will start playing immediately on TV!
Step 3: Adjust Chromecast Settings
Through the Google Home app, you can easily configure the settings for your Chromecast. Here you can change its name or volume adjustment, set guest mode so guests can stream content without connecting to a Wi-Fi network, etc.
Step 4: Cast from other apps
Many popular streaming apps, like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube feature Chromecast support.
To cast content from these applications onto your television screen simply launch them from your computer and select the Cast icon before selecting your Chromecast device from within each of them – your content should start playing immediately on TV!
Step 5: Use Google Chrome extensions
As an advanced Chromecast user, using extensions like the Google Cast and VideoStream extensions to enhance your Chromecast experience may be worthwhile.
These allow for seamless casting from Chrome onto TV screen while playing any video format on it simultaneously.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Chromecast issues
If your Chromecast is giving you any issues, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to address them.
Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network; unplug/reconnect as necessary (and then plug back in afterwards); otherwise visit their support website – none of this might work alone!
Step 7: Disconnect Chromecast
It is essential that when finished using Chromecast, the connection between the computer and TV is severed in order to stop unwanted casting and display of content on TV when not necessary.
To disconnect, launch Google Home app on the device selected then navigate through the settings icon > Stop Casting for action required – this will stop the casting session ending and disconnect the computer/Chromecast pair
Conclusion
Management of Chromecast from your computer offers an easy and hassle-free method for streaming content to your TV screen.
Following the instructions outlined here will allow you to set up Chromecast quickly using Teamviewer or the Google Home app and browser casting features; adjust settings; troubleshoot issues quickly; then disconnect when finished for a seamless streaming experience in your own home!
With Chromecast, you’re guaranteed a hassle-free streaming experience from within your own environment!