Casting a Chrome tab or entire desktop

Casting a Chrome tab or entire desktop

You can cast a tab or your desktop from Chrome browser to your TV using your Chromecast device (Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra, TVs with Chromecast built-in).

By casting a Chrome browser tab, you can mirror what's displaying on your computer screen onto the TV. To get started, be sure you're fully set up to use Chromecast with Chrome.

Set up casting from Chrome

  1. If you're not already running Chrome, download Chrome. 
  2. Ensure you're running the latest version of Chrome. If you're having trouble, here's how to get Chrome updates.
  3. Though not required, we recommend you pin the Cast button to your Chrome toolbar.
  4. If you plan to cast a tab to your Chromecast to watch video on TV, review the Minimum System Requirements to ensure that your computer and network are capable of supporting this.
  5. Make sure your laptop/computer is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device.
    1. Check the Wi-Fi network of your Chromecast device. 
    2. To check the Wi-Fi network of your computer, tap Wi-Fi Wi-Fi > connect to the network that matches your Chromecast device. 

Casting your laptop/desktop content

You can cast your desktop/laptop content (vs just the specific Chrome tab). This is available on Mac, Windows, and Chrome OS.
Important note on audio: Note that you can only cast your desktop audio from Windows. If you cast your desktop from a Mac or Chrome OS computer, you’ll see the contents of your screen on your TV but won’t be able to hear any audio from your computer.

To cast a tab or desktop from Chrome Setting menu,
  1. If you’ve pinned the Cast button to your toolbar, click the Cast button Inactive cast extension in the Chrome toolbar (upper right corner) of your browser. Otherwise, navigate to the Chrome Settings menu More menu in  the Chrome toolbar in the upper right corner of your browser > click "Cast..". Cast from Chrome
  2. Next to the where it says, Cast to …, you’ll see a small dropdown. Click on that to change the source selection.
  3. Click Cast desktop.
  4. Choose the Chromecast device you want to cast to.

 

That's it - you're ready to go! If you need more information, check out one of the following:

If you're having trouble, please try our Chromecast troubleshooting tips.

How to know when content is casting

The Cast button will automatically appear in your Chrome toolbar and turn blue  Active cast extension when it’s active. You'll also see a glow around the button of the tab being cast.

What can be cast

You can cast the majority of web content. Sites using plug-ins like Silverlight, Quicktime & VLC aren’t supported and may result in a lack of picture or sound.

Audio and video

You’ll see video and images for the selected tab on your computer and TV. However, you’ll only hear sound from the selected tab on your TV. Note: Sounds for other tabs and applications will continue to play on your computer.

If my Chromecast is currently in use

After opening the menu or selecting the device, you’ll see a short description of Chromecast’s current activity. Click the Cast this Tab button to stop what’s showing and cast the current tab instead.

Shortcuts available

  • Switch to other tabs and/or applications while casting using the Alt-Tab (Mac: Command-Tab) keyboard shortcut.
  • Close the Cast dialog to return to the original tab.
  • Mute what’s casting to your TV by clicking the mute button. Note: This is distinct from your TV's mute function. You need to unmute from Chrome to hear sound on your TV.
  • Click the Stop button or close the tab to stop casting.
  • More keyboard shortcuts can be found in the Chromecast Forum.  

    • Related Articles

    • Chromecast-enabled site vs. casting a tab

      Some websites are Chromecast-enabled to deliver the best possible entertainment experience. Currently, YouTube, Netflix, Google Play Movies, Google Play Music and more are Chromecast-enabled and we're adding new ones all the time! How will you know ...

    • Customize your desktop

      At the bottom or side of your screen, you'll see a row of apps, called the shelf, and your account picture. You can change which apps are included and bookmark webpages. Next to your account picture, you can see notifications, check your Chromebook’s ...

    • Print from Chrome

      You can print from Chrome using your computer or mobile device. With Google Cloud Print, you can make your printers available to you and anyone you choose. Learn more about how Google Cloud Print works. Set up Google Cloud Print If your wireless ...

    • New Cast functionality in Chrome

      Beginning with Chrome 51, we’re rolling out a few changes to Cast functionality in Chrome: 1. Installing an extension is no longer required in order to find or use your Chromecast device (Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, TV with Chromecast built-in, or ...

    • Adding the Cast button to the Chrome toolbar

      Though not required, we recommend you pin the Cast button to your Chrome toolbar. This will allow for easier access to Cast functionality from any web page. To pin the Cast button to the Chrome toolbar, 1. In the upper right corner of Chrome browser, ...