Google Chromecast - User Manual

13 Cool Things You Can Do With Google Chromecast
We bet you don't even know half of these
Google Chromecast is a popular streaming dongle that makes for an easy and affordable way of
throwing content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to your television wirelessly.
There’s so much you can do with it than just streaming Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, HBO and more from
your mobile device and computer, to your TV. Our guide on How Does Google Chromecast
Work explains more about what the device can do.
The seemingly simple, ultraportable plug and play device has a few tricks up its sleeve that aren’t
immediately apparent.
Here’s a roundup of some of the hidden Chromecast tips and tricks you may not know that can make
casting more magical.
Chromecast Tips and Tricks You Didn’t Know
1. Enable Guest Mode
2. Make presentations
3. Play plenty of games
4. Cast videos using your voice
5. Stream live feeds from security cameras on your TV

Summary

Chromecast Tips and Tricks

Enable Guest Mode

Allows guests to cast without Wi-Fi by using device proximity and a PIN.

Make Presentations

Sync presentations to any TV for enhanced viewing, compatible with Google Slides.

Cast Videos Using Your Voice

Use voice commands via Google Assistant to play content from supported streaming services.

Stream Security Camera Feeds

View live feeds from Nest security cameras on your TV using Google Home.

Watch Amazon Prime Video

Stream Amazon Prime Video content directly to your TV via Chromecast.

Create a Casting Queue

Queue up multiple YouTube videos to play sequentially on your TV.

Cast Plex Media

Stream your organized Plex media library (movies, photos, music) to your TV.

Private Listening with Headphones

Route audio from Chromecast to your phone or tablet to listen privately.

Cast On The Go

Use Chromecast for streaming content while traveling, even with limited hotel Wi-Fi.

Power On Your TV

Turn on your TV using Chromecast via HDMI-CEC, if supported by the TV.

Get Free Movies & Perks

Access free movies, TV shows, and special deals through the Google Cast App.

Overview

The Google Chromecast is a popular and ultraportable streaming dongle designed to wirelessly cast content from your smartphone, tablet, or computer to your television. It offers an easy and affordable way to enjoy a wide range of media on a larger screen, going beyond just streaming popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and HBO. This device is a plug-and-play solution with several hidden tips and tricks that enhance its functionality and user experience.

One of the key usage features of the Chromecast is its ability to Enable Guest Mode. This feature allows guests to connect to your Chromecast and cast their favorite music or TV shows onto your TV without needing your Wi-Fi password. It uses a combination of the Chromecast's location and Wi-Fi to identify nearby devices. To enable this, you navigate to the Chromecast settings and turn on Guest Mode. Anyone with a Google Cast Ready app can then cast to the screen if they are within 25 feet of the Chromecast device. If they are further away or the option isn't available on their device, they can manually enter a four-digit PIN displayed on the TV into their app settings on their phones, tablets, or computers. This eliminates the need to share sensitive network information, making it convenient for social gatherings.

The Chromecast also excels in Making Presentations. It allows you to sync your presentations to any TV, enhancing your presentation skills whether you're in an office or at home. You simply plug the dongle into your TV, load your Google Slides presentation on a compatible device, and then click "Present" at the upper right side of your presentation. From there, you select "Present on another screen," choose your Chromecast device, and your presentation will begin. This feature is particularly useful for business meetings, educational settings, or even sharing family photos and videos in a more engaging way.

For entertainment, the Chromecast offers the ability to Play Plenty Of Games. Google Play hosts over 100 games compatible with Chromecast. Additionally, for Nintendo fans, you can download the CastNES emulator to enjoy nostalgic NES games. The process involves downloading games to your mobile device and then easily playing them on your TV, using your mobile device as a controller. Once a Chromecast-compatible game is downloaded, installed, and opened, you tap the Cast logo to start streaming it on your TV. For multiplayer games, multiple phones can be used as gamepads, making it a fun option for family time or gatherings.

Another convenient feature is Casting Videos Using Your Voice. If you have a Google Home speaker, you can cast music from Netflix, YouTube, and other supported streaming services, as well as photos from your Google Photos account, all using voice commands. You can simply say commands like "OK, Google, play Eat. Pray. Love. on (Chromecast name)" or "Hi, Google, play My Family Reunion on (Chromecast name)." It's important to note that for services like Netflix and HBO, you'll need to link your accounts first before using voice commands. This hands-free control adds a layer of convenience to your media consumption.

The Chromecast can also be used to Stream Live Feeds From Security Cameras On Your TV. If you own a Nest Security camera, you can integrate it with Google Home to view live feeds from your security cameras via your Chromecast. After adding the device in the Google Home app, you can control it using your voice. For example, saying "OK, Google, show (camera name) on (Chromecast)" will display the live feed on your TV, allowing for easy monitoring of your home.

A significant recent addition to Chromecast's capabilities is the ability to Watch Amazon Prime Video On Your TV. After years of being incompatible, Amazon and Google reached an agreement, bringing Prime Video to the list of supported apps for Chromecast. Users can now stream Amazon Prime Video by opening the app and tapping the cast icon to enjoy their favorite content on their TV.

For continuous viewing, the Chromecast allows you to Create a Casting Queue. This feature is particularly useful for YouTube videos, eliminating the need to constantly pick up your phone or tablet to select the next video. You can cast content from YouTube to your TV and select multiple videos to watch. After tapping on the first video, you can tap on subsequent videos and select "Add to Queue" instead of "Play." To view your queue, you simply tap "Now Playing" at the lower end of your screen. However, it's worth noting that there's no way to reorder videos in your queue; you can only add them to your Watch Later list or remove them entirely.

Cast Plex is another valuable feature for media management. Plex is an app that helps organize and stream media such as movies, photos, and music from your mobile devices to your TV. Google allows casting Plex content because Chromecast doesn't natively support local media playback. To use this, you sign up for Plex, download and open its app, and then send the desired content to your Chromecast.

The Chromecast also offers a solution for private listening by allowing you to Plug In Your Headphones. Recognizing that not everyone shares the same content preferences, Chromecast enables you to cast videos to your TV from any compatible device while keeping the audio on the device itself. By tapping the "Route Audio to Phone" option on the Now Play screen, you can plug in your headphones and start listening. Alternatively, you can download "LocalCast for Chromecast" to watch content on your TV without disturbing others in the same room.

For immersive experiences, you can Share VR headset Views With Others. If you have a Google Daydream View VR headset, you can use your Chromecast to cast what you're seeing or experiencing in VR onto a TV. Both the phone on your Chromecast and the Daydream View headset must be on the same Wi-Fi network with your Google Home app. You open Google Home, tap "Cast," select your Chromecast, and then plug your phone into the headset. Others will then be able to see (virtually) what you're experiencing. This feature also works with Gear VR, provided you have the latest Oculus app version.

The ultraportable nature of the Google Chromecast means you can Cast On The Go. Whether on vacation or a business trip, if you're dissatisfied with the cable selection at your hotel, you can use your Chromecast, laptop, and a router or Ethernet cable to stream your favorite content. You simply plug your laptop into the Ethernet jack in the hotel room, or plug in your router, set up a wireless network, and connect your Chromecast to start streaming.

A useful maintenance feature is the ability to Power On Your TV using a Chromecast device, provided your TV supports HDMI-CEC. By enabling this option in your TV's settings menu, your Chromecast can power on your TV whenever you start casting something from your phone or computer. It's important to check your TV manufacturer's website or manual for specific terms and instructions for HDMI-CEC, as it can vary. Additionally, the Chromecast needs to be powered from a different source than your TV, as the USB port on the TV will typically lose power when the TV is off.

Finally, owning a Chromecast comes with additional benefits, including Get Free Movies & Other Perks. Beyond streaming the latest TV shows, Google rewards its users with deals and perks available on the Chromecast Offers page. Here, you can find current offers and deals on other Google devices. You can also discover accessible content by searching in the Google Cast App, which will show Chromecast-enabled apps streaming the movie or TV show you want to watch, along with buttons to go directly to the service or download the app.

In summary, the Google Chromecast is a versatile and user-friendly device that extends beyond basic streaming. Its features range from convenient guest access and professional presentation tools to diverse entertainment options like gaming and voice-controlled media playback. It also offers practical solutions for home security monitoring, private listening, and even sharing VR experiences. Its portability makes it ideal for travel, and its ability to power on your TV adds to its seamless integration into your home entertainment system. With ongoing perks and a growing list of supported services, the Chromecast provides a magical and enhanced casting experience.

Google Chromecast Specifications