How to connect Chromecast to Wi-Fi? Step by step explained

You’ve just bought a new Google Chromecast and want to use it as soon as possible. In this article you can read all about how to connect Chromecast to Wi-Fi. Luckily, this can be done within a few minutes, provided you have all the necessary information at hand and you have installed the right app on your smartphone or tablet.

If you buy a Google Chromecast now, it will probably be a third generation Chromecast, a Chromecast Ultra or a Chromecast with Google TV. To install this type of Chromecast, you need the Google Home app on your smartphone (for Android or for iOS).

Connect Chromecast: preparations

Connecting your Chromecast to Wi-Fi only works if you meet a number of requirements. Of course you need the device and the app mentioned above. Make sure you install the latest version. You also need a Google account, otherwise pairing will not work.

Chromecast Ultra
Via: Wesley Akkerman

You connect the Chromecast to a receiving device, such as a television. You also need a source device. This is the same smartphone you use to install the Home app. This source device should support 5GHz networks, so check to see if it does.

There are also some minimum system requirements for the mobile device you want to cast from. Of course, you will need an Internet connection and access to your local network. So make sure you have your network data (network ID and password) at hand.

Connecting Chromecast to WiFi

Chromecast Wifi
Connecting the Chromecast to Wi-Fi is actually quite simple. After following this step-by-step plan, you too can start casting. If you have a Chromecast Ultra, you can also connect it to the internet via an ethernet cable. The plug adapter has an opening for this type of cable, so you don’t need Wi-Fi.
Connect the Chromecast
The HDMI cable goes into the TV and the plug goes into the power outlet (and into the Chromecast).
Download and open the Google Home app
With the Google Home app, you’ll proceed to make the connection in the following steps. Here are the links for Android and iOS.
Make sure your smartphone/tablet and Chromecast are connected to the same network (IMPORTANT)
We can’t stress it enough: make sure the Chromecast and your source device (your smartphone or tablet) are on the same Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, the two devices will not be able to detect one another.
Press the plus sign (+) in the Google Home app
After opening the Google Home app, press the plus sign on the screen. You’ll find it in the top left corner.
Now select Set up device
Choose “Set up device” in the Google Home app
Then click New Device
Select ‘new device’
Follow the steps on your smartphone/tablet and TV
The subsequent steps on your smartphone/tablet and TV are fairly self-explanatory. Complete the wizard.
The Google Home app will tell you when it is successful
The Google Home app tells you when everything is ready and you can start casting!

Looking for a more interactive guide? Then visit the Google website.

Connect Chromecast with app
Image: Wesley Akkerman

Having problems connecting?

Connecting your Chromecast to Wi-Fi can be problematic. Don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. It’s still a smart device that depends on all kinds of factors, but fortunately there are some common actions you can take to solve the problems.

  • You can reboot the Chromecast by unplugging it and waiting thirty seconds.
  • You can also disconnect the router from the power supply, wait thirty seconds, and then power it up again.
  • Restoring your Chromecast to factory settings is also an option.

If the problem persists, there are still two things you can do. Either look for help on the internet, in forums and such, or contact Google’s support department.

After installation

After setting up the Wi-Fi connection, you can immediately start casting. Casting is the principle of sending content from one device to another. The source device sends a film, series, documentary, song or photo and the receiving device then neatly displays that content.

Cast is part of the Google Cast platform. Many apps and devices support Google Cast. Not only smartphones, tablets and televisions, but also smart speakers, soundbars and media players. Many major players on the streaming market also offer support.

Chromecast Icon
Via: Chromefans

And we mean players in the video and audio market. Think of Netflix, Disney+, NPO, Amazon Prime Video and other major video streaming services of the moment. And then of course you have Spotify as the largest music streaming service, as well as Deezer and Soundcloud.

If you are starting from scratch, then of course you have to install the Chromecast. If you want to change the Wi-Fi network later, you can do that too.

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