By now, most people know that you can save a ton of money by cutting the cable cord. But if you want to stream to your TV, you probably need a device to do so. One affordable choice is the Google Chromecast.
With it, you can stream almost anything from your phone to your TV.
In this article, I’ll show you the steps to take to set up your Chromecast and start streaming.
What You Need To Set Up Google Chromecast
Here’s what you need before you set up your Google Chromecast:
- TV with an HDMI port
- Wall outlet nearby
- Wireless internet
- Smart device
Once you have everything together, grab your Chromecast device and start your setup.
What Comes with a Google Chromecast (3rd Generation)
Here’s what comes in the box:
- Chromecast Device
- Wall Plug Power Adapter
- Micro USB Cable
- Quick-Start Guide
As you can see, there’s not a lot of hardware. That’s because you’ll use your smartphone or another smart device as your Chromecast remote control.
How to Set Up Google Chromecast
To learn how to set up your Chromecast, you can watch the video featured above. Or, keep reading to follow the setup steps for this streaming device.
Step 1: Plug It In
First, take the Micro USB cable and plug the Micro USB end (the smaller side) into the side of your Google Chromecast.
Then, put the regular USB end into the wall adapter and plug it into the wall outlet.
Now, plug the device into an HDMI port on your TV.
Remember the number next to the HDMI input you chose because you’ll need it in a minute.
Step 2: Tune Your TV
On your TV remote, use the input, source or similar button to tune your TV to the same input as the Google Chromecast.
The input on the source menu should match the HDMI port number on your TV where you plugged in your device.
Once you select the right input, you should see instructions from the Chromecast.
Step 3: Connect and Setup Your Device
For this step, you’ll want to make sure your phone or other smart device is connected to the same Wi-Fi that the Chromecast will connect to.
The screen will prompt you to download the Google Home app to set up your streaming device.
Once you download it, open the app and click “Get Started.” It will then ask you to sign in to a Google account.
If you’re already logged into one or more Google accounts on your device, they will appear on the screen. Select the account you want the Chromecast associated with.
When there are other Google devices connected to the Wi-Fi, they appear in the Google Home app, as well.
To add your Chromecast, click the plus sign in the upper left corner, then select “Set up device.”
Click “New devices” and enter your home nickname and the address.
On the “Choose a home” menu, either select the home profile you created, or your existing home profile if you already have one set up.
The Google Home app will request location access, which you have to turn on in order to complete your Chromecast setup.
Once you do, Google will search for a device to set up. The device name in your app should match the device name displayed on your TV screen.
Click “Yes” and your device will connect to the Chromecast. Now your device will display a code that should match the code on your TV. If it matches, click “Yes.”
Then you must agree to Google’s legal terms and choose whether you want to share your device stats and crash reports with Google.
After that, the app will ask where the device is in your house in order to name it and help you organize your Google devices.
Now, select the Wi-Fi you want your Chromecast to use. Once you connect it, your device will install updates and restart.
Step 4: Link Other Services
Once your streaming device has restarted, the app will prompt you to link your Chromecast to other services like Google Assistant, radio services, and video services.
It asks you to link these accounts so that you can ask your Google Assistant to play a specific station. When you do, your device should be able to understand you and launch the service you asked for.
Step 5: Cast to Your TV
Now you’re done setting up! In your app, Google will show you the connections you completed then tell you that your Chromecast is ready to use.
You’ll have to use the “Cast” button in the apps on your device to display them on your TV via the Chromecast.
To learn how to do this, choose one of the examples Google provides in the app. Click the Cast button, choose your Chromecast nickname, and watch it on the big screen.
You can still use your device to do other things while you’re casting.
Google also tells you that you can control the volume of what you’re casting via the volume controls on the device you’re using.
When you’re ready to stop, click the cast button on your device and select “STOP CASTING.”
Now you just need to download the apps for your favorite services to start watching!
Final Thought
Our ClarkDeals.com editor Sarah has a Chromecast and she really enjoys the streaming experience. One big plus for her is that multiple people can control the TV with different devices, so you don’t have to hand over your phone to let someone scroll through the channels.
The Chromecast operates much differently than other low-cost streaming devices we’ve tested. There’s minimal hardware, which means you don’t have to worry about having to find a remote every time you want to watch something.
How is your Google Chromecast experience? Let us know in the comments below!
The post How to Use Google Chromecast: A 5-Minute Setup Guide appeared first on Clark Howard.
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