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Google Chromecast was a small HDMI streaming device that let you play video, music, photos, and other content on a TV from a phone, tablet, computer, or compatible app. Google discontinued the Chromecast hardware line in 2024, but Google Cast—the technology behind it—still works in supported apps, TVs, speakers, and streaming devices. Google TV Streamer is the current successor to Chromecast hardware.
Chromecast in plain English
Chromecast made an ordinary HDMI-equipped television into a network-connected streaming screen. You opened a compatible app—such as a video or music service—pressed the Cast button, selected the television or streaming device, and used your phone as a controller.
In normal casting, your phone does not continuously send every frame to the TV. Instead, it tells the receiving device what to play; the receiver then obtains and plays the stream over Wi-Fi. Your phone can usually pause, resume, seek, adjust volume, or disconnect playback.
How Chromecast works
- The Chromecast or Cast-enabled television connects to the TV through HDMI.
- The device joins your home Wi-Fi network.
- Your phone, tablet, computer, and the receiver must be able to communicate on the relevant network.
- You open an app or Chrome browser that supports Google Cast.
- You select the Cast icon and choose the receiving device.
- The receiver plays the content while your phone or computer acts as a controller.
Exact behavior varies by app. Some services use a Cast receiver, while others hand playback to an app installed on the television or streaming device. Availability can also depend on your country, account, subscription, device, and the service’s current policies.
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- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Casting is not the same as mirroring
Media casting sends supported content to the receiver for playback. Screen mirroring creates a copy of what is displayed on your device. Android phones can support screen casting through Google Home where compatible, but this is different from app-based casting. On iPhone and iPad, app-level Google Cast support is the important distinction; native iOS screen mirroring is generally associated with AirPlay.
Chromecast, Google Cast, and Google TV: what is the difference?
| Term | Meaning | Current status |
|---|---|---|
| Chromecast | Google’s former brand for HDMI streaming devices and dongles. | The hardware line has been discontinued, although existing devices may still work. |
| Google Cast | The casting technology that lets compatible apps send content to receivers. | Still active in supported TVs, speakers, apps, Android TV/Google TV devices, and Google TV Streamer. |
| Google TV | Google’s television interface and platform for browsing apps, recommendations, and content. | Still current. Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer use it. |
Chromecast built-in was an older marketing label for Google Cast functionality integrated into third-party products. Current products may simply describe themselves as supporting Google Cast.
Is Chromecast discontinued?
Google ended the Chromecast-branded hardware line in 2024 and positioned Google TV Streamer as its replacement. That does not mean every existing Chromecast stopped working. Previously purchased devices may continue to operate, depending on their age, firmware, network, app support, and individual streaming services.
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- New Chromecast hardware: no longer Google’s current product line.
- Existing Chromecasts: may remain useful, but compatibility is not guaranteed indefinitely.
- Google Cast: still available in compatible products and apps.
- Current Google hardware: Google TV Streamer, a streaming box with casting support.
Chromecast models and generations
Google’s Chromecast family developed from simple phone-controlled dongles into full streaming players:
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- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
- First-generation Chromecast: introduced Google’s low-cost HDMI casting concept.
- Second-generation Chromecast: brought a revised design and improved performance.
- Chromecast Audio: sent music to compatible speakers and audio systems.
- Chromecast Ultra: added 4K streaming and an Ethernet option.
- Chromecast, third generation: a standard HD-oriented Chromecast dongle.
- Chromecast with Google TV (4K): added an on-screen Google TV interface, app browsing, recommendations, and a voice remote.
- Chromecast with Google TV (HD): offered the Google TV experience for HD televisions.
- Google TV Streamer: the current, box-style successor to Chromecast hardware.
Google’s Chromecast history provides the company’s account of these major milestones.
Traditional Chromecast versus Chromecast with Google TV
| Feature | Traditional Chromecast | Chromecast with Google TV |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Primarily a phone, tablet, or computer | Phone casting plus a physical remote |
| Interface | No full app-browsing home screen | On-screen Google TV interface |
| Apps | Opened on the sending device | Can be browsed and launched on the TV |
| Best for | Occasional phone-to-TV casting | People wanting a conventional streaming player |
| Resolution | Varies by model | Available in HD and 4K versions |
This difference matters when buying. A traditional Chromecast is phone-first. Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer are remote-first devices that also support casting.
What is Google TV Streamer?
Google TV Streamer is Google’s current dedicated streaming device. It is a box rather than the older stick-like Chromecast form factor, includes a full Google TV interface and remote, supports casting, and is designed to connect with compatible smart-home features.
Google announced a U.S. launch price of $99.99; check the live Google Store listing for current pricing and availability. It is more expensive than the inexpensive Chromecast dongles it replaces, so it may be unnecessary if your television already has a satisfactory Google TV or Cast-enabled interface.
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- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
What do you need to use Chromecast?
For a typical setup, you need:
- A television or display with an HDMI input.
- A nearby power source. A TV’s USB port may not provide sufficient power for every device.
- A compatible Android phone, iPhone, iPad, or computer for casting.
- The Google Home app for initial setup of Google streaming devices.
- A Wi-Fi network and internet access for online streaming.
- A Google Account for relevant setup and services.
- A Cast-compatible app or browser.
Google’s current requirements page lists Android 9.0 or later and iOS 17.0 or later for setup. Google says computer setup is not supported. The display must support HDCP 1.3 or higher; 4K content requires HDCP 2.2, a 4K-capable display, and Google’s stated minimum internet speed of 20 Mbps. HDR also requires an HDR-capable display.
Google identifies Google TV Streamer (4K), Chromecast with Google TV (4K), and Chromecast Ultra as the Chromecast-family devices supporting 4K. Content, subscription, region, and app requirements still apply.
How to set up a Chromecast
- Plug the device into an HDMI port on the TV.
- Connect its power cable, turn on the TV, and select the matching HDMI input.
- Install or open the Google Home app on a compatible Android or iOS device.
- Connect the phone or tablet to the Wi-Fi network you want the streaming device to use.
- In Google Home, begin adding or setting up a device and follow the instructions.
- When prompted, confirm that the code in the app matches the code displayed on the TV.
- Complete the Wi-Fi, account, and device settings, then test playback in a Cast-enabled app.
The expected result is that the TV displays the selected content and the receiver appears in the app’s Cast-device list. Google’s setup entry point is Google Cast setup.
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If setup fails
- Device not found: Check that the phone and receiver are on the same Wi-Fi network. Temporarily disable a VPN, allow local-network access on iOS, and restart the router, phone, TV, and streaming device.
- No picture or “no signal”: Select the correct HDMI input, reconnect power, try another HDMI port, and check the cable and power adapter.
- Setup stalls: Move the device nearer to the router if possible, restart the network equipment, and retry in Google Home.
- Hotel, school, office, or guest Wi-Fi: Captive portals, firewalls, and client isolation can prevent discovery or device-to-device communication.
- Only one app fails: That service may not support Google Cast, may require an account or subscription, or may have changed its receiver implementation.
- 4K is unavailable: Check the model, TV resolution, HDMI/HDCP capability, content, subscription, and network speed.
Factory-resetting the device can help as a final recovery step, but it erases its configuration. See Google’s Chromecast troubleshooting hub for model-specific guidance.
Rank #4
- Watch the entertainment you love with Chromecast with Google TV, including live TV in up to 4K HDR; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR
- Your home screen displays movies and TV shows from all your services in one place with Chromecast 4K; get personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own
- Press the Google Assistant button on the remote and use voice search to find specific shows, youtube tv streaming, or search by mood, genre, actress, and more; control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers, hands-free
- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming
What can you cast?
Depending on the app and receiver, Google Cast can play supported video, television content, music, podcasts, photos, and other media. Chrome can cast a browser tab or desktop in supported circumstances. Android devices may also cast their screen through Google Home.
There is no permanent list of universally compatible apps. Services change their support, regional availability, DRM rules, and subscription requirements. Look for the Cast icon inside the app and check the service’s own help documentation. Browser casting and app-based casting are separate capabilities.
Can you use Chromecast without a phone?
Traditional Chromecast dongles are principally controlled by a phone, tablet, or computer and do not provide a complete independent app-browsing interface. Chromecast with Google TV models include a remote and on-screen interface, so they can be used like conventional streaming players. Google TV Streamer works the same way while retaining Google Cast.
Does Chromecast require Wi-Fi?
For ordinary home use, yes. The receiver and controller need network connectivity, and online services need internet access. Some models or adapters can provide Ethernet, but a wired connection does not remove the need for network access or service availability.
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- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Do not assume every Chromecast will work through a phone hotspot. Results vary according to the phone, carrier, hotspot behavior, network isolation, and whether the phone can provide the network while also acting as the controller.
Is Chromecast worth buying today?
If you already own one
Keep using it if it remains reliable and supports the services you need. There is no automatic requirement to replace every existing Chromecast. However, continued operation should not be treated as a promise of indefinite app or firmware compatibility.
If you are buying new
Do not treat an old Chromecast as Google’s current product. Investigate Google TV Streamer or another current streaming platform. A used Chromecast may be cheap, but its age, limited performance, uncertain app compatibility, and lack of a current hardware roadmap make it a poor default recommendation.
If you prefer a phone-first experience
A television or streaming device with Google Cast built in may be enough, especially if you mainly send occasional video or music from your phone.
If you want a remote-first experience
Choose Google TV Streamer, another current Google TV device, or a competing streaming player with a built-in interface and remote.
Chromecast alternatives
| Alternative | Best fit | Important difference |
|---|---|---|
| Roku | People wanting a platform-neutral, remote-first interface. | Less dependent on Google Home and Google Cast. |
| Amazon Fire TV | Alexa households and people invested in Amazon services. | Uses Fire TV and Alexa rather than Google TV and Google Assistant. |
| Apple TV 4K | Apple-device households wanting AirPlay and premium ecosystem integration. | Optimized for Apple services and AirPlay, not Google Cast. |
| NVIDIA SHIELD TV | Advanced Android TV users and local-media enthusiasts. | A more enthusiast-oriented option rather than Google’s mainstream streaming box. |
| TV with Google Cast built in | People replacing a television who want casting without a separate HDMI device. | Not a cheap upgrade for an existing TV. |
Bottom line
Chromecast is best understood today as two related things: a discontinued family of Google streaming devices and the Google Cast technology that remains active. Existing Chromecasts may still be useful, particularly for occasional phone-to-TV casting. For a new purchase, Google TV Streamer is Google’s direct hardware successor, while Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, NVIDIA SHIELD, or a Cast-enabled television may be a better fit depending on your preferred ecosystem, controls, budget, and network setup.
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