How to mirror your Android screen with Chromecast

By Marc Lagace
published

Mirror Android Screen To Chromecast Hero
Mirror Android Screen To Chromecast Hero (Image credit: Android Central)

Google makes it easy to mirror the screen of any Android phone to a TV connected to a Chromecast. With Pixel phones, you'll actually find the option to cast your screen right in the notification shade, but for any other phone you can cast your screen from right in the Google Home app.

How to mirror your Android screen with Chromecast

  1. Make sure your phone and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Open the Google Home app on your phone.
  3. Tap the Chromecast you want to mirror your phone to.
  4. Tap Cast my screen.Source: Android Central

  1. Tap Cast screen.
  2. Google will warn you not to show any passwords or other sensitive data while screen recording or casting your screen. Tap Start now to cast your screen to your Chromecast.
  3. You can control the volume in the Home app and also tap the Stop mirroring button when you're done.Source: Android Central

And that's it! When you're done casting your phone to your TV, you can find the controls for turning off screen casting in the Google Home app or in the notification shade.

It's worth mentioning that screen mirroring works the same with Google smart displays you may have set up in your home. As long as everything is set up in the Google Home app and running on the same Wi-Fi network, you can cast your phone's screen to a Nest Home Hub (opens in new tab) or Nest Home Hub Max (opens in new tab) by following the same steps.

The easiest way to mirror your phone to your TV

Most media apps offer Chromecast support these days, but it's always nice to have screen mirroring available for situations that call for it.

Chromecast Ultra4K HDR power

 (opens in new tab)
Chromecast Ultra

The best Chromecast you can get
It's double the price of the standard Chromecast, but you can stream in 4K HDR and get an Ethernet adapter in the box. At this price, your options for 4K HDR streaming are limited, so the Chromecast Ultra is a great choice.

Google Chromecast 3rd-genGreat value

 (opens in new tab)
Chromecast (3rd gen)

The cheapest way to get into Chromecast
If you're looking for the cheapest possible way to start streaming to your TV, the 3rd-gen Chromecast fits the bill. It's half the price of the Ultra, making it appealing for anyone who doesn't stream 4K or wants to connect a secondary TV.

Marc Lagace
Marc Lagace

Marc Lagace was an Apps and Games Editor at Android Central between 2016 and 2020. You can reach out to him on Twitter [@spacelagace.

153 Comments
  • Can't wait to try it out when I get home on my nexus 5
  • You can also use the cast screen toggle in the notification pane, with a two finger swipe down or a press of the tile icon in the top right n5
  • Only if you have a Nexus device right? Posted from my Nexus 7 2013 running Android L or Samsung galaxy S5
  • nope, other devices like Samsung, HTC are also equipped with Chromecast function, but devices under 5.0 may need to download Google Cast from google play store for connection. more information can be found here.
    http://showmore.com/cast-android-screen-to-pc.html
  • "Once everything is set up, you'll also have the option of connecting and disconnecting your phone and Chromecast through the "Cast screen" button in the quick settings area of your notification pane."
  • The Moto X has cast screen in the settings. I have not tested it as I am still at work.
  • Nope.
  • It's works fine on my nexus 7 (2013) A little latency at times. Tried some Gabe's and they worked for a little bit. Internet is slow today anyways. But now I can use my tab app with my TV. It's working perfect :) Posted via Android Central App
  • Audio not working for me I'm afraid. Using Nexus 5. Tried a few apps, including Google Music, but no luck. Any suggestions? Posted via Android Central App
  • Same, casting from under the Display option on my Nexus 7. Video is cast to the chromecast but no audio comes from the tablet or tv.
  • I had the same issue. After restarting Chromecast audio works fine.
  • Thank you for the tip!
  • Thanks! Posted via Android Central App
  • Thanks, Oliver. I had the same issue. Restarting did the trick!
  • How did you "restart" the Chromecast audio - I've got same issue - no audio.....
  • I used the Chromecast Android app, an option in it is to connect to a device, tap the menu button, then tap reboot Chromecast. This fixed the audio on mine too. Or, you know, just unplug the micro USB power connection from the Chromecast device itself for a minute or so.
  • One of my favorite parts of this is that even while doing screen mirroring, your security is protected. What I mean is that if your screen goes off and you press the power button and get to your lock screen which requires a pin, you'll only see it on the device. On the Chromecast mirroring, it'll be a generic clock with a picture of a lock.
  • Actually, I just tried this and it showed my lock pattern on the TV.
  • What device are you using? Maybe that's a feature that's exclusive to Nexus devices? I haven't tested it with others.
  • M7? But no M8? Posted via Android Central App
  • Thisssss Posted via Android Central App
  • What I'm thinking as well. It's like wtf Google. What were you thinking? Posted HTC One M8 via Android Central App
  • Damn i hit the comments button to say the same things!!! Posted via Android Central App
  • Really slow for me
  • There's little latency on my home network i have a dual band ac Asus rout er and it works on our 2 chrome casts Posted from my Nexus 7 2013 running Android L or Samsung galaxy S5
  • Okay the M7 Sense and GPE editions have screen casting but not the M8? Wtf Google. Posted HTC One M8 via Android Central App
  • Sense blows >I'm the kind of guy who stops a microwave at one second to feel like a bomb defuser.
  • Actually Sense is really awesome.
  • Its working just fine on my nexus 5. Sound and all. Try turning up the volume on your phone. Rotation is a Lil choppy at times Posted via Android Central App
  • I have the lg g2 but still no update.... Posted via Android Central App
  • App on my Nexus 10 and S4 still doesn't show "Cast Screen" as an option when you swipe from the left.
  • Make sure you're on the latest version of the Chromecast app. Version 1.7.
  • Try going into Settings>display settings> cast screen on your nexus 10
  • What about the HTC One M8? Posted via Android Central App
  • My thoughts exactly. Posted HTC One M8 via Android Central App
  • Meh........ garbage.
  • Probably what anyone who payed 75 bucks or more for a miracast adapter thinks right now I presume that includes you? Posted from my Nexus 7 2013 running Android L or Samsung galaxy S5
  • Meh, I bought a Netgear Miscast device for like $50 and I'm still glad I got it... Easier to set up when you don't have any Wi-Fi or your own network. It's in my travel bag, haven't really used it at home, if I wanted to mirror at home I'd pull out the Displayport cable but that'll probably go in the bag too now that Chromecast can mirror.
  • I had the Netgear Push2TV PTV3000 which I gave to my son in law a few weeks back. The chromecast is much better. It is way less laggy and connects very quickly. Chromecast will make Miracast obsolete. Way more useful now! Best $29.99 I have ever spent.
  • How is it garbage?
  • He has a device that is not supported, uses Miracast, or uses an Apple TV and iPhone. Sent from my Nexus 5
  • Just connected with my 2013 nexus 7, it isn't done at all. Colors are off, laggy and the screen doesn't fit correctly. It is cool but I can't wait to see the bugs worked out.
  • The colors and overscan aren't your phone's fault, much less Google's, that's down to your TV's settings. You'd be surprised how wildly inaccurate TV color calibration often is out of the box, and many many TVs have different calibration for each input type. Many also don't let your adjust for overscan which is a pain...
  • Everything else that I use Chromecast for is fine.
  • See first comment. It's garbage because its a half assed beta mess that google started, and will abandon soon.
  • Just tried it with my N7. Video ok, but sound garbled... Plenty of WiFi bandwidth. Posted via Android Central App
  • Interesting. No sound issues here.
  • I get sound issues on N7-2013 (L Preview), but perfect sound on Nexus 4 (4.4.4).
  • Me too! Posted via Android Central App
  • Choppy video and sound for me.
  • Try restarting your Chromecast
  • I could already do this with my TV without Chromecast..... Posted via Android Central App
  • Cool story bro. Bet your tv cost more than $35 less three months of Netflix.
  • Can you clarify is it the Galaxy note 10 or 10.1 2014 edition
    : Samsung Galaxy S4
    Samsung Galaxy S5
    Samsung Galaxy Note 3
    Samsung Galaxy Note 10
  • I'm trying to get it to work on my 10.1(2014) but no dice yet. Just downloaded chromecast fresh from the play store and it says it's uploaded today, but is only the 1.5.5 version. Anyone else had any luck?
  • Works on note 10.1(2014)
  • how did you get the mirroring to work on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition? I have the latest firmware for the chromecast and the latest apps installed and kitkat. the option to mirror the screen is nowhere to be found
  • Mine works now too. it needed the latest chromecast update. 1.7.4 then when the app updated the cast to screen icon appeared just like on the pictures and woot there it is! I can play games from the tablet and it plays on my TV with negligible latency if any .
  • Se no option to cast screen in the chromecast app on my HTC M7. All stock with latest Sense 6. Cannot see any update for the chromecast app. Is it because I'm in Europe?
  • You'll need version 1.7 of the Chromecast app before this'll work. It rolls out in stages to folks, gonna have to be patient if you don't yet have the update.
  • www.Gappsearly.com has the apk file for 1.7 you can sideload. Posted via Android Central App
  • Does this work on T-Mobile HTC on m8? Posted via T-Mobile HTC One M8
  • You rock man! Totally got the app from gappsearly.com! Sideloaded and watching IMDB trailers from my tablet! Thanks man!
  • Thank you! Still waiting for the updated apk in Google Play, so this was a godsend. Can't wait to try it out when I get home. :)
  • Can anyone post a link to the updated CC apk so we can sideload? Thanks!
  • So is there a limit on the display resolution while casting? What resolution will I get if I cast from my Nexus 5 to a 4k TV? Posted via Android Central App
  • 1920x1080, the res of the casting device's screen, presumably.
  • Thanks, Andrew. Ultimately I plan to use casting to turn my Nexus 10 into a more usable laptop replacement. (My eyes are not what they used to be.) Posted via Android Central App
  • I already have an hdmi cable output that works the same on my HTC One M7. There is no latency issue. Although I'm still going to try this when I have the time.
  • What's the point of this??
  • What is the point of the mirror in your bathroom?
  • lol
  • Burn LOL Sent from my Nexus 5
  • What about Sony Z2? Posted via Android Central App
  • Read Posted from my Nexus 7 2013 running Android L or Samsung galaxy S5
  • Unlike other Chromecast apps you need to be on the same SSID, not just the same network. IE with my N7 2013 connected my 5Ghz network I can connect to my Chromecast with most apps but with this feature I need to be on the 2.4 Ghz network. To clarify, I'm connecting via Settings>Display>Cast Screen and not using the Chromecast app.
  • Just tried this and it worked for me. Phone on 5G while Chromecast on 2G band, and I'm watching myself type this on the TV.
  • Interesting. I was able to use it on 5GHz on the Nexus 7 2013. I have the mode set to "N only" on my 5GHz frequency though...Maybe it has something to do with that.
  • This has started working for me now, which is fun. I am still on 1.5.5 and it wasn't working 2 hours ago but is now. Might be something on the server side which is rolling out too. The is something a little Inception about casting a YouTube video from within a screen cast. :)
  • Just dowloaded chromecast 1.7 on my galaxy s4 from o2.ie and it's mirroring perfectly.... Posted via Android Central App
  • I have the M7, shows chromecast app is up to date and there is no option to screen cast.... So :/
  • Go to Android police forum to get the apk then you don't have to wait for the rollout Posted from my Nexus 7 2013 running Android L or Samsung galaxy S5
  • New cc 1.7.4 apk doesn't work on the HTC M8, but does work wonderful on my note 3 thou! If some is looking for the new .apk ...cough*Google xda chromecast* ...cough!
  • Reset my Chromecast and sound now working. Still not everything supported though. Sky TV app here in the UK brings up a message saying Miracast not supported and doesn't play the video. Probably the same for apps such as 4OD. Still, that's not Google's fault. Great experience otherwise. Posted via Android Central App
  • Also in the UK on a Nexus 5, I tried the following media apps with mixed results.
    Flixster - no picture but sound
    4od - message saying does not support viewing on a TV
    Demand 5 - no picture but sound
    itv Player - works fine with picture and sound
    TVCatchup - works fine with picture and sound
    BBC iPlayer Radio - Sound work's fine
    UK Radio Player - Sound work's ok but drops out a fair bit Android Central App | Nexus 5 | Powered by Android
  • Works good on my N7 2013 sound and all. Tried it playing Dead Trigger 2 and it lags a bit but sound and all work pretty well.
  • Holy heck this works very well. Even for the sound on videos that are stored on my device. Thank you Google!!! Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!
  • Go Hawks Posted via Android Central App
  • Right? After some shoddy implementations of Chromecast support for video, this is awesome! Maybe it has as much to do with the fact that videos on the device don't require bandwidth to pull from a server so there's plenty available for pushing to the Chromecast. Tho I watched World Cup and MLB highlights from apps with no problems. Sweet.
  • Pretty cool. I just casted (?) my Slingbox from my Nexus 7 (2013) to my TV without any problem. Picture & sound are both great.
  • Does not work with either My G Pad Google Play Edition or my Moto X. Both have stock android. Posted via Android Central App
  • You need either a Nexus device they listed or a device and CC app ver 1.7 that they said would work. Be patient. More devices getting over time. Sent from my Nexus 5
  • Hurry up and update it for the Galaxy S3! (Obviously I'm talking to Google and not Android Central, 'cause that would be silly.)
  • No dice on M7 running KitKat
  • Using a note 10.1 (2014) and when i download chromecast from the play store, it says the version is 1.5.5 but uploaded today. I'm not seeing any mirroring options in the app. Any way that I could get someone to post a 1.7 version to see if it really works with the claimed "note 10"?
  • It does work with the note 10.1 2014 you need the 1.7 update patience.....you should have it shortly...
    mine works awesome!!!!!
  • Why isn't the HTC m8 on the list?
  • I have an LG G2 with non stock LG based rom. I do not get an option to cast screen. What do you think has to be done to get that option on my device?
  • I searched google for Chromecast 1.7 and downloaded it elsewhere. Works great!
  • Yep! Worked great on my Sprint LG G2. I was able to cast Amazon music, which was the main reason I was excited about the change to chromecast. No problems unless I tried to manipulate my device too much while it was playing music. Then it would stutter or crackle a little. This is probably more of a limitation of my router.
  • No M8 is absurd. Posted via Android Central App
  • Can't wait for the update. Can't believe the HTC One M8 is not compatible.
  • I sideloaded the apk. It works perfectly with my Note 3.
  • Where'd you find it? Posted via Android Central App
  • This worked well on my Nexus 5 (Android 4.4.4) and my Nexus 7 2013 (Android L) . Only issue was games seemed to lag (tried Angry Birds Go) . Everything else worked well. Posted via Android Central App
  • Works great but no sound when using the browser. Any suggestions? Posted via Android Central App in bed.
  • Reboot the Chromecast from the app menu and sound should be fine Posted via Android Central App
  • Yes this worked for me and others in this thread.
  • Anyone have problems with sound while casting?
  • You can make it work on Moto X...
    http://forum.xda-developers.com/moto-x/general/chromecast-mirroring-moto...
  • Not working for me with my Sprint HTC One M7. Can anyone help? Posted via Android Central App
  • lost antroid version 2.3.7 in micromax A51 how to recover
  • Yes, finally. Thanks for the write up. I'll be definitely be using this feature. Posted via Android Central App
  • I just downloaded chromecast app from play store but the version is 1.5.5. So I don't have the option to cast screen
    Posted via Android Central App
  • Type Chromecast 1.7.4 in google search. You should have a couple of site that have the beta file for you to download... Then you must side load the app.
  • Does this work on an unrooted T-Mobile m8?..I really wanna use this mirroring feature for my chromecast cast but the initial waiting time for Google to update my phone is up in the air Posted via T-Mobile HTC One M8
  • Pulling down the settings panel on my Nexus 7 is now really buggy since the cast screen option was implemented. It goes down one time and there's no "cast screen" toggle and then the panel goes away in a flash and comes back with the cast screen.
  • Clash of Clans on the big screen....... That's all I have to say Posted via Android Central App
  • Working pretty well! I've tried a few different games and most have worked alright. The only games I've I had issues with are San Andreas and The Walking Dead. I do need to restart my chromecast though as I don't have sound. Might try that later. Posted via Android Central App
  • I tried to mirror my Showtime Anytime app from my Nexus 5 to Chromecast, since the app doesn't support Chromecast. It was unwatchable. It had about a 30% frame-rate drop and the volume was all over the place. I hope this improves over time. I was looking forward to this because I use Netflix and HBO Go through Chromecast all the time.
  • Overnight....I went from 98% to 41%. Android OS was the biggest draw taking 47% of the juice. Posted via Android Central App
  • Reboot. Probably from the Play Services update.
  • Everything was working well, but now in the Chromecast app it keeps saying "now casting this screen", but the device is not casting! Tapping "Disconnect" does nothing. I tried re-installing the app and that didn't work. Finally after rebooting the device, it now went away. I guess it really is "beta".
  • Same here. Have to reboot phone on mine. Rebooting chromecast or force closing app didnt work either. Beta but still awesome!!
  • I submitted a feedback report through the Chromecast app. I'm sure they'll work out the bugs. That's the point of doing an open beta like this.
  • why is this device specific, why does it not work with all kitkat and android L devices?
  • Not working with my Galaxy S5
  • Tried it on my Nexus 7 (2013) and the latency is absolutely HORRIBLE. There is a good 3-5 second delay between the Nexus 5 and the Chromecast. It starts off perfect for a few seconds, but then after maybe 5-10 sec the delay comes in.
  • I have bad latency at home. But none at work. I guess my internet sucks at home.
  • You may be having issues with your wireless network. On mine the lag was minimal. Of course I'm on a Galaxy S4 so it's not quite apples-to-apples.
  • Finally received the update on my S5 and downloaded it just now. Don't know why the Chromecast update took so long to get to my phone. I checked for it, rebooted, still nothing until this afternoon. Think it had to do with my provider, Verizon, or my location, California? Everything works great, btw.
  • It's working like a charm on my 2013 Nexus 7. Worth the wait!!!!!!!! Posted via Android Central App
  • Just received the update on my HTC One M7. It works. In my opinion, this feature should have been possible when the chromecast product launched. If it had been, I'll bet they'd a sold a heck of a lot more of them. Posted via Android Central App
  • Hmm. Grabbed and sideloaded the latest chromecast app on my Note3, but no option to mirror. Wtf? Posted via Android Central App
  • Abc123
  • What? Posted via Android Central App
  • Everything is updated on my S5 and the Chromecast but when I hit the cast option it disconnects just as fast as it connects. I've reset and rebooted both devices and still won't mirror anything on my TV. . . Any thoughts???? Posted via Android Central App
  • Same exact problem... Nexus 5 4.4.4
  • I'm using a N5 and was wondering am i the only person who doesn't get sound when i'm casting the screen?
  • I have an s4 I downloaded the Chrome cast app it connects but when I press the "ready to cast" button it keeps going to settings and I don't see anywhere in settings to cast it. Am I missing something?
  • I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 have the latest Chromecast software v 1.7.4 have reset the actual chromecast device but cannot get the "cast Screen" option to show up up.
  • I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 have the latest Chromecast software v 1.7.4 have reset the actual chromecast device but cannot get the "cast Screen" option to show up up.
  • same prob here
  • just updated my S5 chromecast app and working to display nfl sunday ticket while away from home. thanks for the article as this is the best screen share method by cost.
  • Don't have the CAST SCREEN option on my Galaxy S4, I have the lastest updates on everything
  • I found the best apps to use with crohmecast are:
    1/ EZCast
    2/ AllCast
    3/ LocalCast EZCast works best of all on my Samsung Galaxy S4
  • I tried that one but couldn't mirror my phone
  • So,
    If I use my Nexus 4 as a WiFi Hotspot, and connect the Chomcast to that network, Will this work where I can't get WiFi (or don't trust the WiFi like a hotel room)?
  • So,
    If I use my Nexus 4 as a WiFi Hotspot, and connect the Chomcast to that network, Will this work where I can't get WiFi (or don't trust the WiFi like a hotel room)?
  • Currently it is useless since I can't mirror my HTC one 8, when will I
    be able to do this from my phone hopefully in this lifetime
  • Hi. So what I need to know is, will the older 2012 Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 ever be supported for screen mirroring? Just got my Chromecast today and downloaded the latest Chromecast App, 1.8.22, and absolutely no sign of anything at all to do with screen mirroring.
  • I have Movietube and Popcorn Time and can view videos on my Samsung Galaxy tablet and HTC ONE M8 Smartphone. I use Chromecast but can't seem to mirror the videos via the app onto my television. Any suggestions on how to do this? Thanks so much.
  • I have a computer which doesnt have wifi.
    So, can i use chromecast with my computer and mobile.
    It means i will connet chromecast to computer and operates through mobile,, can this possible...?