How to use Google Cast from your Chrome browser

Google Cast is the protocol behind Chromecast, and you can easily stream content to your TV or other Chromecast device directly from your Chrome brwoser. Even if a website or streaming service doesn't work with Chromecast, you have the ability to cast a particular tab or your entire desktop directly in Chrome. Here's how you can get started.

How to cast to your Chromecast or Android TV from Chrome

1. Navigate to the Chrome settings menu located in the right corner of the browser.

2. Select the Cast button.

   

3. Select the Chromecast device to which you want to cast content.

4. If you want to cast a particular tab, click on the arrow next to the Cast to field.

   

5. Select Cast tab if you want to cast a single tab to your Chromecast device, or use Cast desktop to stream your entire desktop.

6. Pick the Chromecast device to which you want to cast content.

   

There are a few features that don't work as of now. For instance, if you're trying to cast your desktop through Chrome on Mac or Chrome OS, you won't hear any audio:

Note that you can only cast your desktop audio from Windows. If you cast your desktop from a Mac or Chrome OS computer, you'll see the contents of your screen on your TV but won't be able to hear any audio from your computer.

You can also cast content quickly through the right-click context menu in Chrome. Just right-click anywhere on a tab and select the Cast option to start streaming content.

Pro tip: if you want the Cast button to show up in the Chrome toolbar at all times, here's what you need to do:

1. Select the overview menu in Chrome (three vertical dots on the right).
2. Choose Cast.
3. At this point, you'll see the Cast icon in the toolbar. Right-click on it to pull up its menu.
4. Choose Always show icon. The Cast icon will now show up in your toolbar at all times, making it easier to stream content.

The fact that Google Cast is directly integrated into Chrome makes it easier to stream content to Chromecast-enabled TV or Google Home. That said, there are a few differences to note when casting your Chrome tab directly versus using the Cast button on a website.

When you cast a tab using the steps outlined above, you will need to keep your computer on the entire time, as it's basically just mirroring the contents of your browser. In contrast, when you select the Cast option on a site like Netflix, it will hand off the streaming data directly to the Chromecast deviice, and closing the tab will not affect the stream.