Android · Devices
Send your screen to a TV
Cast lets you send audio, video, or your entire phone screen wirelessly to a Chromecast-built-in TV, Chromecast device, or other Cast-enabled speaker on the same Wi-Fi network.
How to open Cast
- Connect your phone and TV/Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Quick Settings and tap 'Screen Cast', or tap the Cast icon inside a supported app.
- Select your TV or Cast device from the list.
- Tap 'Stop casting' in the notification shade when you're done.
What you should know
- Individual apps like YouTube and Spotify have their own in-app Cast button for casting just that media stream.
- 'Cast screen' from Quick Settings mirrors your entire display, including apps without native Cast support.
- Cast devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network as the phone to appear as available targets.
- Casting audio only (rather than screen mirroring) typically uses far less battery and bandwidth.
Screen mirroring shows notifications and everything else on your display, so it's worth turning off notifications before mirroring anything private.
Why it matters
Casting turns any TV into an ad-hoc display for photos, presentations, or streaming without cables, which is especially useful for showing content to a group.
Best practices
- Prefer an app's built-in Cast button over full screen mirroring when available, since it's more battery- and bandwidth-efficient.
- Stay on the same Wi-Fi network as the Cast device — casting across networks or over mobile data isn't supported.
- Stop casting from the notification shade when finished rather than just closing the app, to fully release the connection.
Common problems and fixes
- The TV or speaker doesn't appear as a cast option.
- Confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network (not a guest network) and that the TV or Chromecast is powered on.
- Screen mirroring shows a black screen for some video apps.
- This is expected for DRM-protected content like some streaming apps; use the app's native Cast button instead of full screen mirroring.
Tips and tricks
- Swipe down twice for Quick Settings and tap 'Screen Cast' for a one-tap shortcut instead of digging through app menus.
Frequently asked questions
Does casting use mobile data?
No, both devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network — casting doesn't work over mobile data.
Can I cast without a separate Chromecast device?
Yes, any TV with Chromecast built in, or compatible smart speakers and displays, can receive a cast without a dongle.
Related settings
- Connected DevicesConnected devices is the hub screen for every accessory linked to your phone, including Bluetooth headphones, watches, car systems, and USB or NFC connections, plus shortcuts to Cast and Nearby Share preferences.
- Wi-Fi ConnectionWi-Fi settings let you view nearby networks, connect with a password or QR code, and manage saved networks including auto-reconnect behavior.
- Nearby ShareNearby Share — recently rebranded Quick Share — lets you send photos, videos, links, and files directly to another nearby Android device, Chromebook, or Windows PC using a mix of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, without needing cellular data or a shared internet connection. Visibility settings control exactly who can discover your device and send you something.
More Devices guides for Android
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- USB PreferencesUSB Preferences controls what happens when your phone is plugged into a computer or other USB device — whether it charges only, transfers files, shares a network connection, or acts as a MIDI/audio device.
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- Previously Connected DevicesThis screen lists every Bluetooth accessory, Chromecast, or other device the phone has connected to in the past, even if currently disconnected or out of range, so you can reconnect, rename, or permanently forget them.
- Phone Hub / Cross-Device ServicesCross-device services link an Android phone to a Chromebook or other trusted devices signed into the same Google Account, enabling features like viewing phone notifications, texting, checking battery level, and instantly tethering internet access from the Chromebook's Phone Hub panel.