In this post we’ll be taking you through how to get Chromecast for Mac. Streaming devices and smart TVs have become the “in” thing. They are only moving up nowadays. While cable TV prices aren’t that favorable and with streaming services giving you more bang for your buck, it’s hard to not make the switch. In 2018 alone more than 30 million households made the switch to streaming services.
Google Chromecast Setup For Mac
Setting up Chromecast on Android and iOS is extremely easy; you just need to download the Google Home app and follow the setup instructions. However, it's a different story for PC and MacBook.
Well, that was in 2018, you can well imagine what the scenario is today. When it comes to streaming services, Google Chromecast ranges top of the line. Besides connecting you with Hulu, Netflix and YouTube you can also make video calls, cast your photos onto it as well as play slideshows on it as well.
- Chromecast setup free download - Apple DVD/CD Sharing Setup, DivX, Printer Setup Repair (Tiger), and many more programs.
- The Mac must be connected to the same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast. If the Mac and Chromecast are both connected to the 2.4GHz wireless network, the app will identify the Chromecast so that you can set it up. Click the blue Set Up button to configure the Chromecast. The Chromecast app has located a Chromecast HDMI dongle.
- The best TV Cast for Google Chromecast, Google Home App! Stream any web video and your photos, videos & music from your device to TV. TV Cast enhances your TV Experience and lets you enjoy the show on your big screen. Features - Stream & Cast to TV with HD, 4k quality.
So it’s no surprise then that Chromecast has become a go to option for many wanting to get streaming services from their Mac. While Apple TV may be a better option as it’s easier to use, setting up Chromecast for Mac aren’t that hard either. So without further ado let’s begin…
Getting Chromecast for Mac:
The initial set up shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes tops, if all goes well that is. Once that is done you’re all set to play around with it.
But a little preemptive measures first- You should already have your Chromecast connected to your TV via the HDMI cable. This you can connect using the USB port or the power cube included in the box. After all this take a look at the following:
- Open up Chrome on your Mac and enter goolge.com/chromecast/setup on your web browser.
- You’ll then be directed to download Google Home for iPhone or the iPad. This you can do so from the app store.
- As long as you have your Chromecast plugged in it will always open up in the Google home app.
- Connect your Chromecast to the WiFi of your choosing and follow all the steps to pair it.
Finally your Chromecast device is ready to be used by all devices around and connected to the same WiFi network. That means you can now connect it to your Mac, iPad, iPhone and everything else that you have lying around, provided that is it is a smart device.
This so much easier than connecting it using a computer which involves a lengthy process of downloading an extension and using codes to pair the device. This is no longer used by the way.
Using Chromecast for Mac in an Optimal Manner:
The next step is actually getting your Chromecast onto your TV via the Mac. To get what’s playing on your Mac’s screen onto your TV the simplest way is to mirror the two screens. In the past this would be a cumbersome process of installing an extension and then mirroring both screens, but all that’s in the past now. If you have an updated version of Chromecast then you need not worry about downloading an extension.
While in Chrome, select the view the cast option. The other option is to select the three dots at the right of the toolbar to access cast. From there you’ll get three drop down options:
- Cast the tab you have open
- And Cast your desktop
- Cast a particular file
If you happen to be watching a video on YouTube then you must’ve noticed a box like symbol with a sideways WiFi symbol next to it. This symbol allows you to cast what you see onto a TV. This is another option in which you can cast media from your Mac onto a much larger screen. Now you know how to cast what’s on your screen onto your TV.
At this point the media, video call or photo you’re currently watching will appear on your TV screen. If all goes to plan you may be able to do this in a jiffy and without much trouble. But there may be occasions when things don’t go just as smoothly in that case we have a fix for that as well.
Optimizing Chromecast For Mac:
When it comes to using Chromecast for Mac things aren’t that smooth sailing sometimes. There are times when your screen might flicker or stutter or the video you’re watching may play in low quality. Here we’ll be showing you how to get the best out what you’re watching within a few extra steps.
The main problems faced when using Chromecast for Mac is bad video, audio and stuttering issues, like we mentioned earlier. This could be because of one or more reasons given below:
- Lack of RAM and or processing power on your Mac
- Bad internet connection or low speed on the WiFi
- Hardware limitations or configurations
How to Utilize Apps to Enhance the Video Quality
When using Chromecast for Mac, things may not be smooth sailing for the simple reason that Chromecast takes a lot from the Mac. This is especially so in older and more cluttered models. A tip for getting over this problem is to use an app such as CleanMyMac X. what this app does is to scan your computer for malware, clutter on the hardware and unnecessary apps.
Now coming to a WiFi issue- if you happen to have a newer less clutterd model and are still facing issues with the quality of your video, it could be because of your WiFi connection. If this is your problem then WiFiExplorer is the answer. This app is a one stop solution to monitoring, and checking that all is fine with your WiFi. Simply open the app to know if your WiFi is the problem.
By looking at the real time scan of networks in the area, you can know if your channel is overcrowded or has poor signal strength. Sometimes it’s not really the Wifi that’s the problem but the channel that you’re using. If you happen to face this issue then you could try connecting your Mac to your router via a cable or moving the router from its current location.
These are a few ways in which you can get Chromecast for Mac.
Google has made it all so smart. By using Google’s Chromecast with a smartphone, laptop or tablet, anyone can stream their favorite shows or movies on their TV screen within seconds. But connecting Chromecast with your TV, Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac platform is a bit of a task.
Fortunately, we’re here to show you how to set up Chromecast on all the supported devices.
Before we start explaining the process, connect Chromecast to a Wi-Fi with a decent Internet connection (at least 5Mbps for HD; 20 to 25Mbps for 4K) and get a smartphone with Google Home application installed.
Ready?
Let’s get started.
How to set up Chromecast for Android Phones and connect to TV
Step 1: Power on your TV. Connect Chromecast to your TV’s HDMI port and connect the power cord to free USB port on the TV. If you don’t have one connect Chromecast to a power outlet with the cable included in the box. Once everything is plugged in, a small LED will automatically light up on your Chromecast.
Step 2: Get the Google Home app on your smartphone.
Step 3: Launch Google Home app and tap Get Started. You’ll need to select Google Account you want to use for Chromecast.
Step 4: Grant location permission when asked to locate Chromecast. When ready tap OK to continue.
Step 5: Google Home app will now run a scan to find Chromecast. Once detected tap Next. If you more than one Chromecast in the vicinity the app will list all of them. Tap the Chromecast you want to set up > Next.
Step 6: You’ll now see a unique code displayed on the TV to which you have connected Chromecast. Tap Yes. If no code is displayed chances your phone is not in close proximity to Chromecast. Move it a bit close and tap Try again > Scan for devices. Once detected tap Yes.
Step 7: After you will be asked if you wish to share Chromecast stats along with the crash report with Google. If you want that tap Yes, I’m in or tap No thanks.
Step 8: If you are asked for the region you are located in during the setup process of Chromecast, head to the region list > select the region you are in > Continue.
Step 9: You’ll now be asked to select the location where your Chromecast is located in the home. Select it > Next. To give a name of your choice> tap Add custom room > enter the name of your choice > Next.
Step 10: To connect Chromecast to Wi-Fi, select the network on Google Home app > Next.
Step 11: If you are using Android 5.0 and above, home Wi-Fi’s password will be automatically filled in the password field when you tap OK. If this doesn’t happen, enter the password and tap Connect to finish the process.
Step 12: Connect Chromecast with Google Account when asked > tap Continue.
Step 13: You’ll now see the information on what you have set up in the Google Home app. Additionally, you can sign up email to get updates, view video tutorials, the option to set up other functionality. All this is optional. You do not need to go with them to complete setting up Chromecast.
Also Read:8 Google Chromecast Hacks You Must Know
How to setup Chromecast for iOS
To connect Chromecast with your iOS device follow the steps below:
- Power on your TV > connect Chromecast with TV’s HDMI port > connect the power cord to an available USB port. (If the port is unavailable connect Chromecast to the nearest power outlet.)
- Get the Google Home app on your iPhone.
- Launch Google Home app > Get Started. Confirm the Gmail account you want to use.
- As you move ahead you will need to enable iPhone’s Bluetooth. If already enabled skip this step. If not, tap head to Settings > Wi-fi connection. Connect to the same Wi-Fi as Chromecast. If you do not want to enable Bluetooth to tap No thanks.
- Google Home app will now scan for your Chromecast. When done, tap Next.
- The TV connected to Chromecast will show a unique code. Tap Yes, when you see it. If you are unable to see it bring your device close to Chromecast and Try again.
- You’ll now be asked if you want to share Chromecast stats If you agree to tap Yes, I’m in else No thanks.
- A few might have to mention the region you are located in. Select it from the region list > Continue.
- Identify the room Chromecast is located > Next. To give a name to your room > tap Add custom room > give a name > Continue.
- If you are connecting Chromecast to Wi-Fi, select the network > Next.
- Link Chromecast to your Google Account > continue.
Chromecast Setup Mac Download
That’s it you are done Chromecast is now connect with your iPhone. If you face any problem while connecting Chromecast ensure the device you are connecting with is compatible with Chromecast. If you still face any problem, try visiting the Chromecast Help Forum.
Furthermore, if you want to use Chromecast with Spotify here we go.
Also Read: Best Apps to Own for Your Google Chromecast
How to setup Chromecast with Spotify
1. Power on your TV and make sure the HDMI channel to which Chromecast is plugged into is set.
2. Open the Spotify app.
3. Choose the song, playlist, or album, you’d like to cast and play it.
4. Tap devices. If you are using a mobile app it will be on the left side. Computer users will see it on the right side.
5. This will bring up a list of streaming options. Select Chromecast. If it doesn’t appear, make sure you’re connected to the same Wi-Fi network as Chromecast.
6. Once the device is selected, Spotify will appear on the TV screen and music will stop playing on the first device.
This is all. We hope, using these steps you were able to connect Chromecast with TV, Android, iOS. If you liked the article do share it with your friends and family. Also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. Your comments are valuable please do share.
Responses