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You can turn an older cast-only Chromecast or Chromecast Ultra into a Google Photos slideshow by choosing albums in the device’s Ambient mode settings in the Google Home app. The steps differ for Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer, and Google Photos slideshow availability varies by device and region.
Check which Chromecast you have
These instructions are for older cast-only Chromecast devices and Chromecast Ultra. Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer use a separate screensaver settings path; Google links to those instructions from its Ambient screensaver guidance.
If you have a first-generation Chromecast, note that Google says its support has ended: it no longer receives software or security updates, and Google does not provide technical support. That limitation applies to the first generation, not automatically to every older Chromecast. Google’s support guidance describes the status.
Set up the photo slideshow
- Set up or confirm the Chromecast in Google Home. Use a supported mobile device and the Google Account that holds the photos. Google’s iOS setup instructions list an HDMI display, Google Account, secure Wi-Fi network, and mobile Google Home setup as requirements, and say computer setup is not supported.
- Open the Chromecast’s settings. In Google Home, go to Home or All devices, touch and hold the Chromecast tile, then select Settings > Ambient mode. Menu wording or availability may vary by model.
- Choose Google Photos. Select Google Photos and choose the album or albums you want displayed. The Chromecast must be associated with the Google Account that has access to those photos.
- Adjust Photo Frame details if needed. In the Photo Frame settings, you can hide photo details such as album name, date, and location.
Google says archived photos will not appear on the Ambient screensaver, even if they are in a selected album. Google Photos also notes that slideshows are available only on eligible devices and in some regions; certain images, including some third-party app images and screenshots, may be filtered. See Google Photos’ slideshow guidance.
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- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
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If the Ambient mode options are missing
If Ambient preferences do not appear on the TV, Google suggests restarting the Chromecast. Check that you are looking at the correct device tile in Google Home and that you have selected the settings for the cast-only Chromecast rather than a Google TV model.
Check Wi-Fi by generation
Google’s cited iOS setup guidance specifies 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for first-generation Chromecast. For the later models it covers, it lists 2.4 or 5 GHz for Chromecast (3rd gen) and 5 GHz for Chromecast Ultra. These are setup requirements in that guidance; if connection or menu behavior differs, check the Google Home app and the instructions for your exact model.
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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
Reconnect a first-generation Chromecast
If a first-generation Chromecast has trouble reconnecting, Google recommends trying the HDMI extender that originally came in the box. This is a conditional troubleshooting step, not a part everyone needs to buy.
What to expect from the display
Google states that the maximum Ambient screensaver resolution on Chromecast Ultra is 1080p. Its cited help pages do not establish a universal slideshow interval, image-cropping rule, or country-by-country supported-device list, so the display timing and which eligible images appear may vary.
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- 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
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- 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
For a more controlled result, make a dedicated Google Photos album containing only the pictures you want to rotate, then check how it looks on your TV. If guests can see the screen, hide the personal photo details in Photo Frame settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to choose another option
If the Chromecast cannot be set up or no longer works reliably, first identify its generation and check whether Google Home can still configure it. A replacement streaming device is not a general requirement for Google Photos slideshows; it is relevant if the old device is broken or cannot be set up. A dedicated photo frame is another possible fallback, but compatibility with Google Photos varies. Google says only that select photo frames support album slideshows, without establishing compatibility for a particular model.
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