To change what appears when your Chromecast is idle, open its Ambient mode settings and choose Google Photos, Art Gallery, or an available Experimental source. The route depends on the device: classic Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra use the Google Home app; Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer also have settings on the TV.
Choose the right settings route for your Chromecast
Sign in to the Google Account associated with the streaming device before changing its Ambient screensaver. Google documents these routes:
| Device | Where to find Ambient mode |
|---|---|
| Chromecast or Chromecast Ultra | Google Home app: Home > All devices > touch and hold the Chromecast tile > Settings > Ambient mode. Google Support |
| Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer | On the TV: Settings > System > Ambient mode > Settings. The Google Home route is also documented. Google Support |
Labels can differ slightly between device generations. If you do not see the on-TV route, use Google Home and confirm which Chromecast model you have.
Change the photo source
In Ambient mode, select the source you want. Google Photos displays pictures from selected albums; Art Gallery uses online imagery such as Google Earth; Experimental offers other sources or features to try. Google does not promise that Experimental options will be the same on every device or in every location. Google Support
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Show photos from Google Photos
- Open Ambient mode using the route for your device.
- Select Google Photos.
- Choose the albums to display, or remove albums you no longer want included.
A Google Photos account is required. Named shared albums can be selected. Favorites appears as an option when the collection has at least four favorited photos. Archived photos are not shown, even if they belong to a selected album. Google Support
Use Art Gallery or Experimental
Select Art Gallery for online artwork and other available imagery, or choose Experimental to try the additional image sources and features offered for your device. These are alternatives to a personal Google Photos album, not guarantees of a particular fixed set of images.
Rank #2
- 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
Adjust photo details, time, and weather
Personal photos may display identifying details such as the album name, date, and location. To hide those details on supported devices, open Settings > Photo Frame > Google Photos > Personal photo data controls, then choose Hide. Google Support
Ambient mode also lets you control whether to show the time and weather and choose Celsius, Fahrenheit, both, or no temperature. When a Home address is configured, weather uses that address; otherwise, Google says it may use IP location, which can produce different results for devices in the same home. Google Support
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- 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
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR
- 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
Google Photos and account edge cases
Workspace accounts
If you use a Google Workspace account and cannot select albums, your organization may require a domain administrator to authorize Google Photos access. Google’s documented procedure involves administrator approval for the specified client and scopes, restarting the streaming device, and then choosing albums in Google Home’s Ambient mode settings. Ask your Workspace administrator if that route is unavailable, since organization policies and settings may differ. Google Support
Family & Friends album
Google’s Family & Friends option requires the Google Photos app on your phone and face groups enabled. It automatically updates with people selected through Google’s photo selection. Google says the feature is unavailable in Europe, Illinois, and Texas. Google Support
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
If your Ambient mode changes do not appear
Restart the streaming device if preferences are missing or do not appear on the TV; this is Google’s first documented troubleshooting step. A restart is not a guaranteed fix for account authorization, network issues, or every other cause. Google Support
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
