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Use Google Photos to send a photo or video from an Android phone, iPhone, or iPad to a Chromecast: connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network, choose the item in Google Photos, then tap More → Cast and select the Chromecast. These steps cast selected media; they do not mirror your phone’s entire screen.
Cast photos and videos from Android
- Connect your Android phone and Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Google Photos and select a photo or album.
- Tap More → Cast, then choose your Chromecast.
- Open a photo or video on your phone to display it on the TV. Swipe to move between photos.
- To finish, tap Cast → Stop casting.
Google’s Google Photos Help page specifies Android 4.4 or later for this photo-casting flow. That is a requirement stated for this particular feature, not a general minimum for every Cast-enabled app. Google Photos Help: Android.
Cast photos and videos from iPhone or iPad
- Connect your iPhone or iPad and Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Google Photos and sign in to your Google Account.
- Select a photo or album, tap More → Cast, and choose your Chromecast.
- Open a photo or video on your device to show it on the TV. Swipe to move between photos.
- To finish, tap Cast → Disconnect.
Google Photos Help: iPhone and iPad.
If the Chromecast does not appear
- Check the Wi-Fi network. Make sure the phone and Chromecast are connected to the same network, as required by Google Photos’ documented casting steps.
- Allow local network access on iPhone or iPad. On iOS 14 or later, Google Cast needs Local Network permission to discover Cast devices. Check the device’s privacy settings and enable access for Google Cast if it is off.
- Confirm the app and receiving device support casting. Google’s Cast-app guidance covers Google Cast-enabled apps; button placement can vary by app. In Google Photos, use More → Cast.
Google’s general Cast-app instructions list Android 6.0 or later and iOS 12.0 or later for casting from Google Cast-enabled apps. Those thresholds describe the broader Cast-app guidance and should not be confused with the Android 4.4-or-later requirement on Google Photos’ Android photo-casting page. Google Streaming Help: Cast from Google Cast-enabled apps.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Photo casting is different from mirroring your screen
The Google Photos steps above send selected photos and videos to the TV. They are not instructions for projecting everything on your phone’s screen, and the general Google guidance on casting a computer tab or screen does not replace this phone workflow. Casting an entire screen is a separate option and may reduce performance or stability in the context Google describes. Google Streaming Help: Pink or purple screen when casting.
#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
Keep setup requirements separate from casting requirements
Google currently lists Android 9.0 or later and iOS 17.0 or later for setting up Chromecast and Google TV Streamer devices with Google Home. That concerns device setup; it is not the same requirement as casting a photo from Google Photos. Google also notes that feature availability and performance can vary by app, device, network, and location. Google Streaming Help: device requirements.
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.
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- 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.
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
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