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An old Chromecast can still turn a compatible HDMI display into a Cast receiver, show selected photos or art, or mirror a Chrome tab. What works depends on the Chromecast generation, current app support, Wi-Fi and setup. Check the model first: Google says support for Chromecast (1st gen) has ended, with no software or security updates and no technical support; performance may also degrade. Google’s Chromecast setup and support guidance explains current requirements.
Can you still use an old Chromecast?
Often, if it can connect to your network and the app or feature you want still supports it. Chromecast (3rd gen and older) is set up with a compatible phone or tablet and Google Home, not a computer. You need a Google Account, an HDMI display and a secure Wi-Fi network. Requirements vary by model and phone platform, so check Google’s current setup instructions before you begin.
For casting from an app, the sender and Chromecast generally need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. App support, subscriptions, region, device generation, local-network permissions and network quality can affect whether the device appears and playback works. Do not assume that a streaming service supports every older model.
1. Make a spare HDMI screen a Cast receiver
Connect the Chromecast to an HDMI input and power it, then set it up in Google Home with a mobile device. Once configured, open a Cast-enabled app on a phone or tablet, select the Cast control and choose the Chromecast. The video plays on the display while the mobile device acts as the controller. Google’s instructions for casting from Chromecast-enabled apps cover the general process.
#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
This is useful for a spare TV or monitor when the apps you want are available and compatible. The Chromecast does not make every HDMI display a smart TV with a full app store; it receives content sent by supported apps.
2. Use Ambient Mode for photos or art
Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra can show selected Google Photos albums or art in Ambient Mode. In Google Home, link the relevant Google Photos account and choose the albums or art to display. Google explains the setup in its Ambient Mode instructions.
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
Archived photos are excluded from a selected album’s display. Ambient Mode also does not let you set the exact moment a particular image appears, so it is better suited to a changing slideshow than to displaying one chosen photo on demand. See Google’s Ambient Mode FAQ for those limitations.
3. Cast a Chrome tab or computer screen
Chrome can cast a browser tab or a computer screen to a Chromecast on the same Wi-Fi network. This can be handy for showing a web page, a casual presentation or other browser content on a larger display. Google’s Chrome casting instructions describe the available options.
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.
Audio behavior differs: tab audio plays through the TV, but when you cast the entire screen, audio may remain on the computer. Expect possible latency, and remember that some apps or content may restrict casting; this is not a guarantee of smooth playback for every task.
4. Send supported audio to your TV setup
A Cast-enabled music or other audio app may let you send playback to the Chromecast connected to a TV or receiver. This can reuse speakers already connected to that display. It is a supported-app option, not a promise that every service offers audio-only casting or that an older Chromecast works as a dedicated audio endpoint. Check the app’s Cast control and Google’s general casting guidance.
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
5. Move it to another room—or let visitors cast over home Wi-Fi
An older Chromecast can be moved to another room or set up on a different Wi-Fi network. In Google Home, open the device’s settings and use the Wi-Fi network controls. A Chromecast remembers one network at a time; if it is disconnected from the old network, Google says you may need to factory-reset it before setting it up on the new one. Follow Google’s instructions for changing the Wi-Fi network.
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Visitors can cast only after joining the host’s Wi-Fi. Google states that “Guest mode is no longer supported,” so an old Chromecast does not provide a separate guest-access method. The host should share network access through the usual household process. See Google’s Guest Mode guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
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- 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.
What to check before you put it back into service
- Identify the generation. First-generation Chromecast has ended support and receives no software or security updates. Google also says performance may degrade. Consider that limitation before relying on it for regular use.
- Check the app and feature. Confirm the current app supports casting to your specific device, and account for subscription or regional restrictions.
- Confirm network access. The mobile device or computer and Chromecast generally need the same Wi-Fi for discovery and casting. Network quality and local-network permissions can affect setup and playback.
- For first-generation Wi-Fi trouble, check the original extender. Google recommends the supplied HDMI extender as a troubleshooting measure because it may reduce Wi-Fi interference. This does not establish that any third-party HDMI extension cable will help; see Google’s Chromecast troubleshooting guidance.
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