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If your old Chromecast still powers on and connects to Wi-Fi, it may have a useful second job: showing photos or artwork while idle, casting a Chrome tab or computer screen, or receiving video from a mobile app that supports Google Cast. Which options work depends on the device’s generation, condition, network connection and the apps you use.
Choose a new job for your old Chromecast
| What you want to do | Best fit | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Show photos or artwork while the TV is idle | Ambient screensaver | Google Home; a Google Account; Google Photos for personal albums |
| Put a web page or computer display on the TV | Cast from Chrome | Chrome on a computer and a strong Wi-Fi connection |
| Play media from a phone or tablet app | Google Cast-enabled app | A compatible app and the same Wi-Fi network for the device and Chromecast |
These are documented uses, not a guarantee that every old Chromecast will still work. Start with the option that matches what you want on the TV, and try it only if the Chromecast appears in the relevant app or Chrome menu.
Use it as an idle photo or art display
Google says Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra can show an Ambient screensaver when they are not being used. It can display selected Google Photos albums or artwork through Art gallery, with optional time and weather information. Google describes the feature as a way for a streaming device to “quietly keep you entertained with the ambient screensaver.” Google’s Ambient screensaver setup guide lists the setup and available options.
Set up Ambient mode
- Open the Google Home app and select your Chromecast.
- Open the device’s settings and choose Ambient mode.
- Choose Google Photos and select albums, or choose Art gallery. You can also set whether time and weather appear.
You need a Google Account to configure the feature, and Google Photos to use personal albums. Archived photos do not appear. Selected personal photos may show details such as album name, date and location by default; use the setting to hide personal photo data if you do not want those details displayed.
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Weather is associated with the device location. If you have not set a home address, Google may base it on the IP address, so weather can differ between devices in the same home. Chromecast Ultra’s Ambient screensaver resolution is capped at 1080p. A factory reset removes Ambient preferences, so you would need to configure them again afterward.
Cast a Chrome tab or your computer screen
Chrome can cast a browser tab or the whole computer screen to a Chromecast. This is useful for putting a web page or other computer content on the TV without relying on a mobile streaming app. Google’s instructions are in Cast from Chrome to your TV.
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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
- Connect the computer and Chromecast to a strong Wi-Fi network.
- In Chrome, open the Cast menu.
- Select the Chromecast receiver, then choose whether to cast a tab or the computer screen.
Most web content can be cast, but some plugins may not work. When you cast a tab, its sound plays on the TV; sound from other tabs and apps continues on the computer. When you cast the entire screen, audio may stay on the computer.
Use a mobile app that supports Google Cast
If you want to play media from a phone, tablet or computer, the app itself must support Google Cast, and the casting device and Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open a current compatible app and use its Cast button to select the Chromecast. Google explains the requirements in its guide to casting from Google Cast-enabled apps.
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App interfaces and supported content vary, so the presence of a Cast button—and whether the device appears there—is the practical check. This does not mean every service or video can be sent to an older Chromecast.
Check the generation and connection before relying on it
“Old Chromecast” can refer to different generations, and age alone does not establish what support remains. Google specifically says the first-generation Chromecast no longer receives software or security updates and no longer has Google technical support; performance may also degrade. That statement does not apply automatically to every older Chromecast. See Google’s support guidance mentioning first-generation devices.
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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
- 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
For any generation, the practical test is whether it powers on, connects to Wi-Fi and appears as a receiver in Google Home, Chrome or a compatible app. If it does not, the features above may not be available on that device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Guests need Wi-Fi access to cast
Do not plan on using Chromecast Guest mode: Google says it is no longer supported. Visitors can cast by joining the host’s Wi-Fi network, as described in Google’s Guest mode help page.
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