[2025] How to Cast from Mac to Chromecast

Elsa Updated on Feb 17, 2025 Filed to: Screen Mirroring

Whether you want to cast movies from your Mac to your TV or share an impressive presentation with friends at work, Chromecast makes it all simple.

However, Mac users may encounter some technical issues. Today, we will teach you how to quickly set up and successfully cast, allowing you to enjoy the big screen experience effortlessly.

Key Takeaways:

  • A MacBook with the Google Chrome app installed is necessary.
  • Your macOS should start from version 10.9 (Mavericks) and later. To check your Mac's macOS version: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. Select "About This Mac."A window will display your macOS version.
  • A TV with an HDMI port.
  • High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) 1.3 or higher is required. To support 4K content, HDCP 2.2 is necessary.
  • Chromecast supports all Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) wireless networks.For 4K content, a high-speed internet connection of at least 20 Mbps is recommended.

Part 1: How to Set Up Chromecast on TV and Cast from Mac

Chromecast uses Google's Cast protocol to mirror your desktop content on other screens or smart speakers. When both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, a Cast icon appears. This icon lets you stream the content you're watching directly to Chromecast.

Since Chromecast connects via the internet, your phone shares the content's URL. This makes the process nearly instantaneous, with minimal delays.

Simplified Chromecast Setup Steps:

  1. Step 1.Connect Chromecast to TV:
  2. Insert Chromecast into an HDMI port on your TV. Power the Chromecast using the included USB cable and adapter, or connect to a USB port on the TV.

connect chromecast to tv

  1. Step 2.Select HDMI Input:
  2. Turn on your TV and select the HDMI input where the Chromecast is connected.
  1. Step 3.Setup with Google Home:
  2. Open the Google Home app on your device, ensuring it's on the same Wi-Fi network you plan to use. Follow the app instructions to connect Chromecast to Wi-Fi and complete setup.

chromecast home app

  1. Step 4.Start Casting:
  2. Use compatible apps like Chrome, YouTube, or Netflix to cast content to your TV by selecting the 'Cast' icon.
Note : Ensure your device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast for seamless casting.

How to Chromecast from MacBook

Once your Chromecast is connected, casting content from your Mac to your TV is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Cast the entire screen:

You can display your entire computer screen with Chrome on Mac, Windows, or Chromebook.

  1. Step 1.On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. Step 2.At the top right, select More > Cast, save, and share > Cast….

cast on chrome broswer

  1. Step 3.Select Sources > Cast screen.
  1. Step 4.Select the device you want to cast your screen on.
Note : When you cast your screen, the audio might play on your computer. To play the audio on your TV instead, cast the tab.

2.Cast a tab from Chrome:

To cast on a Mac computer with macOS 15 or later, you must give Chrome access in your system settings.

  1. Step 1.On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. Step 2.At the top right, select More > Cast, save, and share > Cast….
  3. Step 3.If the device is already in use, the current content is replaced.
  4. Step 4.To end the cast, on the right of the address bar, select Cast > Stop casting.
Note : You can cast directly from the media player on sites that work with Google Cast, such as Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, etc.

3.How to Chromecast Streaming Services from Mac

With native Chromecast integration, casting streaming services like Netflix or YouTube from your Mac to your TV is simple. Follow these steps:

  1. Step 1.Visit the website or open the streaming service app of your choice (e.g., Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, etc.).

open youtube on mac

  1. Step 2.Look for the cast icon, usually located in the streaming service’s video player or toolbar.
  2. Step 3.Click the cast icon and choose your Chromecast device from the list of available devices.
  3. Step 4.The streaming service will connect to your Chromecast, and the content will start playing on your TV.
  4. Step 5.You can control playback, volume, and other settings directly from the streaming service’s web player or app on your Mac.
Note : Using a mobile device to watch Netflix on a TV isn't available with an ad-supported experience. To use your mobile device to watch Netflix on your TV, you'll need to change to an ad-free plan.

Part 2: [Solved] Common Issues When Chromecasting from Mac

Meeting some problems when we use chromecast to cast mac to tv is common. The most common ones are "cannot find device", don't know how to give chrome access, and other playback problems.We search on the Internet, from blogs to community and some forums like reddit and quora, also tested to help you solve these problems.

1. Cannot Find Device

no device found

Sometimes, when you want to cast, but your home app or chrome browser will note you that they cannot find any receiver device. Below are some solutions that some users said helpful on the community or discussion group.

  • 1. Right-click the casting icon and select "Optimize fullscreen videos" to resolve this error.
  • 2. Update your Google Chrome browser to the latest version.
  • 3. Ensure both your casting device (phone, tablet, or computer) and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network with a strong signal. Chrome cannot find Google streaming devices on different networks.
  • 4. Verify that the Chromecast is securely connected to your TV's HDMI port.
  • 5. Check that your firewall and antivirus software are up-to-date and not blocking connections to the streaming device. And turn off any VPNs.

2. How to Give Chrome Access in System Settings

give chrome access

Why this prompt open on your Mac? To cast from a Mac with macOS 15 or later, you need to grant Chrome access in system settings.You can try fixes below, but we cannot say which one is the most helpful, the efficiency depends on your device.

1. Disable this feature flag: chrome://flags/#use-network-framework-for-local-discovery.

2. Grant Google Chrome the following permissions in system settings: Local Network > Screen & System Audio Recording.The casting option will be enabled after restarting Google Chrome.

3. Open Terminal and run Chrome with elevated privileges using:

sudo /Applications/Google/Chrome.app/Contents/MacOS/Google/Chrome

, Enter your password when prompted.

4. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Screen & System Audio Recording, and toggle "On" for Google Chrome for both 'Screen & System Audio Recording' and 'System Audio Recording Only'.

5. Manually add Google Chrome using the "+" icon and enable it in both the "Screen & System..." and "System Audio..." sections. It only worked for me once I added it to both sections.

3. Chromecast Playback Problems

Here are common reasons for Chromecast playback issues on Mac:

  • Lack of RAM is a frequent cause of casting issues on a MacBook. Insufficient processing power can also lead to problems.
  • Internet connection issues, such as slow or unstable connections, can affect content quality. Chromecast requires a stable and reliable Internet connection.
  • Hardware limitations can also cause playback problems.

To address these issues, ensure your Mac has sufficient RAM and a stable internet connection.

4. Best Alternative to Cast Mac to TV - Airdroid Cast

If you meet other rare probelms or still cannot chromecast from mac to tv, try an alternative is best and quick for you . AirDroid Cast is an easy-to-use screen casting app that lets users share their device screens to a large screen,from Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac to TV.

With its simple user interface and availability of maximum features for free, its user base is growing significantly. You can enjoy a seamless streaming experience without any errors or loading issues.

How to Cast Mac screen to TV using AirDroid Cast App?

  1. Step 1.Download AirDroid Cast app on Mac
  2. Download the AirDroid Cast app on your Mac from its official website. It is also available in Apple App Stores.
  1. Step 2.Share your Mac screen
  2. Open the AirDroid Cast app on your Mac and you’ll see an option to “share this computer screen.”

Share this computer screen

  1. Step 3.Open the AirDroid Cast Web on your TV
  2. On your TV browser, go to the AirDroid Cast webpage “webcast.airdroid.com.” Enter the 9-digit QR code from your TV screen into your Mac screen.

AirDroid Cast Web

  1. Step 4.Start screen mirroring
  2. Allow the necessary permissions to start casting your Mac screen on TV via a local connection.
Note : To access the remote features of AirDroid Cast, you must sign into your account and upgrade it to premium.

AirDroid Cast

  • Local & Remote Screen Casting
  • Android,iOS,Windows,Mac,TV Screen Mirroring
  • Wireless & USB Connection
  • Total Control Android & iOS beyond Your Finger
  • Mirror Multiple Screen

Part 3: Tips to Improve ChromeCast from Mac to TV

Using Chromecast on your TV is an excellent way to enjoy media content. While it is effective for screen sharing, sometimes issues can arise that cause inconveniences. Here are some tips to enhance your casting experience:

You can quickly optimize your Chromecast experience with these simple tips:

1. Enhance Wi-Fi Performance:

Ensure your Wi-Fi is functioning well. Poor video quality often results from slow Wi-Fi speeds or high user traffic.

2. Adjust Video Resolution:

If streaming is choppy, consider reducing the video resolution. Lowering the resolution can decrease buffering time if you prioritize smooth playback over image quality.

3.Utilize a 5GHz Network:

For better streaming, use a 5GHz network. Chromecast 2nd generation and later models support 5GHz, offering improved performance without sacrificing resolution.

4.Reposition Your Router:

If your Chromecast is too far from the router, the Wi-Fi connection may be weak. Try moving the router closer to improve connection strength.

  • Ensure your Chromecast and casting device have the latest software updates.
  • Close unnecessary applications on your Mac to free up system resources for smoother casting.
  • Regularly restart your router and Chromecast to refresh the connection.

Part 4: FAQs

1. How to Chromecast VLC from Mac?

Although the Chrome browser itself cannot directly support casting VLC media (because VLC is a plugin or standalone application), VLC supports Chromecast through its own functionality. When VLC is playing on a Mac, you can select "Renderer" in the VLC menu to choose your Chromecast device for casting.

This method is provided by VLC itself, not through the casting feature of the Chrome browser. If both VLC and Chromecast are supported and on the same network, this casting method is feasible.

2. How do I Cast from my Mac to my TV?

Apart from using Chromecast, you can also use AirPlay or HDMI to cast your screen, depending on your TV's compatibility.

3. Why can't I Chromecast from my Mac?

If you can't Chromecast from your Mac, the issue is likely related to the OS version, network connectivity, Chromecast setup, or browser settings. Make sure your macOS is 10.9 or later, both your Mac and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, and Google Chrome is up to date.

Part 5: Final Verdict

Chromecast allows you to share desktop screen contents on other devices. To connect devices through Chromecast, you first need to set up Chromecast on your Mac. The articles listed the steps to set up Chromecast for Mac and how to cast from Mac to Chromecast.

One of the best methods for casting a Mac screen to any browser is via the AirDroid Cast. This lightweight app offers extensive features and several screen castings options over multiple platforms. 

Click a star to vote
104168 views , 4 mins read
Was This Page Helpful?
Elsa
Elsa
Elsa has worked on a number of iOS & Android solutions, she can always find her way around almost any application. She is an accomplished, skilled and versatile writer with more than 7 years of technical article writing experience.
Discussion
The discussion and share your voice here.

Leave a Reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*

*

Dislike
Airdroid cast logo
AirDroid Cast
Enjoy More on a Big Screen
Download
airdroid castTry It Free