Chromecast: how to install, configure and use your Google Chromecast? - Top IPTV Guide

Wondering how to install Chromecast to enjoy movies and series on your TV? Is there a Chromecast app to use the Google media player? How to connect Chromecast to wifi? If you are wondering about all these questions, this article helps you take stock and get the most out of all the features of the Google device.

• The essential
• Chromecast Google TV makes it possible to display video content from a smartphone on a television.
• Setting up Chromecast is easy by plugging it into your TV's HDMI port.
• The Google Home application allows you to install Chromecast on your TV in a simple and didactic way.
• It is also possible to listen to streaming music, play video games, or view photos with Chromecast.

Google Chromecast: what is it?

You have probably already heard of Google Chromecast, this small multimedia key developed by the web giant, in order to cast (broadcast in French) video content on a television.

This device is also like an HDMI key to be plugged directly into your TV, on the socket that bears the same name. Connecting Chromecast to the home wifi network then allows you to enjoy films and series on a larger screen.

The principle is the same as that of the live streaming of multimedia content. The Google Chromecast reproduces, on a small screen, the Internet pages displayed on a smartphone or tablet, for example.

If you are wondering how to use Chromecast, just know that an Internet subscription is necessary, since the latter requires a network connection to work.

Google Chromecast prices and versions

Launched in France in 2014, Google Chromecast has undergone several changes. Version 3 is now available to all users, for a price of approximately €40.

But if you're picky and demanding about the picture quality you'll be able to enjoy, there's a more sophisticated model called the Google Chromecast Ultra. More expensive (it will take an average of €80), it allows the distribution of video content in 4K quality, or Ultra High Definition (this is equivalent to 3840 X 2160 pixels).

The significant advantage of this version of Chromecast: even if your television is not equipped with 4K technology, Chromecast Ultra makes sure to provide you with the best possible image quality. In other words, you are unlikely to be disappointed with the performance of the device.

We present below the two most recent models of the Google Chromecast:

Appellation	Features	Price
Chromecast 3	Ultra High Definition Definition.High Dynamic Range512 Mb of RAM memory.Dolby Vision technology.	40€
Chromecast Ultra	4K HDR management.Google Home integration.Integrated Ethernet port.	79.99€

What are the features of Google Chromecast?

The format of this multimedia key has always been compact, which makes it a very discreet and non-invasive device for your living room. It will not require many meters of additional wiring to be used.

Despite the many developments developed by Google for its Chromecast, the features presented by the device remain more or less similar.

Of course, as the various models have been developed, performance has improved. As in the case of Chromecast Ultra, which allows you to manage content in very high definition.

In addition to these features, this latest model is also equipped with a “High Dynamic Range” function, to improve the quality of the image and details in dark areas and thus offer a greater color palette.

A victim of its own success, this model is unfortunately often sold out by online retailers.

How to install Chromecast?

Here are, first of all, the elements you must have available to connect the dongle to your television and then connect Chromecast to wifi :

• A television with an HDMI socket.
• A smartphone or tablet.
• Access to a secure Wi-Fi network.

Setting up the Google Chromecast is very simple, and that's what made this little media player so successful. The Chromecast installation is therefore done directly on your television:

1. Plug one end of the supplied USB cable into the Chromecast. The other end of the cable should be plugged into the AC adapter also included.
2. The Google Chromecast must then be inserted into an HDMI socket on the TV.
3. Plug the power adapter used in step 1 into a power outlet to connect Chromecast.

The Chromecast home screen will then appear on your TV. Once these steps have been completed, continue with the configuration of the Google Chromecast to be able to watch your favorite movies.

Google Chromecast ID number When you plug the Chromecast into the TV, a unique ID number is displayed. Be sure to write it down or save it, as it will help you in the next step of setting up the Google Chromecast.

Connect Chromecast to the Internet

To be able to use Chromecast, you will have to connect it to your home wifi network. The Google Home app is also required for the Chromecast to work properly.

It is available for free on the Google Play Store from your Android smartphone, or on the App Store from your iPhone.

1. Connect the Chromecast to the wifi emitted by your Internet box.
2. Open the Google Home app. Tap the “+” icon, then “Set up device” and “New Device”.
3. Select a Google account and home to log in to.
4. On your mobile device, select the Chromecast with the number corresponding to the one displayed previously on the TV.
5. Choose the option “ Select a wifi network ”: it must be identical to that of your smartphone or tablet.

Installing Chromecast is now done!

Chromecast Ultra Setup

Not sure how to connect Chromecast Ultra to wifi and your TV? The method for installing this version of Google's media player is similar to the base model detailed above.

The only major difference is that the Chromecast Ultra can be directly connected to your home network using an Ethernet cable. This model is indeed equipped with an adequate port provided for this use.

How to change Chromecast wifi?

Connecting your Google device to a particular wifi network is never irreversible. However, only one wifi network at a time can be remembered by the Chromecast.

If you want to change the wifi to which your Chromecast is connected, nothing could be easier:

1. Open the Google Home app and select your device from the list.
2. Then tap on "Device Information", "Wifi" and finally " Delete this network ".

After being redirected to the home screen, all you have to do is follow the instructions to configure Chromecast on another wifi network, in the same way as described previously.

How to Install Chromecast on Google TV?

If you own a Google TV or Smart TV, setting up the Chromecast takes a little longer, as you'll need to set up the TV, voice remote, and smartphone all at the same time. It is essential to configure your television first.

1. Turn on your television and plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port.
2. Connect one end of the power cable to the media box and the other to a power outlet.
3. Using your remote, switch the Chromecast to the corresponding HDMI input.
4. If the message " Start pairing " appears, press the "Back" and "Home" buttons on the remote control simultaneously.
5. The setup is complete when the LED flashes.

The second step is to configure your mobile phone with Google Chromecast.

1. Open the Google Home app on your smartphone and tap the "Next" button.
2. Tap "Set up Chromecast" or "Set up a new device" if none are registered yet.
3. Allow the mobile app to access your camera to scan the QR code displayed on the TV.

The app will then display a series of instructional instructions for you to complete the setup.

Finally, installing the remote completes the Chromecast setup process. Some steps are optional, such as setting the volume or on/off buttons.

1. On your TV screen, select “ Set up remote control ”.
2. You can skip setting up the volume or power buttons by selecting "Not now".
3. Simply follow the instructions displayed on the screen by pressing "Yes" or "No".

You're done when the message " Chromecast remote is ready " appears on your TV. After installing the various applications you have selected, you will be able to read “Welcome. Your Chromecast with Google TV is ready! ".

Installing the Google Voice RemoteSometimes the remote that came with your Google TV is already set up. The message “Your Chromecast remote is configured” then appears on the television screen, and you do not have to perform any additional manipulations.

Unable to connect the Chromecast to the wifi network

Do you know how to connect Chromecast to wifi but always get an error message? Here are some things to help you solve the problem.

First, make sure you meet the following criteria:

• The Chromecast Google is well connected to the mains and the side light is white.
• Check the password used and enter it again if necessary.
• Make sure you're using the latest version of the Google Home app.
• The Google Chromecast is no more than 6 meters from the mobile device used to set it up.

After checking these few points, you can try the following solution:

1. Restart your Internet box and the Chromecast by unplugging their respective power cables.
2. Enable then disable the wifi used to set up Chromecast.
3. Try to configure the multimedia key on the two bands of your wifi modem: 2.4 and 5 GHz.
4. Restore Chromecast to factory settings (see below).

How do I reset my Chromecast?

It may happen that, following recurring technical problems or untimely malfunctions, you want to restore the factory configuration of your Chromecast Google.

Rest assured, resetting Chromecast isn't difficult. On the other hand, all the parameters that you had defined in the past will be canceled in favor of the default parameters.

Likewise, all your personal data will be permanently and irreversibly erased.

There are two ways to restore basic Google Chromecast settings: from the Google Home mobile app or directly on the Chromecast.

Reset Google Chromecast on Android

To erase all your personal settings using your smartphone, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast and then tap the "Settings" option.
2. At the top right, touch the three vertical dots and then select the " Factory reset " option.

Want to go straight through Google's Media Key?

Make sure you have plugged it into your TV, then press the button on the side of the device for a long time. The indicator light should flash orange. Only when the light turns white can you release the button.

Restarting the Chromecast begins at this time.

Restore Chromecast to iPhone

Handling on an Apple smartphone is very close to that just described:

1. Open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast and then tap the "Settings" option.
2. At the top right, tap the “Settings” button then “ Delete device ”.
3. Finally, press the "Factory reset" button to complete the reset operation.

Google Chromecast: what are the best compatible applications?

The Google Chromecast does not only allow you to watch films and series broadcasts from your smartphone or tablet.

It also offers the possibility of listening to streaming music, browsing your photo albums on a television screen, or even entertaining yourself by playing video games.

Find without further delay a small selection of the best Google Chromecast mobile applications.

Listen to music

If you want to explore your music library using Chromecast, there are plenty of streaming apps you can download.

• Spotify and Deezer.
• YouTubeMusic.
• Apple Music.

Enough to enjoy your favorite songs with ease and via a quality sound system.

Access the news

Many TV channel apps are compatible with Chromecast. In particular, they will allow you to stay informed or view many entertainments.

Let's start with the great classics:

• Molotov TV.
• Netflix.
• OCS.
• myCANAL.

And other equally interesting channels:

• Salto TV.
• beIN Sports Connect.
• RMC Sports.

Not to mention the podcast apps and video players you can install on your TV for truly comprehensive use.

Chromecast: how to install, configure and use your Google Chromecast? - Top IPTV Guide: Wondering how to install Chromecast to enjoy movies and series on your TV? Is there a Chromecast app to use the Google media player? How to connect Chromecast to wifi? If you are wondering about all these questions, this article helps you take ... Read More