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Chromecast From Mac to TV

In order to Chromecast from MacBook, the first thing you need is a Chromecast Ultra device. Then, your TV set needs to have an HDMI input, where you can plug in your Chromecast. You must also have access to a Wi-Fi network for your device to work.

Finally, your Mac has to be running OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or above, as well as the latest version of Chrome. An application to cast from Chromecast would be also a great option.

Top choice
JustStream
4.6 Rank based on 438+ users, Reviews(227)
 
Chromecast app for Mac.

What is Google Chromecast

Originally, Chromecast is Google's line of digital media players that gained popularity between 2013-2015. The device is a small puck that connects to TVs and displays via HDMI and allows you to cast photos, videos, games, music, and more from your smartphone, tablet, or PC to the big screen as well as streaming apps, including Netflix, Spotify, Movie Search HD, and YouTube.

Continue reading to know how to Chromecast from Mac and what kind of alternative Chromecast app for Mac there is on the market.

Chromecast

How to Set Up Chromecast on Mac

To set up Chromecast, Mac users need to use their mobile device and the Google Home app and follow a few steps:

Google Chromecast
1
Install the Google Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
2
Enable Bluetooth on your mobile device.
3
Click on "Set up a new device" in the Google Home app.
4
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection.

Formerly, it was possible to set up a new Chromecast device on your Mac by downloading the Chromecast app for Mac or the Chromecast extension for Mac. However, note that this option is no longer available.

But if you got some issues, continue reading and get to know about alternative ways.

Alternative Solution on How to Cast Mac to TV

JustStream

4.6 Rank based on 438 + users Reviews(227)
Requirements: macOS 10.12
Version: v2.6(521), Released 20 Sep, 2022 Release notes
Category: Video

For a different way to cast Mac to TV, try JustStream. It’s a tiny but mighty solution that serves as a perfect alternative to the Mac Chromecast app due to its ease of use and convenient functions.

For example, JustStream allows you to easily select your preferred quality setting from Auto, Full HD (1080p), or HD (720p). You can also automatically fit the content to your TV screen. The app even allows you to show or hide your mouse as necessary, or highlight your clicks. What’s even better is that the use of JustStream isn’t limited to Chromecast only.

It also supports AirPlay 2 and DLNA-enabled devices, so you can cast from Mac to TV or stream your local content anywhere, any time.

Best solution to cast to Chromecast.

How to Chromecast from Mac with JustStream

It’s extremely convenient to mirror the screen of your Mac without needing an Apple TV. Here’s what you need to do to easily mirror your Mac screen to a TV via Chromecast.

1
Get a JustStream installer here.
2
Make sure that your Chromecast and your TV are both connected and switched on.
3
Run JustStream and expand it from its icon on your Menu Bar.
4
There will be a list of connected monitors. Choose the one you want mirrored.

Select the monitor you want to mirror.
5
Click the "Signal" button and select your Chromecast as the receiving device.

Select the network device that will mirror your Mac.
6

Initiate the stream in any of the following ways:

  • Double-click your monitor in the list.
  • Press "Start Streaming".
  • Click "..." next to your monitor’s name and choose "Start Mirroring".

Select Start Mirroring.
7
Press "Stop Streaming" once you’re done.

How to Cast From Mac No Matter the Content

When you cast from Mac to Chromecast, this involves a great number of options - such as casting different streaming services (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu), your desktop, or just a specific Сhrome tab, and even casting local files. Below you will find instructions on how to perform each task.

Optimizing Chromecast Playback on Mac

Chromecast is a handy solution if you want to enjoy media content on the big screen. However, it can be rather tricky and cause inconveniences if it’s not working correctly. Here we have gathered the most popular reasons for Chromecast playback on Mac issues:

  • The most common reason for having trouble when trying to Chromecast from MacBook is lack of RAM. Besides that, not enough processing power on your Mac can also cause trouble.
  • Another also common reason is the Internet connection. To setup Chromecast, Mac users should have a firm and reliable Internet connection and in case you have a slow or unstable connection it will be difficult for you to enjoy watching content.
  • The last but not the least is of course - hardware limitations.

Keeping in mind these simple steps will help you understand how to cast Mac to TV in the most efficient way.

Check your Mac's RAM.

How to Add a Chromecast Button to Your Chrome Browser

Adding this button will make it easier to start streaming content from your laptop whenever you wish. Follow these steps:

Chromecast from browser.
1
Start the Chrome web browser.
2
Click on the Chrome menu button (the three dots in the top right-hand corner) and click "Cast". You’ll now see a Chromecast button on the Chrome toolbar.
3
To keep the Chromecast icon visible in your toolbar, right-click on the Chromecast button on the Chrome toolbar. Then, place a tick by the "Always show icon" option.

How to Cast Mac Screen to Chromecast or Any Chrome Tab

These steps will let you cast either your entire screen or only a particular Chrome tab:

Cast to Chromecast.
1
Click on the Chromecast button on the Chrome toolbar.
2
Click on the drop-down arrow from the "Cast to" dialogue box which appears. The box will then ask you to "Select source" from the different things you can cast - e.g. Cast tab, Cast desktop, etc.

How to Chromecast Streaming Services

When enjoying services such as Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, YouTube, etc., you can automatically Chromecast from Mac to TV if you:

Streaming Chromecast.
1
Open the movie, show, or video you wish to stream.
2
Click the Chromecast icon located in the right- or left-hand corner of the respective player.

Streaming devices like Apple TV and Google Chromecast on Mac have enabled an entire generation to move away from cable TV in favor of individual streaming apps that they can pick and choose from. And because there’s no need to download an additional Chromecast app for Mac or anything like that, the process of getting started is usually very straightforward.

As innovative and modern as that idea is, the whole thing can be derailed by audio or video problems. These, however, can be easily resolved with a couple of additional apps.

Frequently Asked Questions:

No, you do not need to install an extension from the Chrome Store to cast Mac to TV. This ability is already present in Chrome for Mac since August 2016. That is why it is highly recommended to update Chrome for Mac (if you haven’t done it for years) and read our article about How to Chromecast from Mac to know more concerning this issue.

Mirroring means showing your exact computer screen and your movements on another display. It practically duplicates it. For example, you can show your entire Mac screen on a TV screen when delivering a presentation.

On the other hand, casting means just playing a video or music file on another display. In a way, it’s like "sending" the file to the other display. Thus, you will not see the cast content on your computer, just on the TV screen. You can still use your device while you’re casting - this will not interrupt the video or show the work that you’re doing on your computer.

If you’re having difficulties when trying to Chromecast Mac to TV, you can try one of the following solutions:

  • Check if your Chromecast is connected to Wi-Fi, for example, if you recently changed your router password or added a second Wi-Fi network at home.
  • Move your router closer to Chromecast, in case the two are located at a distance from each other.
  • If your router has two Wi-Fi channels, this may cause issues. Make sure your Chromecast and MacBook are connected to the same Wi-Fi channel.
  • Download the Google Home app on your iPhone and use it to set up your TV.
  • Restart the Media Router component by entering chrome://flags//#load-media-router-component-extension in the Chrome address bar. Disable the component and restart Chrome. Now, follow the same steps again, but to enable the component. Restart Chrome.
  • Reset your modem or router, or update your router's firmware by going into your router's settings menu.
  • Connect your Chromecast to another HDMI or USB port, if a faulty port may be to blame.
  • Perform a factory reset on your Chromecast. To do so, connect your Chromecast to your TV. Press and hold the button on the side of the Chromecast. The light will start blinking in orange. Don’t let go until it turns white. This will reset your Chromecast.
  • Try an app such as JustStream to Chromecast from Mac.

It depends on the TV. If it’s an ordinary old one, you’ll need an attachment - for example, a Chromecast. On the other hand, if it’s a Smart TV, or an Apple TV, or any which has a built-in Wi-Fi receiver, you can connect directly to it. Either way, you’ll need a Chromecast Mac app for that, and JustStream is the one we recommend.

Here’s a 6-step tutorial to help you with the process. It should also help you with troubleshooting if you’ve attempted streaming on your own.

  1. Connect a Chromecast or a Chromecast Ultra to your TV set; turn it on.
  2. Download and install the JustStream application here.
  3. Open the app on your Mac. Click its icon on the toolbar.
  4. Click the "+" button in the lower right corner to browse for streamable files.
  5. Pick the Chromecast device you are going to stream to.
  6. Click "Start Streaming".

JustStream
Requirements: OS X 10.12+ , 38.01MB size
Version 2.6(521) (20 Sep, 2022) Release notes
Category: MultimediaApplication