How to set up Google Chromecast

Chromecast with Google TV plugged into the back of a TV
(Image credit: Google)

Instructions for how to set up Google Chromecast are the one thing that the excellent streaming device doesn't offer. So, if you're feeling a bit lost, we've got all the advice for how to start using one of the best streaming devices

Before you start binge-watching everything the Internet has to offer, though, you’ll need to get the device up and running. The Chromecast setup process is generally simple and intuitive, but if you find yourself stuck on any of the steps, our guide can clarify what to do next.

And below the initial setup instructions, we've got the next steps to take. Those include the first thing you can do to make sure your Chromecast with Google TV 4K and the Chromecast with Google TV HD are delivering you the best recommendations.

How to set up Google Chromecast — plug it into the TV

Instructions for setting up the new Chromecast with Google TV (which has a remote, and actual apps) vary slightly, so we're including a separate section on that at the bottom of this article.

How to set up Chromecast

1. Hook up the Chromecast to your TV.

This part of the process is pretty foolproof. Plug the Chromecast into your TV’s HDMI port and the USB wire into a compatible port or power outlet. Just keep in mind that if you’re using a 4K-compatible Chromecast Ultra you’ll need to connect the adapter to an outlet; a USB port doesn’t supply enough power to sustain it.

The download Google Home scree

2. Download the Google Home app.

You can acquire the Google Home app either through the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Most Android devices should already come with it preinstalled, though.

If you’re using a Chromecast with a computer, you don’t need the Home app; just having Google Chrome installed is enough. Visit Google’s Chromecast website and follow the instructions.

MORE: Best Streaming Services

This would also be a good time to turn on your TV and select the right input, although technically, you can go through most of the setup process without it.

The Google Home app with the + sign highlighte

(Image credit: Google)

3. Click the + sign in the top left corner.

How to set up Google Chromecast — Select Set up device

(Image credit: Google)

4. Select Set up device.

Note that you may get a prompt on the bottom of your screen to set up a new device; this will work, too.

How to set up Google Chromecast — select New Devices

(Image credit: Google)

5. Select New devices.

How to set up Google Chromecast — Select your Home location

(Image credit: Google)

6. Choose a home you're installing it in.

The Google Home app will now set up the Chromecast. You don’t have to do anything except tap Continue when prompted.

How to set up Google Chromecast — pick Chromecast

(Image credit: Google)

7. Select Chromecast

How to set up Google Chromecast — pairing and legalese

(Image credit: Google)

8. Tap Next in the bottom right corner. 

9. Tap Yes to confirm the 4-character code on screen.

10. Tap I agree to agree to the legal fine print.

How to set up Google Chromecast — assigning it a location

(Image credit: Google)

11. Opt in or out of Google's data sharing.

12. Tell Google Home what room your device is in. 

13. Pair your Chromecast with a Wi-Fi network. 

How to set up Google Chromecast — the last steps are here

(Image credit: Google)

14. Tap Continue

15. Tap next to set up Google Assistant on the Chromecast 

16. Add or skip a series of service options. You'll get options for radio, video and then live TV. 

17. Click Sign Up if you want emails about Google hardware.

18. Click Next.

19. Take the tutorial (optional)

If you’ve never used a Chromecast before, it couldn’t hurt to let Google Home demonstrate how Casting works. Select Learn How to Cast, and follow the instructions. Alternatively, Tom’s Guide also has a story on how to do this.

(Long story short: Find a compatible app, press the Cast button. That’s really all you have to do.)

Image

<a href="https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/disney-plus" data-link-merchant="tomsguide.com"">Disney Plus is one of the top services that supports Chromecast, both with its Google TV app and the Cast button.

How to set up Chromecast with Google TV

This process is largely similar to the above, so we'll only show the screens and images where they differ.

1. Plug in the Chromecast with Google TV to a power outlet

2. Plus in the Chromecast with Google TV to your TV's HDMI port

How to set up google chromecast - Chromecast with Google TV remote steps

(Image credit: Google)

3. Hold the Back and Home buttons on the Chromecast remote, as instructed on screen

4. Select your language

5. Download and open the Google Home app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store

how to set up google chromecast — Chromecast with Google TV, scan QR code in app

(Image credit: Google)

6. Tap the Set up Chromecast button in the Google Home app.

How to set up Google Chromecast — Chromecast with Google TV home selection

(Image credit: Google)

7. Choose a "home" where your Chromecast with Google TV will be used. This is basically how users split smart home tech across locations. 

How to set up Google Chromecast — camera permissions for chromecast with google tv

(Image credit: Google)

8. Grant the Google Home app access to your device's camera.

9. Open your device's camera app and scan the QR code on your TV.

How to set up Google Chromecast — Chromecast with Google TV legal and location

(Image credit: Google)

10. Agree to Google's legal language twice.

11. Choose the location of your Chromecast with Google TV.

how to set up Google Chromecast — Chromecast W Google TV steps for naming and wi-fi and account

(Image credit: Google)

12. Name your Chromecast with Google TV if you want.

13. Connect to a Wi-Fi network.

14. Sign in with your Google Account, and you're in the final stretch. What follows are a series of account management options, all done on your phone. 

how to set up Google Chromecast — Chromecast W Google TV steps settings for Google, apps and voice match

(Image credit: Google)

15. Agree (or disagree) to share location and diagnostic data.

16. Allow (or deny) Google the ability to connect with your device's apps.

17. Enable or disable Voice Match.

How to set up Google Chromecast — Chromecast w Google TV final steps

(Image credit: Google)

18. Link apps and services you use.

19. Select Google Photos or Art for your Ambient mode. This is your screensaver.

20. Opt in or out of emails from Google about hardware. Now, your Chromecast with Google TV will finish setting up! You're done!

After you set up Chromecast

And after you set up your Chromecast, there are plenty of other things to know about and figure out. For starters, you can use a Chromecast to cast the Oculus Quest 2 to a TV, because if you're the VR type we bet your family and friends would like to see what you see. 

Oh, and when it comes time to figure out what to do with your Chromecast, check out our guide to the best Chromecast apps.

Last, but most certainly not least, our story on the first thing every Chromecast with Google TV owner should do explains how to improve the suggested content on the latest Chromecast.

Marshall Honorof

Marshall Honorof is a senior editor for Tom's Guide, overseeing the site's coverage of gaming hardware and software. He comes from a science writing background, having studied paleomammalogy, biological anthropology, and the history of science and technology. After hours, you can find him practicing taekwondo or doing deep dives on classic sci-fi.