[4 Methods] How to Connect Chromebook to TV
Chromebooks are a solid choice if you're looking for an affordable, versatile, and lightweight laptop, and the good news is you don't have to sacrifice too much in terms of functionality.
One of the most popular ways to use a laptop is as a streaming device, to connect to your TV to enjoy content on the big screen. So today, we're showing you the best ways to connect a Chromebook to a TV.
1. Can You Connect a Chromebook to a TV?
Yes, it is possible to connect and share your Chromebook screen with a TV. There are multiple ways of connecting a Chromebook to a TV including wired and wireless options.
While most smart TVs are equipped with a variety of apps, sometimes you require the versatility of a laptop to control what's on screen. You could be using it for a presentation, a picture slideshow, or accessing a platform your TV doesn't support.
Whatever the case, there are plenty of great uses for sharing your Chromebook screen with your TV.
2. How to Connect Chromebook to TV with HDMI?
The first method of connecting a Chromebook to a TV is by using an HDMI cable. It's the simplest method that only requires a working HDMI cable. If you have a spare lying around, use that, otherwise, there are plenty of inexpensive HDMI cables online.
Depending on your Chromebook model, it will typically have an HDMI port built-in. You might also find DisplayPort, VGA, or DVI port which requires an additional adapter.
Once you've located which ports your Chromebook has, follow the steps below to connect your Chromebook to your TV:
- Step 1.Connect one end of the cable to your TV, and one end to your Chromebook.
- Step 2.Select the Time, Wi-Fi, and Battery icons in the bottom-right corner of the screen to access Quick Settings.
- Step 3.Select the 'Gear' icon to open Settings.
- Step 4.In the left-hand menu, select 'Device'.
- Step 5.In the 'Device' menu, select 'Displays'.
- Step 6.Select the name of your TV to connect and adjust the image/screen settings.
- Step 7.Now turn on your TV and choose the proper HDMI input as your TV signal. There you will see your Chromebook screen show up on your TV.
Alternatively, if you'd like to extend your display, you can adjust a variety of settings to suit your needs. Once you've selected your monitor, open it and change the 'Screen' setting to 'Extended display' like in the picture below:
Connecting via an HDMI cable is the simplest way to share your screen with your TV. However, it doesn't come without its downsides. One of the major issues with using an HDMI is the cable itself. Since you need to be within range of the physical cable to control your Chromebook, this isn't ideal for streaming or watching videos. You're limited by how long the cable is. Plus, if you don't have an extra HDMI cable, you'll have to purchase one just to share your screen.
Luckily, there are a few ways to connect a Chromebook to a TV without HDMI by using wireless capabilities.
3. How to Cast Chromebook to TV Wirelessly
There are a few methods to wirelessly connect your Chromebook to a TV. Depending on your usage and the TV you have, you might need to use a different method.
Cast Chromebook to Android TV from Quick Settings
The first method is to share your entire screen and cast a Chromebook to TV with the built-in settings. This method applies to Android TVs and compatible smart TVs that support Chromecast functionality.
Before you use this method, make sure you have both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on on your Chromebook. You should also make sure your TV is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromebook.
Once that's done, follow these simple steps:
Step 1. Select the Time button in the bottom-right corner of your Chromebook's Taskbar.
Step 2. In the Quick Settings menu, select the 'Cast' option. If you don't see it, select the up arrow button to open up extended Quick Settings.
Step 3. Select your Android TV/Smart TV/Chromecast from the list.
Step 4. You'll then see a pop-up window prompting which screen to share. Select your desktop and click on the 'Share' button.
Step 5. Your Chromebook should now be cast to your TV!
This is a great way to wirelessly cast a Chromebook to a TV, but it does have its limitations. Firstly, you need a Chromecast-compatible device be it an Android TV, Chromecast dongle, or a smart TV that supports the feature.
If you don't, then you cannot use this method to share your screen with your TV.
Additionally, this feature is limited to devices that are on the same Wi-Fi network. Which means you cannot remotely connect your Chromebook and TV from other networks. This makes it less versatile than other options in the guide.
Chromecast Chromebook to TV from Chrome Browser
The next method is a more accessible method of how to mirror Chromebook to TV wirelessly using the Chrome web browser. This method is available for all laptop OSes that have Chrome, so it's a versatile way for any PC to cast its screen.
Similar to the previous method, you'll want to make sure your TV and Chromebook are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Also, make sure your TV is turned on while connecting.
Once that's done, follow these steps to start casting your Chromebook screen to your TV:
Step 1. Open the Chrome web browser on your Chromebook.
Step 2. In the top-right-hand corner of Chrome, select the '⁝' three dots button.
Step 3. Select the 'Cast…' option.
Step 4. Select 'Cast to'.
Step 5. Select your Android TV/Chromecast dongle/Chromecast-supported Smart TV from the list.
Step 6. Choose to share your Chrome web browser tab only or your entire desktop screen.
Step 7. Once you've selected which screen/tab to share, your TV should now be mirroring your Chromebook's screen/tab window.
To end the screencast, go back to the Chrome window and select 'Stop'.
This is a great method to select which app/screen to share. Since you can opt to share a specific Chrome tab/window, it's an easy way to share only the content you want to show on-screen, rather than the entire screen.
However, similar to the previous method, you'll need an Android TV or compatible smart TV with Chromecast support to use this method. And depending on your internet connection, it may not be the smoothest method.
You may experience audio/visual delays, disconnects, and other bugs that hinder the screen-sharing experience.
Mirror Chromebook to Amazon Fire TV
If your TV is an Amazon Fire TV, there is a method of how to cast Chromebook to TV using built-in features. Typically, this method is only supported on compatible smartphones/tablets, but if you're lucky, your Chromebook might be able to connect to your Fire TV.
It largely depends on the brand of Chromebook you have and if the manufacturer has implemented the feature.
Before proceeding with this method, both your Chromebook and Amazon Fire TV need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. You will then need to enable screen mirroring on your Amazon Fire TV.
Not all Fire TVs and Amazon Fire Sticks support screen mirroring so you'll need to check the steps below to see if it's available:
Step 1. Turn on your Amazon Fire TV.
Step 2. Press and hold the Home button on your Amazon Fire TV remote.
Step 3. Navigate the menu and select 'Screen Mirroring'.
Step 4. Enable Screen Mirroring.
Step 5. On your Chromebook, open the Quick Settings menu by selecting the clock in the bottom-right-hand corner of your taskbar.
Step 6. Select 'Cast'.
Step 7. Select your Amazon Fire TV/Amazon Fire Stick.
4. Bonus: Screen Mirror PC to TV Remotely
AirDroid Cast is a one-stop solution for all your screen casting and mirroring needs. It's a highly versatile tool that supports a variety of platforms, and it even supports controlling your mobile phone from Windows PC or MacBook.
Plus, there are a lot of exclusive features that other methods on the list don't have.
Key Features
- Multi-Platform Support: AirDroid Cast is available on almost every platform you need, including Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. AirDroid Cast is also available online via a web browser.
- Local & Remote Screencasting: Unlike other screen-sharing solutions, AirDroid Cast supports remote connectivity. You can share your screen to any device, even if you're on different Wi-Fi networks. You can connect via wired, AirPlay, or wireless connections.
- No Additional App Installations on TV: The best part is you don't need to download and install any additional apps on your TV! Simply access the convenient AirDroid Cast Web platform from your TV's browser and start casting!
How to Mirror PC to TV via AirDroid Cast:
- Step 1.Download and install AirDroid Cast on your computer, such as Windows PC/laptop or MacBook.
- Step 2.Launch the app and click 'Cast to'.
- Step 3.Now head to your TV, open a web browser, and navigate to webcast.airdroid.com. You will see a Cast Code on the TV.
- Step 4.Enter the Cast Code on your computer.
- Step 5.Now accept the casting request on your TV and you can successfully cast your computer screen to TV.
5. Fixes for Chromebook Not Connecting to TV
If you're experiencing any issues like Chromebook not casting to TV, here's a quick list of fixes that might help the problem:
1Update the OS on TV and Chromebook
The first thing you should do is to check if your TV and Chromebook are updated and on the latest OS versions. This is a prominent issue, especially on Chromebooks so check the settings to see if there are any pending updates.
Update your devices and try connecting again to see if that solves the problem.
2Disable VPNs/Anti-Virus
If your Chromebook has a VPN or Anti-virus installed, make sure the VPN is turned off and the anti-virus isn't blocking any apps required for the connection. You can check if the anti-virus is blocking apps like the Chrome web browser, which would disrupt connection attempts.
3Power Cycle Your Devices
If all else fails, you may simply need to power cycle your devices. Turn your TV off and unplug it for 5 - 10 seconds. For your Chromebook, you can simply restart it for the same effect.
Power cycling your devices makes them boot up fresh, fixing any potential errors like connection issues.
6. Final Words
With that, we've reached the end of our guide and we hope you've found a suitable solution to mirror Chromebook to your TV. Most methods require some sort of supported platform, and if you don't have that platform, you can't natively share your screen.
In that case, we'd recommend AirDroid Cast, the most versatile screencasting tool on the list. With AirDroid Cast, you don't have to worry about platforms. Plus, it has exclusive features like remote connectivity, two-way audio, and high-res streaming!
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