Chromecast is a simple casting device used to cast or screen mirror media content from your smartphone or PC to your TV. With that, you can cast any video or audio content from your Mac PC to any Chromecast-connected TV. You can cast the app or website from your Macbook or iMac to Chromecast from macOS X 10.9 or above. If you are using the older version, update your Mac to its latest version.
Requirements
- Google Chromecast
- A TV with HDMI port
- Mac with the latest OS (macOS X 10.9 or above)
- WiFi connection
- The latest version of the Chrome browser
Before getting into the Casting process, connect your Mac and Chromecast to the same WiFi network.
Steps to Chromecast from Mac to TV
Popular streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ will have a built-in Cast option. You have to click the Cast icon to watch those contents on the TV. But some streaming services won’t have a built-in Cast icon. In such cases, you need to use the browser’s Cast feature.
How to Chromecast from Mac Using Built-in Cast icon
1: Open the Chrome browser on your Mac and go to any streaming site (Netflix or YouTube).
2: Play any movie or video from the website.
3: Click the Cast icon while playing the video.
4: Your Chromecast device will appear on the list of devices. Select your Chromecast device.
5: Now, the video content will be cast to your TV.
6: When you want to stop the casting, click the Cast icon and choose Stop Casting or simply close the Chrome browser.
How to Chromecast from Mac [Screen Mirroring]
If the streaming site that you want to cast is not compatible with Chromecast support, you need to screen mirror the webpage from your Mac to your TV.
1: Launch the Chrome web browser and go to the site you want to cast.
2: Click the View option on the top of the screen and choose the Cast option or click the three-dotted icon and choose Cast.
3: A pop-up will appear showing the list of available casting options. Choose your Chromecast device.
4: This will cast your current tab on the TV. If you want to cast your whole Mac screen, click the Cast To or Select Source drop-down menu and choose Cast desktop.
5: Now, your entire Mac screen will appear on your TV. Play any video from the webpage. It will screen mirror on your Chromecast device.
6: If you want to cast any offline videos from your Mac, you can use this method. Play the video from your Mac’s offline library.
7: When you are done with your casting, click the Cast icon on the top right side and select Stop.
How to Chromecast Mac Using Safari Browser
The Safari browser on your Mac is not compatible with Chromecast support. There is no official way to cast the Safari browser from your Mac to your TV. In the Extension store, there are no plugins to get the Cast support. But, there are some possible workarounds to Chromecast the Safari browser from your Mac. You can screen mirror the Chrome browser and open the Safari browser to cast it. This may sound funny, but it is the only way.
How to Use Third-Party Apps to Cast Mac to TV
You can use third-party apps to cast your Macbook to TV. But you have to install the third-party app on both your Mac and TV. In some cases, you need to visit a website to achieve the mirroring. If your TV is not compatible with the WiFi and internet connection, this method won’t work for you. There are plenty of apps available to screen mirror the Mac. We are using the AirDroid Cast app.
1: Download the AirDroid Cast app from the website on your Mac.
2: Open the AirDroid Cast app. Then, connect your Mac and Chromecast to the same WiFi network.
3: On the AirDroid Cast app, tap the Share this computer screen button. You will get a QR code along with a 9-digit pairing code.
4: Now, on your TV, go to the webcast.airdroid.com webpage on your TV and enter the 9-digit code.
5: After that, your Mac screen will appear on your TV.
6: Play any video content, watch any slideshow, or access any image on your Mac. It will appear on your TV.
If you want, you can also use other screen mirroring apps like Airflow, PictaCast, and Airfoil to cast your Mac screen to TV.
FAQs
Yes, you can screen mirror your iPhone to Chromecast by using third-party apps like Chromecaster or Castto.
If you are using Macbook from 2010 or lower models, the mirroring video will lag a lot due to RAM issues.