The Chromecast with Google TV may be a dongle like earlier versions of Chromecast, but the similarities end there. It is entirely different in how it works, how to set it up, and what it can stream. And, it is still less expensive than most other streaming players with the same capabilities.

We'll show you how to set up and use the Chromecast with Google TV.

What Is Chromecast With Google TV?

The streaming option has the best quality audio and video formats and includes almost every streaming app available, and is powerful and fast to respond to controls. The Chromecast with Google TV is one of the best streaming players on the market.

Its home page recommendations give you ideas of what to watch on all streaming platforms. The price is only $10 more than its earlier generations, making it an easy decision to buy the newest Chromecast with Google TV.

The new Google TV operating system is built-in, so this Chromecast isn't like the original models that could only accept a video cast from a smartphone or computer. The setup process involves a remote control, your TV, and the Google Home app.

How to Set Up a Chromecast

You'll need a Google account to set up and use the Chromecast. Before you get started, create an account. If you have a Google email account, have your password ready.

When you unbox the Chromecast package, you'll find the oval Chromecast dongle with an HDMI cable sticking out of it and a power brick with a micro-USB cable.

To set up the Chromecast, you'll need access to the Google Home app for iOS or Android.

Start Setting Up Your Chromecast on Your TV

  1. Connect the Chromecast dongle to an HDMI input on your TV.
  2. Connect the power brick to a power outlet.
  3. Connect the micro-USB cable from the power brick to a Chromecast.
  4. Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input where you've connected the Chromecast.
  5. Follow the instructions on the screen to hold down both the back arrow and home button on the remote until the white light at the bottom flashes.
  6. Use the remote to highlight and choose your language.
  7. Choose the same Wi-Fi network that your phone is connected to. And enter the Wi-Fi password.

Continue Setting Up Your Chromecast in the Google Home App

  1. Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.
  2. In the Google Home app, tap Set up Chromecast on the top left of the screen.
  3. If you haven't created a home, tap Create Home. If you already have a home listed in the app, choose it.
  4. The Google Home app will search for the Chromecast.
  5. When the screen appears that the Chromecast was found, tap NEXT at the bottom right of the screen.
  6. Click ACCEPT in the bottom right to accept the Google Terms of Service. On the next screen, click AGREE to the Google Device Arbitration Agreement.
  7. If you have a Google home set up, choose the room where the Chromecast is located. Otherwise, choose CREATE NEW and type in the name of the room.
  8. Use your smartphone's camera to scan the QR Code on the TV screen.
  9. Give your Chromecast a unique name. This makes it simple to use a Google Assistant speaker to control it.
  10. Once connected, sign in to your Google account.
  11. Set up your Google Service Data preferences.
  12. Read through the Google Assistant commands you can use on your Chromecast by pressing the black button on the remote.
  13. Enable Universal search by tapping ALLOW at the bottom of the screen to search for titles in all the TV apps to which you are signed in.
  14. If you have other Google Assistant speakers or devices, Google can recognize your voice and give you personalized answers and results. You can turn this off later or not accept it.
  15. Choose the Ambient Mode (Screensaver). Click on either your Google Photos or a curated Art gallery.
  16. If you want to use your Google Photos, you can choose an album, recent highlights, or photos with specific family or friends.

Finish Setting Up Chromecast on Your TV

Choose to set up your Chromecast remote to control your tv
  1. To set up the Chromecast remote to control your TV and sound system, click on Set up remote.
    Chromecast remote set up what plays sound
  2. Choose if you use the TV, a soundbar, or an AV receiver to play your audio.
    chromecast TV setup what brand AV receiver
  3. Choose the brand of your TV, soundbar, or AV receiver.
  4. Turn the volume up and down on the remotes side volume buttons. Confirm that it is working.
    chromecast tv set up remote to control the power by choosing TV brand
  5. Now you will set up the TV power control. Choose the brand of your TV.
  6. Press the power button on your remote. If the TV turns off, wait 8 seconds and press the power button again to turn it on.
  7. You'll receive a message onscreen that your Google TV remote is set up. Click Next.

And your Chromecast with Google TV is ready.

How to Use the Chromecast with Google TV

There are two ways to use the Chromecast with Google TV—casting to the Chromecast from another device or as a traditional streamer using the remote control. Pressing the home button on the remote control will turn on the TV and switch to the input where the Chromecast is connected.

Casting to the Chromecast

Casting is not the same as mirroring your smartphone, tablet, or computer to the Chromecast. Streaming apps that show the casting icon (a rectangle with Wi-Fi arches) can play directly on the Chromecast. When you cast to a Chromecast-enabled device, the source video on your mobile device or computer sends the website URL to the Chromecast, where it streams directly from the source.

Playback can be controlled from the smartphone app or the Chromecast remote.

Only Murders in the Building with Chromecasting icon
  1. Find a video you want to watch on your Chromecast.
  2. Tap the casting icon.
  3. From the list (if you have more than one device) tap the Chromecast where you want to watch it.
  4. Wait a few seconds, and the video will display on the Chromecast.

The video will continue to play even if you use your smartphone or device to text, call, etc. Pressing the home key on the Chromecast remote will stop playback, or you can tap the Chromecast icon in the app from which you are streaming.

There are many ways to cast to a Chromecast device from a computer and mobile device.

How to Use the Chromecast with Google TVchromecast home For Your menu

The home screen of the Chromecast with Google TV is similar to many other streaming players like a Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Firestick. Similar, except that it is one of the best home screens of any streamer.

The first menu screen is the For You menu. It is chock full of suggested content, and it's agnostic. Here you'll find recommended TV shows and movies from all of your streaming services.

There is even a list of YouTube videos based on your viewing habits. You can improve the suggestions by going to the tile called Improve Recommendations, where you can rate titles that help the algorithms choose movies more to your liking.

How to Use the Chromecast With Google TV Remote Control

chromecast with google tv remote showing no play button and direct buttons for youtube and netflix

The Chromecast with Google TV remote control is not very intuitive as it operates differently than most any other remote. The biggest difference is that you won't find a play/pause button on the remote.

Instead, use the center button of the navigation wheel to play or pause a video or music. Another oddity is that the power button is at the bottom of the remote instead of the top. Volume buttons can be found on the right side.

The dark button is the Google Assistant/Microphone button.

How to Control a Chromecast Using Google Assistant

You can use Google Assistant on your phone and on Google Home devices to control Chromecast.

Say something like "play Last Week Tonight on Chromecast" and in a second or two, Chromecast will start playing the latest video from the Last Week Tonight YouTube channel. This functionality works for YouTube by default. You can also use it for Netflix after connecting your account.

Chromecast With Google TV is Easy to Use and Great Value

Now that the Chromecast also has Google TV it can do anything that other streamers can do including high-quality video and audio, and fast navigation. Plus, there's the bonus of having a Google Assistant that can control your home.

Despite the many steps to set it up, in-app and onscreen instructions guide the way, the Chromecast with Google TV should be on your short list to buy as your next streaming player.