How to Cast YouTube from an Android Phone or Tablet

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Casting YouTube from your Android phone or tablet to a larger screen, such as a smart TV or a casting-enabled device, can bring your favorite videos, music, and content to life on a bigger display. Whether you want to watch trending videos, enjoy a movie night, or showcase your own content, casting YouTube is a convenient and versatile option.

Casting YouTube from Your Android Phone or Tablet

Prerequisites

Before you start casting YouTube from your Android device, ensure you have the following:

A Compatible Casting Device: You'll need a casting-enabled device, such as a smart TV, a Chromecast device, a gaming console, or a casting-enabled speaker system.

A Stable Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure that both your Android device and your casting device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

YouTube App: Make sure you have the YouTube app installed on your Android device. An active Google account is also required.

Steps to Cast YouTube from Android to TV or Casting Device

Follow these steps to cast YouTube from your Android phone or tablet to your casting-enabled TV, gaming console, or speaker system:

1. Connect Your Casting Device

Ensure that your casting device (e.g., smart TV, Chromecast, gaming console) is powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Android device.

2. Launch the YouTube App

Open the YouTube app on your Android phone or tablet.

3. Sign In to Your Google Account

If you're not already signed in, enter your Google account credentials (email and password) to log in.

4. Start Playing a Video

Choose a video you want to watch on YouTube and start playing it on your Android device. Ensure that the video is playing within the YouTube app.

5. Tap the Cast Icon

While the video is playing, look for the cast icon within the YouTube app on your Android device. The cast icon typically resembles a rectangle with Wi-Fi-like waves or the word "Cast." Tap the cast icon to initiate the casting process.

6. Select Your Casting Device

A list of available casting devices will appear on your Android device's screen. Select your casting-enabled TV, gaming console, or speaker system from the list.

7. Enjoy YouTube on Your TV or Casting Device

The video will now start playing on your casting-enabled device. Your Android device serves as a remote control, allowing you to pause, skip videos, or adjust the volume. You can continue browsing the YouTube app on your Android device, search for other videos, or lock your device without interrupting the playback on your casting-enabled device.

8. Stop Casting

To stop casting YouTube to your TV or casting device, return to the YouTube app on your Android device and tap the cast icon again. Select "Disconnect" or "Stop casting."

Tips and Considerations

Video Quality: Depending on your casting device and network, you can adjust video quality settings within the YouTube app on your Android device for an optimal viewing experience.

Volume Control: Use the volume controls on your casting-enabled device or your Android device to adjust the playback volume as needed.

Casting Issues: If you encounter any casting issues, such as video lag or buffering, ensure that your Wi-Fi network is stable, and try restarting your casting device.

Privacy: Be mindful of what you cast from your device, especially if others can see the screen. Make sure to stop casting when you're done to protect your privacy.

Casting YouTube from your Android phone or tablet to a TV, gaming console, or casting-enabled speaker system is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your viewing and entertainment experience. Whether you're watching educational content, following your favorite vloggers, or exploring the latest music videos, casting allows you to enjoy YouTube's vast library of content on a larger scale.

Contact Support.Com:

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below or consider seeking personalized assistance from Support.Com.

1. Introduction

In This Guide

You'll Learn:

  • How to cast content from an Android app on a mobile device to a different display.

You'll Need:

  • A mobile device running Android 4.4 (KitKat) or higher.
  • A device with Google Cast technology already set up to accept connections:
  • Chromecast or other compatible media player connected to a display
  • TV with Chromecast built-in
  • Your mobile device and receiving device must be connected to the same home network, either via Wi-Fi or hardwired Ethernet.

2. Cast From YouTube

  1. Open the YouTube app.
Android home screen highlighting the YouTube app.
  1. Press the Cast button.
YouTube app highlighting the cast icon.
  1. Select the device you would like to send your YouTube content to from the list that appears.
YouTube cast menu displaying a list of available devices to cast to.
  1. Select a video.
YouTube app highlighting the selection of a video to watch.
  1. Press Play.
YouTube app displaying a video's informational screen highlighting the play button.
  1. The video you've selected should now be playing on the device that's connected to the TV you selected earlier.
Tablet casting the chosen video to the screen of a TV. Illustration.