How to set up and use a Chromecast

It’s been a while since Google announced their popular video streaming dongle. While in the meantime their product has indeed changed, the basic setup instructions have not. Before you can begin the chromecast setup process, there are a few things you need to consider.

Chromecast requirements

One of the first things you need to bear in mind is that if you want to use Google Chromecast, then you need to have a TV with an HDMI port and a USB port. If your TV doesn’t have a USB port, then you need to at least be able to plug in a USB cable to a mains adaptor near the television set. In order to connect that device, you’ll need to have an active Wi-Fi connection, but also a device that can be used as a remote control. If you have a tablet, such as an iPad, an iPhone or any other tablet that runs Android or iOS, you can use it as a remote. You can also use your Mac, PC or laptop as a remote.

Setting up Chromecast

1. If you want to know how to connect chromecast to tv, then this is quite simple. If you got the original Google Chromecast, then you know it comes with a short HDMI extension cable and an HDMI port. The cable can be used as an extension cable based on the location of your television set’s HDMI ports. If you bought the newest Chromecast version, then you have probably noticed that it has a longer HDMI dongle. Therefore, you may not need to worry about extending it. However, when it comes to the Chromecast, it does still connect to your TV and is powered in the same way as the original.

2. At this point, you’ll need to find a free HDMI slow on your TV and then plug in your Chromecast. Next, be sure to write down the exact port you’ve connected the Chromecast to. Next, you’ll need to plug in the micro-USB cable you’ve got with the Chromecast into the other end of the device. You can connect it to either a USB adaptor and then plug it into a mains power outlet or attach it to a USB port on your television set.

3. You will now need to turn on your TV. If Chromecast is not detected and the TV doesn’t switch to the right input, then you have to select the HDMI input you’ve noted on step one by using the TV’s remote control. Once you do that, a setup screen will pop up.

4. To control Chromecast, you need to go to chromecast.com/setup or install the Google Home application. At some point during the installation you’ll be asked to accept the ToS. Before you do that, ensure that your device is connected to your Wi-Fi network that you plan on using for your Chromecast device.

5. If you look at the top right of the Google Home app, you’ll notice the devices icon. Be sure to select it and let it search for any casting hardware on the network. Once it finds your Chromecast, be sure to select it and then start setting it up.

6. You will now see a code popping up on your handset. The code needs to match the code that’s displayed on your TV screen. If you want to continue, then be sure to tap I See The Code.

7. At this point you may wish to change your Chromecast’s name to one you like. Once you change its name, you just have to click Continue.

8. Look for your Wi-Fi network and then click Continue. Once you do that, the Chromecast will connect to the internet. It’s also possible that certain updates may be downloaded and installed in order to ensure the device works at peak performance. Completing the setup process is simple. Just sign in to your Google account and follow the installation steps.

9. You are finally ready to stream. The good news is that there are also plenty of applications that support casting. If you’d like to begin streaming, then all you have to do is look for the Cast icon on their interface and then choose your Chromecast. Mirroring your Android tablet or phone’s screen is also possible. You can do this by using the Google Home application and then selecting Cast screen/audio. Next, just choose Chromecast and you’re set.

The post How to Connect Chromecast to your TV appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Requirements for installing the chromecast extension

One of the first things you need to keep in mind when it comes to installing the extension is that it’s currently supported only by Chrome and Opera. If you don’t know what Google Chrome is, well, this is a free browser that competes with Apple’s Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and IE.

The operating systems the browser is available for include Mac, Linux, and Windows. Right now we’re going to tell you how to install the chromecast extension on your Chromecast. If you don’t have Chrome installed yet, be sure to download and install it first.

Installing chrome with the Chromecast Extension

You can skip this step if you already have Google Chrome installed. It’s also important to mention that if you want, then you can also install Chrome for iOS and Android devices. Now, in order to download and install Google Chrome, you’ll need to take the following steps:

1. Download Google Chrome from here. Once the link loads, you should click on Download Chrome and the download will start.
2. Once the installation is complete, the installer will launch automatically. If it doesn’t, then you need to locate where the file was downloaded and start the installation manually.
3. At this point the installation process will begin. Be patient as your computer installs Google Chrome. Once Chrome is installed, you can proceed to installing the chromecast extension.

Chromecast extension installation

Open up Chrome on your PC and head over to the following link. Once you’re there, you’ll have to add it to Chrome by clicking the button. Your computer will not start to download and install the chromecast plug-in. Once complete, you’ll notice a small icon if you look at the top right corner of your browser.

Cast videos

At this point you’ll finally be able to cast videos from your computer to your Chromecast. To do that, you have to open any website that you want to cast in Chrome. Once you open it, click on the Chromecast icon in the top right corner. You’ll also have to choose which Chromecast you want to cast to. To stop the casting, you just need to click the cast icon again. The process is very simple, but we guarantee that you’re going to have a lot of fun using this amazingly useful extension.

Installing the Google Chrome extension in Opera

While in the past the chromecast plugin was only available for the Chrome browser, it seems that now it can also be used with Opera. As you may very well know, Opera is one of the most popular browsers in the world and not only is it fast, but it also offers you a lot of options to make the most of it. Being able to install the Google extension on it is one of them. Here’s a guide on how you can do that.

How to install the chromecast extension in Opera?

As you may have imagined, installing the extension in Opera is rather simple. You will need to be a bit patient and thorough though. In our example, we chose to use the Google Cast extension so we can make the most of Chromecast. Here are the steps you should take to install the chromecast extension in Opera:

1. Go online and download Opera.
2. Next, you need to download the Chrome extension that you can find in the add-on galley in Opera.
3. Go to the Google cast extension page in Chrome.
4. Click on Download Chrome Extension and then click to add it to Opera.
5. Once you do that, you’ll be greeted with a message saying that the extension was disabled since it comes from a source they cannot verify. Here you just have to click on Go.
6. You’re now in the Extensions page in Opera where you should click on Install in the Google Cast extension.
7. You’ll be asked once again by Opera to confirm that you want to do this, so please do so.

Once you do that, you’ll have managed to install the chromecast extension for Opera. Enjoy using it in the same way you’d use it in Chrome!

The post How to install the Google chromecast extension appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.