Who says you need to buy a smart TV…
When you can turn your PC monitor into one.
How?
By using Chromecast.
And if you’re not sure how to set it up…
I got your back.
I’ll teach you everything you need to know about using Chromecast on a monitor.
Continue reading to find out:
- How to use Chromecast if your monitor only has a VGA port.
- 11 easy-to-follow steps on how to use Chromecast on a monitor.
- Hassle-free workarounds to use Chromecast on a monitor without speakers.
- And a lot more…
Can you use Chromecast on a monitor?
You can use Chromecast on a monitor. Just plug it into the monitor’s HDMI port. And then connect it to the Google Home app. Now, if your monitor doesn’t have an HDMI port, you may use a VGA to HDMI converter. And for a monitor without speakers, you may connect external ones as a workaround.
How to use Chromecast on a monitor – 11 steps
The whole setup process is really easy.
Whether your monitor has an HDMI port. Or only a VGA port.
Now, the guide below mainly focuses on how to use the 4th gen Chromecast. The one with built-in Google TV and a free remote.
And the steps are only applicable for monitors with an HDMI port.
But if you own an older model with only a VGA port, jump to the Bonus section. You’ll find a guide there on how to use Chromecast on a monitor like yours.
Alright. Let’s get this guide started.
#1: Connect the Chromecast to your monitor’s HDMI port
On most PC monitors, you’ll find the HDMI port on the device’s lower back portion. So find it. And then connect the Chromecast to it.
Your monitor should automatically switch to HDMI view.
#2: Plug the Chromecast into a power source
Connect the micro USB plug of the power cord to the Chromecast. Then connect the USB A plug to the power adapter.
And then plug the adapter into a power source. A wall outlet or a surge protector would do.
#3: Set up and pair the remote control with the Chromecast
Once you plug in the Chromecast, it’ll start booting up.
And the first thing you’ll see on the monitor is the remote pairing screen.
You’ll see a diagram of the remote on the screen. As well as an instruction on how to pair.
It’ll tell you to press and hold the remote’s Home and Back buttons. So follow that.
Wait until a light on the bottom of the remote starts flashing. And then let go of the buttons.
A message on the screen should indicate that that pairing was successful.
#4: Download and install the Google Home app on your phone
The next step in the setup would involve the Google Home app.
This app will serve as a hub that’ll allow you to cast to your Chromecast. That’s why you’ll need it on your phone.
It’s available for download on Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.
#5: Allow the app to discover your Chromecast device
Launch the app on your phone.
And from the home screen, select Set Up Chromecast.
The app should then start looking for nearby devices. And when it locates your Chromecast, click it.
#6: Finish pairing the Chromecast and the Google Home app
Once the app finds your Chromecast, a QR code will appear on your monitor.
You’ll need to scan it using the app.
“What if my phone isn’t capable of scanning?”
No worries. Simply select Continue without scanning. A code will appear on the monitor. Just copy that in the app.
And after typing the code correctly…
Your Chromecast and Google Home app should now be paired.
After that, you’d just need to select the location of your Chromecast.
#7: Connect your Chromecast to WiFi
For this next step, you’ll have to connect your Chromecast to your home WiFi.
Just select your network from the list. And then enter your password.
#8: Sign in with your Google account
Enter your log-in details. And then verify it by copying the code that the app will send to your email.
#9: Complete the Google Home setup
This next step involves personalizing your Chromecast account.
First, you’d need to record your voice on the app. This is so Google Assistant can easily recognize it. Just in case you’re going to use voice commands with the Chromecast.
Next, the app will ask you to select your preferred services. And by service, it means the kinds of apps that you’re planning to cast to Chromecast.
For example, if you’re going to use Chromecast mainly for streaming movies and TV series…
Select Video. And then choose the streaming apps you’ll be using. Such as Netflix or Prime Video.
Your Chromecast will then install these apps. So you could use them for casting.
And lastly, the app will also allow you to select a screensaver for your Chromecast.
You may upload pictures from your phone.
#10: Test the remote if it’s working
At this point, you’ll now need to test your remote.
There’ll be tests for volume and power. Just follow the on-screen instructions to verify if the remote’s now working.
And if your Chromecast remote’s not working…
You may try to replace its batteries. And repeat the process of pairing it with the Chromecast device.
#11: Wait for the Chromecast to finish installing your apps
You’re almost done.
You’ll just have to wait for the Chromecast to install your selected apps.
After which, the device should now be ready to use.
Easy, right?
But would you also like to see a demonstration of how Chromecast works on a monitor?
If so, check out this video:
Bonus: How to connect Chromecast to a monitor with a VGA port
Now, if you own an older monitor with only a VGA port…
Chromecast should still work on your device. It’s just that you’ll also need an HDMI to VGA adapter.
Here are a few of the best brands that you can buy:
Already have one of these?
Great. Just follow these steps on connecting your Chromecast to your monitor’s VGA port:
Step #1: Connect the HDMI to the VGA adapter to your monitor.
Step #2: Plug your Chromecast into the HDMI to VGA adapter’s HDMI port.
Step #3: Plug the Chromecast into a power outlet.
And then follow steps 3 to 11 of the prior section to finish the setup process.
Can you use Chromecast on a monitor without speakers?
You can use Chromecast on a monitor without speakers. Chromecast now has a feature that’ll allow you to pair it with a Bluetooth speaker. In addition, you may opt to pair a Bluetooth speaker with the monitor itself. Or connect a wired speaker to the monitor’s headphone jack.
It’s almost impossible to enjoy casting to your monitor without sounds.
That’s why it’s a good thing there are several options to receive audio. Even if your monitor doesn’t have built-in speakers.
And I’ll discuss in more details each one of these options.
Use a Bluetooth speaker with your Chromecast
Back in the day, it wasn’t possible to pair your Chromecast with a Bluetooth speaker.
The previous 3 generations of Chromecast didn’t have this feature, after all.
But fortunately for us, the Chromecast with Google TV now has it.
And it’s very easy to do.
These are the steps to pair your Chromecast with a Bluetooth speaker:
- Press the Home button on your Chromecast remote.
- Select Settings.
- Navigate to Remote and Accessories and click it.
- Click the Pair Remote or Accessory option.
- Switch your Bluetooth speaker to pairing mode.
- Click it when it appears on the Google TV screen.
Connect a Bluetooth speaker to your monitor
As an alternative to pairing a Bluetooth speaker with your Chromecast…
You may also just pair the speaker to your monitor if it has Bluetooth capability.
Here are the steps to connect a Bluetooth speaker to a monitor with a Windows OS:
- Select Start.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Bluetooth & Devices and turn on Bluetooth.
- Make your Bluetooth speaker discoverable.
- Still under Bluetooth & Devices, click Add Device.
- Select Bluetooth.
- Select your Bluetooth speaker from the list to pair.
Connect a wired speaker to your monitor
Aside from a Bluetooth speaker, you may also use a wired one to connect to your monitor.
Just plug it directly into your monitor’s headphone jack.
And the Chromecast sound should then come out of it.
Looking for recommendations?
I got you. Here are some of the best wired speakers you can buy for under $50:
Route the audio to your phone
You can also just cast a video on the monitor. While your phone retains the audio.
Yes, it’s actually possible.
And it’s another good option if your monitor has no speaker.
But to do this, you’ll need to install a 3rd party app called LocalCast. And it’s available on both Android and iOS.
Now, it’s important to note that LocalCast only works with locally saved videos. Meaning those that are already on your phone.
Examples are movies and series that you’ve saved on your smartphone. For those videos, you may use the app to cast them on your Chromecast. While retaining the audio on your phone.
However, if you’re streaming from streaming services like Netflix, the app won’t work at all.
So that’s something to consider.
But to use the app, download and install it on your phone.
And then follow these steps on how to retain audio on your phone when casting:
Step #1: Launch the app on your phone.
Step #2: Click Cast on the app’s bottom portion. This will connect the app to your Chromecast device.
Step #3: Select a video to cast from your phone.
Step #4: Select Route Audio to Device.
The video should then start casting on your Chromecast. As your phone plays the audio. You may even connect a speaker to your phone to enhance the sound quality.