Does Chromecast Need Power? 4 Surprising Facts (2023)

Chromecast is Google’s answer to the Apple TV.

However, there’s another answer that you need…

And that’s if Chromecast needs power to turn on.

Don’t worry.

This time, I got the answers right here.

Keep reading to discover:

If you need batteries with your Chromecast.
The amount of power Chromecast needs to turn on.
Can Chromecast use power from your TV’s USB port to boot up.
And so much more…

Does Chromecast need power?

Chromecast needs power to run, although it doesn’t require much. A Chromecast device draws around 5 V or 2 watts when running at total capacity. If it’s idle, it uses only about 1 watt.

Can Chromecast get power from TV?

Your Chromecast can get power from your TV…

However, you’ll need to check something first:

And that’s if you have a powered USB port.

You see, most TVs have a USB port, but not all of them can emit power.

Unfortunately, there’s no workaround to use a TV as a power source if your port is unpowered.

Furthermore, which Chromecast device do you have?

I ask because Chromecast with Google TV can’t use the power from your TV at all…

It doesn’t matter if it’s powered or unpowered.

The reason?

Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra uses 1 amperes. On the other hand, Chromecast with Google TV uses 1.5 amperes.

Sure, it might not seem like it makes a world of difference.

However, TVs can’t give out that amount of power yet.

All you’ll get if you try is an error message.

Does Chromecast have battery?

Chromecast doesn’t have a battery, but it does need a power source in return.

Fortunately, Chromecast comes with a Power Adapter in the box.

Which allows you to simply plug in the Chromecast to any outlet in your home.

Is Chromecast worth it?

Chromecast is worth it.

It doesn’t matter if you have a dumb or smart TV.

Get yourself a Chromecast.

Why?

First, streaming devices are better than the platforms of some smart TVs because they’re:

More frequently updated.
More reliable and will last longer.
Able to support more video and music types.

And, most of all, they also have more features, like:

A wide range of apps

Ever had a moment where there’s an app you want to use…

But it’s not available on your smart TV?

Well, worry no more.

Chromecast has a wide range of apps for you to choose from.

Here are just a couple of apps available on your Chromecast:

And, you know what else?

You can sideload APKs in a Chromecast with Google TV.

“Side-what?”

I don’t know about you but…

There are a lot of apps on my phone that I’d like to use on my TV.

However, most of them aren’t available on the app store…

But that doesn’t mean you can’t have them.

That’s where sideloading comes in. It’s installing any app on your TV using 3rd-party apps. Let me teach you how:

Switch to your Google Chromecast input.
Enable Developer Mode.

Developer Mode allows you to install APKs on your TV.

To enable this, follow these directions: Settings > System > About.

Look for Build and press that until a prompt says you’re in Developer Mode.

Go to the Play Store on your Chromecast and install the Send Files to TV app.
On your phone, download the APK of the app you want to install on your TV.

Warning: Be careful where you download APKs from. Some sites can install malware on your phone and TV. To be sure, use trusted APK websites like APKMirror.

Send the file to your Chromecast using the Send Files to TV app.
On your Chromecast, download and install any File Manager.
Open the File Manager and look for the APK sent to your Chromecast.
Select the file and press Install.

Et voilà. Your Chromecast now has your app.

If you’re interested in learning more about the sideloading process…

Look no further than this video:

Screen mirroring

Gone are the days of grainy cameras and shaky cams…

Most of our pictures and videos are now shot on phones.

That’s why I sometimes mirror my phone’s display to the TV.

The problem?

Some TVs don’t have a screen mirroring feature.

Do you know what can help with that? A Chromecast.

Here’s how you can connect a Chromecast to your phone:

Connect your phone and TV to the same network.
Open the Google Home app on your smartphone. (Available on Android and iOS.)
Find your TV from the list of devices on the app.
Hold the tile that corresponds to your TV.
Press Cast.
Select Cast Screen.

You may also be interested in: Is Chromecast Better Than Screen Mirroring?

Ethernet-capable

No Wi-Fi? No problem.

Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast with Google TV have an ethernet port.

Ethernet beats Wi-Fi all the time. The reason is that ethernet is:

More reliable.
More secure with your data.
Less likely to stretch your bandwidth.
More likely to have a lossless data transmission.

Now, if you’re interested in using ethernet…

You should also have the proper cable.

Don’t know which one to pick?

Here’s a list of all cables and what they can do:

Category	Speed	Length	Bandwidth
Cat 3	10Mbps	No information	16MHz
Cat 5	10-100Mbps	No information	100MHz
Cat 5e	1000Mbps to 1Gbps	No information	100MHz
Cat 6	10Gbps	55 meters	250MHz
Cat 6a	10Gbps	55 meters	500MHz
Cat 7	100Gbps	15 meters	600MHz
Cat 7a	100Gbps	15 meters	1000MHz
Cat 8	40Gbps	30 meters	2000MHz

Voice assistant

“When I grow up, I want to be like Tony Stark.”

That’s what my niece told me the other day.

While laser beams and flying armors may be hundreds of years away…

Controlling devices only with your voice isn’t.

In fact, you can do that with a Chromecast today.

Simply open your Chromecast and speak these words loudly:

“Hey, Google.”

These words should trigger your TV to ask for directions.

Set your own photos as a screensaver

Do you ever get tired of seeing the same photos over and over again on your TV?

I have.

However, some TVs don’t allow me to change my screensaver.

But with Chromecast, I can set my screensaver to whatever I want.

All I need is Chromecast, my phone, and these instructions:

Upload pictures on your Google Photos app.
Open the Google Home app on your phone.
Switch your TV input to the Chromecast device.
Pair your phone with the TV.
Head to the Settings page.
Select Ambient Mode.
Tap Google Photos.

Now, stay idle for a while.

After a couple of seconds, you should be able to see your photos on your TV screensaver.