Internet problems got you relying on your mobile data.
And you want to use Chromecast regardless.
But then you’re not sure how.
Luckily, you’ve come to this article.
Keep reading to learn:
- 3 types of hotspots (#2 is ideal for Chromecast).
- 7 steps to save up mobile data when using Chromecast-enabled TV.
- And much, much more…
Does Chromecast use mobile data?
Your Chromecast-enabled TV can use mobile data by turning on the hotspot on your smartphone. You can do this via the guest mode feature. However, you need strong mobile data to stream in HD quality.
Chromecast and mobile data: 4 things you need to know
#1: A mobile hotspot works with Chromecast-enabled TV
Did you know you can use hotspot from your phone to your TV?
That’s right.
But while mobile hotspots aren’t as powerful as Wifi routers…
They can still work as an alternative internet source.
To understand how they work…
In a nutshell, data hotspots are internet access points. It enables you to connect to a network wirelessly.
There are 3 types of Wifi hotspots, namely:
- Public hotspot.
- Mobile hotspot.
- Pre-paid hotspot.
They differ in speed and security capacities.
But most of us only know about mobile hotspots. So here’s a fact about them…
While some mobile hotspots can connect to up to 10 devices at once, others can only support a total of 5 devices.
So, it varies depending on your data.
“Are they safe to use?”
Good question.
Mobile hotspots are safe.
Why?
That’s because they’re private.
Meaning they’re hard to connect to unless you know the host’s password.
“How can I hotspot my phone’s data to my Chromecast-enabled TV?”
To answer that, we’re starting with:
Enabling guest mode
The key to having a mobile hotspot is having guest mode enabled.
And when you turn it on, you can connect your Chromecast-enabled TV to your phone.
But first, what’s a guest mode?
You see, the guest mode is pretty much like what the name suggests.
You’re borrowing the internet from another device. So there’s a guest and a host.
In this case…
The guest is the Chromecast, and the host is your phone.
But using this method could be pretty overwhelming for some.
Why?
That’s because there are separate instructions for the guest and host in enabling the Guest mode feature.
But don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each one.
Let’s start with the host, which is your phone. Follow these simple steps to enable guest mode:
- Make sure your phone has mobile data.
- Go to the Google Home app.
- Select your Chromecast-enabled TV.
- Open Settings.
- Click Recognition and Sharing.
- Click Guest mode to turn on.
Once done, you can proceed to your TV and enable its guest mode. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open Settings > Google > Devices and Sharing > Cast options > Guest mode.
- Open any Chromecast app, e.g., Youtube.
- Click the cast icon.
- Click Nearby devices.
- Enter PIN.
You might also be interested in: (7 Fixes) TV Won’t Connect To Hotspot [Updated]
#2: Your streaming quality depends on your mobile data
According to statistics, the average mobile connection speed is 6.8 Mbps.
That can already be good for some web surfing experiences.
And quick enough to stream a 1080p video.
However, that’s not the case when you’re using your data.
Why so?
It’s because it has a maximum capacity.
So if you endlessly use your data, you’ll reach your data limit.
And when that happens, you won’t be able to hotspot your data to your Chromecast TV.
Luckily, certain apps have automatic features to help you conserve data.
For instance, YouTube.
When watching a YouTube video, the app will automatically change the quality.
“Why is that?“
You see, youtube will choose the most suitable quality for your current bandwidth speed.
And as of today, here’s the list of video resolutions on youtube:
- 144p.
- 240p.
- 360p.
- 480p.
- 720p.
- 1080p.
Note: 144p is the lowest video quality while 1080p is the highest.
Therefore, you’ll likely get the lowest video quality if your data is weak.
On another note, you’ll experience a 1080p resolution with fast and unlimited data.
#3: The highest data-consuming apps
Since mobile data is a limited source of network…
Mobile hotspots provide a limited experience.
That can be true when dealing with apps while using mobile data.
On average, surfing 10 websites daily can use up to 100 MB.
Now, here are some apps that can eat up your data rapidly:
- YouTube.
- Instagram.
- UC Browser.
- Google Chrome.
- Android native browser.
So beware of these apps when using mobile data.
Moreover, simple activities can eat up your data rapidly.
Especially when you do them repeatedly.
Here are a few examples of activities that use mobile data:
- Using Google maps.
- Playing online games.
- Checking your emails.
- Listening to online music.
- Scrolling via social media apps.
#4: Chromecast uses data when it’s idle
Your Chromecast-enabled TV consumes data in 2 major ways.
The first one is when you stream videos in HD quality.
And the second is when your TV is idle.
Yes, you read that right.
Even though you’re practically doing nothing with your TV, it’ll still consume your data.
How?
Notice the live wallpapers on your TV every few seconds and the weather forecast?
News flash, they’re the culprit.
You see, live wallpapers and weather forecasts are automatic features from Google servers.
And what’s worse is that it never ends.
Try to leave your Chromecast on for a month, and you’ll be surprised to know that you lose 15 GB or more.
Meanwhile, if you have 2 or more Chromecasts installed on different TVs in your home, you could use up to 40GB of data.
And to think you lose this chunk of data without watching anything on your Chromecast…
That’s a considerable amount of data going to waste.
So, to save you from all this distress, here’s:
How to save mobile data when using Chromecast
There are 7 easy steps to save mobile data when using Chromecast.
Step 1: Limit the amount of data certain apps can use
You need to conserve data.
Why?
Imagine if you run out of data while in the middle of sending a work email.
That’d be frustrating.
So to avoid that from happening, you can limit the amount of data an app uses.
This way, you can monitor what apps are using data.
All you have to do is to turn off the setting that allows background apps to run.
Follow these steps to restrict apps from using data:
- Go to your phone’s settings.
- Click on Network and Internet.
- Tap Data usage or connections.
- Select the app and tap Mobile data usage.
- Toggle down Allow background data usage.
Step 2: Avoid using too many streaming services
Using too many streaming services is dangerous for your data.
You’ll not only lose your data quickly…
But you’ll also experience buffering and lags.
And you don’t want this to happen to you.
So you should avoid using them simultaneously.
With that, use one app at a time.
Then make sure to exit the app when you finish using it.
Moreover, only download games or videos when you have Wifi.
So that when you’re offline, you’ll have access to it.
And it won’t take up your data.
Step 3: Avoid watching videos over a long time
Watching videos for an extended time will rapidly burn down your data.
And when you’re out of data, you won’t be able to stream more videos.
So it’s best that you conserve your data by watching videos shortly.
Because, again, mobile data is only limited.
So you have to restrict your time using it.
Step 4: Reduce the quality when streaming videos
“Can I still watch a long video?”
You can.
However, it’s advisable that you reduce the quality.
That way, you can keep some data for other videos you may want to watch in the future.
Here’s how you can lower the video quality on Youtube:
- Click your profile picture.
- Select Settings.
- Select Video quality preferences.
- Choose between Auto or Data saver.
Note: The Auto option gives you the most suitable quality depending on your data. While the Data saver option automatically lowers the picture quality so it’ll load faster.
Step 5: Enable data saving mode
Active apps and services automatically use mobile data when there’s no internet.
So what you do is use Data Saver.
Google says that it lets you save as much as 50% of data.
That’s because Data Saver provides a lightweight version of every video you watch.
This way, you can conserve your limited data plan.
Here’s how you can turn on data saving mode in 3 steps:
- Go to your phone’s setting.
- Select Network and Internet.
- Turn on Data Saver.
You can watch this short video if you want a visual guide on using data saver:
Step 6: Change your live wallpapers to a regular one
Changing your TV’s live wallpaper is also a recommended step.
You can use a low-resolution image as your Chromecast TV background instead.
You can either search for one on the internet.
Or you can choose an old image that has a solid background color.
Once done, follow these steps for you to have your new background:
- Go to your phone’s Google Home app.
- Tap Chromecast.
- Tap the 3 dots at the upper right of your screen.
- Select Ambient mode settings.
- Select the Google Photo’s options.
- Select the image you chose.
Step 7: Turn off your Chromecast TV when not in use
Turning off your Chromecast TV is practically the best solution for saving data.
Why?
Simple.
If you turn off your Chromecast TV, it won’t be able to connect to the data.
Thus, you can conserve your data for other essential purposes.
To turn off your TV, simply click on the power button on your remote control.
Then unplug the wire to the wall socket.