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How to Chromecast from Mac to TV - Best Picks for 2024

Nataliia Paraskeva Nataliia Paraskeva Aug 23, 2024

There are a few different ways you can stream from Mac to Chromecast and enjoy a whole variety of features. We’re going to look at the best tools for the job. Read on to find out the best third party apps that allow you to stream from Mac to TV.

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How to Chromecast from Mac to TV using Elmedia

System requirements to cast from Mac to Chrome

Chromecast is compatible with all popular operating systems, including macOS. To ensure smooth performance and content playback, it requires a Macbook Pro from 2011 or newer, a Macbook Air from 2012 or newer, and macOS OS 10.9 or later.

For TVs, Chromecast requires an HDMI port and built-in High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) version 1.3 or higher.

To playback 4K content, you'll need a 4K-capable TV, a high-speed internet connection of at least 20 Mbps, and HDCP 2.2.

For viewing high dynamic range (HDR) content, your TV must support HDR.

What is Chromecast?

Chromecast is a system created by Google that allows users to ‘cast’ content to hardware connected to a smart TV, without the need for a HDMI cable. What this basically means is that streaming local videos to Mac or controlling your smart TV from your Google browser, on Mac or Windows, is possible. You can steam from the top platforms, play your own files, or even use it to display photos and presentations. We’re going to look at how to get the most out of Chromecast using your Mac.

Chromecast and Mac Compatibility

To be able to cast to Chromecast with your MacBook, you need to make sure you have the right version of macOS. According to Google, you must have macOS OS X 10.9 or above.

How to Set Up Chromecast and Use it with Mac

Setting up Chromecast and using it with Mac is a straightforward process. Before you get started, make sure you have a TV with an HDMI port, a Mac with Google Chrome installed on it, a Wi-Fi router, and of course, a Google Chromecast device.

  1. Plug the Chromecast device into your TV’s HDMI port. Make sure the other end is plugged into a USB port on your TV for power.
  2. Check if your Chromecast and Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. Then, depending on your preferences, you can either choose to cast the entire content of your screen to a larger one or a specific video file. For this, you can choose either a third-party application or the Google Chrome browser, which is one of the methods we have mentioned below.

Stream Local Videos to Chromecast Using Elmedia Player

There are many ways to stream to Chromecast from Mac, but Elmedia Player is at the top of the list. It allows unprecedented customization, while preserving simplicity and ease of use. MPEG, AVI, FLV, SWF, WMV, MOV, MKV, MP4, M4V - this is just a fraction of the massive list of supported formats, without any need for codecs. All of this ensures that you can make full use of movies and TV on your massive TV straight from your Mac laptop.

When you cast MP4 to Chromecast, it’s useful to have Elmedia Player PRO ($19.99). Not only does this best media player for Mac allow you to stream files and playlists in their initial formats, it will also transcode them in case of any compatibility problems with the target platform (most likely, your TV).

It’s also got a great feature that lets you open videos from major streaming sites, simply by copying and pasting the URL into the player for HD playback. And it works not only with Chromecast, but also Roku, AirPlay and other devices.

Plus, it lets you create a screenshots gallery for easy reference of videos. The additional premium features will create an optimal user experience that you can mold completely to your liking.

Stream to Chromecast from Mac using Elmedia

icon pros Pros

  • Unmatched format support, both for music and video.
  • Stream over WiFi.
  • Quality-of-life features for subtitles, screenshots, etc.
  • Create and use playlists to stream in the background.
  • Compatible with Apple M1.

icon cons Cons

  • Not available for Windows or Linux.

How to cast from Mac to Chromecast with Elmedia Player PRO

1. Connect your Chromecast media player to a TV.

2. Download the Elmedia Player and activate the PRO version. Also you can purchase it from the Mac App Store.

Stream to Chromecast from Mac with Elmedia Player PRO

3. On your Mac, locate the media track that you want to stream. Open it in Elmedia Player.

Stream local media to Chromecast

4. Click the streaming icon on the Elmedia Player Control Panel and choose a device to create a WiFi connection.

Note: The free version of Elmedia Player allows you to cast MacBook to Chromecast for 5 minutes. If you like what you see, buy Elmedia Player PRO. As a video player Mac users can enjoy, it offers a huge variety of different features and high levels of usability. There’s much more to it than just streaming to Chromecast.

That’s it! Watch and enjoy.

JustStream: When You Need a Simple Solution

JustStream is a potent widget with complete focus on Chromecast streaming. It’s neat, compact, and it fits on your menu bar to carry out Chromecast stream from Mac actions. No need for complex configuration - everything happens by default, in the background. There are only three things you need to do: choose a file, find your device and enjoy.

Options, options for everything - starting with subtitles, and ending with your screen resolution. Even though JustStream is minimalistic, it’s immensely flexible, and it’s able to fulfill your deepest needs. Video-related needs, that is. How to stream Chromecast from Mac? JustStream is a no-brainer. It’s a complete package without any unnecessary extras. Try it, and you won’t imagine streaming any other way. Your Mac will merge with your TV permanently, as if they were fused with a hydrogen torch.

Stream from Mac to Chromecast with JustStream

icon pros Pros

  • Ability to mirror sound and video
  • Easy controls within the menu bar
  • Compatible with a variety streaming devices

icon cons Cons

  • The free version allows only 20 minutes of streaming

How to Stream to Chromecast from Mac Using JustStream

Streaming to Chromecast from Mac is extremely convenient with JustStream. Here’s what you need to do to easily stream your Mac screen to a TV via Chromecast.

  1. Install JustStream on your Mac.
  2. Connect the Chromecast Mac to TV and turn it on.
  3. Run JustStream on your Mac and click its icon on the menu bar - it’s minimized for your convenience.
  4. You’ll see any available display devices that are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  5. Select the device you want to stream to.
  6. Press "Start streaming" and the app will mirror your Mac screen to the TV via Chromecast.
  7. Alternatively, you can just double click the display device in the list or select the "Start Mirroring" option in the context menu.
  8. Whenever you want to end the streaming process, simply press "Stop Streaming".
Related Articles

Plex

Plex is more than just a tool for casting from your Mac—it's an entire multimedia platform. With a paid subscription, you gain access to a diverse array of content, including Atari games and live TV channels, all customizable with various settings and resolutions.

For casting, Plex offers extensive usability and is compatible with all major receiver options, making it a versatile choice for your streaming needs.

When you stream with Chromecast, it pulls content directly from the Plex Media Server. This means when you start casting with the Plex Web App, the video doesn't pass through your browser first. So, you can start casting from one device and then control it from another device later on.

Before you use Plex to start casting, make sure you have the Chrome browser on your Mac , your Plex Media Server allows secure connections, and you have the Plex Web App installed.

Follow the steps below to cast using Plex:

  1. First, install the Plex Media Server on your Mac and then sign up on Plex.tv.
  2. Open the Chrome browser and launch Plex’s hosted web app. Note that this is different from the bundled web app that comes with the Plex Media Server.
  3. Click on the Plex cast icon in the top-right corner.
  4. A window will open up. Select your Chromecast device.
  5. Now you can cast any content from your Plex account to your Chromecast from Mac.
Chromecast stream from Mac with Plex

icon pros Pros

  • Easy setup
  • Intuitive interface
  • Accessible from any device
  • Remote access and streaming

icon cons Cons

  • Limited features in the free version

How to Chromecast from Mac with Google Chrome

The Chrome browser has a bunch of neat features you can use to Chromecast from Mac or MacBook to your TV.

Below, we’ve explained three different methods to cast using Google Chrome, along with step-by-step instructions on how you can use them.

Note: Before you proceed, make sure your browser is updated, and you’re on the same Wi-Fi connection as your Chromecast/TV.

Chromecast any Google Chrome Tab to Your TV

Using this method, you can cast a Chrome tab to your TV.

  1. Open any tab on Chrome.
  2. Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
  3. A drop-down menu will appear. Click on Cast.
Google Chrome browser
  1. Click on Sources and choose the Cast tab.
Sources in Google Chrome
  1. Now select your Chromecast device, and you’ll start to see the tab on your TV.
Cast Tab option in Google Chrome

If you’re on a site that’s compatible with Chromecast (Netflix or YouTube, for example), then you can cast the video from the media player instead of the entire tab. Just look for the Chromecast icon and select your TV.

Cast Mac Screen to Chromecast

Not many people are aware of this, but the Google Chrome web browser allows you to cast your entire screen as well. This is a great way to share presentations or watch movies in a group setting.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Go to any tab on Chrome.
  2. Click on the three dots and choose Cast.
  3. Now select Cast screen.
Choose a Source for casting in Chrome
  1. Click on your Chromecast device.
  1. Depending on the version of your macOS, you may be asked to give permission for the browser to record your Mac’s screen. It’ll take you to your Mac’s privacy settings. Check the box next to Google Chrome.
Security and Privacy settings in Google Chrome
  1. Click on Quit and Reopen for Chrome to restart.
Google Chrome notification
  1. Repeat the steps above to cast to Chromecast from Mac your entire screen.

Chromecast Video and Audio from Mac

Another thing you can cast via the browser is an offline or downloaded video/audio file. As long as you can open the file in the browser, you should be able to cast it to your TV from your MacBook.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Find the file you want to cast in the Finder app. Right-click or Secondary-click on it and select Open With > Google Chrome.
  2. Alternatively, press the Command (⌘) + O keys while using Chrome and select the file you want to cast.
Finder on macOS
  1. Click on the three dots and click on Cast.
Google Chrome interface playing a local file
  1. Your file will begin to play on your TV.

FAQ

Check that your devices are running with the latest updates, and ensure your phone and TV are connected to the same properly functioning network. The best apps that allow you to cast from Mac to TV we have described above.
Ensure that your computer or smartphone is running on the same wireless network as your Chromecast device. If the two are connected to different networks, the Chromecast will not be recognised and the cast button probably won’t be available.

For ease of use, it’s worth pinning the cast button to your Chrome toolbar. This means that you’re only ever a single click away from a cast from Mac to Chromecast. Here’s how to pin it:

  1. Open your Chrome browser.
  2. Go to the settings menu in the top right corner, and go to cast.
  3. Right click on the cast icon, and select ‘always show icon’.
You do not. Chrome has actually come with a builtin casting feature for a few years, letting you Chromecast stream from Mac. As long as you’re not running an outdated version, you can use the casting feature. If it doesn’t appear in your browser, try updating to a more recent version.
The AirBeam TV app allows you to cast from iOS to Chromecast. All you need to do is install the app on your iPhone or iPad , and find your Chromecast device on the list of available devices. Select start mirroring, and you’ll be able to mirror from your iPhone and cast directly to your Chromecast.
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