Google Chromecast For Mac
In this post we’ll be taking you through how to get Chromecast for Mac. Streaming devices and smart TVs have become the “in” thing. They are only moving up nowadays. While cable TV prices aren’t that favorable and with streaming services giving you more bang for your buck, it’s hard to not make the switch. In 2018 alone more than 30 million households made the switch to streaming services.
Well, that was in 2018, you can well imagine what the scenario is today. When it comes to streaming services, Google Chromecast ranges top of the line. Besides connecting you with Hulu, Netflix and YouTube you can also make video calls, cast your photos onto it as well as play slideshows on it as well.
The Chromecast app enables you to check whether or not the device has been installed correctly, and can help you set up the Google Cast Chrome extension to stream content from your browser. Send live content from your Mac to your TV via Wi-Fi using a Chromecast device. Chromecast built-in is a technology that lets you cast your favorite entertainment and apps from your phone, tablet or laptop right to your TV or speakers. Explore casting with Chromecast. Set up Chromecast in three easy steps and learn how to use Chromecast with both your phone and computer. Previously, it was possible to Setup Chromecast on Mac by downloading the Chromecast App to computer and completing the entire setup process directly on a MacBook. However, Chromecast App is no longer available for download on Computers and currently the only way to Setup Chromecast Device is by downloading Google Home App on a Mobile Device. How to Set up & Use Chromecast From Mac. Before Chromecast (Google), in order to forward any type of media (image, video, or audio files) wirelessly to your TV through the Mac, a third party software installation was necessary. You can’t deny that. Similarly, It’s also true that Chromecast just changed the way we do digital media content.
So it’s no surprise then that Chromecast has become a go to option for many wanting to get streaming services from their Mac. While Apple TV may be a better option as it’s easier to use, setting up Chromecast for Mac aren’t that hard either. So without further ado let’s begin…
Getting Chromecast for Mac:
The initial set up shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes tops, if all goes well that is. Once that is done you’re all set to play around with it.
But a little preemptive measures first- You should already have your Chromecast connected to your TV via the HDMI cable. This you can connect using the USB port or the power cube included in the box. After all this take a look at the following:
- Open up Chrome on your Mac and enter goolge.com/chromecast/setup on your web browser.
- You’ll then be directed to download Google Home for iPhone or the iPad. This you can do so from the app store.
- As long as you have your Chromecast plugged in it will always open up in the Google home app.
- Connect your Chromecast to the WiFi of your choosing and follow all the steps to pair it.
Finally your Chromecast device is ready to be used by all devices around and connected to the same WiFi network. That means you can now connect it to your Mac, iPad, iPhone and everything else that you have lying around, provided that is it is a smart device.
This so much easier than connecting it using a computer which involves a lengthy process of downloading an extension and using codes to pair the device. This is no longer used by the way.
Using Chromecast for Mac in an Optimal Manner:
The next step is actually getting your Chromecast onto your TV via the Mac. To get what’s playing on your Mac’s screen onto your TV the simplest way is to mirror the two screens. In the past this would be a cumbersome process of installing an extension and then mirroring both screens, but all that’s in the past now. If you have an updated version of Chromecast then you need not worry about downloading an extension.
While in Chrome, select the view the cast option. The other option is to select the three dots at the right of the toolbar to access cast. From there you’ll get three drop down options:
- Cast the tab you have open
- And Cast your desktop
- Cast a particular file
If you happen to be watching a video on YouTube then you must’ve noticed a box like symbol with a sideways WiFi symbol next to it. This symbol allows you to cast what you see onto a TV. This is another option in which you can cast media from your Mac onto a much larger screen. Now you know how to cast what’s on your screen onto your TV.
At this point the media, video call or photo you’re currently watching will appear on your TV screen. If all goes to plan you may be able to do this in a jiffy and without much trouble. But there may be occasions when things don’t go just as smoothly in that case we have a fix for that as well.
Optimizing Chromecast For Mac:
When it comes to using Chromecast for Mac things aren’t that smooth sailing sometimes. There are times when your screen might flicker or stutter or the video you’re watching may play in low quality. Here we’ll be showing you how to get the best out what you’re watching within a few extra steps.
The main problems faced when using Chromecast for Mac is bad video, audio and stuttering issues, like we mentioned earlier. This could be because of one or more reasons given below:
- Lack of RAM and or processing power on your Mac
- Bad internet connection or low speed on the WiFi
- Hardware limitations or configurations
How to Utilize Apps to Enhance the Video Quality
When using Chromecast for Mac, things may not be smooth sailing for the simple reason that Chromecast takes a lot from the Mac. This is especially so in older and more cluttered models. A tip for getting over this problem is to use an app such as CleanMyMac X. what this app does is to scan your computer for malware, clutter on the hardware and unnecessary apps.
Now coming to a WiFi issue- if you happen to have a newer less clutterd model and are still facing issues with the quality of your video, it could be because of your WiFi connection. If this is your problem then WiFiExplorer is the answer. This app is a one stop solution to monitoring, and checking that all is fine with your WiFi. Simply open the app to know if your WiFi is the problem.
Stream Mac To Chromecast
By looking at the real time scan of networks in the area, you can know if your channel is overcrowded or has poor signal strength. Sometimes it’s not really the Wifi that’s the problem but the channel that you’re using. If you happen to face this issue then you could try connecting your Mac to your router via a cable or moving the router from its current location.
These are a few ways in which you can get Chromecast for Mac.
Make your Mac invincible
As of 2018, more than 30 million households in the U.S. had “cut the cord” on their pay TV subscriptions, and around three million ditched cable in that year alone. In other words, smart TVs and other streaming devices are only going to get more popular.
Google’s Chromecast, thanks to its flexibility — allowing you to watch the likes of YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu, as well as “cast” photos, slideshows, video calls, and much more — is among the most popular devices for people looking at how to connect Mac to TV.
While Chromecast lacks one-click interface on the same intuitive level as Apple TV, it really isn’t difficult to set up your Mac for casting. In addition to covering that, this article presents some of the different ways to get the best performance possible when using Chromecast for Mac.
Get your Chromecast setup on Setapp
Download an app library to use Chromecast to the fullest. Optimize playback, prevent audio issues, and solve every Chromecast problem — effortlessly.
How To Use Chromecast On Mac
Your initial Chromecast setup on Mac shouldn’t take more than about 10 minutes as long as everything goes smoothly. Once that’s all done you can start having some fun with the device.
Assuming that you already have your Chromecast plugged into an HDMI port on the back of your TV and powered up using a USB port or the power cube included in the box, proceed to the following steps you need to take:
- Open Chrome on your Mac and visit www.google.com/chromecast/setup
- You’ll be prompted to download Google Home for iPhone/iPad from the App Store or Android from the Google Play Store
- As long as your Chromecast is plugged in, it will automatically appear in the Google Home app when you open it up
- Make sure your device is connected to the WiFi network you want Chromecast to use and follow the steps to pair it
Your Chromecast device can now be used by any Mac, Android phone, or iPhone/iPad connected to that WiFi network. This is a far cry from setting up using a computer, something that’s now no longer possible, which used to involve downloading a Chromecast extension for Mac and entering codes to pair the device properly.
Using Chromecast on Mac effectively
Now that your Chromecast is connected, it’s easy to mirror your Mac’s screen on your TV. In the past you needed to download a Chromecast extension for Chrome before you could do this but now, as long as you’re using an up-to-date version of Chrome, you don’t need to add anything else in order to use Chromecast on MacBook.
In Chrome, just select View ➙ Cast (or use the three vertical dots to the right of the toolbar to select Cast from there) and choose from the Sources dropdown whether you want to broadcast:
The tab you have open
Your desktop
A particular file
If you’re viewing a media file on your laptop, say via YouTube, then you may see a box with three lines (that look like the WiFi symbol rotated 45 degrees clockwise) that will say Play on TV when you hover over it. You can also access the Cast menu from here. Now you officially know how to Chromecast from Mac!
The media or video call or photo album you’re trying to view will appear on your TV like magic and, if you’re lucky, everything will run swiftly and without issue. Unfortunately, many of us aren’t quite so blessed and do experience a few problems.
Optimizing Chromecast playback on Mac
For most Mac users, a trickier issue than how to use Chromecast on Mac is making sure that their laptop or desktop is functioning in such a way that allows for smooth and seamless playback.
Two common issues when streaming from Chromecast to Mac include poor audio and video that jumps and stutters or plays in low quality. Most problems like these boil down to one (or more) of three causes:
Lack of RAM or processing power on your Mac
Weak or underperforming internet connection
Hardware limitations or configurations
Using Chromecast from Mac places additional demands on your machine that can be challenging for laptops or desktops that are older and full of clutter. Try using an app like CleanMyMac X, which scans your Mac with a single click to search for issues with your hard disk, malware, and unnecessary apps.
Still looking at video that’s blocky or jumping? It could be a problem with your WiFi. For this, WiFi Explorer is a useful app that acts as a one-stop shop for monitoring, analyzing, and troubleshooting your WiFi network. Just open up the app and it’ll automatically provide feedback on the network your Mac is currently connected to.
Just a glance at the real-time scan of networks in the area should quickly and easily reveal if something like signal strength or overcrowded WiFi channels might be to blame for the issues. If that’s the case, you may want to try a wired connection or moving your router from its current location.
Make your WiFi connection ideal
Get WiFi Explorer, a Mac app that will automatically solve every network-related issue for you. From monitoring to troubleshooting, it’s all covered.
Solving Chromecast audio issues on Mac
You can have the crispest video quality in the world but, if the audio isn’t up to scratch, you won’t get the immersive experience that you’re looking for. Unless you have a soundbar, most flat screen TVs put out quiet and tinny audio. In some cases, you may be better off using headphones or even your Mac’s built-in speakers.
Unfortunately, by default, the sound put out by Macs can also be a bit lacking due to volume limitations or incorrect equalizer setup. Luckily, there’s an app out there called Boom 3D that allows you to unlock the true potential of your Mac’s audio output.
In addition to enabling virtual 3D surround sound on built-in speakers or headphones, which is a pretty cool piece of patent-pending tech in and of itself, it comes with a palette of equalizer presets (that can be manually tweaked) for different genres.
You can also boost the volume capability of your Mac way beyond the system default and, if you’re worried about accidentally blaring Spotify in the middle of a meeting, set custom volume adjustments for individual apps.
Volume discrepancy between different hardware providers is pretty common, as anyone who has almost deafened themselves when switching inputs on their TV will be able to attest to, and it’s great to know you’ll no longer need to turn the volume on your TV set way up or down when you’re casting from your Mac.
Streaming devices like Apple TV and Google Chromecast on Mac have enabled an entire generation to move away from cable TV in favor of individual streaming apps that they can pick and choose from. And because there’s no need to download an additional Chromecast app for Mac or anything like that, the process of getting started is usually very straightforward.
As innovative and modern as that idea is, the whole thing can be derailed by audio or video problems. These, however, can be easily resolved with a couple of additional apps.
It’s difficult to know exactly what the future of media streaming holds, but two things are for sure:
Available picture and sound quality will continue to improve
More streaming services (e.g. Disney Plus) will appear
What do both of these have in common? They’ll likely place additional demands on your internet connection and your hardware. With that in mind, it makes sense to improve the performance of both as much as you possibly can.
Fortunately, CleanMyMac X, Boom 3D, and WiFi Explorer mentioned above are available for a free trial on Setapp, a platform of more than 150 Mac apps and utilities designed to optimize every aspect of your digital life. So what are you watching tonight?
Mac Address For Google Chromecast
Meantime, prepare for all the awesome things you can do with Setapp.
Read onSign Up