Chromecast may not have its own channel storage or a separate user interface, but that doesn't mean it's not a great little gadget. In fact, if you're looking for an inexpensive way to test cool water from cord-cutters, the Chromecast is arguably the best device on the market.
Chromecasts first hit our shelves in early 2014, and since then the number of compatible apps has been steadily growing. Today, there are hundreds of apps that can easily stream video content from your phone or tablet directly to your TV.
With all these choices, where to start? Why, after reading this article, of course! Below we list 10 must-have apps for watching TV and video content on Chromecast.
Netflix
Yes, it's obvious, but it's also the most popular Chromecast app.
Netflix doesn't know the exact amount of content in each region, but it estimates that if you live in the United States, you'll have access to 35,000 hours of video. This means that if you watch TV for three hours every night, it will take you 31 years to watch it all.
Still not convinced? Experts also believe that by subscribing to Netflix, you'll avoid 160 hours of advertising per year. What are you waiting for? Go and register.
Chromecast is connected but I can't see anything
This is one of the most annoying problems because we think we have done everything right by connecting the devices, loading the Google Home app and syncing the device , but the screen remains black. In this case, we will also have several possible solutions at our disposal to try to find the problem.
Check power
We will need to make sure that the gadget is connected directly to a power source with the original power cord and power adapter. We can also alternate the connection with the adapter and try connecting the USB cable directly to the USB port on the TV to see if this allows the connection.
Check input
In this case, the solution is to make sure the TV is set to the same HDMI input as the Chromecast. In most controls or if we control the TV using a virtual remote control from a mobile phone, this can be checked using the enter button, the source button or the classic Source button.
Restart Chromecast
If the screen is still black after the previous steps, it is recommended to restart your device. To do this we will need to unplug the power cord from the device, wait 1 minute and plug it back in. It is important to know that if we disconnect the Chromecast from the HDMI port of the TV, the device will not restart, so we will have to do this by disconnecting it from the power source.
HBO now
Do you like Game of Thrones? How about Ballers, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, The Wire, Sopranos, Sex and the City or Real Time with Bill Maher?
If you answered yes to any of these shows, you need HBO Now. Unlike HBO Go, it is a standalone streaming service; you don't need a TV package.
It costs $14.99 per month, making it a great way to cut down on your cable bills. cut costs on cut costs on
Twitch
Surely many are familiar with the Twitch service and the application of the same name, which allows you to watch live or previously recorded video of gameplay.
In addition, using the application you can communicate with other users, for example, while broadcasting the next mission in the game. As you may have guessed, with Chromecast this process becomes doubly enjoyable, because it’s much more convenient to follow the streamer’s actions on the big screen. Application: Twitch Developer: Twitch Interactive, Inc. Category: Entertainment Version: 3.2.3 Price: Free Download: Google Play
PlayStation Vue
PlayStation Vue is one of the newer services on this list. It launched in early 2015 and has been available throughout the United States since mid-2021. It is currently not available outside the US.
It only provides live streaming, no on-demand titles. The service offers different channel lineups depending on which package you have. The basic access package ($39 per month) includes NBC, FOX, ABC, AMC, CNN and a few other big names. The $74 per month Ultra package adds 90 basic channels plus premium HBO and SHOWTIME channels.
Installation problems
These crashes usually occur even before using Chromecast, since our mobile phone cannot find the Chromecast during setup, so we will have to try the following solutions:
Homecast Distance
In this case, we must ensure that the Chromecast is between 4 and 6 meters away from our mobile phone during setup. Otherwise, detection errors will occur.
Check LEDs
It is important to check the signals that the device sends to us thanks to its lights. When we turn on the Chromecast, the LED indicator should flash white.
Check mobile connection
We will need to make sure that our mobile is connected to a Wi-Fi network that is active. We will not be able to configure the device if we are connected to a data network and Wi-Fi is disabled.
Other solutions
- Close the Google Home app and open it again.
- Deactivate and reactivate the device's Wi-Fi connection on your mobile phone and open the Google Home app again.
- If possible, try using another device (such as a tablet) to set up Chromecast.
Google Play Movies and TV
Google Play Movies & TV is not as popular as its cousin, Google Play Music. But this is an often overlooked app that the serious TV buff should seriously consider.
Unlike Netflix et al., the service does not have a library of on-demand content. Instead, it focuses on purchases and rentals. Generally speaking, the newer the show/movie, the more it costs.
It also has an edge over other apps due to its global availability. It is represented in 110 countries, with the exception of only Central Africa, China and some other parts of Asia.
Deezer
In the absence of Spotify, which can stream music via Chromecast, Deezer is the best alternative.
All your favorite tracks will be available on TV, similar to TuneIn Radio. The advantage of Deezer is its wonderful selection of recommendations. Application: Deezer Music Developer: Deezer Mobile Category: Music and Audio Version: 1.4 Price: Varies by device Download: Google Play
Hulu
Hulu is a Great Competitor The two services have slightly different premises: While Netflix primarily hosts older TV shows and movies (along with original content), Hulu often airs new episodes less than 24 hours after they air on the networks.
Hulu has deals with NBC, ABC, FOX, ION Television, USA Network, Brave, Syfy, E!, A&E and others. If your favorite shows are on one of these channels, Hulu costs $7.99 per month to subscribe to.
FOX Sports GO
The FOX Sports GO app allows you to watch FOX Sports, FS1, FS2, FOX Sports Local Regional Network, FOX Deportes, FOX College Sports and FOX Soccer Plus.
Between these seven channels, you'll have access to all the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC, NASCAR, college sports and football you could possibly want.
Unfortunately, unlike HBO Now, FOX Sports GO is not a standalone app. You must have channels in your TV package.
PBS Kids
All the apps I've discussed so far are aimed at adults, but it's important to not forget your kids.
Of course, you should never put your kids in front of the TV for hours on end every day, but high-quality children's programming can help develop their education in several areas (and give you some sometimes-deserved reprieve).
PBS Kids is free to watch and does not require a subscription. He has received numerous industry awards for his focus on science and mathematics.
PBS releases new content every Friday, just in time for the weekend.
If all else fails, other solutions
It is possible that nothing will result, which leaves us with fewer opportunities to find solutions that do not undergo maintenance. However, before this last step, we must try these possible solutions, which in many cases solve the problem right away.
Update Google Home
The official Android app that controls Chromecast may be awaiting an update to fix known bugs. We can check this from Google Play by going to My Apps and checking if we are using the latest version of Google Chrome.
Reset Chromecast to factory settings
Sometimes this is the only solution that can fix all problems. This option will return the device to its original settings, which means that we can start over by eliminating the possible settings that caused the problem. We will have two ways to do this, the first one is done from the Google Home application, from our mobile phone and is the fastest. The second requires touching the device itself.
- In the Google Home application : open the application and tap on the name of our Chromecast device. We then go to settings and click on the three access points on the right to open more options. Finally, click on Factory Reset and agree.
- From a Chromecast device : This method requires the Chromecast to be connected to the TV. We then press and hold the button on the device for at least 25 seconds or until the solid LED indicator starts flashing, the image disappears from the TV screen and the restart sequence begins.
Plex
Any cord cutter will tell you that installing Plex or Kodi is vital if you want to cut ties with cable companies.
Plex has many private channels. you can enjoy, and it offers a way to stream all locally stored content directly to your TV. stream It will even automatically retrieve the metadata of movies and TV series.
If you take the time to set up the app correctly, Plex can become your personal Netflix.
Find your favorite Chromecast desktop app
As you can see, there are plenty of desktop apps for casting video content from your PC or the web to Chromecast. Your choice comes down to how much online content you want to stream, what streaming sources you need, or if you only really care about streaming content from your own PC or media server.
If you're not sure which one you like, there's nothing wrong with trying a few and then removing the ones you don't need.
Fandor
Fandor is not particularly famous. So for the uninitiated among you, that's all you need to know: the app offers one of the best selections of indie and small budget films on the internet.
There is an extensive collection of English-language films, but the app also has hundreds of the best foreign films. New content is added every day, and the app highlights a few standout clicks in its weekly Spotlight . It's easy to find something new and enjoyable.
A subscription to Fandor will cost you $9.99 per month.
Google Chrome
Having a great selection of compatible apps is great, but what happens if the video or TV show you want doesn't have its own dedicated app and is only available online?
Don't worry, Google has thought of everything. Make sure you have Chrome installed on your phone or tablet so you can use the tab directly on your TV. Suddenly the entire Internet and all its content can be seen on that 50-inch TV you spent too much money on.
Chromecast 3 appearance
As before, the third generation Google Chromecast is a small round device with a 5-centimeter wire that plugs into a connector on the back of the TV. However, this time, instead of a rich color coating, we have two colors to choose from: black or white. At least each one has a cool little G logo in the middle.
On one side there is a non-detachable HDMI cable, and on the other there is a micro-USB connector for power. In general, the Chromecast also comes with a charging adapter, but you will only need it if you have an old TV without USB. There is also a button on the case for a hard reset, although you're unlikely to use it often.
Since the device is behind the TV and hidden from view, its design and placement are not particularly important. However, the previous model had one feature that for some reason is not here - the HDMI cable had a small magnet to which the media player body was attached. Now it dangles helplessly in the air, and such a load is unlikely to be useful for the connector. Although, it can be attached to a suitable free space on the back of the TV using double-sided tape.
