Samsung smart TVs don’t require any external devices to make them work with the internet and third-party apps. The “smart” part means that the TV is like a mini-computer, running on Android that allows the user to install various streaming apps.
With a push of a button, you can access your favorite movies, shows, and documentaries. Moreover, you even mirror your phone to the TV and cast all the media to the big screen.
A question remains: Do you need to install Chromecast on your Samsung TV? Do Samsung TVs come with a pre-installed Chromecast? And how to set up Chromecast on your TV?
First of all, Chromecast comes pre-installed on most Samsung Smart TVs. However, this is not applicable if you are using a standard (regular) TV model.
If so, you need to use the Chromecast toggle, power it and then hook it up to the TV via HDMI cable. Then, you have to download the Google Home app and follow the prompts.
Remember that the phone, Chromecast, and TV unit need to be on the same local (WiFi) network. In this guide, we will explain in detail how to install Chromecast on your Samsung TV.
Install Chromecast on Samsung TV
As the starting point, check out if your Samsung TV comes with a built-in pre-installed Chromecast unit. Take a look at the product’s specifications and see if the feature is present. You can also google the exact model of the TV and you can find the datasheet online.
If your Chromecast is separate from your TV, then follow these easy steps to install it:
Plug in the Chromecast unit
Unbox your Chromecast and make it ready to set up. Plug the micro USB cable into the Chromecast (on one side), and on the power adapter (on the other side). The adapter has to be plugged into a power outlet.
Then connect the Chromecast unit to the TV using an HDMI cable (the device comes with a short HDMI cable when shipped). Once you power, you should see the LED light coming on which indicates that connections are done correctly.
Download the Google Home App
Google Home app is necessary during the initialization phase (and the future configurations) of the Chromecast, but you can delete it after if you don’t want to use it.
Go to the App Store (for Apple devices) or Play Store (for Android), search and download the Google Home App. Another thing to consider, you need to have a Google account in order to do the configuration. If not, you may need to open a Gmail account.
Go through the prompts on the screen
Once the app is installed, open it and you’ll land on the Google Home main screen. Click the + symbol and then select “Set up device”. Choose the “New Device” option.
All you have to do now is follow the prompts on the screen. Depending on the Chromecast model and other specific factors, the system will ask you to connect to the local WiFi (select your SSID, add username/password), and other required information. This is a no-brainer, simply follow the prompts that show up.
How to use the built-in Chromecast on Samsung TVs
If you purchased a Samsung smart TV that comes with a pre-installed Chromecast, the following the instructions below on how to use it:
Download the SmartThings app by Samsung which allows you to control and utilize various smart devices. Run the app and create an account, or log in. Once you’re in, the app will search the local network for smart devices and list them all, including your Samsung smart TV.
One of the prompts will ask you to allow Screen Sharing (which you have to allow it). From the list, select the phone device and then select the Smart View screen which is the screen for sharing.
Make sure the phone and the TV (and any other smart device) are on the same network (connected to the same WiFi/router).
On the SmartThings app, find your TV and add it to the app. Allow the permission requests prompted by the app.
Once your phone and TV are linked through the app, all you have to do is select the Smart View option and any content will be mirrored.
These instructions are in general and may vary based on the TV model, make, and firmware. Either way, the idea is to install the app on the phone and add the TV to it, then you can easily mirror the content from the phone to the TV. These
Potential issues during the setup process
While the setup process is easy, you may run into unexpected issues that can be frustrating. Below we’ve listed a few troubleshooting tips that may fix various errors.
Chromecast is not connecting to the internet
You don’t necessarily need WiFi to operate the Chromecast, but it will be a better experience if you connect to your local network.
In some cases the unit may show various errors related to connectivity issues, you may get messages saying “check your internet connection”, or “no internet”. If you’re in this situation, please make sure that:
- Your phone and Chromecast are on the same network
- You’re using the correct WiFi on the Google Home app (Sometimes the phone may be connected to the LTE/5G while the device is on the local WiFi). Ensure the password is correct.
- You need to have strong WiFi coverage. If the internet is not stable or the connection drops, then the device won’t be able to come online.
Other tips:
- The LED light on the side of the Chromecast device should be white.
- The Chromecast device should be within 15 – 20 ft of the mobile device or tablet you’re using to set it up (during the initial phase).
- Reboot the router and the Chromecast unit.
If you have a dual-band router, try setting up Chromecast on either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands.
Chromecast is not turning on
If the Chromecast device fails to turn on, make sure the power cable (micro USB style) is inserted correctly. Then you try the following suggestions:
- Check the power adapter, use another one to test it out>
- Check the micro USB cable.
- Inspect the LED lights.
- Reset the Chromecast by holding and releasing the reset button.
Conclusion
Most Samsung Smart TVs chrome with an already pre-installed (built-in) Chromecast all you have to do is utilize it.
However, if your TV doesn’t come with Chromecast, you can buy an external one and then follow the instructions shown above to install it properly (you need to use the Google Home app to do the configurations).
