Google Chromecast IPTV Casting

Zero-configuration casting from Android, iOS, Chrome, and VLC to your TV.

Casting Only (No Apps)

5-10 min • Beginner

Have Chromecast with Google TV?

If your device has a remote and runs apps, follow our Android TV guide instead.

Android Guide iOS Guide Contact Support

Table of Contents

Requirements

Chromecast set up on TV

Phone/tablet or computer with Cast-compatible app

Both devices on same SSID (no guest/AP isolation)

Neo4K account ready

Network Tip

Disable VPN on phone/router while testing. Guest networks often block device discovery.

Method A — Android/iOS

Recommended • Native Cast support

Install IPTV app with Cast

Install IPTV Smarters Pro from your app store and configure your Neo4K credentials.

Tip: Look for the Cast icon in supported apps - it appears as a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves.

Connect both devices to same Wi-Fi

Ensure your phone and Chromecast are on the same network name (SSID).

Tip: Avoid guest networks - they often isolate devices from each other.

Open a channel/movie

Start playback of any content to activate the Cast interface.

Tip: The Cast icon only appears during active playback in most apps.

Tap Cast icon

Look for the Cast symbol in the video player controls.

Tip: If no Cast icon appears, check that both devices are on the same network.

Select your Chromecast

Choose your device from the list of available Cast targets.

Tip: Devices are named by room (e.g., "Living Room TV") in Google Home app.

✓

Control playback from phone

Your phone becomes a remote control. You can even lock the screen!

Tip: The Chromecast streams directly from the internet - your phone just controls it.

Method B — Chrome on Desktop

Tab or desktop casting

Open Google Chrome

Launch Chrome browser and navigate to your IPTV web player or streaming site.

Tip: Chrome has built-in Cast support - no additional software needed.

⋮ → Cast → pick Chromecast

Click the three dots menu, select "Cast", then choose your Chromecast device.

Tip: You can also right-click on any webpage and select "Cast" from the context menu.

Choose Cast tab or Cast desktop

Cast tab (simple) shares just the browser tab. Cast desktop shares your entire screen.

Tip: Cast tab is usually sufficient and provides better performance.

✓

Start playback in your chosen player

Navigate to your streaming content and begin playback - it will appear on your TV.

Tip: For best quality, make the video fullscreen in your browser first.

Method C — VLC on Desktop

Optional • Direct renderer casting

Open stream in VLC

Launch VLC and open your M3U playlist or direct stream URL.

Tip: VLC supports more codecs than browser-based players.

Playback → Renderer → choose Chromecast

In VLC's menu bar, navigate to Playback > Renderer and select your Chromecast.

Tip: Ensure VLC and Chromecast are on the same network for device discovery.

✓

Play and adjust if needed

Content will stream to your TV. Use VLC's audio/video settings if you encounter codec issues.

Tip: VLC's renderer feature often provides the highest quality casting experience.

Screen Mirroring (Alternative)

📱

If native Cast isn't available, you can use screen mirroring as a fallback. This mirrors your entire device screen to the Chromecast.

Android/iOS

Use your phone's built-in screen mirroring feature. Look for "Screen Cast", "Smart View", or "AirPlay" in quick settings.

Chrome Desktop

Use "Cast Desktop" option in Chrome's Cast menu to share your entire computer screen.

Note: Screen mirroring typically provides lower quality and higher latency than native casting methods.

Troubleshooting

Cast icon missing

• Ensure both devices are on same Wi-Fi network
• Open a video first - Cast icon only appears during playback
• Update app/Chrome to latest version
• Disable battery saver mode on phone
• Disable VPN temporarily
• iOS: Allow app access to Local Network in Settings

Device not found

• Check 2.4GHz vs 5GHz band mismatch
• Disable Guest network or AP isolation
• Restart devices in order: router → Chromecast → phone/computer
• Verify Chromecast is powered and showing idle screen
• Factory reset Chromecast if persistent issues

Buffering/lag issues

• Use Ethernet on TV/Chromecast if possible
• Reduce other network traffic during casting
• Enable router QoS for streaming devices
• Test with mobile hotspot to rule out ISP throttling
• Move router closer to Chromecast
• Check server status for maintenance

No audio / codec issues

• Try VLC method for better codec support
• Change audio track in player if multiple available
• Ensure TV supports the audio/video format
• Check HDMI cable connection
• Adjust TV audio settings (PCM vs Dolby)

Tab cast stuttering

• Prefer native Cast from apps over tab casting
• Lower video quality/resolution in browser
• Use "Cast Desktop" instead of "Cast Tab"
• Close other browser tabs and applications
• Ensure sufficient CPU/RAM on computer

Still Need Help?

Our support team can help troubleshoot casting and connectivity issues.

Contact Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Chromecast vs Chromecast with Google TV?

If you have Chromecast with Google TV (the one with a remote and runs apps), follow our Android TV guide instead. This guide is for classic Chromecast devices that only support casting.

Can I turn off my phone after casting?

Yes! Once casting begins, your phone just controls the session. The Chromecast streams directly from the internet. You can lock your phone, use other apps, or even power it off temporarily.

Different Wi-Fi bands causing issues?

Both devices must be on the same network name (SSID) and subnet. If your router broadcasts separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, ensure both devices connect to the same one. Avoid guest networks as they often isolate devices.

Does VPN affect casting?

Often yes. VPNs can prevent device discovery on local networks. Try disabling VPN temporarily during setup. If VPN is required for content access, configure it at the router level so all devices share the same VPN connection.

What method gives best quality?

Best to worst: Native Cast from apps (Method A) > VLC Renderer (Method C) > Chrome tab casting (Method B) > Screen mirroring. Native casting provides direct streaming without quality loss or device resource usage.

Can I cast from multiple devices simultaneously?

No, Chromecast can only display content from one source at a time. However, multiple devices can control the same casting session - anyone on the network can pause, skip, or change volume.