The simplest way: HDMI cable

The most reliable way to connect a Chromebook to a TV is with an HDMI cable. Plug one end into your Chromebook's USB-C port (or HDMI port if your model has one) and the other end into any HDMI port on your TV. Your TV should detect the Chromebook automatically and switch to that input within a few seconds. If it doesn't, press the Input or Source button on your TV remote and select the HDMI port you plugged into.

This method works when ready, requires no setup, and doesn't drain your Chromebook's battery the way wireless methods do. The trade-off is that you're tethered to a cable, so you can't move around the room. Most Chromebooks made after 2015 have a USB-C port that supports video output, but older models may need an adapter.

If your Chromebook has a USB-C port but your TV doesn't have USB-C input, you'll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter (sometimes called a USB-C dock). These cost between $15 and $40 and are widely available. Plug the adapter into your Chromebook's USB-C port, then plug the HDMI cable into the adapter.

Key Takeaways

  • An HDMI cable is the fastest and most stable connection — plug it in and your TV switches to that input automatically.
  • If your Chromebook has only a USB-C port, you'll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter, which costs $15 to $40.
  • Wireless casting through Chromecast or Google Cast works without cables but requires your Chromebook and TV to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Some TVs have Chromecast built in; others need a separate Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port.
  • Casting works best for streaming video and presentations, while HDMI is better for gaming or anything that needs low latency.

Wireless casting with Chromecast

If you want to avoid cables, you can cast your Chromebook screen to a TV that has Chromecast built in or has a separate Chromecast device connected to it. Chromecast is Google's wireless casting technology — it's built into many newer TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, and others sell Chromecast models), or you can buy a standalone Chromecast device for $30 to $50 and plug it into any TV's HDMI port.

To cast, make sure your Chromebook and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Open any Chrome browser window on your Chromebook, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, and select Cast. A list of available devices appears — select your TV. Your Chromebook screen will appear on the TV within a few seconds.

Casting is wireless and convenient, but it has a slight delay (usually less than a second) between what you do on your Chromebook and what appears on the TV. This delay is usually not noticeable for watching videos or presentations, but it can be frustrating for gaming. Also, casting uses Wi-Fi, so if your connection is weak or unstable, the picture may stutter or drop.

What to do if your TV doesn't have Chromecast

If your TV doesn't have Chromecast built in and you don't want to buy a separate device, your best option is still the HDMI cable. However, if you want wireless casting without buying hardware, some older TVs support Miracast, which is a different wireless standard. To check if your TV supports Miracast, look in the TV's settings menu under Display or Connectivity — the option is usually called Screen Mirroring or Miracast.

If your TV supports Miracast, you can cast from your Chromebook by clicking the system menu (bottom right corner of the screen), selecting Cast, and choosing your TV. The process is similar to Chromecast, though Miracast is less common on newer TVs and can be less stable.

If your TV supports neither Chromecast nor Miracast, HDMI is your only wireless-free option. A USB-C to HDMI adapter is a one-time purchase that will work with any TV you own, so it's often worth the cost if you plan to connect your Chromebook to different TVs regularly.

Troubleshooting a connection that won't appear on your TV

If you've plugged in an HDMI cable but your TV still shows its normal input, the problem is usually that your TV hasn't switched to the HDMI input. Press the Input or Source button on your TV remote — it's usually on the front or side of the remote — and look for the HDMI port number you plugged into (often labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc.). Select it and your Chromebook should appear.

If the input is already set to HDMI but you see no picture, try unplugging the cable from both ends and plugging it back in. If you're using an adapter, make sure it's fully inserted into your Chromebook's USB-C port. Some adapters are loose-fitting and need to be pushed in firmly.

For wireless casting, make sure both your Chromebook and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. If they're on different networks (for example, if your TV is on a guest network), casting won't work. Check your TV's Wi-Fi settings and your Chromebook's Wi-Fi settings to confirm they match. If casting still doesn't work, restart both devices and try again.

Using your Chromebook as a second monitor

If you want to use your TV as an extended display (so your Chromebook screen and TV show different things), that's not possible with standard Chromebooks. Chromebooks can only mirror their screen to a TV, not extend it. However, you can use your TV to display one full-screen app while keeping other windows open on your Chromebook — just open the app you want on the TV, cast it, and then switch back to your Chromebook to work on something else.

If you need true extended display capability, you would need a different type of device, such as a Windows laptop or Mac. Chromebooks are designed for simplicity and don't support the extended display feature that other operating systems offer.

HDMI vs. wireless: which should you use

Use HDMI if you're gaming, watching movies with low latency matters, or if your Wi-Fi is unreliable. HDMI has no delay and doesn't depend on your network. Use wireless casting if you want to move around the room, you're giving a presentation and don't want to be tethered to a cable, or you're streaming video where a slight delay doesn't matter.

If you connect your Chromebook to the same TV regularly, buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter and keep it with your Chromebook. It's a one-time cost and will work with any TV. If you only connect occasionally or to different TVs, casting is more convenient because you don't have to carry a cable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install anything on my Chromebook to use HDMI?

No. HDMI is plug-and-play — your Chromebook recognizes it automatically. If you're using an adapter, make sure it's a quality USB-C to HDMI adapter from a known brand, as cheap adapters sometimes don't work reliably.

Can I use my Chromebook and TV at the same time?

Yes. When you cast or connect via HDMI, your Chromebook screen appears on the TV, but you can still use your Chromebook's trackpad and keyboard to control what's on the TV. You're not locked into watching — you can pause, click, type, and navigate normally.

What if my Chromebook doesn't have a USB-C port?

Older Chromebooks (before 2015) sometimes have HDMI ports directly, or they may have micro-HDMI ports that need a small adapter. Check your Chromebook's ports and search for the specific model number plus "HDMI" to find the right adapter. If it has neither, wireless casting through Chromecast is your best option.

Does casting use a lot of battery?

Casting uses more battery than a wired HDMI connection because it keeps your Wi-Fi radio active and your screen on. If you're casting for more than an hour, plug your Chromebook into power. HDMI uses slightly less battery, though the difference is small.

Can I cast from my phone to the same TV?

Yes. Android phones and iPhones can both cast to Chromecast devices. The process is similar — open the app you want to cast, look for a Cast icon (usually in the top corner), and select your TV. You can switch between casting from your phone and your Chromebook without unplugging anything.