How to Connect a Chromebook to a TV

The fastest way: HDMI cable or USB-C adapter

Most Chromebooks connect to a TV through either an HDMI cable or a USB-C to HDMI adapter, depending on which ports your Chromebook has. Check the sides of your Chromebook for a full-size HDMI port (rectangular, about the size of a postage stamp) or a small USB-C port (oval, flat connector). If you have HDMI, plug the cable directly into both the Chromebook and an available HDMI input on your TV. If you have USB-C, buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter (they cost $10 to $25), plug it into the Chromebook, then plug an HDMI cable from the adapter into the TV.

Once connected, your TV should display your Chromebook screen automatically. If it does not, press the search key (magnifying glass) and the brightness up key at the same time, or go to Settings > Device > Displays and select the TV from the list. The TV will show everything on your Chromebook — your desktop, open tabs, videos, documents, whatever is on screen.

Key Takeaways

HDMI or USB-C to HDMI is the simplest connection method and requires no setup beyond plugging in the cable.
Wireless casting through Chromecast or Google Cast works if your TV has built-in Chromecast or you have a Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port.
Your Chromebook will mirror its entire screen to the TV, so anything you do on the laptop appears on the television.
If the TV does not recognize the connection, check that you are using the correct HDMI input and that the cable or adapter is fully seated in both devices.

Wireless casting with Chromecast or Google Cast

If you do not want to use a cable, you can cast your Chromebook screen wirelessly to any TV that has Chromecast built in or has a Chromecast device (a small dongle) plugged into an HDMI port. Both your Chromebook and the TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Open any tab or window on your Chromebook, then press Ctrl + Alt + S to open the Cast menu. Select your TV from the list and click Cast.

Wireless casting is slower to set up than a cable but gives you freedom to move around the room without unplugging anything. The image may lag slightly behind what you are doing on the Chromebook, especially if your Wi-Fi is slow or crowded. If your TV does not have Chromecast built in and you do not have a Chromecast device, a wired connection is your only option.

What to do if the TV does not show the Chromebook screen

If you plugged in the cable but the TV stays blank, first check that you selected the correct HDMI input. Most TVs have multiple HDMI ports labeled HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and so on. Use your TV remote to cycle through inputs until you see the Chromebook desktop. If you still see nothing, unplug the cable from both devices, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in.

If you are using a USB-C adapter, make sure it is a USB-C to HDMI adapter and not a different type of adapter — some USB-C adapters are for charging or data transfer only. Try the adapter in a different USB-C port on your Chromebook if your model has more than one. If you have access to another HDMI cable, test with that cable to rule out a bad connection.

Adjusting the display size and resolution

Once your Chromebook is connected, you can adjust how the image appears on the TV. Press the search key and type "Display settings" to open the Displays menu. You will see options to change the resolution (how sharp the image is) and the scaling (how large text and icons appear). If text is too small to read on the TV, increase the scaling. If the image does not fill the entire screen, try a different resolution.

Some older TVs may not support the resolution your Chromebook sends by default. If the picture looks stretched, blurry, or cuts off at the edges, go back to Display settings and try a lower resolution like 1920 x 1080. The Chromebook will remember these settings the next time you connect to the same TV.

Using your Chromebook as a second screen

When your Chromebook is connected to a TV, you can use the TV as an extended display instead of a mirror. This means your Chromebook screen and the TV show different things at the same time — you could watch a video on the TV while working in a document on the Chromebook. Open Display settings, find the TV in the list, and select "Extend" instead of "Mirror." You can then drag windows between the two screens.

Extended display mode is useful if you want to present something on the TV while keeping notes or a script on your Chromebook where only you can see it. Not all Chromebooks support extended display mode, so if you do not see the option in Display settings, your model may only support mirroring.

Connecting audio to the TV or a separate speaker

When you connect your Chromebook to a TV with an HDMI cable, audio plays through the TV speakers automatically. If the TV speakers are too quiet or you want to use a different speaker, go to Settings > Device > Sound and select a different audio output from the list. You can choose the TV, a Bluetooth speaker, or headphones plugged into the Chromebook.

If you are using wireless casting and the audio is out of sync with the video, try lowering the volume on the Chromebook or moving closer to the Wi-Fi router. Audio delay is more common with wireless casting than with a wired HDMI connection.

Troubleshooting common connection problems

The TV shows "No Signal": Check that the HDMI cable is fully plugged into both devices. Try a different HDMI port on the TV. If you are using an adapter, make sure it is rated for video output, not just charging.

The image appears but is very small or off-center: Go to Display settings and adjust the resolution or scaling. Some TVs have an overscan setting in their own menu that can cut off the edges — check your TV manual for how to disable it.

Wireless casting is not finding the TV: Make sure both the Chromebook and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Restart the Chromebook and the TV, then try casting again. If your TV does not have Chromecast, you will need a Chromecast device or a wired connection.

The connection works but keeps dropping: A loose cable is the most common cause. Wiggle the HDMI cable gently at both ends to make sure it is seated fully. If the cable is old or damaged, try a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect a Chromebook to a TV that does not have HDMI?

Not directly. Older TVs with only composite (red, white, yellow) or component (red, green, blue) inputs do not work with Chromebooks. You would need a Chromecast device plugged into an HDMI port, or you could replace the TV with one that has HDMI or Chromecast built in.

Does connecting to a TV drain the Chromebook battery faster?

A wired HDMI connection uses slightly more power than normal, but the difference is small. Wireless casting uses more battery because the Wi-Fi radio stays active. If you plan to use the TV for a long time, plug the Chromebook into power.

Can I use a Chromebook and TV together for video calls?

Yes. When connected to a TV, your Chromebook camera still works, and the video call appears on both screens. The TV speakers will play the other person's audio. This is useful for group calls where multiple people need to see the screen.

What if my Chromebook has neither HDMI nor USB-C?

Very old Chromebooks may have only older ports. Check your Chromebook model number and look up its ports online. If it has no HDMI or USB-C, wireless casting through Chromecast is your only option, provided your TV supports it.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.