When you’re resting on the comfy couch after a long day, the last thing you want to do is get up and find the remote just to turn up the volume of your favorite show.
Thankfully, the Google Assistant – through your Google Home device or through your phone – can let you control many aspects of your TV even when the remote is out of reach. For example, you can change the volume level or start Netflix with just one phrase.
All it requires is a Chromecast or a smart TV. The setup process is the most time consuming step and even takes only a few minutes of your time.
How to Connect Google Home to TV Using Chromecast
If you have a Chromecast, a TV with an HDMI port, and a decent Wi-Fi connection, then you have everything you need to connect the Google Assistant to your Chromecast.
Start by plugging in your Chromecast. Your Chromecast will probably plug into the HDMI port and use micro-USB for power. The Chromecast Ultra is slightly different in that it uses an external power brick instead of plugging it directly into the TV.
Once the Chromecast is plugged in and set up, connecting your Google Home device to the Chromecast is simple. You must have installed the Google Home app after you set up your Chromecast, but if you haven’t, take your time downloading it now. You can find apps on both Play Store and app store.
- Make sure both your Google Home and Chromecast are on the same WiFi network. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for you to connect them.
- Open the Google Home app on your mobile device. Google generally doesn’t allow the Google Home app to be set up on a computer. While possible, the alternatives are largely not worth your trouble.
- Clap add afterward Device setup afterward Set up new devices.
- A list of different houses will appear. Select the home you want to add the device to, or create the home you want to add the device to. When this is done, press Next.
- Google will search and bring up a list of all compatible devices. Select your Chromecast from this list and press Next.
- A code will appear on the TV your Chromecast is connected to. Make sure it matches the code shown on your mobile device.
- Next, you will be given the option to send anonymous data on your device. Choose one of the two Right or No.
- Select the room your device is in and click Next.
- Select the Wi-Fi network you want your device to connect to and click Next.
- You will then be asked if you want to receive the email. Option Right or No.
- Then select the video services you want to add and click Next.
- Clap Continue.
Once all these steps are complete, your device should now be linked. You can ask Google Home to “Play” Friend from Netflix on Chromecast,” and the show will appear on the screen without further prompting.
You can control the volume, skip episodes, and more. However, you cannot turn off the TV unless you have a Logitech Harmony Hub connected to the TV.
How to connect Google Home to an established device
The steps above are for linking a brand new device, but you may encounter a device that is already set up in your home, such as a smart TV. If it has Chromecast built-in, it may not show up on your list of devices to add to Google Home.
Here’s how to connect Google Home to that TV:
- Again, make sure that both your device and Google Home are on the same network. If you are not sure, check which network connection your smart TV uses in the settings menu.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Clap add and choose Device setup.
- Clap Is something already set up?
- A list of devices will appear. Any linked devices will be displayed at the top. Tap the search button in the upper right corner and enter the name of your device. Once you’ve found it, tap on the device name.
- You will be prompted to sign in. If you’re setting up a smart TV, use your account credentials with that brand — Sony, Vizio, etc.
- After logging in, you’ll get an alert that says [NameOfDevice] is now linked.
Once you’ve linked your devices, you’ll be able to control your TV from the Google Home smart assistant. You’ll also be able to stream content and images from your phone.
If you have a smart TV, the app specific to your model will also give you a digital remote that can do everything a physical remote can. This is another great option when the couch cushions have worn out and you can’t find the energy to dig through them.
