Asking how to use Chromecast without remote? We’ve got you covered!
Losing your Chromecast remote or the device simplifying dying is often an unexpected event that could really bother you.
Regardless, Google thought of that and made it possible to use your Chromecast without being in possession of a physical remote!
To use Chromecast without a physical remote, get the Google Home app, tap “Remote” at the top-right of the home page, and select “Scanning for devices”. Choose your Chromecast and complete the pairing after which, press “Use Digital Remote”.
Let’s learn more about setting up a digital remote for your Chromecast device!
Does Google Chromecast No Remote Works?
Before we really review any of the upcoming instructions, it’s good to make sure that everything in your setup is compatible with using the ”no-remote” setup.
Nowadays, losing your physical remote is not a problem at all, since many merchants have made it possible to control their products via mobile services.
All you have to do is get the Google Home App, hook up your Chromecast to the service and you’re ready!
You’ll only need a few things in order to guide/surf your Chromecast without a physical remote!
Requirements for Settings Up Chromecast Without Remote:
In order to use your Chromecast without a remote, you’ll need the following things:
- Android TV or Google TV device!
- The Android TV Remote Service is available for Android 5.0 or later
- Gboard version 11.0 or later (this should be automatically updated)
- An Android Phone or an iPhone running iOS 14 or later
- The latest version of the Google Home App and Google TV App
Having the Google Home application is the most important thing in achieving full control over your Chromecast without the physical remote.
Alert: Outside of the US, the application is called “Google Play Movies & TV”.
How to Use Google Chromecast Without Remote – Easy Steps!
After clarifying that using your Chromecast without the assistance of a physical remote is possible, it’s time to learn how it is done!
We’ll be going through our very detailed guide, that’ll let you in on everything you should know for controlling your Chromecast without a remote.
IMPORTANT: Ensure that your Android or iPhone and Chromecast have the latest firmware!
Let’s jump into the steps!
Step #1 Acquire the Google Home App
The first step in order to control your Chromecast without a physical remote is to gain access to the Google Home App.
From there, you’ll be able to pair the Chromecast to the platform and gain access to a digital remote that’ll allow you to command the device.
In that regard, make sure that the application is already downloaded to your device or simply acquire it from the App Store or Google Play, based on your device’s OS.
Since it is both available for iOS and Android, you shouldn’t have any trouble acquiring the application.
Step 1.1 Sign In or Create Account
Make sure that you’ve also signed in with your Google Account, which Chromecast uses.
Otherwise, there’ll be interference in the user accounts and you’ll be unable to complete the pairing. In case you don’t have a registration create one and sign in.
When you’re ready, keep reading!
Step #2 Add a “New Device”
Google Chromecast no remote setup is only possible by getting the Chromecast added to the Google Home app.
Once you’ve added it, you’ll be able to benefit from the digital remote feature that Google has included for the sake of ease of access.
- To add a new device, press the “+” icon > Set up Device > New Device!
Performing these steps will allow you to enter a particular setup that’ll allow you to add a Chromecast device to your Google Home.
However, you should not hurry further into the setup, since there are still details around the setup we should discuss.
Alert: You must select “Chromecast” when asked what type of device you wish to add.
Step #3 Discover & Connect the Chromecast
Your only remaining step to finalizing the addition of the Chromecast is to discover and connect with the unit.
Once you’ve pressed “Setup Device > “New Device”, you’ll have to select particular settings that refer to the physical position of the device.
After that is done, Google Home will automatically discover and connect the Chromecast.
In the “New Device” tab, select in which room is the Chromecast located. Press “Discover Device” and wait for the Google home app to search for the Chromecast.
If the Google Home app has successfully located the Chromecast, the tab will close and you’ll be given a “Device Successfully Added” message.
This means that the Chromecast has been assigned to your Google Home profile successfully.
Note: The Chromecast will appear under the room you’ve selected in the Google Home app.
Step #4 Head to Chromecast’s Ease of Access Settings
After assigning the Chromecast, you’ll have to access the Ease of Access Settings of the device, where you’ll be able to find the digital remote feature and enable it.
In the settings, you’ll also have access to plenty of useful features that’ll enhance the device’s performance further!
- To access the settings of the Chromecast, tap on its connection!
As we’ve already clarified, your Chromecast is going to appear in the section, under the room you’ve assigned it at.
In that set of thoughts, if your Chromecast is in “Living Room”, you must search for this particular section in the Home tab of the Google Home app.
Note: Make sure to not alter any settings of the Chromecast you’re not familiar with!
Step #5 Enable the Digital Remote
For the final step, we’ll be learning how to use Chromecast without remote!
- Show the Digital Remote, by pressing “Use Remote” in Settings!
Once you’ve done that, a Navigation Pad that contains basically the same buttons as a physical Chromecast remote will appear on your screen.
You’ll be able to drag it around at any place of your mobile device’s screen for the most comfort.
As long as your Chromecast is turned on, you’ll be able to benefit from the digital remote feature and turn it on anytime you want. So enjoy the wireless functionality!
Note: To stop using your phone as a remote, make sure the remote feature is disabled.
Basic Digital Remote Functions:
Once we’ve got your Google Home remote setup, we should also review some basic functions that you could execute through the feature.
Nothing can really replace the natural comfort of using a remote along with your Chromecast, but Google has done a good job!
You’ll be able to perform all of the following things with Google’s digital Chromecast remote:
- Turn your Chromecast ON and OFF
- Navigate around applications on your Chromecast
- Control any launched on the Chromecast media and Access Settings
- Launch Bookmarks, Inputs, and use branded buttons, along with watching TV
- Use a fully customized Chromecast Keyboard on your mobile smartphone
You have all of the comforts with Google’s digital remote. In fact, as long as you have your remote, you won’t even have to purchase a new physical remote.
The best part is that the wireless connection doesn’t even require a physical line of sight such as the IR remotes!
Quick Recap:
Thus, the answer to how to use Chromecast without remote, is to acquire the Google Home app along with an updated iOS or Android device.
After that, add the Chromecast to the Google Home app, head to the Chromecast settings, and enable “Digital Remote”.
We hope that you’ve learned something new and for more relevant content, check our blog!
Read Next: Chromecast Remote Pulsing White Light?
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.