How to Use Chromecast on a Non-Smart TV: A 101 Guide

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In this guide, I’ll teach you how to use your Chromecast device on a non-smart TV.

Let’s dive in!

Compatibility and Requirements

1. Chromecast Devices Are Compatible With Any TV That Has an HDMI Port

Chromecast devices, including those with and without Google TV, are designed to work with any TV equipped with an HDMI port.

It’s important to note that the quality of the video you watch depends on the capabilities of both your TV and the Chromecast device. 

For example, if you use a Chromecast with Google TV (4K) with a TV that only supports up to 1080p resolution, the best video quality you can get is Full HD, not 4K. 

The clarity and detail of your video also depend on the quality of the content you’re streaming.

2. Essential Hardware and Internet Speed Requirements

To ensure your Chromecast works properly, your TV needs to support High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) version 1.3 or higher. 

If you’re looking forward to watching 4K content, your TV must have HDCP 2.2.

Most modern TVs, especially those made in the last five years with HDMI ports, usually meet this requirement.

Additionally, a fast internet connection is vital for streaming high-quality videos. 

To view 4K or Ultra High-Definition (UHD) content smoothly, an internet speed of 20 Mbps or more is recommended. 

For Full HD (1080p) quality, a minimum of 5 Mbps internet speed is necessary.

Here is a summary table of the internet speeds needed for streaming on your Chromecast device:

How to Connect Your Chromecast Device to a Non-Smart TV Seamlessly

1. Chromecast Without Google TV

In this tutorial, I’ll share how you can easily connect a Chromecast device, specifically one without Google TV, to a non-smart TV, like my Sceptre LED TV model PTTV53PB. 

Let’s walk through the steps together.

Step 1: First, let’s power up your Chromecast.

You can plug the Chromecast’s power cable into a wall outlet or a power strip. 

Another option is to use your TV’s USB port for power, but you’ll need the “Mission USB Power Cable for Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra” along with this setup.

Last update on 2024-10-19 / Paid Link.

Make sure to check that the Chromecast’s indicator light is on, showing it’s powered up and ready.

Step 2: Connect the Chromecast to your TV. 

Find the HDMI port on your TV and insert the Chromecast’s HDMI connector into it.

Remember which HDMI port you use (like HDMI 1 or HDMI 2), as this is important for the next step.

It’s crucial to ensure the connection is secure for everything to work properly.

Step 3: Set your TV’s Input.

Grab your TV remote, press the Source or Input button, and select the HDMI port you used for the Chromecast. You should see the Chromecast’s screen appear on your TV.

Step 4: Initial setup of your new Chromecast.

Once the Chromecast screen appears on your TV, download and open the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet to set up the new Chromecast device.

This app will guide you through finding and setting up your Chromecast. 

It includes connecting the Chromecast device to your Wi-Fi network and completing any necessary updates. 

You might need to sign in with your Google account if necessary.

Step 5: Start casting videos on your TV.

Make sure your smartphone or tablet and the Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Alternatively, you can connect them to another phone’s hotspot (but not the one you’re casting from). 

Then open a streaming app like Netflix or YouTube on your device, play a video, and tap the Cast icon.

Select your Chromecast from the list of devices, and there you go – enjoy streaming your favorite shows directly from your phone to your TV!

2. Chromecast With Google TV

Setting up a Chromecast with Google TV is a straightforward process that’s very similar to connecting a regular Chromecast

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to do this with a Chromecast with Google TV 4K.

First, you’ll need to power on your Chromecast. You can do this using the power adapter that comes with it, plugging it into either a wall outlet or a power strip.

There’s also another way: you can connect your Chromecast with Google TV to your TV’s USB port. 

For this setup, you would need a special cable called a ‘Mission USB Power Cable for Chromecast with Google TV’.

Last update on 2024-10-19 / Paid Link.

Before you plug the Chromecast into your TV’s HDMI slot, check that its LED indicator is flashing a solid white color. This shows that the Chromecast is ready to go.

The next step is to set your TV to use the correct HDMI port. 

Use your TV remote and switch the input setting to the HDMI port where your Chromecast is connected. This will bring up the Chromecast screen on your TV.

Now, here’s the difference between the Chromecast with Google TV compared to the regular Chromecast: You have the option to set it up directly using its remote, in addition to the usual method of using the Google Home app.

To complete the setup, connect your Chromecast to your Wi-Fi network and sign in with your Google account. 

Then, just wait a bit for the setup to finish. You’ll know it’s done when you see the Chromecast’s home menu on your TV screen.

Once all that’s done, you’re all set to enjoy your Chromecast with Google TV. 

You can watch your favorite YouTube channels or Netflix shows right on your TV, without having to send or ‘cast’ them from your phone anymore.

Bonus: Connect Your Chromecast Device to an Older TV Without HDMI

Connecting your Chromecast device to an older TV without an HDMI port is totally possible, and I’m here to show you how. 

If your TV is an older model that either lacks an HDMI port or has one that doesn’t work, you can still use other types of connections like Component or Composite. You’ll just need the right converter to make it happen.

For those who want more in-depth information, you can read our comprehensive guide.

Let’s focus on the Component port as an example. In this tutorial, I will demonstrate how to connect a Chromecast without Google TV to a Sceptre TV using an HDMI to Component converter.

Step 1: Power up both the Chromecast and the converter.

You can plug the provided power cables into either wall outlets or power strips.

Step 2: Connect your Chromecast to the HDMI to Component converter.

You’ll do this by inserting the Chromecast’s HDMI connector into the HDMI IN port on the converter. 

It’s important to make sure this connection is tight and secure so everything works properly.

Step 3: Connect the HDMI to Component converter to your TV.

Connect the Component cables from the converter’s output to your TV’s input, making sure to match the cable colors with the corresponding ports on your TV.

Press each cable firmly to ensure they are all properly connected.

Step 4: Adjust your TV’s Input settings.

Grab your TV remote and switch the input to Component (YPbPr). Once you select the right input, you should see the Chromecast interface appear on your screen.

If this is your first time setting up Chromecast, just follow the initial setup instructions I provided earlier.

Step 5: You’re ready to cast.

Make sure your smartphone or tablet and the Chromecast device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Now, you can begin casting videos or mirroring your screen from your device to a non-smart TV. Enjoy the experience of streaming your favorite content, even on an older TV!

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