Google launched Chromecast some time ago, the TV dongle that turns any HDMI input into a smart TV. The best part is that it's reliable and very affordable, with prices as low as €40 for the Chromecast 3 and €70 for the Ultra . The Ultra is the one we're looking for if we want to use Google Stadia , Google's next-generation cloud gaming service. But how do you set up a Chromecast? Let's follow the necessary steps so you can get it up and running as quickly as possible.
Take the device out of the box
To use a Chromecast we will simply need, apart from the device, an Internet connection either WiFi or Ethernet, and a television with a free HDMI input that we can use that is in range for the connection.
To configure the Chromecast, the first thing to do is check that you have all the components. There are some sellers who sell similar products at a lower price but that is not what is expected. Check that it really is an official Google device, especially if you bought it from a third party or second hand. Take a good look at both the dongle and the cables and the power adapter to check that everything is in order and we do not end up with a defective device.
Connect to HDMI
Now connect it to the HDMI port you're going to use , making sure it won't be damaged if you move it. Next, connect it to a power source using the USB connector , regardless of the model. You can connect it directly to the power outlet with its adapter, in which case it will always be on, or via a USB port on the TV, although in this case it will likely only be on when the TV is turned on.
To verify that everything is working correctly, a light should illuminate to indicate that it is receiving power and the Chromecast can turn on properly. Next, turn on your television and select the Chromecast's HDMI input . If you see a setup screen on the television, everything is working correctly. If nothing appears, you should check that the HDMI port is functioning correctly, for example, by connecting a Blu-ray player or a video game console that you know works. If it receives signals from these devices but not from the Chromecast, you will need to contact technical support to process the warranty claim, as the device is defective from the factory. If it is a used device, you should contact the store or person who sold it to you.
Set up the Chromecast
Once we see an image on the screen, we'll need to follow the on-screen instructions. First, we'll choose whether to connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet . If we choose Ethernet, we'll need to connect it to one of the router's ports using a cable and adapter. If we choose Wi-Fi, we'll need to configure it with the Google Home app . There, we'll be prompted to connect to the Wi-Fi network generated by the device to configure it, giving the device a name, choosing the network to connect to, and entering the password.
Once ready, we can start using the Chromecast to see all the content we want on our television and without having to spend several hundred euros on a new Smart TV. It will be less and less necessary if we buy a new television now that it is increasingly common for televisions to be smart TVs. But there are some Chromecast models that are better than the operating systems that many lower-end TVs have, because they don't have to load an operating system on low-end, bloatware-ridden hardware.
