VLC is a free open-source media player that plays almost all types of media files and streaming protocols on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers. There is also a VLC app for Android and iOS devices.
With the release of the VLC version 3.0, users can cast content from VLC to another streaming device using the cast function. If you want to stream music, movies, and shows on your TV, one of the best ways to do so is to cast VLC using a Chromecast device.
Before we give you instructions on how to cast VLC player to Chromecast, you need to get a Chromecast device and a Chromecast-compatible smart TV.
You also need the latest version of VLC and a compatible computer, smartphone, or tablet to run VLC. The cast feature is only available in VLC version 3.0 or later for Windows/Mac computers and Android/iOS devices.
After setting up Chromecast on your TV and VLC on your device, you need to connect your TV and the device running VLC to the same WiFi network.
Once these requirements are in order, you’ll be ready to complete our instructions on how to Chromecast VLC to your TV.
Table of Contents
How to connect VLC to Chromecast
After setting up your Chromecast to your TV, make sure that you’ve downloaded the latest version of VLC on your device.
If you’re able to download VLC version 3.0 or later, you’ll have no problems following these instructions:
Step 1: Set up Chromecast on your TV
VLC developers have been working to improve Chromecast support with the latest versions of VLC. However, some users still report a few compatibility issues with older versions of Chromecast devices, so we recommend that you get either the latest versions of Chromecast:
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Chromecast Ultra
You’ll also need a Chromecast-compatible TV –– any smart TV with an HDMI port will do, but we recommend that you get a TV that will suit your resolution needs. If you’ll be streaming a lot of 4K films and movies on VLC, better get a good 4K TV from Samsung or Sony to make the most of your viewing experience.
You can control your chromecast through the TV or your remote. Please see our guide if your Chromecast remote is not working.
Follow these steps to set up Chromecast on your TV:
- Plugin the Chromecast device into a power outlet using the included USB cord and an adapter. Plugin the Chromecast device into the HDMI port of your smart TV.
- Switch on the TV, then press the Input or Source button on your remote. Select the relevant HDMI port
- Connect your Smart TV to the same WiFi network as your source device. Keep in mind that Chromecast devices have WiFi requirements:
- Chromecast with Google TV: Supports 2.4G and 5G WiFi frequency,
- Chromecast Ultra: Supports only 5G WiFi frequency.
Step 2: Download the latest version of VLC
Remember that the cast function is only available on VLC version 3.0 or later. Check the table below for the system requirements of VLC version 3.0.
- Windows
- VLC supports all versions of Windows from Windows XP SP3 to the latest version of Windows 10
- Mac OS X
- VLC 3.0 or later is compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 or later
- Requires 64-bit Intel processor or an Apple Silicon chip
- Android
- VLC for Android compatibility varies with the device, so double-check on the Google Play Store.
- iOS
- VLC for iOS compatibility varies with the device
iPhone |
Requires iOS 9.0 or later |
iPad |
Requires iPadOS 9.0 or later |
iPod touch |
Requires iOS 9.0 or later |
Requires tvOS 11.0 or later |
Step 3: Cast VLC to Chromecast (Windows/Mac/Android/iOS)
Before moving on, make sure that Chromecast is set up and that you have the latest version of VLC on your device. Check if your TV and your device are connected to the same WiFi network.
You may also need to disable VPN on your device to use Chromecast.
How to cast VLC to Chromecast on Windows and Mac
Here are the steps to Chromecast VLC on Windows and Mac computers and laptops:
- Launch the VLC app.
- Click Playback on the menu bar (located on the top of the VLC window).
- Hover your pointer over Renderer, then select your Chromecast device. If you can’t find the device, click Scan. Repeat steps 1 and 2. If the device cannot be found, it’s possible that your PC and Chromecast device aren’t connected to the same network. Otherwise, navigate to Tools > Messages and set the verbosity to 2.
- Click Media > Open file to play your content. You can also drag and drop a file onto the VLC window.
- After the video plays, an insecure site prompt will appear. Click View certificate > accept permanently. You can now stream VLC media player to Chromecast without accepting the certificate prompt every time.
How to cast VLC to Chromecast on Android & iOS
Here are the steps to Chromecast VLC on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets:
- Launch the VLC app.
- Play the video you want to stream. For VLC Chromecast subtitles, speed, and other playback features, tap the three-dot menu next to the play button.)
- Tap the Cast icon located on the top of the screen, then select your Chromecast device. Your content will now stream on your TV.
Fixing Errors
The most likely error is if the VLC app cannot open the file. Here are our fixes:
We will update this list as we add more fixes.
Conclusion
VLC is one of the best free multimedia players for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. With the release of VLC version 3.0, user can now stream image, audio, and video content onto a larger screen using a streaming device.
Using a Chromecast device is a straightforward way to cast VLC for desktop, Android, and iOS devices.
To begin, simply set up the Chromecast device on your TV and download the latest version of the VLC media player. Then, connect your TV and source device to the same WiFi network.
Launch the VLC app on your device and play the content you want to stream. On Mac and Windows computers, navigate to Playback > Renderer > Chromecast device to Chromecast VLC. On smartphones and tablets, play your content and tap the Cast icon to Chromecast VLC.