Chromecast is a popular device for streaming content from your phone, PC, or Mac to your TV. Combining it with Kodi, a free open-source media player, can take your media consumption experience to the next level.
This detailed guide will explain how to stream Kodi to Chromecast from your Android, PC, or Mac.
What is Chromecast?
Chromecast is a line of digital media players developed by Google. The devices, designed as small dongles or an audio-only model, enable users with a mobile device or personal computer to play Internet-streamed audio-visual content on a high-definition television or home audio system.
The user selects the media to play using mobile apps and web apps that support the Google Cast technology, or by mirroring content from the Google Chrome web browser running on a personal computer.
Launched by Google in 2013, Chromecast is designed to be compact and unobtrusive, plugging into an HDMI port on your television.
It can stream content up to 4K resolution depending on the model and supports numerous apps and platforms, including YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and many more. Some versions of Chromecast also support the streaming of content in high dynamic range (HDR).
To use Chromecast, you need a television with an HDMI port, a stable Wi-Fi connection, and a compatible computer or mobile device.
Mobile devices running Android 5.0 or higher, or iOS 11.0 or higher are compatible, and on the computer side, you can stream from a variety of operating systems using the Google Chrome browser.
Streaming Kodi from Android
Follow these methods to stream Kodi on your Android device:
Method 1: Streaming Using Quick Settings Icon
This is the easiest method to cast Kodi content from your Android device to Chromecast.
Step 1: Connect your Android device and Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: Swipe down from the top of your Android device to open the quick settings menu.
Step 3: Tap on the “Cast” or “Screen Cast” icon. If you can’t find it, look for it in the edit or pencil icon.
Step 4: Select your Chromecast device from the list.
Step 5: Now open Kodi and play your desired content, which should now cast to your TV.
Method 2: Streaming Using Google Home App
Google Home App provides another method to cast Kodi to Chromecast.
Step 1: Download the Google Home app from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Connect your Android device and Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 3: Open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast device, and tap on “Cast my screen.”
Step 4: Now open Kodi on your Android device and play the content you wish to cast.
Method 3: Streaming While Kodi Runs in the Background
To stream Kodi to Chromecast while using your phone for other tasks, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download LocalCast, Kodi, and ES File Explorer from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Download the PlayerFactoryCore.xml file.
Step 3: Open ES File Explorer, go to Settings > Display Settings and enable “Show hidden files.”
Step 4: Go to Downloads, copy the PlayerFactoryCore.xml file, and paste it into Android > Data > org.xbmc.kodi > files > .kodi > userdata folder.
Step 5: Open Kodi, play a video, and it will launch LocalCast. Select your Chromecast and Kodi will stream to your TV while running in the background on your phone.
Streaming Kodi From PC or Mac
Follow these methods to stream Kodi on your PC or Mac device:
Method 1: Casting Kodi to Chromecast From A PC or Mac
You can cast Kodi content from your PC or Mac to Chromecast using Chrome browser.
Step 1: Install and open Chrome browser on your PC or Mac.
Step 2: Click on the three-dot menu at the top right corner and select “Cast”.
Step 3: In the sources dropdown, select “Cast Desktop”.
Step 4: Select your Chromecast device from the list.
Step 5: Now, open Kodi and play your content. It will be mirrored to your TV.
Conclusion
With the steps listed above, streaming Kodi to Chromecast from an Android device, PC, or Mac should be a breeze. Whether you’re using the Quick Settings menu, Google Home app, or Chrome browser, you can enjoy your favorite Kodi content on the big screen.
Remember, the key to a smooth streaming experience is ensuring both your Chromecast and casting device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
