Using technology like Google Chromecast, you can cast your Mac’s screen to your TV. While the Google Home app is necessary for initial setup, apps like JustStream, AirBeamTV, Plex, and Airflow offer great alternatives for streaming. Each app has its pros and cons, from interface simplicity to limited free features. Additionally, you can stream local files directly via Chrome or Elmedia Player. Ensure stable Wi-Fi and compatibility for a seamless experience. Pros and cons vary—review each solution to find the best fit. Stay tuned for a detailed tutorial in our next forum post!
Hey everyone!
So, thanks to modern tech, you can now easily cast your Mac to your TV with a Google device, be it in the living room or anywhere else in the house! If you’ve got a Chromecast and a MacBook, you might’ve found it tricky to cast your Mac to your TV. Well, let’s break it down and make it easy for ya! Here’s how you can do it.
How to Chromecast from Your Mac 
User Situation 
Is it possible to cast any screen to a ChromeCast? I have figured it out in Chrome Browser, it only lets you cast one tab at a time. I want to be able to cast whatever I’m doing on my Macbook to my TV/Chromecast? — Apple Support Community
What You Need:
- Google Chromecast Device
- Mac with Google Chrome installed
- TV with HDMI port
- Wi-Fi Router
- iPhone or iPad
To get started with Chromecast, download the Google Home app on your phone and follow these steps:
- Make sure Bluetooth is on.
- Open the Google Home app and hit “Set up a new device”.
- Follow the prompts to sync your devices.
Setting up Chromecast is pretty straightforward, but note that the Mac app for Chromecast isn’t available anymore. However, there are some cool alternatives you can try.
Alternative Way to Cast Mac to TV 

Looking for another method to cast from your Mac to Chromecast? Check out JustStream – a super handy all-in-one solution to share your screen.
With JustStream, you can watch movies, videos, and photos from your computer directly on your TV. The quality is awesome, and you can switch between 720p and 1080p. It also auto-adjusts to your screen’s aspect ratio. While it works great with Chromecast, it also supports AirPlay 2 and DLNA, so it’s versatile enough for almost any device!
Check out this link for more info on streaming from your Mac to TV.
How to Chromecast from Mac with JustStream 
JustStream makes it super easy to binge-watch your favorite TV shows on a cozy Friday evening.
Here’s how to set it up:
- Download the JustStream app from the Mac App Store.
- Make sure both your TV and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the app and click the icon in the top right corner.
- Click the Signal icon and select your Chromecast.
- Start streaming your screen by selecting your monitor and clicking “Start Streaming”.
- That’s it! Enjoy your content on your Chromecast.
You can always press “Stop Streaming” to end the connection.
Pros 
- User-friendly
- Supports multiple formats
- Mirrors the desktop
- Works on Apple Silicon Macs
Cons 
- Free version only allows 20 minutes of streaming/mirroring
Screen Cast from Mac to Chromecast with AirBeamTV 
Another awesome option is AirBeamTV. This app has both a free trial and a paid version for an enhanced experience. Whether you’ve got an old or new smart TV, AirBeamTV has you covered.
Here’s how to use it:
- Download and install the app from the Mac Store.
- Ensure your Mac and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi.
- Click the AirBeam logo on the top right corner of your screen.
- Choose a file to stream or select your Mac screen.
- Hit “Start Streaming” and boom, you’re good to go.
Pros 
- Easy setup
- Broad device compatibility
- Smooth performance
Cons 
- Free version has limited features
- Occasional technical hitches
Plex 
Plex is a bit different but super cool! It lets you create a media server to stream all your content from your Mac to your Chromecast. Plus, it offers extra goodies like TV channels and games.
To get Plex up and running:
- Download the Plex Media Server App and make an account.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Click the Plex icon at the top right of your screen.
- Select Chromecast as your streaming device.
- Start streaming after selecting it.
Pros 
- Easy setup with a clean, user-friendly interface
Airflow 
First up is Airflow. This minimalist app is super easy to control. Just because it looks simple doesn’t mean it’s basic! Airflow can do a ton of stuff, like tweaking your audio and video settings to your heart’s content. You can even download subtitles right from the app and stream your content to devices like Chromecast, DLNA TVs, and Airplay 2.
Here’s how you get started with Airflow:
- Make sure your Chromecast and TV are on the same WiFi network as your Mac.
- Download and launch Airflow.
- Drag and drop the video you want to stream into the app.
- Hit the AirPlay button and select ‘Chromecast’.
- Sit back and enjoy!
Pros:
- Simple interface
- Great documentation
- Integrates with cloud platforms
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
How to Chromecast Local Audio and Video Files 

Wanna stream local files too? Chromecast supports various formats like MP3, MP4, MPEG, and more. Here’s the lowdown on how to do it:
- Open Google Chrome and go to the Chrome menu, select ‘Cast…’.
- Choose your Chromecast device.
- Open a new tab and drag your local file into Chrome. It should play on your TV or speaker!
Stream Local Videos to Chromecast Using Elmedia Player
Elmedia Player is another great option! Not only does it support tons of file formats (MPEG, AVI, FLV, and more), but it also offers a bunch of features to make your streaming experience smoother. You can even stream videos just by pasting the URL.
How to cast from Mac to Chromecast with Elmedia Player PRO:
- Ensure your Mac and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Download and launch Elmedia Player Pro from the Mac App Store.
- Open a video file in Elmedia.
- Click the streaming icon in Elmedia and select your device.
- Enjoy your video on the big screen!
Note: The free version only allows 5 minutes of playback. The PRO version unlocks unlimited streaming.
Pros:
- 4K casting
- Tons of customization
- Easy to manage
Cons:
- Streaming only in the Pro version
Cast from Google Chrome with Google’s In-House System 
Did you know Chrome has built-in streaming tools? Super handy for streaming online content to your TV. Here’s how:
- Install the latest version of Chrome.
- Turn on your TV and your Chromecast.
- Make sure both your Mac and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Look for the streaming icon in Chrome.
- Click the icon and select Chromecast.
- Start streaming your whole screen or specific content like YouTube videos.
Tip: You might need to agree to some terms and give Chrome access to screen share.
What is Chromecast? 
Chromecast is Google’s streaming device that lets you cast your videos, audio, and pictures straight from your laptop, phone, or tablet to your TV. Think of it like Apple’s Airplay but for everyone! Great for movie nights or binge-watching your favorite shows.
Make sure both your TV and Mac are on the same Wi-Fi network for seamless casting.
Tips You Should Know 
Avoid issues and get the best out of your Chromecast with these tips:
- Stable Internet Connection. A solid and reliable connection is crucial.
- Google Chromecast Compatibility. Make sure your MacBook runs macOS 11.0 or later and supports the Apple M1 chip.
- Chromecast Setup. Setup is only available on phones. Computers aren’t supported.
- Hardware Requirements. Your TV must support HDCP version 1.3 or higher.
- Enough RAM. Low processing power can cause playback issues.
Hope these tips help you get the most out of your Chromecast! Happy streaming, y’all!