How to Turn Your Old Android Phone into a Chromecast
Chromecast is one of Google's most popular devices and is undoubtedly one of users' favorites. It allows you to turn any TV into a smart TV in a simple and economical way.
With this small device, you can stream content from your mobile phone, tablet or computer directly to the big screen in your living room, and enjoy your favorite TV series, movies and music without complications.
It connects to your TV's HDMI port, and once set up, you can easily send content from your phone to your TV over Wi-Fi. You'll be able to watch streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and more.
Additionally, it offers the ability to mirror your device's screen to your TV, which is useful for presentations, gaming, or simply browsing the internet on a bigger screen.
But what happens if your Chromecast breaks or you don’t have it at all? There’s a simple trick to turn your old Android phone into a Chromecast. Your old smartphone can have a second life as a media hub for your TV.
Steps to turn your Android phone into a Chromecast
To perform this procedure, you will need an HDMI cable and an MHL adapter. Most Android phones of recent years are compatible. This standard allows you to send high-definition audio and video from your mobile phone to your TV.
The adapter should have a Micro-USB or USB-C port from your mobile phone to HDMI cable. These accessories are affordable and easy to find at electronics stores or on Amazon. Finally, you should download the CastReceiver app, which is available for free on the Google Play Store. Then follow these steps:
- Use an HDMI cable and adapter to connect your old Android mobile phone to TV. Select the corresponding HDMI input on your TV to display the phone screen.
- Download and install the CastReceiver app on both the phone you will use as a Chromecast (your old phone) and on the phone you will use as a remote (your main phone).
- Open the app on your main mobile phone. In the options menu, select the name of your old mobile phone, which should appear in the list of available devices.
- You can now cast content from your mobile phone to your TV. Open any Chromecast-compatible app, such as YouTube or Netflix, and tap the cast icon.
Turning your old Android phone into a Chromecast is a practical, economical and temporary solution that allows you to continue enjoying your favorite content on your TV. Moreover, it is not only a way to recycle and give a second life to an unused phone that would surely be left in a drawer, but it also offers the same functionality as a Chromecast.