How to Cast to Chromecasts from Xbox Ones

The Xbox One gaming console has become much more than just a video game system. With apps like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more, it has evolved into an all-in-one entertainment system for many households. However, even with these streaming capabilities built-in, there may still be times when you want to cast or mirror content from another device like your phone or computer directly to your Xbox One.

Fortunately, there are a few different ways to go about casting to your Xbox One console, whether you have a Chromecast device or not. In this guide, we’ll cover the different options available and walk through how to set them up.

Using a Chromecast with Your Xbox One

One of the easiest ways to enable casting to your Xbox One is by using a Google Chromecast. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Xbox One console
  • Google Chromecast device
  • TV with HDMI port

Steps to Connect a Chromecast to an Xbox One

  1. Plug the Chromecast into the HDMI-in port on the back of the Xbox One console. This is the port labeled “HDMI In” near the HDMI-out port.
  2. Connect the included Chromecast power cable to one of the USB ports on the back of the Xbox One to power the Chromecast.
  3. On your Xbox One dashboard, go to Settings > TV & OneGuide > Audio & Video
  4. Select the option to set up your cable or satellite box. The Xbox will now detect the Chromecast.
  5. Follow the on-screen setup prompts to finish connecting your Chromecast through your Xbox One.

Once connected, you’ll be able to cast content to the Chromecast from your phone, tablet, or laptop just like you normally would if it was plugged directly into your TV. The Xbox One essentially serves as a pass-through for the video signal.

Casting from Apps to Xbox One

Many mobile apps now have Google Cast functionality built-in, making it easy to cast videos, music, and more directly to your Chromecast-connected Xbox One.

Here are some of the most popular apps with casting abilities:

  • YouTube: Easily cast YouTube videos from your phone or tablet to the Xbox One
  • Netflix: Cast movies and shows from the Netflix app
  • Spotify: Cast music to your Xbox One’s speakers
  • Google Photos: Display your photos on the big screen

To cast from one of these apps, simply tap the Cast button from within the app interface on your phone or tablet and select the Chromecast connected to your Xbox One as the target device.

Using Miracast with Your Xbox One

If you don’t have a Chromecast, your Xbox One also includes support for Miracast wireless streaming. Miracast allows you to wirelessly mirror your phone or tablet’s display directly onto your Xbox One screen.

Here’s what you’ll need to use Miracast with your Xbox:

  • Xbox One console
  • Windows 8.1+ device with Miracast support
  • Android 4.2+ device with Miracast support

Steps to Connect via Miracast

  1. On your Xbox One, go to Settings > System > Console info
  2. Scroll down and confirm your console has “Wireless Display” listed under Capabilities. If so, Miracast is supported.
  3. Activate Miracast casting on your phone, tablet, or PC. This is usually found in a “Cast” or “Connections” menu in Settings.
  4. Your Xbox One system should now appear as an available casting destination. Select it to connect.
  5. Your device’s display will now be mirrored directly on your Xbox One screen via the wireless network.

Miracast provides an easy wireless casting solution if you don’t have a Chromecast handy. Just keep in mind it tends to be more laggy than casting with a Chromecast in some cases.

Using the Xbox App to Cast to Your Xbox One

Microsoft also provides an Xbox app for both iOS and Android mobile devices that enables casting without any additional hardware required.

To use the Xbox app to cast:

  1. Download and install the Xbox app on your phone or tablet
  2. Sign in using the same Microsoft account associated with your Xbox One
  3. Connect your phone and Xbox One to the same Wi-Fi network
  4. Open the Xbox app and tap the Cast icon in the bottom toolbar
  5. Select your Xbox One console as the target device

From there, you’ll be able to browse and cast media content from various streaming apps as well as control game streaming if you have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Tips for Casting to Your Xbox One

Here are some handy tips to ensure casting goes smoothly when sharing content on your Xbox One:

  • For the most reliable performance, connect your Xbox directly to your router via Ethernet
  • If casting over Wi-Fi, position your Xbox as close to your router as possible
  • Close any other demanding apps running in the background on your Xbox while casting
  • Miracast can be more laggy than dedicated casting devices like Chromecast

With the various built-in casting options the Xbox One offers plus external devices like Chromecast, getting your content to the big screen has never been easier. Whether you want to display photos from your phone, cast YouTube videos, or even stream Xbox games on another TV, the Xbox One has you covered.

Just follow the steps outlined for the casting method that fits your needs, and you’ll be sharing content in no time. Enjoy your upgraded entertainment experience!