Cast YouTube from Laptop to TV: Can You? How? (4 Ways)

Watching YouTube on a smart TV, the most efficient way is to get YouTube TV, the television service, activated on the device. However, for some reason, probably becasue of the TV model, the OS, regional restrictions, or others, watching YouTube videos on TV is quite challenging and makes screen casting a more effective solution to do that.

Casting YouTube from a laptop to a TV is a good way.

Can You Cast YouTube from Laptop to TV?

Yes. No matter what the device system is, you can cast YouTube content from laptops to TVs. There are wired and wireless methods to choose from. For example,

• HDMI Cable/VGA Cable/USB-C to HDMI Adapter/Thunderbolt to HDMI Adapter/etc
• Browser
• Miracast
• Chromecast
• AirPlay
• Third-party apps

How to Cast YouTube from Laptop to TV via Browser?

This method is convenient and available for cross-platform casting as well as cross-brand casting. Before starting, please confirm that your devices meet the following requirements:

Steps for using Google Chrome to cast YouTube to TV:

Google Chrome browser has a built-in casting feature which is called "Cast." To use it, you need a Chromecast-compatible TV with a Chromecast device plugged in.

1) Set up Chromecast for your smart TV.

After buying a Chromecast device, connect it to the USB power cable and TV HDMI input.
Next, open the TV using the remote. The instructions will direct you to download the Google Home app on your phone, log in to your account, and add the device to the app.

Note: During the process, you should use the same WiFi on both your TV and phone.

2) Open the Chrome browser on your laptop. Go to youtube.com and open the video you want to cast.

3) Click the three dots in the top right corner. Then, select Cast, save, and share > Cast.

4) You will see a small window showing up with an available device list.

5) Click the TV name in Sources and the YouTube video will soon be cast to TV from your laptop.

Steps for using Microsoft Edge to cast YouTube to TV:

The Edge browser has "Cast Media to Device" to implement screen casting.

The process is quite similar to the previous one. Just make sure that your smart TV is Miracast-supported or DLNA-supported. Usually, the TV manufacturer will indicate whether the device is equipped with them.

1) Open the Youtube web page on Microsoft Edge.

2) Select the three dots.

3) Click More Tools > Cast Media to Device.

4) Wait, then select the TV.

Tips

How to check if your browser supports casting?

Look for a Cast icon (a small rectangle with Wi-Fi bars in the corner) in your browser’s menu or settings.

Here are some browsers that have a built-in casting feature: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, and Brave.

How to check if your smart TV is chromecast-compatible or miracast-compatible?

Chromecast is a device and protocol developed by Google, and many smart TVs have Chromecast built-in. And Miracast is a wireless display standard that allows devices to mirror their screen to a compatible display.

Check the TV’s specifications; check the TV's input or connection options in the settings menu; or, visit the official website of the device and ask for customer support.

How to Cast YouTube to TV from Windows PC/Laptop?

Your smart TV should be Miracast-supported. As for PC requirements, systems that run Win 11 and Win 10 are available.

Remember to keep all devices in the same network.

PC

Cast YouTube from PC to TV is as easy as three steps.

1) (Optional) Plug the Miracast dongle or adapter into your TV. You can skip this step if the device is equipped with Miracast.

2) Press the Windows logo + K on the keyboard.

3) After seeing the window on the left, click on the device name to start.

4) Now, open the YouTube video on your PC, and you will see it is casting on the TV.

Laptop

Take Microsoft Surface as an example.

1) Go to Quick Settings by pressing Windows logo + A.

2) Click the Pen icon to add Cast.

3) Click Cast and it will search available displays automatically.

4) When you see the TV, click its name. The screen will soon be cast.

5) After connecting the two devices, open YouTube.

Now, enjoy the video on your TV.

How to Cast YouTube to TV from Mac?

A smart TV that supports AirPlay can use this method.

1) Ensure that both your Mac and smart TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

2) Enable AirPlay on your TV. You can typically find it under Settings > General > AirPlay.

3) On your Mac, click the AirPlay icon in the menu bar at the top-right of the screen.

4) Select your smart TV.

5) Play the YouTube video on your Mac and it will be mirrored to the TV.

How to Cast YouTube from Laptop to TV with Third-Party Apps?

To cast YouTube from your laptop to your TV using a third-party app, you have several options depending on your TV's capabilities and the app you choose.

Some popular apps include: AirParrot, VNC, and others.

1) Download and install AirParrot on your laptop.

2) Ensure your laptop and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

3) Launch AirParrot on your laptop. Choose your TV or casting device from the list of available devices in AirParrot.

4) Select to either mirror your screen or cast a specific YouTube browser window.