So you bought a new Chromecast and you’re wondering if you can use Chromecast with a mobile hotspot. Is it possible?
Do you really need to bring a router around with you? Can you use a Chromecast when you travel like in hotel rooms? As it turns out, there are some solutions that you might find helpful. Stay on this page to learn more.
Chromecasts can make simple things like showing people media so much easier because you can simply cast media from your phone to the device. And with the newer version, you can even watch Netflix and other apps.
Can You Use Chromecast with a Mobile Hotspot?
Yes. You can use Chromecast with a mobile hotspot, but it’s not an officially supported feature, the hotspot needs to have internet, and mobile phones can’t connect to their own hotspots, so you’ll need a third device to configure the Chromecast.
Here’s how you can use a Chromecast with a mobile hotspot:
1 – Start a Hotspot
Drag down the top bar of your phone and tap the hotspot icon. Remember, a Chromecast requires the internet, so you need to have an active 3G or 4G connection shared with the Wifi hotspot for it to work.
2 – Setup the Chromecast, Power it On
Chromecast doesn’t have any buttons, and it can only be configured by connecting to it from other devices. Since you’re trying to connect it to a mobile hotspot, you can’t use the same phone to configure the device.
Bear in mind, if you’re trying to use Dex with Chromecast, you’re in for some bad news, which I talk about over here.
3 – Open Google Home on Separate Phone
The best way to configure a Chromecast is through the Google Home app. The process is pretty simple just follow the on-screen props and it should find your Chromecast.
After the initial setup steps, Google Home should ask if you want to connect a Wifi network, and the hotspot you created should be here. If the hotspot has an internet connection, it should connect, and it will start automatically updating the software, and then you can cast to it whenever you see the casting icon.
You might not have to do this step with a seperate phone, it depends. I would try it with the same phone that’s hosting the hotspot, and if that doesn’t work, try another phone.
Where to Buy Chromecasts?
The best place to buy Chromecast is through the official Google Store. Amazon has some great alternatives too, such as the Fire Stick TV and other casting devices that are worth a look at. The Roku is great too!
Concerns:
From there, you should be able to use the Chromecast with a mobile hotspot with no problems but there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.
Data Charges
The main concern with using a Chromecast on a mobile hotspot is data chargers. Most people have limited data on their mobile plans, and using a mobile hotspot, especially for streaming HD media, can eat into that plan.
Remember, you aren’t actually sending media from your phone to the device. The way it works is your phone tells the Chromecast where to find the media online and it separately loads it, that’s why an internet connection is required. A Chromecast won’t work without an internet connection.
For that reason, be careful about how much data the Chromecast is using through your mobile hotspot. Most of the time, that’s easy to check, simply open the data usage app on your phone and you should see what’s using the most data.
Firmeware Updates:
But the Chromecast doesn’t just use data for streaming media, it also needs data for software updates and background processes, so it can consume a lot. Most people say it eats about 3GB of data relatively quickly.
I’m sure you don’t want to be hit with an over-the-limit bill, so be careful. Obviously, with an unlimited mobile data plan, this won’t be an issue.
Mobile Network Speed
Again, on the subject of data, something to worry about is the speed of your mobile network. If it’s too slow, the Chromecast won’t be able to load any media, and it would be kind of useless.
Chromecasts recommend an internet speed of 5 Mbps minimum, which is feasible for mobile networks, but it depends on the area you’re in, and the mobile network coverage. 4G and 5G should handle it with no problems.
It’s Not Officially Supported
Once again, using a Chromecast with a mobile hotspot is not officially supported, so it might be disabled or patched at any time. There’s no guarantee it will work.
For the most part, it seems like people are able to get it to work following the steps above. But don’t hold it against me if you can’t.
Also, some times you don’t even need a separate phone, it all depends on your specific phone model, the Chromecast, and other factors.
The Bottom Line:
To summarize, Chromecasts can make your life a lot easier, and they’re especially useful for showing media to friends or family on a TV that doesn’t already have casting functions. It also makes things like watching Netflix a breeze, not to mention other setups like using a portable projector, which is easy too.
The main takeaway is that you can use Chromecast with a mobile hotspot but you need to have a hotspot with fast and reliable internet, a second phone to cast, and an unlimited data plan. At least, if you plan to use the Chromecast this way on a regular basis, for a few YouTube videos, it shouldn’t bankrupt you.
And that wraps up the article. Leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Leave a Reply