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Can I Stream Downloaded Movies to Chromecast? (Yes, Here’s How)

I recently purchased a Chromecast and wanted to know if I could stream my downloaded movies on it. After a lot of frustration and research, I’m here to share what I discovered and how I was able to get my movies streaming on my Chromecast. Yes, it is possible to stream downloaded movies to Chromecast, and I’m excited to share the detailed steps I took to get it to work.

The quick answer to this question is yes! You can easily stream files that are stored locally on your device, whether it’s a computer or a smartphone. You can do this natively, but we highly recommend that you use dedicated software for smoother quality.

Tips for Streaming Downloaded Movies to Chromecast
– Yes, you can stream downloaded movies to Chromecast.
– To stream downloaded movies from a computer, use the Google Chrome browser tab or a dedicated software like VideoStream Extension.
– To stream downloaded movies from a smartphone, use an app like LocalCast.
– Make sure that both devices (computer or smartphone and Chromecast) are connected to the same WiFi network.
– Google Chrome supports several media formats, but if your video’s format is not compatible, you can convert it to one that is supported.

How to Stream Downloaded Movies to Chromecast from Computers

If you have a movie or a video that is stored locally on your computer or laptop and you want to play it directly on your TV using Chromecast, you can use any of the following methods. 

Keep in mind that different methods may have different advantages and drawbacks, so try them out and use the one that suits you best:

Method 1: Directly Using the Chrome Browser Tab

The first method to consider if you want to stream video files locally is through the Chrome browser tab. 

Although this one might be the easiest, it may not work flawlessly for everyone, so consider any other method if the video seems laggy. 

Also, subtitle files may not work well too, so it can be a little counterintuitive if you’re watching a movie in a foreign language. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Download the latest version of the Google Chrome Browser
  2. Plug the HDMI and USB cables of the Chromecast into your TV
  3. Make sure that both devices are connected to the same WiFi network
  4. Click the three dots menu, and choose “Cast”
  5. When the Chromecast shows up, click it
  6. Press Ctrl + O to browse and choose the file you want to play, or simply drag and drop the file into a new tab.

The video should be played directly if the file’s format is compatible with google chrome. Here’s a list of all supported media formats, so you can convert your video to them if it doesn’t work.

Read more: Do I leave Chromecast plugged in?

Method 2: Using VideoStream Extension for Chromecast

As previously mentioned, there are a few issues with direct streaming from the Chrome browser. If you want to avoid these problems, you should consider an alternative solution like VideoStream Extension.

This one is extremely easy to use and the free plan should have everything you need, although you can go for the Premium plan for playlist casting and removing ads. 

It also supports subtitles and works flawlessly with several video formats, such as MP4. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Plug the HDMI and USB cables of the Chromecast into your TV
  2. Make sure that both devices are connected to the same WiFi network
  3. Install the “VideoStream for Google Chromecast” app by clicking here
  4. Open the app, and tap “Choose a Video”
  5. Click on the video you want to cast, then press “Open”. The VideoStream app will start loading. Once it’s ready, the video should play on your TV right away.

Note: If the app requests access to the firewall, make sure that you grant it in order to watch on your TV.

Read more: How to connect Chromecast to Wifi

How to Stream Downloaded Movies to Chromecast from Smartphones

If you want to play stored movies and media on your smartphone, the process will be a little different from computers. However, it’s still relatively easy.

Similar to computers, it’ll also require using a 3rd part app to work. There are plenty of options to choose from. However, we highly recommend LocalCast, as it’s free and very easy to use.

Here’s how to stream local media from your smartphone:

  1. Start by downloading and installing the LocalCast app on your phone. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices, so click here to choose your system.
  2. After downloading and opening the app, you’ll find a connect icon on the bottom right of the home screen.
  3. Tap the connect icon, and choose your Chromecast device.
  4. Once it’s connected, swipe right to open the menu, and choose “Videos” under the Library section.
  5. Choose the video you want to stream. Once you tap it, the video should stream on your TV directly.

Wrap Up

With that said, you now know how to stream downloaded movies and other local media to Chromecast in a few easy steps, whether you’re streaming from your smartphone or from a computer.

Of course, the simplest way to do this would be using Google Chrome Browser directly. However, if you want better playback features and maximum display quality, you might want to consider other apps that will make the job a whole lot easier!