Chromecast

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Chromecast USB and HDMI: which connections do you need?

Written by:

Ruud Caris

All content is written by smart home experts, not AI and robots.

De Chromecast is a relatively simple device but still offers many possibilities. But what about the connections exactly? Which one do you really need? In this article I will discuss things like Chromecast USB, but also which USB connection exactly and we also discuss the HDMI of the Chromecast.

Chromecast through USB? De Chromecast cannot stream via USB connection. This is only used for the Chromecast power and not to start a stream. So you really need an HDMI for this, which you connect to your TV or other screen.

On a Chromecast you will find two connections: a USB connection and HDMI. Below we discuss both connections in turn. But let's start with the most pressing question first.

Also read: Which Chromecast should you buy?

Chromecast USB: streaming via USB?

The USB connection to a Chromecast is intended purely as a power supply. This means that you cannot stream via the Chromecast USB.

To get a picture on your TV, you need an HDMI, where the USB connection is used to transfer the Chromecast to provide power.

This power supply can be done in two ways and depends on the model you use. Do you have the regular Chromecast, then this can be done via the USB of the TV itself. Do you have a Chromecast Ultra or Chromecast with Google TV, then you need to connect it to the mains power (i.e. with a plug in the socket).

In any case, this means that you must have a device with a free HDMI port to use a Chromecast to be able to use. This can be a TV, but also, for example, a screen of a computer or laptop.

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Which USB connection is on a Chromecast?

On every Chromecast is USB, but which this differs per model. Where previously micro USB was the standard, it is now slow moving to USB-C.

The ordinary Chromecast (3) has a micro USB connector and the same goes for the Chromecast Ultra. The Chromecast with Google TV features USB-C.

In the box of the Chromecast A plug is also always included, which you can use on the other side of the USB cable in a socket. For the Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast with Google TV you will therefore always have a free socket nearby, this is not possible via the TV's USB.

Below I have listed all the information in a table.

ChromecastChromecast with Google TVChromecast Incredibly
Type of USB connectionMicro-USBUSB-CMicro-USB
Power supply via USB from TVJaNoNo
Mains power supplyJaJaJa

Chromecast HDMI: what do I need?

As you know by now, there is one Chromecast also an HDMI connection. In principle, this works with all HDMI connections on, for example, a TV or other device.

To a Chromecast To make it work, you always need a free HDMI port, otherwise it simply cannot be used.

Street: Chromefans

Frequently asked questions about Chromecast USB

De Chromecast does not have many connection options, but it is good to know how they work exactly. Therefore, below are a number of frequently asked questions about the USB of the Chromecast.

Kan Chromecast through USB?

The short answer to this is: no, one Chromecast cannot play via USB. Depending on the model, the power supply can be provided via a USB port, for example on the TV or a monitor.

What USB connection does the Chromecast?

That depends on the model: the regular one Chromecast en Chromecast Ultra feature micro USB. The Chromecast with Google TV has a USB-C connection to power the device.

Spotted an error? Email me! I would really appreciate that.

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Chromecastenthusiast from the very beginning. Been using Google services for years and know a lot about it Chromecast, Chromebook, Google Home and streaming.

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