Chromecast's cast file is missing

[HughJidiette]

In Google Chrome, when I click Cast, then sources, I only see Cast Tab and Cast Desktop. I do not see an option to Cast File like I used to. How to fix this?

[JillG]

Hi there,

There was a Chrome flag that was used to enable this feature but when I looked I didn't see anything that would enable the cast file option. I do see the Cast File instructions are still in the Google Chromecast Help Center.

I will escalate this over to the Chromecast team and see if they know a way to enable file casting again.

Thanks---

[PotteryLady]

This is a problem for me as well.  Just occurred on 3/9/22

[JillG]

Hi,

The Chromecast team is aware of this thread and currently looking into this. Hang tight and we can update when we can.

Thanks again for raising this issue in the Community!

Jill

[duglop]

Same thing with Edge Chromium

[gintnedd]

I'm having this same issue.  Has it been resolved?

[JillG]

No word back yet.

[Alyssaenox]

I am having this problem also! 

[electronisem]

I have the same issue

[HughJidiette]

I found a simple workaround. Play your mp4 in a Google Chrome tab, then cast tab, and then make sure the video is enlarged so it shows full screen on the tv. You can go on and use Chrome to browse other websites just like before.

[PotteryLady]

HughJidette, I don't see a way to cast a computer file, including mp4,  with this option missing.  If there is a way, please explain how.  Thank you.

[HughJidiette]

Drag your mp4 onto your Google Chrome browser and it should open it up on a new tab. Then use "Cast Tab" by clicking 3 dots in the top right of Chrome. Click the fullscreen option in the tab such that it will cast fullscreen onto your TV. (It will only be fullscreen in the tab and not your whole desktop.) You're done. You can now use your computer to do other things just like before.

[PotteryLady]

Thank you.  It worked.  Appreciate your help!!

[NikkiD1]

no solution for non mp4 files, like mkv ?

[duglop]

Thank you SOOO much! I was wondering what they meant when they said open a video in a new tab - THIS helped explain it all! I am sooooo grateful for you!!!

[duglop]

it works the same on edge too

[chase1]

I recently discovered that the change really has minimal effect......if you want to watch an mp4 file then Open the file picker through a keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+O/Cmd+O) and select a file. once the mp4 opens, Three dots menu > "Cast...",  "Living room tv cast tab" it's important to remember to not click play on the mp4 until your smart tv comes on b/c once you click play the "optimize" window will pop-up once you click on it the movie screen on your smartTV will expand and the screen on the mp4 will show "Now Casting to Living Room TV" n you are good to go (for the hard of hearing, the change has no bearing b/c the change had no effect on selecting  "CC"   since the option was always controlled from the master being cast vs Chromecast.

[JenniferV]

Hi Toughhearing and chase1,

We're sorry if you feel that way and we understand where you stand. We'll make sure to learn from this and take it as an opportunity to improve.

In the meantime, you can see the changes about casting a file in this support website article. 

Thanks,

Jennifer

[duglop]

That does not work with a Vizio TV & windows - in my experiences windows 10 does not recognize Vizio and will not show in "device list" - hence the only reason I even used chromecast, but now this just makes it ridiculous - in the way they removed you could set it up to play a video and then the next video - but now you have to drag each video to the address bar? RIDICULOUS! I don't like VLC but, at least it works and casts with minimal effort now! Another option is PLEX media server...

[JenniferV]

Hi duglop,

Sorry to hear about that. Aside from the drag and drop option, you can also use a keyboard shortcut. See below:

• Windows: Ctrl + o
• Mac: + o

Thanks,

Jennifer

[JenniferV]

Hi folks,

It's me again. I wanted to check back in to see if you still have other questions and concerns. Feel free to let me know if you do.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[JenniferV]

Hey there,

Just checking in to make sure that you've seen my response. Please let me know if you have other questions or concerns as I will be locking this in 24 hours if I won't hear back from you again. Feel free to start a new thread and we'll be happy to help.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[HQRaja]

I'm also facing the exact same issue. The "Cast file" option isn't there; all I see is 'Cast tab' and 'Cast desktop'. Please fix this.

[ClaudioChen]

Same here

[BostonJR]

Cast file option is missing from my Chrome & now it directs me to another app TV Chromecast where I have to watch an add or pay for premium service to make it work. 

[KiwiNick]

Not working for me either

[JenniferV]

Hey folks,

Sorry for the late response. This is an intended change. If you wish to continue to cast local media, you can do so by first opening the file in Chrome through other means (e.g. Ctrl+O, drag-and-dropping a file), and then casting a tab in which the media was opened. See the detailed workaround below:

1. Open the media file in Chrome through one of the following:
   a. Drag and drop the file into a Chrome tab.
   b. Open the file picker through a keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+O/Cmd+O) and select a file.
2. Open the cast dialog through one of the following:
   a. Cast toolbar button.
   b. Three dots menu > "Cast..."
   c. "share this page" menu > "Cast..."
3. In the Cast dialog, select a device to cast to.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[Toughhearing]

You call this explanation?!? It was intended! Ha! If you explain why, then it would be an explanation. With your workaround method how do I start the subtitles. I have a severe hearing problem!!!

[chase1]

I feel ya as sadly i am in the same boat......My workaround for this is.....I purchased a DOS Bluetooth speaker set-up right next to my recliner....it solved the issue 100%.

[chase1]

"Intended change"? makes NO sense ....."Cast, source, cast file" was simple & straightforward".... violates the golden rule "if it ain't broke"

[duglop]

Good bye Google - this is just stupid, meanwhile your Google home app is falling apart too - now I see why!

[ClaudioChen]

Unfortunately Chrome seems got a new bug about drag-and-dropping media file, there is no picture when a file was be played… again, it’s just stupid.

[JenniferV]

Hi folks,

duglop, we hear you and we understand why you feel that way. We'll learn from this to deliver a better process and experience in the future — we appreciate your feedback.

ClaudioChen, thanks for trying the workaround. If you're encountering an issue, please reinstall the Chrome browser and reboot your casting device. If the issue is with the Chrome itself, you may reach out to Chrome for additional help.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[chase1]

i have noticed this also.  however, i recently discovered a way around it.....,open the file you want to watch, then click Cast, source,desktop, "living room tv available" should pop up.....Click on it and your smartTV should auto turn on.

[JenniferV]

Hey chase1,

Thanks for sharing a step that works for you. We appreciate it. Feel free to let me know if you have other questions and concerns.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[Jeran]

Hey there!

We haven't heard back from HughJidiette, and it's been a few days, so I'm locking the thread. As always, feel free to make a new thread if you have any more questions or concerns.

Thank you for your help, Jennifer!

Best regards,
Jeran