Black border when screen mirroring

[cregcreg]

So, my gen 3 chromecast allows me to cast from other apps fine, but when I use the Google Home app to mirror my screen, there's a black border around the picture.

Is there a way to change this? I saw something about the aspect ratio being locked by the app that's sending the pictures, but I'm getting the picture FROM A GOOGLE APP, and I'm still somehow unable to have any control over the picture I'm getting from my Google device?

Is this like an intentional thing to make people buy a new chromecast? Bc I don't recall having this problem with my last gen 3 chromecast, and I used to take it with me places. 

Like, is there a way to put a zoom function into the app to get rid of the border, or is that more complicated than it sounds to code?

I'm not asking for black detection AI, I'm talking like a pinch swipe to make it smaller or bigger on the tv

[chaconmorales]

Hi cregcreg,

Thank you for posting here in the community. That black border around the mirrored screen on your Chromecast can be annoying, I am sorry for the inconvenience. Here's why it might be happening and how to potentially fix it:

Aspect Ratio Mismatch:

The most likely culprit is a difference in aspect ratio between your phone/tablet (the casting device) and your TV.

• Phones: Most smartphones have a taller aspect ratio (like 18:9 or 20:9).
• TVs: TVs are more commonly in a wider aspect ratio (like 16:9).

When mirroring, the Chromecast tries to fit your phone's screen onto the TV's screen while maintaining the original aspect ratio. This can result in black bars on the top and bottom (or sides) to fill the empty space.

Basic Checks:

Here are a few things you can try to minimize the black borders:

1. Cast Options in Google Home App:

• While mirroring your screen in the Google Home app, check for casting options. Some apps might offer a "cast full screen" or "fit to screen" option. Choose the option that reduces black borders on your TV.

2. Phone Settings (Limited):

• Some phone manufacturers offer limited display scaling options within the phone's settings. You might be able to change your phone's display aspect ratio to a wider option (if available), potentially reducing the black bars on the TV. However, this can distort the image on your phone itself.

Things to Consider:

1. Chromecast Model: While less likely, the issue might be specific to your Chromecast generation (Gen 3 in this case). Newer Chromecast models might handle aspect ratio conversions differently. A simple restart may help to fix the issue if it has not been attempted. Please follow this good article to Reboot your Chromecast device.
2. Factory Reset Chromecast (Last Resort): If none of the above solutions work, consider resetting your Chromecast to factory settings. This will erase all data and settings, including Bluetooth connections. Note: Before resetting, make sure you know your Wi-Fi network name and password for re-setup. In addition please keep in mind that the device goes back to its factory settings after this process.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Best regards,

Mario