How to use new Chromecast without remote or new "smart" features?

[Sir_Algae]

Hi,

I have an issue with my new Chromecast.
I'd just like to use it to cast apps from my phone, direct to my TV, with no bloat in the middle.

I have two older versions, one being the original, and another being the version after that.

Both of those versions can be operated just plug and play, once you get past the annoyance of Google Home (which I don't want to use, I like to minimise intrusion in my life and maximise privacy, the home app is neither, but not too bad).

The original didn't even need Google Home to work when I first bought it, it was fantastic!
Just plug and play with your phone.

We just physically broke the second one, so I went to buy a replacement and it comes with a controller. Why? I already have a phone.

Turns out it makes my HDMI TV a "smart" tv, downloads versions of the applications I already have on my phone, and takes forever to get started. And worse, it insists on inserting itself as a middle man that shouldn't even be required.

And now whenever I try to use Netflix, for instance, it makes me log into the app on my TV when I'm already logged in on my phone? Why the extra steps? I've noticed there's a lot more and longer adverts this way, especially on Youtube, which want me to use the controller to skip. Never been a problem with the older version Chromecast(s).

I'd just like to use the new Chromecast, to cast apps from my phone, direct to my TV, with no bloat in the middle.

So how do I use the new Chromecast in this way? Or am I stuck with all this unnecessary bloat that seems to grow with each edition?

Please help.

[Byteguy · Accepted solution]

You cannot turn off the Google TV interface.   But, you can still cast to the Chromecast with Google TV device without using ANY of the apps on the screen.  Just cast to it using your phone like you've always done.  I do that all the time.  Especially when I'm using apps that I don't want to load to the device or aren't compatible with the Google TV interface and remote.

Or, see if you can find a Chromecast 3rd Generation device.   That is what you are used to.  It doesn't have a remote or the Google TV interface.

[Jeran]

Thank you for helping out on this thread, Byteguy!

Hey there Sir_Algae,

I'm just checking up on this thread, do you have any more questions or need any additional help? 

Best regards,
Jeran

[Muddi]

Hi there,

It's been some time since this thread was updated. Does anyone here need assistance?

Cheers,

Muddi

[Muddi]

Hey Sir_Algae,

We haven’t heard back, so I'll be locking this thread if we won't hear from you in 24 hours. Feel free to create a new one if you have more questions or have other concerns in the future.
 

Cheers,

Muddi