12-31-2024 06:03 PM
I am trying to save my kid from having to pay for Internet (until she gets more on her feet - not an expense she needs to have right now). I have a small WiFi router (HooToo device) that provides wifi (since I have no Internet, its just wifi between devices connected to the HooToo) to my phone and the chromecast3. With this set up, I should be able to download videos to my phone, connect to the HooToo Wifi and cast the downloaded movie - however - casting will not work with this setup. I cannot even cast my screen from a Pixel 7 Pro to the device. I can select it, (as the phone "sees the ChromeCast on the LAN) but it will not connect.
Would anyone know why this does not work.
If I plug the HooToo WAN port into my LAN (so it now has Internet) everything works, can cast screen can cast from the pixel to chrome cast everything is great. This used to work, way back when Casting had a Guest Mode!
So I guess the real question is why does Casting require Internet?
And Why Doesn't Google just say that Casting of any kind requires an Internet connection?
Any suggestions or information (especially if it can be done and I missing some stupid so this could work) much appreciated.
Answered! Go to the Recommended Answer.
01-02-2025 10:26 AM
I am sorry, the short answer is "you cannot do that."
In order to cast, all Chromecast devices require access to the internet. EVEN when you are trying to mirror or cast local content. There is no way around that.
We do not work for Google so we cannot speak to their design decisions. But, we do know they designed the Chromecast protocol so that when you cast the services sends the stream directly to the Chromecast and your device (phone, computer, etc) doesn't actually handle it (it's just updated and acts as a smart remote).
Mirroring is sort-of an add-on and it doesn't always work well.
You may want to just look at getting an HDMI cable from their device to their TV.
Or, check out a Miracast compatible device instead. But, be warned that some of those devices still require internet, they don't work with as wide a range of services, and the quality may not be as good.
01-02-2025 10:26 AM
I am sorry, the short answer is "you cannot do that."
In order to cast, all Chromecast devices require access to the internet. EVEN when you are trying to mirror or cast local content. There is no way around that.
We do not work for Google so we cannot speak to their design decisions. But, we do know they designed the Chromecast protocol so that when you cast the services sends the stream directly to the Chromecast and your device (phone, computer, etc) doesn't actually handle it (it's just updated and acts as a smart remote).
Mirroring is sort-of an add-on and it doesn't always work well.
You may want to just look at getting an HDMI cable from their device to their TV.
Or, check out a Miracast compatible device instead. But, be warned that some of those devices still require internet, they don't work with as wide a range of services, and the quality may not be as good.
01-02-2025 10:49 AM
Thanks for the great response - I truly appreciate your time! That was our original approach (to use a USB C to HDMI cable) - then we learnt that Google also brilliantly did not include Video for the USB C port on the Google Pixel 7 family of devices - which is what sent us down the path of trying to cast without the cable! This really has been a very frustrating attempt to do something that in this day and age - really should be easily achieved (I would think)! On the flip side - I suppose we can save a ton by just purchasing a bunch of used DVD's for next to nothing an bypass this entire ridiculous rabbit hole to accomplish something that should be "doable"! Started out with a cable that refused to work, then went to casting, which needed DHCP (cannot set static on Chromecast), it just went on and on till I needed a mini server providing LAN and WiFi essentials - and did not work, then I finally had the brilliant idea to dig out the old HooToo device - it provided the WiFi without Internet all devices working as expected [yeah] - no worky - total bummer - plugged the HooToo WAN port into my LAN (adding the Internet) and it all worked great [thus proving your information and verifying "we cannot do that!"] Was a fun holiday project and I did learn a thing or two! 😐 😑 😶 Thanks again for your time and information, maybe someone else will stumble on this information to get a plain answer rather than chasing rabbits!