Chromecast Audio was introduced on September 29, 2015, together with the new Chromecast (Chromecast 2015, 2nd generation of Chromecast).
Although Chromecast Audio shares almost identical hardware specs with the new Chromecast, the designed usage of Chromecast Audio is substantially different from Chromecast.
This may confuse many users.
Chromecast Audio guides will include a series of guides to help you better understand Chromecast Audio (e.g., differences between Chromecast Audio and Chromecast, Bluetooth vs Chromecast Audio…) and use Chromecast Audio.
For Chromecast, including 1st generation of Chromecast and new Chromecast (Chromecast 2015), please check this Chromecast how-to guide page.
This is a live page: more guides will be added regularly after we test them one by one.
If you have any questions on Chromecast Audio, please feel free to leave them in the comment box below, we will try to find the solution for you.
Here are the Chromecast Audio guides.
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Table of Contents hide
What’s the difference between Chromecast and Chromecast Audio?
Chromecast or Chromecast Audio? If you have any questions on the difference between these two Chromecast devices, you can find the answer in this guide. This Chromecast Audio guide explains to you the output format, targeted usages, audio quality, under-hood differences of Chromecast and Chromecast Audio. Read on…
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How to setup Chromecast Audio?
The setup process for Chromecast Audio is slightly different from that for Chromecast. This Chromecast Audio guide shows you step-by-step the correct way to set up a Chromecast Audio device with Chromecast App. Read on …
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How to use Chromecast Audio to stream music? and How to control Chromecast Audio from your mobile devices?
Although Chromecast Audio is very user friendly, you may need help to use stream music with it for the first time. This Chromecast Audio guide shows you detailed steps to stream music from your mobile device to the speaker. In addition, the guide shows you how to control music streaming and stop music casting for Chromecast Audio. Read on…
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Chromecast Audio vs Bluetooth speaker: why Chromecast is better than Bluetooth?
Chromecast Audio and Bluetooth works in a similar way in some cases. Some Chromecast owners are sometimes confused about the advantages (and disadvantages) of Chromecast Audio. This Chromecast Audio guide compares Chromecast Audio vs Bluetooth on audio quality, battery usage on mobile devices and requirements to help you find the best solution if you want to use both of them. Read On…
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What are the compatible cables for Chromecast Audio? and why it matters to choose the suitable cable for Chromecast Audio?
Chromecast Audio has only one 3.5-mm output port, but you can use 3 different types of audio cables: 3.5-mm stereo cable, 3.5-mm-stereo-to RCA cable and mini TOSLINK to TOSLINK cable. This Chromecast Audio guide explains the differences, advantages and disadvantages of these 3 cables. Some tips to get get the best audio quality are also covered. Read on…
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What are the compatible speakers for Chromecast Audio?
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How to adjust sound settings for Chromecast Audio?
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What are supported systems for Chromecast Audio?
Chromecast Audio requires another device (companion device), which can be a PC, a laptop, a smartphone or a tablet. There are some operating system requirements for Chromecast Audio companion devices. The officially supported operating systems for Chromecast Audio are Android, iOS, Chrome OS, Windows and Mac OS. You may also use Chromecast Audio on a Linux machine as well. This Chromecast Audio guide explains the detailed requirements for the supported operating systems. Read on…
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Meaning of Chromecast Audio LED status
Chromecast Audio can only tell you the status or problems through Chromecast Audio LED colours. This Chromecast Audio guide explains the meaning of 4 possible LED status: solid orange, solid white, pulsing white and pulsing orange. Read on...
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How to factory reset Chromecast Audio?
Chromecast Audio can only remember one wireless network. Whenever you change your WiFi network or change the router, you will have to reset Chromecast Audio. Occasionally, a factory data reset may be required to solve some issues in Chromecast Audio. This guide shows you two methods to reset Chromecast Audio: 1). use the hardware button on Chromecast Audio, and 2). use Chromecast App in mobile devices or Google cast extension on PC/laptop. Read on…
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How to cast local music files to Chromecast Audio?
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What are the technical specifications of Chromecast Audio?
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How to claim special offers for my Chromecast Audio?
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How to use Chromecast Audio multi-room group playback?
When you have two or more Chromecast Audio, you may want to sue them together so that all speakers connected can play identical music simultaneously (for example, for a party). Chromecast Audio multi-room group playback is a solution for this. You can enjoy identical music in all rooms simultaneously with this group playback (multi-room support) feature. This guide shows you how to use Chromecast Audio multi-room group playback and how to correct group play delay if the music playing is out-of-sync. Read on…
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How to use Chromecast to stream music to dumb speakers (as Chromecast Audio does)?
Although Chromecast Audio was discontinued, you can still make your vintage speakers or favourite AVR systems alive by using Chromecast to stream music to dumb speakers, just like what Chromecast Audio does. This Chromecast guide explains why you may consider using Chromecast to stream music to dumb speakers and how to set up the system so that you can continue streaming music to the speakers and AV systems without Chromecast Audio. Read on …
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If the guide you need has not been released, you can post your questions or requests in the comment box below.
We will try to answer your questions as early as we can, and we may speed up the release of that specific guide for Chromecast Audio.
If your Chromecast Audio questions are related to one of the released Chromecast Audio guides, please post the questions in the specific guide page so that the community can help you.
Please note, All About Chromecast is a community site for Chromecast owners to help owners. We are not affiliated to Google or any vendors. If you need official technical support or sales support, please check with Google or the seller.
If you want to ask questions privately on Chromecast Audio, please use this contact us form. The reply maybe not as fast as questions posted in the comments section.
just askin says
flac player with chrome cast audio…….. from windows (not loading from chrome in the url bar), from android, ios from nas . what are the possibilities for flac
simon says
Plex is probably the best solution. Check this guide (it works for music as well).
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
cillson says
Can I control multiple Chromecast Audios from one device?
May be a silly question but is it possible to select a playlist to play on one Chromecast Audio, then from the same device select a second Chromecast Audio and play a second playlist – but still retain the ability to control the first again. Whenever I try from Google Music I can only control the last Chromecast Audio/ Playlist I started?
simon says
Of course, you can. In Chromecast App, all available Chromecast devices are listed under device tab. You can manage them and control them individually.
When you tap cast icon in the supported apps, you will have to select a Chromecast device. So, you can choose different Chromecast device for each app.
But in most Android devices, you cannot run 2 or more copies of the same app. So, you cannot use the same app for different Chromecast devices. This is what you experienced in Google Play music.
If you want to stream music to 2 Chromecast Audio, you have to: 1). use two different music playing apps; or 2). use two different devices.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
cillson says
Hi Simon, thanks for the reply – pretty much what I thought! I’m wondering when the multiroom update comes out what new features that will bring i.e. will it allow simultaneous control of different Chromecast audios in different rooms or just allow grouping of 2 or more devices to play the same thing in multiple rooms.
Having been a long time user of the old Chromecast, you can get that to play different media in different rooms at the same time from the same app but typically only because the Chromecast devices seem to loose contact with the controlling device frequently. So for example you can start a stream from PLEX in the front room, then once the controller disconnects you can start another stream in another room. Obviously the tricky thing is then trying to re-take control of the first stream! Seems you can do the same with Chromecast audio but it disconnnects less frequently.
simon says
Not much detailed info on the update.
Thank you for sharing the trick of casting to 2 devices from same app on one device.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
aka says
as soon as Audirvana can cast – and the puck can handle 24/96 (or even better up to 24/192) – I’m in! One wonders why Apple has not bumped the bit-perfect Airport Express to 24/96 long ago. Again, the competitors are filling the gaps that Apple exposes…
Brett Gandel says
Does using optical output/Toslink bypass the Chromecast DAC and allow me to use an external DAC? If so, this would be superior wireless solution to Bluetooth Aptx, right?
simon says
Yes, you are right. For digital output, the audio quality depends on the music source and your HiFi system. Chromecast audio mainly just fetch the digital contents for you.
Actually, the DAC in Chromecast audio is quite good for most users.
Chromecast doesn’t compress your music. It’s always better than Bluetooth.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Nathan Budd says
If I’m streaming something (say from Netflix) to my Chromecast on TV, is there any way I can also connect to my two Chromecast Audios, which are plugged into two separate speakers, and have the audio through these as well?
simon says
No, you cannot.
Only Chromecast Audio can form groups with Chromecast Audio. Chromecast cannot.
Chromecast Audio does not fetch video contents.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Jean says
Hey, thanks for all of this info. A question remains unanswered though. Is it possible to use Chromecast and Chromecast Audio at the same time?
Thank you
simon says
Yes, you have to select Chromecast devices in each app individuality.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Paul says
Hi. Is there a way to hook chromecast audio up to older speakers without RCA or a 3.5 AUX connection? My speakers are connected by bare wires. Can you hook it up through the receiver somehow? And if so, would I still be able to play through those speakers from a phone or computer?
simon says
You need to find an adapter or a receiver that can connect to your speaker. Chromecast audio itself only accept 3 goes types of different downstream connection.
As long as Chromecast audio is setup, any devices in the same network can play to it and control it. Please note, Chromecast audio is mainly for streaming.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Leon says
Can Chromecast Audio handle an app that has equalizer and tone controls? The ‘paid-for’ version of BubbleUpnP allows these sort of controls but I’m not sure if the Chromecast Audio can deal with them. Thanks.
simon says
Most of them will be simply ignored by Chromecast Audio.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Leon says
Thanks. I had a feeling that that would be the case.
Cliff M Blondes says
Using Google Home app on Android device the Chromecast Audio shows that it’s ready to cast. I choose say Spotify and choose the Chromecast Audio device and it then says “connecting” and eventually connects after a very long time but sometimes doesn’t and reverts back to the device. Connection to Google Home is instant. What do you recommend?
simon says
Did you try Google play music or other services? Sometimes, the slow connecting is due to network connection from Chromecast audio to Spotify server.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Cliff M Blondes says
Thanks for the idea. Don’t think it’s connection to Spotify as music continues to play when trying to change devices. Contrary to what I said before, it happens when changing to Google Home too. All I get is a message “connecting” when trying to switch playback device. Even happens if using a multi group device of two (Chromecast Audio hooked to speakers & Google Home) and trying to switch to just one.
simon says
Do you mean you get the problem only when switching devices? If you open Spotify app, cast to Google home or Chromecast audio (not switching), do you have any issues?
Yes, switching devices during casting is tricky and relies on the music providers’ server. Some don’t support it at all.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Bob St. Cyr says
Question 11 – how to cast local files to chromecast. easy access to locally stored music with easy to use apps that allow searching a NAS for files and setup playlists etc. It currently looks like sonos has the advantage over google in this respect.
simon says
Chromecast Audio was designed as a streaming device, not a media player. It requires a remote (or local) server to feed the stream. So, you need a local server if you need play local media files.
Sonos and some other manufactures usually include a local player.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Norm says
I’m trying to configure Chromecast Audio with my Samsung Smart TV using the TV speakers but during set up I can’t hear the sound, which I’m assuming Google Home app isn’t connecting. I bought a 3mm male to male RCA adapter and connected it to audio in. Is this the right cable for this? What am I doing wrong? Do I need the optical cable? Very confused!,,
simon says
The cable is not an issue. The audio-in in a TV usually is for DVD players. If this is the case, you need to power on the TV, and select the input source to DVD player using your TV remote.
Depending on TV model, the speaker may not work if no video input is detected.
Anyway, people seldom use the TV speaker for Chromecast because 1). wiring of TV speaker depends on manufacturer and the model. It’s not standardized. 2). Most speakers are not good. 3). TV speaker normally doesn’t work if the screen is off (in standby mode). It’s better to connect your Chromecast Audio to a sound bar or a dumb speaker.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Anand says
I got a brand new chromecast audio this week, and connected to my Onkyo 5.1 receiver. The sound is great, but I am not seeing any output on the passive subwoofer. Adjusting subwoofer level from receiver menu seems to have zero effect. I have even tried switching inputs, but with no change – the system works 2.0 mode!
Is there a work around? ..or do I have to ditch the chromecast audio?
Thanks
Anand
simon says
If the passive subwoofer is hooked to the receiver, there should be no issues for Chromecast Audio. The handling of subwoofer is the job of the receiver. Chromecast Audio should send 2.1 audio to the receiver.
Did you try different music or different cables?
You can also test the subwoofer by connecting your phone (if it has a 3.5mm jack) to the receiver with the same cable. Then you play music on the phone and check the subwoofer.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Anand says
Thank you Simon. So I rechecked the subwoofer and found it to be working when running the DVD player.
I now discovered that the Google Home app has an option to enable “full dynamic range” (for some reason this is not selected by default). Once I selected this option, boom, everything work nows.!
simon says
Thank you for sharing the update. Enjoying casting.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Michael D Paur says
I purchased a CCA a few weeks ago via an Ebay seller but the supplied 3.5mm yellow cable has developed a fault so cannot use CCA with the genuine cable now.The seller does not have a spare and I cannot see replacements advertised online.
Can you please help us with a sourcing a replacement cable?
simon says
I don’t think Google sells this cable. The audio cable is a generic one. You just need to get a quality cable from the local audio shops. Amazon also sells such cables. The length of the cable is not an issue.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Dennis says
How does one cast from a PC and keep the PC audio output (to powered speakers) working and playing the same program as the speaker group(s)? I generally use Pandora for streaming music and would like to play it both in the same room as the PC and in other rooms.
simon says
You cannot group your PC speaker (unless it is also connected to a Chromecast device) with other Chromecast Audio connected speakers.
When you casting to a Chromecast/Google Home device, you can use another tab to play anything to your PC. Of course, you cannot sync it with the Chromecast. Also, most streaming service providers only allow one session per account.
To stream local media, please read this guide: Comparison of 5 methods for streaming local media files to Chromecast
Chromecast or Miracast? Please read this guide: Chromecast VS Miracast: everything you need know about Chromecast, wireless display and screen mirroring || Galaxy S6 Guides || Galaxy S7 Guides || Android Guides || Galaxy S8 Guides || Galaxy S9 Guides || Google Home Guides || Galaxy S10 Guides || Headphone Guides || Galaxy S20 Guides || Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides || Galaxy Note Guides || Fire tablet guide || Moto G Guides || Moto E Guides
Anonymous says
Thank you very much for a great guide. Super insightful and practical.