How to stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast?

In the latest update (June 27) for Microsoft OneDrive for Android, Chromecast support is added. This means you can stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast.

This is a compliment to streaming local media files as detailed in this guide, as more and more Chromecast owners save contents in the cloud.

The current limitations of Google Photos

For Android users, the most popular cloud photo storage is probably Google Photos, which was recently revamped with many nice features (e.g., unlimited storage).

However, Google photos for Android does NOT support Chromecast currently. FYI,  the old Google+ photos (the predecessor of Google photos)  supported Chromecast.

So, although Google Photos can back up your photos and videos perfectly to the cloud, it is not easy to enjoy them on the TV.

For photos saved in Google Photos, you can create albums. Then add the albums to the Chromecast backdrop.  In this way, you can enjoy your photos on the TV screen through Chromecast automatically.

Please follow this guide on how to set up and use Chromecast backdrop to stream your Google Photos.

For videos, you are probably out of lack. Currently, there is no direct way to stream Google Photos videos through Chromecast.

This is one of the reasons why you should be excited by the Chromecast support of OneDrive: you can stream OneDrive cloud videos  through Chromecast.

What is OneDrive?

OneDrive is Microsoft cloud storage platform formerly known as SkyDrive.  Microsoft offers 15GB cloud storage for free. This is comparable to Google Drive.

You will get 15GB extra storage once you backup camera roll. So, essentially, everyone can get at least 30GB OneDrive cloud storage for all kinds of files.  For Galaxy S6 owners, you can claim 100GB free storage from Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 edge devices.

OneDrive for Android app still has very limited functions compared to OneDrive web interface.

How to enable auto photo and video backup in OneDrive for Android?

You can install OneDrive for Android from Play store just like other Android Apps.

Once installed, you will be asked to log in with your Microsoft account or create an account.

In the OneDrive app, tap the navigation button (3 lines) as shown below.

Tap Settings as shown below in the subsequent page.

Tap Camera upload (under options) as shown below.

In Camera upload options, you need enable Camera upload as shown below.

Under the options, you may enable :

• Upload using WiFi Only. Unless you have a mobile plan with unlimited mobile data, you should NOT choose WiFi and mobile data.
• Include videos. The auto backup will include videos as well.

After setting this, OneDrive app will automatically backup all photos and videos taken with your phone camera, including the old photos and videos. And later you can stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast.

However for photos and videos NOT in the camera folder, or other files, you can always tap the action button (+) to manually upload them.

How to stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast?

To stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast, it is similar to use YouTube app or other Chromecast-supported apps.

If Chromecast is detected in your network, the cast icon will be shown as shown below.

If you cannot find the cast icon, you need check:

• Is Chromecast powered on?
• Is your Android device connected to the same router as Chromecast?
• Is your OneDrive app updated to 3.2 or later?
• What’s being shown on TV?

As in other apps, tap the cast icon to see the list of available Chromecast devices.

In this case, there is only one Chromecast device in the network.

Tap the Chromecast device name as shown below to connect to the Chromecast device.

Please note, your Chromecast should have a different name as shown in the screenshot.

If connection to Chromecast device is successful, the cast icon will change to Ready to cast status (filled) as shown below.

At the same time, on the TV, the normal backdrop should change to OneDrive.

Now, it is ready to stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast.

You can tap any video. It will be played on the TV.

That’s it.

What’s the limitations to stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast?

Streaming OneDrive contents to Chromecast is still new. There are several limitations when you want to stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast.

1. OneDrive for Android does not support slideshow currently.  This means you can only view photos one by one. Therefore, for photos saved in cloud, my recommendation is till use backdrop method with Google Photos.
2. OneDrive for Android does not handle music files currently.  This solution is not for you if you want to stream your music or audio files. Use Play Music instead. Play Music alolows you to store your music files in the cloud and stream it through Chromecast.
3. A few video format may be not supported.

Do you have problems to stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecast?

If you have any questions or encounter any problems to stream photos and videos on OneDrive to Chromecas, please let us know in the comment box below.

For more Chromecast tutorial, you may check our Chromecast how-to guide page.