As announced in CES 2024, you can now use Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV to pair headsets (with Chromecast) after applying the February update.
This Chromecast how-to guide explains what Fast Pair is, how to use Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV to pair headphones/earbuds with Chromecast, and how to manage audio output devices for Chromecast with Google TV. Finally, a list of popular headphones and earbuds that support Fast Pair is provided.
Fast Pair support was added to all models (e.g., 4K and HD models) of Chromecast with Google. So, this guide applies to all models and generations of Chromecast with Google TV. Fast Pair is also supported on Google TV Streamer, the successor to Chromecast with Google TV. You can also use this guide if you are an owner of Google TV Streamer.
Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV is a built-in feature, and you do not need to enable developer options.
What is Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV?
Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV is not new. Google introduced Google Fast Pair Service (GFPS) in 2017 with Pixel Buds for Android devices. It was later referred to as Fast Pair and adopted by many headset makers.
The proprietary standard (do not confuse it with Bluetooth codecs)allows you to quickly pair Bluetooth devices when they come in close proximity for the first time. In other words, you do not need to fiddle with Bluetooth settings to pair devices. Of course, both devices must support Fast Pair.
Although Fast Pair is mainly used for pairing Bluetooth headphones or earbuds with mobile devices, it is not limited to headsets. For example, you can use Fast Pair to set up your Galaxy S23 or S24.
Fast Pair support was introduced in Chrome OS (Chromebooks) in 2022. Chromecast with Google TV is the latest Google product received this feature.
If you have a Fast Pair compatible headphone or earbuds, you can now pair it quickly with the Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV. Read on.
Steps of using Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV to pair the headset
In this guide, we will use Pixel Buds Pro as an example. Other earbuds (e.g., Sony WF-1000XM4/5) or headphones (e.g., Sony WH-1000XM6) work in an identical way.
Step 1: Turn on Chromecast with Google TV
Make sure the TV input is set as Chromecast with Google TV. You will need to use the voice remote or a keyboard.
Step 2: Turn on the headset and put in the pairing mode
For earbuds, you normally only need to open the case to turn on the buds. For Bluetooth headphones, there is usually an on/off button.
If the headphones or earbuds are new, they should be in the pairing mode automatically when you power them on.
If the headset has been paired with other devices before, you may need to put it in pairing mode. The method depends on the headset model. For example, for Pixel Buds Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5, you simply press the button on the charging case for 3-5 seconds to enter the pairing mode. But for Galaxy Buds, you may need to press and hold the touch sensors on both buds for a few seconds to enter the pairing mode.
As shown in the screenshot below, Chromecast with Google TV automatically detects the nearby accessories with Fast Pair support.
You can tap Connect to pair the earbuds with this Chromecast with Google TV instantly.
Step 4: Try the paired headset
By default, when your Chromecast with Google TV is connected to headphones or earbuds, the sound will be diverted to the headphones or earbuds, not sent to HDMI.
You can manually switch the audio output to HDMI without disconnecting the headphones or earbuds. Read on.
How to manually switch audio output between HDMI and Bluetooth headphones/earbuds on Chromecast with Google TV?
Chromecast with Google TV allows you to manually switch audio output when Bluetooth headphones or earbuds are connected. This feature was rolled out together with the Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV.
As shown in the screenshot below, when the earbuds (Pixel Buds Pro in this case) are connected to Chromecast with Google TV, there will be a quick setting tile for Audio output. This option is available for all headphones and earbuds with or without Fast Pair support.
By default, the Bluetooth device is used. You can tap it to switch, as illustrated below.
As shown in the screenshot above, you now have two options for the audio output:
- HDMI (TV in this case).
- Bluetooth devices (Pixel Buds Pro in this case).
You can switch the audio output between these two options at any time. It is not necessary to disconnect/reconnect the Bluetooth headphones/earbuds.
This audio output option applies system-wide. All apps, including sideload apps like SmartTube, follow this setting.
List of popular headphones and earbuds with Fast Pair support
Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV requires the headphones or earbuds that support the Fast Pair protocol, which can only be implemented by the manufacturer.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of some popular headphones and earbuds with Google Fast Pair support
- Google Pixel Buds (all models).
- Sony WF-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM5.
- WH-1000XM4, WH-1000XM5, and WH-1000XM6.
- Sony Linkbuds and Linkbuds S.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II, QuietComfort 45, QuietComfort Ultra and later models.
- Beats Studio Buds and Beats Studio Buds+
- Nothing Ear series.
- Jabra Elite 2 and later models.
- Libratone’s Q Adapt On-Ear headphones
- Bang and Olufsen Beoplay H9 (3rd gen)
- OnePlus Buds (all models).
Do you have any questions about Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV?
If you have any questions about Fast Pair on Chromecast with Google TV or on Google TV Streamer, please let us know in the comment box below.
The community will try to help you find the solution.
For Chromecast Audio guides, please visit the Chromecast Audio guide page.
If your question is on Chromecast, including Chromecast Ultra, 1st generation Chromecast, 2nd gen Chromecast (aka Chromecast 2015), and the 3rd gen Chromecast (Chromecast 2018), please visit the Chromecast how-to guides page.
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