Cast using cast moderator

Cast content to Chromebooks and other devices

Applies to managed ChromeOS devices or Windows and macOS users who use managed Chrome browser on M108 or later.

This page is for teachers. If you are an administrator and want to learn more, see Set up cast moderator.

What is cast moderator?

As a Chrome user, such as a teacher, you can use cast moderator as a casting solution in the classroom. By connecting a cast receiver to a shared screen, such as a TV or projector, you and your students can both mirror or share a single Chrome tab wireless simply by connecting with a code.

Cast moderator: Secure, wireless casting for your entire class

 

To use cast moderator, you’ll need:

  • Cast sender—The device with content you want to share. For example, a managed ChromeOS device or managed Chrome browser on M108 or later. For more details, see About ChromeOS device management.
  • Cast receiver—The device to which you are casting. For example, a Chromecast with Google TV device plugged into a TV or projector. Supported cast receiver devices include:
  • Managed Google Account—To use cast moderator, you must have a managed user account, such as a school or work account. Cast moderator does not work with personal emails.

Set up your cast receiver

Cast moderator must be set up by an IT admin. If you are an IT administrator, see Set up cast moderator for instructions.

When your cast receiver is set up, plugged into your display, and turned on, the Cast moderator app automatically opens a home screen that displays the name of the cast receiver and a Show access code button. This means that you are ready to cast. 

  • If the cast receiver is set up properly you will not see the Google TV homepage unless you use the cast receiver remote to exit the Cast moderator app. 

  • If you exit the Cast moderator app back to the Google TV home you can reopen it by selecting the cast moderator icon listed under Apps.

  • We recommend that you always keep the Cast moderator app open, even when you turn off the cast receiver. Then the app will stay pinned to the screen the next time you turn on the device.

Cast from your device

Cast from Chrome browser, on ChromeOS, Windows, or macOS

Note: You cannot cast from Chrome browser on mobile devices.

  1. Make sure the Wi-Fi is turned on and you are connected to the school network. Learn how to connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. Open Chrome Chrome.
  3. At the top right, select Moreand thenCast.
  4. Select Sources.
  5. Choose whether you’d like to share your current tab in Chrome (Cast tab) or your whole screen (Cast desktop).
    Note: If you are casting videos, especially Youtube videos, we recommend selecting the Cast tab option because it supports streaming for a smoother experience.
  6. Select Connect with a code.

  7. Follow the prompts to enter the access code shown on your cast receiver display.

  8. After you select Submit, the content should appear on your cast receiver display.

To end a cast, click Castand thenStop or click Back on the Chromecast remote. By doing this, you can change who is casting or quickly stop showing content and return to the Connect with a code screen.

Cast from your Chromebook Quick Settings
  1. Make sure the Wi-Fi is turned on and you are connected to the school network. Learn how to connect to Wi-Fi.
  2. In ChromeOS Quick Settings, usually at the bottom right, click to open the menu and select Cast.
  3. Select Connect with a code.
  4. Follow the prompts to enter the access code shown on your cast receiver display.
  5. After you select Submit, the content should appear on your cast receiver display.

To stop sharing, click Stop in your notifications or click Back on the Chromecast remote. By doing this, you can change who is casting or quickly stop showing content and return to the Connect with a code screen.

If you experience issues or are unable to start a casting session, check with your admin that your cast receiver and your cast sender are both connected to the correct network and that all setup has been completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cast from any device?

You can cast from any ChromeOS device, like a Chromebook, or ChromeOS Flex device. You can also cast from non-ChromeOS laptops or desktop devices such as Windows, Linux, and MacOS using the Chrome browser. Casting from mobile phones is not supported.  

How do you switch casting between casting a tab or the entire screen?

When you are casting from Chrome browser, you can switch which source is being cast using the Sources button in the cast menu. If you are casting audio or video, we recommend using the Cast tab option for better performance. 

What if I don’t want to use a code every time to connect? Or, why does a device I’ve cast to keep disappearing after a period of time?

This is controlled by Admin console policies. Admins have the option to choose how long a cast receiver that you’ve cast to is saved in your Cast devices list. A cast receiver can be saved for up to 1 year. They can also set different policies for different organizational units. Contact your admin for help. 

How do I control my audio or volume when I cast?

When you start casting, Chromecast controls all audio. This means you can not control volume using the Chrome browser or Chromebook while casting. You must use the GoogleTV remote or the remote controller of the display to change the volume of casted audio.

If you want to control the volume using the GoogleTV remote and can not do so, contact your admin. They might have skipped an extra step during setup to pair the remote with the display.

Note: Casting audio from a macOS device using Cast desktop is not currently supported, but you can cast audio using the Cast tab.

How do I stop the Google TV home screen from being displayed?

The Cast app will pin itself to the screen if you haven’t exited the app. We recommend that you always keep the Cast app open, even when you turn off the Chromecast, Then the app will stay pinned to the screen the next time you turn on the device.

Can multiple students cast at once?

No, the cast receiver can only listen to a single caster at a time. When displaying a casting access code, the first person to successfully submit the code is selected as the caster. To allow a new person to cast, a new casting code must be used as each code is single-use only.

Are there settings to allow or prevent student presenters?

Your admin can allow or prevent your students from casting in the Admin console. If you only want to allow teachers to cast, contact your admin.

Is there a way to pause the mirroring during a cast session?

Yes. When you reopen the cast menu by selecting the cast icon in the bottom bar, you see an option to pause the cast. This freezes the current state of the mirroring so that you can interact with the cast sender without sharing it with your audience. To resume mirroring, reopen the menu and select resume.

I’m having trouble with my casting quality - cast keeps dropping, there is a noticeable lag, or the resolution isn’t clear. What should I do? 

Cast quality is determined by a number of things, including your device specs, network strength, and network stability. Try reaching out to your IT admin to triage any network related issues. You can also submit feedback by going to chrome://cast-feedback on your computer and sending debug logs.

Which languages does cast moderator support?

Cast moderator is currently available in 14 languages and 15 countries.

You can use cast moderator in the following languages:

  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Mandarin (Simplified)
  • Mandarin (Traditional)
  • Norwegian
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish
  • Swedish

Cast moderator is available in the following countries:

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Great Britain
  • India
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • US

How do I submit general feedback on cast moderator?

To submit feedback, do one of the following:

  • Go to the cast moderator home screen, click the Info icon, and then click Send feedback.
  • Use the Chromebook send feedback option and include the text cast moderator.

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