Set up cast moderator

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

This page is for administrators. If you want to learn more about how to use cast moderator, see Cast to a cast receiver using cast moderator.

As an admin, you can set up cast moderator for your school to allow teachers and students to share their screen wirelessly to a central display, using a secure access code.

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:
    • Chromecast with Google TV (HD)
    • Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
  • US customers can purchase cast receivers in bulk through approved EDU resellers. Cast moderator will be coming to more countries in 2023.
• 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.

Before you begin

• Cast sender devices must be on ChromeOS M108 or later.
• Cast moderator is not compatible with the Chrome as an Independent App public preview that is being released in spring 2023. For more details, see FAQ.
• Cast receivers must be on a WPA2-PSK or an Ethernet network.
  • Cast receivers do not support WPA2 Enterprise (WPA 802.1X). However, cast sender devices can be on an WPA2-Enterprise network.
  • To connect cast receivers to an Ethernet network, you’ll need to use an adapter. For details, see Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast: Quick Start Guide.
• Cast receivers can be placed on the same SSID or a different SSID as end users. For additional security, you can set up a separate SSID for the cast receiver that supports WPA2-PSK.
  • Client isolation mode must be turned off for all cast-related networks.
  • If the cast receiver and casting devices are on different networks, make sure traffic can be forwarded from the casting device network through a bridge to the correct port on the cast receiver network. The network must support traffic on these ports:
    • TCP port 8008-8009 for the cast V2 protocol
    • UDP port 10008 for mirroring, but port usage may range from 1 - 65535
    • Both the cast receiver and cast senders (Chromebooks) must be able to connect with https://castedumessaging-pa.googleapis.com on port 443.

For more details on networking, see Network requirements for cast moderator.

Set up cast moderator

Set up the cast receiver account

1. Sign in with an administrator account to the Google Admin console.

   If you aren’t using an administrator account, you can’t access the Admin console.

2. Create a new Google Account under the same domain as your teachers and students.
   • We recommend creating one cast receiver account per school building, For example, [e-mail]. For details, see Add an account for a new user. 
   • You can use the same Google Account for up to 90 cast receivers. If you have a building with more than 90 devices you must create multiple accounts.
   • Pick a secure password so that you don’t need to update the password later. 
3. Add all cast receiver Google Accounts into a new organizational unit. For details, see Add an organizational unit.
4. Mark the organizational unit with the new Google Account as 18 or older.
   Note: To perform this task, make sure you sign in using an account with super administrator privileges. To learn more about the super admin role, watch this video.
   1. Go to Menu  Account > Account settings > Age-based access settings.
   2. For Choose an appropriate age label, select All users are 18 or older.
   3. Click Save.
5. Turn on Access to additional services without individual control:
   1. Go to Menu  Apps > Additional Google Services.

      Requires having the Service Settings administrator privilege.

   2. Select Access to additional services without individual control.
   3. On the left, select the organizational unit that contains your newly created Google Account.
   4. Click Change.
   5. Select On for everyone.
   6. Select Save.
6. Turn Endpoint Mobile Management (EMM) off:
   1. Go to  Menu  Devices > Mobile & endpoints > Settings > Universal.

      Requires having the Mobile Device Management administrator privilege.

   2. Click GeneralMobile management.
   3. On the left, select the organizational unit that contains your newly created Google Account.
   4. Choose an option:
      Note: If your domain has access to an Android Enterprise subscription, you must also remove that from this account. You can check your subscriptions by going to BillingSubscriptions.
      1. To turn off management for all mobile devices, select Turn off mobile management (Unmanaged).
      2. To turn it off only for certain device types, select Custom. Then, for the devices you don’t want to manage, select Unmanaged. 
   5. Click Save.
7. Disable third-party integrations:
   2. On the left, select the organizational unit that contains your newly created Google Account.
   3. Make sure that Android EMM is not enabled.

Set up the cast receiver device

Watch this video to learn how to setup cast moderator.

Cast moderator setup

Bulk device setup

To set up a large number of cast receivers, use an Arduino script to automate keystrokes and complete setup in bulk.

To do this, you need:

• A USB-C hub. Make sure the hub has enough ports to support a USB-C power source and the centipede.
  • Example 1, Example 2, Example 3
• A USB-C charger that supports a minimum of 18W. You might need 30W or higher depending on the amount of power your hub requires. The power cable that comes with your Chromecast device is not powerful enough for a USB hub. However, typical computer USB-C chargers deliver enough power.
  • Example 1, Example 2
• A USB-C to USB-C cable.
• An Arduino with HID Keyboard functionality.
  • Example

For more detailed instructions on bulk setup, see Cast moderator centipede.

Single device setup

To set up a single device, type with the Chromecast remote or connect an external keyboard using a USB-C hub. 

1. Plug in the cast receiver to a power source and an external monitor according to the instructions provided with the device and power it on.

2. Follow the instructions on the screen to pair the remote and select a language.
3. Skip the option to use the Google Home app for setup. Click Down on the remote and select Set up on TV instead.
4. Enter your Wi-Fi credentials. For more details on networking, see Network requirements for cast moderator.
5. When the Wi-Fi is connected, you should see a loading state for a system update. This stage can take a while, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The device might restart a number of times.
6. When the Google sign-in page is displayed, do not type in your account yet. Instead, click the Back button on the remote until you see a message You're connected to <your_network_name>.
   Note: If you are using an external keyboard instead of a remote, hold down the Meta button and click Backspace 2 times.
7. On the You're connected to <your_network_name> page, click Up on the remote control 7 times in a row. After a few clicks you will see a toast notification counting down the remaining clicks until you reach 7. After 7 clicks, the screen displays Use cast moderator.
   Note: If you are using an external keyboard instead of a remote, click the Up arrow key 7 times.
8. Click Continue and follow the prompts on the screen.
9. You are returned to the Google sign-in page. Sign into the device using your newly created Google Account, for example [e-mail].
10. Follow the rest of the prompts on the screen.
11. When the Google TV setup is complete, Your Google TV experience is ready is displayed.
12. Select Start Exploring. The Google TV home page is displayed.
13. Navigate to the Apps section and open the Cast moderator app.

You can now use the access code to begin casting.

Note: Once opened, the Cast moderator app stays pinned to the screen, even when the device is powered off or updates. To leave the app and return to the Google TV home, click Back on the remote.

Set up the teacher and student accounts

Before you begin, make sure users’ devices are on ChromeOS 108 or later.

For the applicable teacher and student organizational units, set the following permissions:

1. Sign in with an administrator account to the Google Admin console.

   If you aren’t using an administrator account, you can’t access the Admin console.

2. Go to  Menu  Devices > Chrome > Settings. The User & browser settings page opens by default.

   Requires having the Mobile Device Management administrator privilege.

   If you signed up for Chrome Enterprise Core, go to Menu  Chrome browser > Settings.

3. (Optional) To apply the setting only to some users and enrolled browsers, at the side, select an organizational unit (often used for departments) or configuration group (advanced). Show me how

   Group settings override organizational units. Learn more

   Note: We recommend separating teachers and students into different organizational units for easy access control.
4. Go to Content.
5. Click Cast:
   1. Select Allow users to cast.
   2. (Recommended) Enable Always show the Cast icon in the toolbar.
   3. Click Save. Or, you might click Override for an organizational unit.

      To later restore the inherited value, click Inherit (or Unset for a group).

6. Click Cast moderator:
   1. Select Enable cast moderator.
   2. (Recommended) For teacher organizational units, set the Cast moderator device duration to a longer device duration, for example the length of your school year. With this setting, teachers only need to enter a code to connect the first time. Afterwards, the device will appear in their Cast list so they can directly connect without using a code. The default Remove immediately is recommended for students or users who you require to use a code every time they connect.
   3. Click Save. Or, you might click Override for an organizational unit.

      To later restore the inherited value, click Inherit (or Unset for a group).

7. Turn on Chrome sync (this should be on by default). See Chrome sync (ChromeOS).
8. To cast using cast moderator on Windows, Mac, or Linux, turn on Chrome browser management for the organizational unit. For details, see Turn on Chrome browser management.

After you have enabled the policies, managed users can navigate to the Cast menu in their ChromeOS Quick Settings or in the Chrome browser. The option Connect with a code is displayed.

Best practices

Cast receiver account

Trusted domains

Cast moderator only allows casting from users who belong to the same domain as the account running on the cast receiver device, or from accounts that belong to a domain trusted by the cast receiver account’s domain. For details, see Allow external sharing with only trusted domains.

Cast receiver device

Renaming your cast receiver device

To make it easier for teachers to find the device they’re casting to, we recommend renaming the cast device with a name that teachers will recognize. For example a name based on a classroom number. To rename your cast device, go to SettingsSystemAboutDevice Name.

If you have enabled Remember cast devices, and a teacher has already cast to a Chromecast before it is renamed, then the new name might not automatically propagate to the saved entry on that teacher's device. To get the new name to appear, the teacher must cast again using a code. The name will not update if the teacher just clicks the entry in the list of devices. After re-entering a code to connect, the next time the teacher restarts their device, the saved entry should have the updated name.

Pairing a new remote

If you lose your remote, you can pair another remote via Bluetooth. Click any button on a new remote within view of the cast receiver. You should see a prompt on the screen to pair a new remote and follow the instructions.

Factory reset

If you cannot find Cast moderator in Apps or have set up the device incorrectly, you can factory reset your device and go through the setup flow again.

To perform a factory reset on your cast receiver device, on the device go to SettingsDeviceAboutFactory reset.

Tracking inventory using serial numbers

If you are keeping track of inventory using serial numbers, it’s important to note that Chromecasts with Google TV devices have three serial numbers associated with them.

• The package serial number refers to the bundle serial number; for the remote and the Chromecast device.
• The Chromecast device serial number can be found printed on the back of the device. You can also find it if you navigate to SettingsAbout.
• If you purchase through an EDU reseller, they might also be able to pass this information along directly.

Finding the MAC address

If you are purchasing your Chromecast with Google TV (4K) cast receivers through an EDU reseller, contact them for a list of MAC addresses and serial numbers. The MAC address for your Chromecast with Google TV (4K) can be found after the device has been set up in SettingsNetwork & Internet<your network name>Device MAC address.

Chromecast with Google TV (HD) devices use MAC address randomization so they will be issued a new MAC address with every new network SSID connection.

If you are using HD Chromecast devices, you can use either wired Ethernet or a password secured (PSK) WiFi network with MAC filtering turned off to generate a persistent MAC address for that device upon first connection. For more details on how to use device MAC, see Receiver best practices.

FAQ

I already have a Chromecast. Can I use cast moderator on my existing Chromecast?

Yes, if you have a Chromecast with Google TV, you can update it to have the cast moderator app. To do so, you can factory reset the device by going to SettingsDeviceAboutFactory reset. Once the device is reset, follow the setup instructions above.

If you have an older generation Chromecast that does not support Google TV, you must purchase a new Google TV device.

Can you use cast moderator with a TV, projector, or interactive smart panel?

The Cast moderator app runs on select Google TV devices. If you are using a Chromecast with Google TV as your cast receiver, you can attach those to any display via an HDMI port.

Is there a way to manage cast receivers using the Admin console?

No. Cast receivers cannot be managed through the Admin console at this time.

Does a cast receiver require a management license or Chrome Enterprise Upgrade?

No. Cast receiver accounts do not require a management license or CEU. However, they should be created under your school’s domain.

Why am I getting an error saying “Can’t use this account”?

You can encounter this error if you set up cast moderator with a personal account like Gmail. Cast moderator only supports managed Google Accounts, such as your school or work account. You can reset the device and sign in with a managed account or add a managed account and switch to use cast moderator.

Do cast receivers support Enterprise 802.1x networks?

No. Cast receivers do not support WPA2 Enterprise (WPA 802.1X). However, end users who are casting can be on an WPA2-Enterprise network. An alternate option is to connect cast receivers to an Ethernet network using an adapter. For details, see Ethernet Adapter for Chromecast: Quick Start Guide.

How do I disable casting for students?

You must explicitly allow casting by enabling policies as detailed in Set up the teacher and student accounts. To make it easy to separately control casting access for teachers and students, we recommend you create separate organizational units for teachers and students.

Then, if you do not want your students to have casting permission, you can enable the casting policies only on your teacher organizational units.

I don’t want to have a remote in the classroom. What do you suggest?

The Chromecast remote is the easiest way for teachers to control who is casting because they can select show access code to invite others to cast and can select the back button to end a cast session. However, if you want to remove the remote, you have two options.

• If your TV is CEC compatible, you can use your TV remote to control the Chromecast.
• If you would prefer to have the access code shown by default and not require the remote to show the access code, the cast moderator app,  go to Settings  and turn on Always show access code.
  Note: If you do not see this option in your app, update the cast moderator app to version 1.4 or above. For details, see Update your apps.

Why can't I hear audio when I cast?

The device with the Chromecast plugged in might not be configured to play audio from the Chromecast. If you do not hear auditory cues (soft beeps) when you use the remote to navigate the Google TV home UI, such as highlighting buttons, it means the cast receiver display is not configured to play audio from the Chromecast. In this case, consult your display’s settings. 

If the issue persists, we recommend pairing a bluetooth speaker with the Chromecast to bypass the display’s speakers.

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

When casting, audio is controlled by the Google TV remote. You will not be able to control volume using the Chrome browser or Chromebook. Make sure you pair the remote with the TV, projector, or monitor so that you can control the volume. You can also use the remote that came with the TV, projector, or monitor to control the volume.

To start, pause, or stop audio playback, use the source of the audio in the Chrome browser or Chromebook as normal.

Why is my audio not coming from the TV or projector when casting on macOS?

At this time, macOS does not support casting audio when sharing your desktop. Select Cast tab instead and audio should be sent to the display instead of playing from the cast sender device.

Does cast moderator work with the Chrome browser as an Independent App changes?

A large architectural change is coming to ChromeOS starting in 2023 and, as an education customer, you might receive an invite to join the public preview before this goes fully live late in 2023.

If you plan to use cast moderator do not join this preview program as we have not resolved all the compatibility issues. This is an opt-in preview, so you will not receive these changes unless you elect into this preview. We are working hard to ensure cast moderator will be fully compatible by the time this change is applied to all ChromeOS users.

How do I submit 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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