Set up Chromecast with Google TV, Google TV Streamer, and remote using TalkBack

You can use the TalkBack screen reader for greater accessibility while you set up your Chromecast with Google TV (HD), Chromecast with Google TV (4K), or Google TV Streamer (4K). TalkBack will tell you what's on your TV screen.

Check what TalkBack is and how to use it.

What you need

  • A Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer and Voice Remote
  • The power supply cable that came with your Google streaming device
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • A display device with an HDMI input, such as a high-definition television (HDTV)
  • A Google Account
  • A secure internet connection
    • If you use a wireless network, make sure you have the wireless network password handy.
    • You can also use an Ethernet connection.

Set up your streaming device and remote

Step 1. Power up your devices

  1. Turn on your TV.
  2. Plug your streaming device into an HDMI port on your TV or other display device.
  3. Plug one end of the power supply cable into your streaming device and the other into an available outlet near your TV.
  4. Check that your TV is tuned to the same HDMI port that your streaming device is plugged into.
    • For instructions, check with your TV manufacturer.
  5. Ensure the volume on your TV is audible.
  6. Put the AAA batteries into the remote, if you haven't already done so. Note: You'll need to insert both batteries with the positive battery terminal aligned with the middle of the remote.
  7. In most cases, your remote will pair automatically with your streaming device and you'll get the "Pairing success" chime.
    Note: For more help, go to Troubleshoot the Chromecast Voice Remote.

Step 2. Activate TalkBack on your streaming device

  1. To activate TalkBack, press and hold both the back and down buttons of the D-pad for 3 seconds.
    1. The D-pad is the circular button at the top of the remote.
    2. The back button is in the left column of buttons. It's at the top of the column, just under the D-pad.
  2. When your streaming device prompts you, release and then press and hold both the back and D-pad down buttons for 3 seconds again. Your device will confirm that TalkBack is on.
    • If instead you get a repeating chime and TalkBack doesn't turn on, use the Troubleshooting section below to identify the error and how to resolve it.

Step 3. Use TalkBack to complete the streaming device setup

Your streaming device will now take you through the rest of the setup.

  • TalkBack will automatically read the title, subtitles, and main buttons of each new page on your TV. It'll also read any text you select.
  • To navigate your TV screen, use the D-pad ring.
  • To select, press the D-pad center.

Troubleshoot error chimes

You might get one of these chimes before you set up TalkBack:

  1. "Power insufficient": This chime means your streaming device is plugged into an insufficient power source. Check that the power cord is plugged in with the power cable and adapter that came with your streaming device. Then check that the HDMI cable is plugged into a working HDMI port on your TV.
  2. "Restart needed": This chime means your streaming device wasn't able to find your remote soon enough on Bluetooth. Restart your streaming device by unplugging it from the outlet. Then wait at least 3 seconds and plug it back in again.
  3. "Start remote pairing": This chime means your remote didn't pair automatically, and you need to pair it manually. On your remote, press and hold the back and home buttons at the same time until you get the "Pairing success" chime.
    1. The back button is in the left column of buttons. It's at the top of the column, just under the D-pad.
    2. The home button is in the left column of buttons. It's the second button, just under the back button.

Google TV Streamer Voice Remote

Text description of Google TV Streamer Voice Remote

Hold the remote with the large circular button towards your TV and the smooth end towards yourself. The smooth end is the bottom, and the end with the button is the top.

Top of the remote

Directional pad (D-pad): This is the large, circular button. It can be pressed up, down, left or right.

D-pad center: This is the button in the center of the D-pad circle.

Left column buttons

There are 4 buttons aligned on the left column of the remote, with the D-pad on top.

  • Back: This is the top button.
  • Assistant or Mic: This is the 2nd button.
  • Mute: This is the 3rd button.
  • YouTube: This is the 4th button.
  • Power: This is the small button at the bottom.

Right column buttons

There are 4 buttons aligned on the right column of the remote, with the D-pad on top.

  • Home: This is the top button.
  • Volume: This is the 2nd, long button.
  • Netflix: This is the 3rd button.
  • Customizable button: This is the small button at the bottom.

Chromecast Voice Remote

Text description of Chromecast Voice Remote

Hold the remote with the large circular button towards your TV and the smooth end towards yourself. The smooth end is the bottom and the end with the button is the top.

Top of the remote

Directional pad (D-pad): This is the large, circular button. It can be pressed up, down, left or right.

D-pad center: This is the button in the center of the D-pad circle.

Right side of the remote

The volume button is a long button near the top. The top half is volume up. The bottom half is volume down.

Left column buttons

There are 4 buttons aligned on the left column of the remote, with the D-pad on top.

  • Back: This is the top button.
  • Home: This is the 2nd button.
  • YouTube: This is the 3rd button.
  • Power: This is the small button at the bottom.

Right column buttons

There are 4 buttons aligned on the right column of the remote, with the D-pad on top.

  • Google Assistant: This is the top button.
  • Mute: This is the 2nd button.
  • Netflix: This is the 3rd button.
  • Input: This is the small button at the bottom.

Important: For the best experience, we recommend that you use the remote included with your device. Some features like Find My Remote and creating a shortcut with the Customizable button only work with Google TV Streamer.

 
 

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