Ambient Mode FAQs

Here are a few Ambient Mode frequently asked questions. If these don't resolve your question, please ask members of our help community.

Introduction

What is Ambient Mode?

Ambient Mode allows you to personalize what’s displayed on your Chromecast home screen even when not casting. You can choose to display your favorite photos and art from a variety of channels. Here's more information about setting up Ambient Mode.

Can I turn off Ambient Mode?

No, Ambient Mode can't be turned off. If you disable all customized Ambient Mode preferences, images from "Featured Photos" will still appear on your TV display when the Chromecast is idle.

Can I control when and/or how often something shows up on Ambient Mode?

No, you can't control when and/or how often a piece of content appears on Ambient Mode.

I do not see my Ambient Mode selections displayed on my Chromecast. What should I do next?

You have not associated your Ambient Mode preferences with your Chromecast. You can find out how to do this here.

Settings

I’m unable to link my Ambient settings to my Chromecast device.

You may see one of the following error messages on your mobile device when trying to link your Ambient settings to your Chromecast:

  • Android Devices: "Can’t link {Chromecast Name} to Ambient Mode. Please try again later"
  • iOS Devices: "Oops! Something went wrong. Unable to add Ambient Mode to your Chromecast"

To resolve the issue:

  1. Cast a video from the YouTube mobile application.
  2. Stop the video and disconnect from the Cast session.
  3. Try re-linking your Ambient settings to your Chromecast device once you see the pictures presented by the Chromecast home screen.

Ambient Mode photos

How do I upload photos for Chromecast use?

Chromecast gets your photos for Ambient Mode through the Google Photos account you linked in the Google Home app. To upload photos to use with Chromecast, upload your photos directly to Google Photos.

What photos will be shown when I choose to activate Google Photos, Facebook, or Flickr on Ambient Mode preferences?

Only the photos from the selected albums will be displayed on the TV.

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