Chromecast takes commands to stream content over a Wi-Fi connection. What happens if your Wi-Fi is down? It can also be inconvenient if your guests want to stream something and you don't intend to give them access to your Wi-Fi network.
ContentsWhat to do when your Wi-Fi is downUse a portable routerUse a hotspotWhat to do if you don't want your guest to access your Wi-Fi networkEnable Guest ModeConnect via Guest ModeGive your guest the bestFortunately, there are several ways to use Chromecast without connecting to your Wi-Fi network.
If you want to use your Chromecast but the internet is down, there are ways to keep the party going.
If you're on the go and want to watch content via Chromecast, it's a good idea to bring a portable router with you. These are small Wi-Fi routers that use cellular broadband to send and receive data. You connect your devices to the router like a normal router.
If you want to go this route, you need to make sure your Chromecast is registered with the portable router. If it's registered with a router that isn't present in the room (like your home router while you're traveling), you'll see a black screen when using Chromecast. If this happens, press and hold the button on the side of the Chromecast until the flashing yellow light turns white. This resets the Chromecast and allows you to connect it to your mobile router through the Home app.
Once the Mobile Router is set up, you can allow users to connect to it and cast to your Chromecast as if it were a regular router.
Most modern smartphones have a hotspot feature that turns their cellular connection into a Wi-Fi hotspot. This hotspot is not as dedicated as a portable router, and the phone itself -even can't be a user on the network it provides, so you can't stream from it. However, if you're in a hurry and want to cast from a device other than your phone, you can set up the Chromecast just like you would a portable router.
If you don't know how to use your phone as a hotspot, don't worry; we've written a guide about it!
There are some limitations you must follow when using Chromecast without the guest using your Wi-Fi.
First, the Chromecast itself needs to connect to a router with an active internet connection. If he does not have this, he is likely to create problems and refuse to work. Second, the person who wants to stream must have their Wi-Fi turned on, but not connected to the router. Also, they should have an internet connection, probably through a 4G connection.
As such, this Chromecast feature is only handy for allowing guests to cast their content to your screen. If you want to connect a Chromecast to a hotel TV and stream it without connecting to Wi-Fi, you'll be very disappointed.
To allow guests to cast to your Chromecast, you must first enable guest mode.
To get started, start the Home app on your mobile. It's the app you downloaded when setting up Chromecast, and its icon is a rainbow-colored house. Once you're there, select the TV you want to set up guest mode on.
Scroll down and find the Guest Mode option. Tap on it and activate it.
Chromecast will give you a PIN code. It is not essential to write it down, but if you already have people waiting for a connection, you can give it to them.
When your guests arrive, they can connect to the Chromecast using the PIN. Remember that the guest must have Wi-Fi turned on but not connected to anything, as well as an internet connection from another source, such as 4G.
When they want to stream content, ask them to follow the typical steps for streaming content. When it's time to choose a device, the guest should see the Chromecast ready to cast. If they tap on it, the television will emit four tones that humans cannot hear. If the guest device picks up these tones, the Chromecast will automatically connect to them.
If the device doesn't hear tones, the Chromecast will ask for a PIN instead. This is where the earlier PIN will come in handy. If you can't remember the PIN, put the Chromecast in sleep mode and look at the top right. It should say "PIN" followed by four digits. Ask the guest to enter this number in their app, and they should broadcast their screen.
If your guests want to cast to your Chromecast, you don't need to give them your Wi-Fi information. Although the steps are a bit convoluted, it's possible to give guests a dedicated way to cast to your TV without playing. with router passwords.
Do you allow your guests on your Wi-Fi? Let us know below.
