Chromecast Audio is a media streaming device that is built for audio only. It offers a simple way to turn virtually any powered speaker into an audio streaming device. Chromecast Audio plugs into the AUX input of your speaker to stream music over Wi-Fi. You can use your Android phone or tablet, iPhone, iPad, Mac or Windows laptop, or Chromebook to cast your favorite music, radio stations and podcasts to any speaker in the house.

Chromecast Audio works perfectly well with streaming services such as Spotify, Pandora and Google Play Music. Just like its video-streaming counterparts, the Chromecast Audio “casts” audio from streaming services to your home speakers. It costs about $35 USD and makes the entire house audio system very compact and simple. Chromecast Audio does not use HDMI connection. You can connect via a 3.5mm analog stereo patch cable or digital optical input which requires a mini ToS link adapter or cable.

Features and Benefits of Chromecast Audio You Don’t Want to Miss

They include:

Chromecast Audio allows you to listen to millions of songs, radio stations and podcasts from apps like Pandora, Google Play Music, Spotify and so on. You can listen to your favorite songs anytime.

Chromecast Audio streams are cloud-based and offer higher quality sound. You can cast streams straight from the cloud to your speakers. This offers stable high-quality sound even when you leave the room.

It allows Android users to feel the true power of mirroring. You can mirror exactly what is playing on your Android device to your speakers even when the apps are not Cast-enabled. Chromecast Audio allows you to mirror any music streaming website from your laptop’s Chrome browser.

The ability to enjoy your music without interruption. You can take a call, play a game, or even leave the room without interrupting what’s playing on your speakers. Chrome Audio streaming won’t drain your battery or get in the way of other activities.

Chromecast Audio provides an easy way to cast music to your speakers. Just tap the Cast button from your music apps to play on the speakers. You can play, pause and turn up the volume right from your phone, anywhere in the house.

How to Set Up Chromecast Audio

Below are the steps you can use to set up your Chromecast Audio:

Connect the USB power cable to your Chromecast Audio and plug the other end into a power outlet using the AC adapter. Plug Chromecast Audio into your speaker using the audio cable. Connect the Chromecast Audio and the mobile device, tablet, or laptop you are using to set it up to the same Wi-Fi network. Download the Google Home app from Google Play Store (Android users) or App Store (iOS users) on your mobile device, tablet, or laptop. Open the Google Home app by tapping the app icon on your Android device. Tap Get Started and Confirm your Google account. Choose which Google Account you want to link to Chromecast Audio. You can also add a different account if you don’t see you the account you want to use. Then, tap Ok. Allow permissions such as Location services (found on “Go to Settings” on your Google Home app) and Location access needed to find nearby devices that need setup. Then, tap OK. Scan for nearby Chromecast Audio devices that are plugged in and ready to set up and follow the prompts to complete the setup process.

How to Cast your Android Audio from the Google Home app

Here are the steps to use to cast your Android audio from the Google Home app:

In order to turn on microphone permissions, tap “Settings” on your Android phone or tablet. Scroll down and tap “Apps”. Select “Google Play Services” and then “Permissions” Look for “Microphone” and slide the slider to “On” position. Connect your Android phone/tablet and Chromecast Audio or speaker with Chromecast built-in to the same Wi-Fi network. Launch the Google Home app on your phone/tablet Tap the grid ☰ menu icon at the top left corner of the home screen. Select “Cast Screen / audio” and then “Cast Screen / audio” Choose your Chromecast Audio or Chromecast built-in speaker and you are good to go.

How to Adjust the Volume when Casting your Android Audio

The steps are as follows:

Launch the Google Home app on your mobile device. Tap “Devices” in the upper right corner of the home screen to see your available Chromecast Audio or Chromecast built-in speaker. Scroll to find the device card for the Chromecast Audio or Chromecast built-in speaker that is currently casting content. Tap the Volume button on the device card. Then, move the slider to increase or decrease the volume as you want.

How to Stop Casting your Audio from your Android Phone or Tablet

You have two options to choose from:

From your notification drawer:

Pull down the notification drop down drawer on your mobile phone or tablet. Tap “Disconnect” on the notification bar. This will stop audio casting immediately.

From your Google Home app:

Launch the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Tap “Cast Screen/audio” and then, “Disconnect”.

Worthy of note is that you can only cast your Android audio on devices running Android 4.4.2 or higher. Windows or iOS devices do not support casting of Android audio. Ensure that your Android device is not running on “Power Saving Mode” which limits the processing power of the device and could affect the performance of the Cast Audio feature.