Google Chromecast now has a guest mode to allow users to stream content from a mobile device to the TV without needing a Wi-Fi password.

This means house guests can cast videos to the television without going through the trouble of asking for a Wi-Fi password — an annoyance any house guest knows all too well. Google announced the new guest mode on its official blog on Thursday.

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The Chromecast device, a $35 HDMI dongle, plugs into any HDTV to stream online videos and music, controlled from apps on your tablet or smartphone. It works with a variety of platforms, including Vimeo, Redbox Instant, Netflix, YouTube, HBO Go, Pandora and Hulu Plus.

But traditionally, you'd need to connect the mobile device to a Wi-Fi network first. Instead, Chromecast users can switch on a guest mode, so people with Android 4.3 or greater smartphones can stream content, as long as he or she is in the same room as the stick.

It works because Chromecast emits something called a Wi-Fi beacon, which the guest's device picks up. As a result, an icon pops up on the mobile device and the Chromecast generates a PIN number, which transfers it via ultrasonic, inaudible audio that can't travel through walls to make sure the guest device is in the same room. Once it does that, everything's good.

Guest mode is only compatible with Android, which means iPhone users are out of luck. For now, Google claims that there isn't an API that would allow iOS to scan for a list of Wi-Fi access points.

For Android users, it's easy enough to set up guest mode, which is off by default. To do so, a user will open the Chromecast app and select the "Devices" tab, choose the Chromecast device and tap "Guest mode." Turn the slider on, and it's good to go.

Still, if Chromecasters run into any trouble setting up guest mode, Google has a step-by-step guide with pictures to help.

Let's hope the update brings more viral otter videos to TV screens. See how it works in the video, below.