Those of you who use Google Meet to video conference can now cast your meetings to a big screen. Google Meet has added support for Chromecast, enabling you to cast content from your device to TVs using Chromecast, Android TVs, or smart displays.

"We recognize that many schools are moving to distance/remote learning, and we wanted to support this new learning environment for teachers and students," explained Google. "Meet on Chromecast will let you host or join meetings giving you the opportunity to connect with classmates, collaborate on projects, and even attend lectures."

Google Meet Chromecast photo 3
Pocket-lint

How to cast Google Meet to the TV from a computer

If you'd like to use a different screen for Google Meet than your computer, you can cast to your Chromecast and cast-enabled TVs, or cast-enabled devices such as Android TVs, TV dongles and smart displays. With this functionality, you'll still be using the camera, microphone, and audio from your computer, but you’ll also see your meeting on the larger screen.

This uses integrated casting functionality within Meet in a Chrome browser. If you want to cast Meet from a smartphone, so the instuctions below the next section. 

What you need

  • TV with a connected Chromecast, a cast-enabled TV, or a Cast-enabled display.
  • A computer
  • Google account

Supported Chromecast models include second-generation Chromecasts and later, so that includes the Chromecast with Google TV. You'll have to have the Chromecast connected and setup which is simple - just plug it in and follow the instructions. 

Start casting

You can start casting before you join a meeting or anytime during a meeting. To cast your Google Meet to the TV, update to the latest version of Chrome, then open the meeting in Chrome, and look for the "cast this meeting" option either both before or during a meeting.

Before you join

  1. Open your meeting.
  2. Select Cast this meeting.
  3. In the Cast tab, select the Cast-enabled device you want to use.

During a meeting

  1. In the bottom right, select the three-dot menu > Cast this meeting.
  2. In the Cast tab, select the Cast-enabled device you want to use.

Stop casting

  1. In the bottom right, select the three-dot menu.
  2. Select Stop casting meeting.

How to cast Google Meet to the TV from a smartphone

If you want to cast Google Meet from a smartphone, then it's pretty easy on Android using the in-built cast functionality. As above, you'll need to make sure you have the Chromecast or cast-enabled device setup in advance. 

Then you'll have to cast the entire phone display to your device - there's no option to just cast the Meet app from a smartphone. That means you need to find the cast option on your phone - this is often in the Quick Settings tray, so swipe down from the top of the screen and look for the shortcut. It might not be in the selection of shortcuts you have, but it's easy to add. 

Then you simply tap this Screen Cast option (but be aware that some manufacturers have different names for the service) and select your Chromecast. This will mirror your phone on the TV, so you can then make your Meet call. 

You can also start casting in the middle of a call via the same method.