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To do a demo of my application to a group of persons, I need to cast my Android desktop to a TV.

Someone borrowed me a device that looks like this one (probably not exactly the same version). However, it apparently requires a Wifi network to be used to cast some content.

Is there some other chromecast devices that would not require any Wifi connection to be used?

jpo38
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  • Have you installed the Google Cast app to see if that sees the Chromecast? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.chromecast.app&hl=en You said "it looks like this one" and linked to the newer Chromecast, to confirm, this IS a Chromecast (either 1st Gen or 2nd Gen)? – DukeSilversJazz Sep 22 '16 at 16:18
  • The link I provided looks like the chrome cast I used (unlike the one looking like a memory stick). I did install the app and was able to detect the chromecast device (seeing a code displayed on the TV). However, next step on Android device forced me to choose a Wifi network to connect to. No way I could skip this step. – jpo38 Sep 22 '16 at 16:44

3 Answers3

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Chromecast needs some sort of connection in order to receive the media to display. Wi-Fi is the main option via a wireless router or a personal hot-spot. Google also sells an Ethernet adapter that you can plug into your wired network.

Usually Chromecast requires Internet connectivity to function, but it is possible to trick it into working on a hot-spot that lacks Internet connectivity. This work-around requires 2 Android devices for initial set-up, and the LocalCast app. The steps are described here and here.

Quote:

  • Gather two devices
  • One must be an Android cell phone with mobile capability. The second can be any device that is capable of local media
  • open "settings" on cell phone
  • open "more networks"
  • select "mobile hotspot"
  • turn on "mobile hotspot"
  • go into "mobile hotspot" settings by selecting the 3 vertical dots in the upper-right corner
  • select configure hotspot
  • type in a name you would like to call your mobile hotspot network or leave the default name
  • scroll down to choose a password for this network

Now we must switch the Wi-Fi network that the Chromecast is paired to.

  • ensure that the second device (the one you wish to cast from) is connected to the same network that the Chromecast is paired to (the pairing was done when you first setup your Chromecast)
  • open the Chromecast app (if using iOS or Android) or open Chrome if using Linux, Windows, or MacOS
  • From the app choose the name of the Chromecast or from Chrome select the Chromecast icon in the upper-right of the screen, and then choose the name of the Chromecast
  • Select "Wi-Fi"
  • Select the name of the network you are on (this will drop-down a menu with other networks)
  • Select the name of the mobile hotspot network you created and enter password
  • This will successfully switch the network that the Chromecast looks to connect to

Now we will open LocalCast app and cast the video we desire. And lastly we will go back to the cell phone and turn off "mobile data" and leave on "mobile hotspot"

Chahk
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  • linked page to buy adapter says "This optional accessory lets you connect your Chromecast and Chromecast, 1st Generation directly to your router to create a fast and reliable connection for your Chromecast". Does that mean it does not work with Chromecast 2nd generation? You confirm Chromecast 2nd generation also needs a Wi-Fi connection? – jpo38 Sep 23 '16 at 19:01
  • @jpo38 It works with 2nd Gen Chromecast. – Chahk Sep 23 '16 at 19:13
  • You mean the adaptor works? Or it works without Wifi? – jpo38 Sep 24 '16 at 06:21
  • The adapter works. – Chahk Sep 25 '16 at 18:36
  • Thanx again for your help. As I have no Wifi, no network and no mobile data....I guess I have no solution (could not setup a Wifi network without activating my mobile data on my Nexus 6). – jpo38 Sep 26 '16 at 15:58
  • @jpo38 In that case Chromecast may not be the solution you are looking for. Connecting your phone directly to a TV is possible, but only with phones that support MHL and with a proper adapter cable. – Chahk Sep 26 '16 at 18:37
  • Saw that...but my Motorola Nexus 6 is not listed here.....unfortunately ;-). Thanx for your help! – jpo38 Sep 27 '16 at 06:08
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    apparently, for devices not supporting MHL, SlimPort works (at leats for the Nexus 5. I'll try that. – jpo38 Sep 29 '16 at 06:24
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NO you need wifi. or create a hotspot with your phone and connect it to that

user1871
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  • But this website http://www.alphr.com/google/google-chromecast/1002449/how-to-use-chromecast-without-wi-fi-making-the-most-of-google-s says "Using Chromecast without Wi-Fi is really quite simple because Google now allows you to cast locally stored content from your phone or laptop to Chromecast without a Wi-Fi connection. You can also mirror your device without Wi-Fi." – jpo38 Sep 22 '16 at 15:26
  • "create a hotspot with your phone" can I do that without enabling mobile data? With no SIM card for instance? – jpo38 Sep 22 '16 at 15:27
  • Yes, on Android you can. – Albin K C Sep 23 '16 at 16:27
  • Some carrier-locked phones are locked out of disabling mobile data while Wi-Fi hot-spot feature is enabled. – Chahk Sep 23 '16 at 16:30
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Apparently ezCast allows to do that (chrome with no Wifi available), it setup its own Wifi network.

https://forum.iezvu.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=407

jpo38
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