How Do I Change the Resolution on My Chromecast?
Google Chromecast is a unique casting device: When you stream content to your TV with a Chromecast, the Chromecast device itself connects directly to the internet to obtain that stream. Even if you start the video on your phone or tablet and send it (i.e. cast it) to the Chromecast, the Chromecast won’t be dependent on your smart device to send the stream to the Chromecast. Because of this, you can’t adjust the Chromecast resolution directly using the Google Home app on your mobile device. Instead, the Chromecast automatically adjusts the aspect ratio depending on the resolution of the connected TV. This means the easiest way to make sure the Chromecast streams at the correct aspect ratio is to set your television to the highest resolution you’d like to use. If you do this before casting to the Chromecast device, it should automatically adjust the aspect ratio of the stream to the correct resolution.
Adjust Chromecast Resolution From Mobile Apps
If you’re casting content from your mobile device, it may be possible to control Chromecast resolution from the app. This is because Chromecast will first attempt to use your casting device’s set resolution before adjusting to the TV resolution. Many streaming apps for Chromecast like Netflix and Hulu lack any settings to adjust the aspect ratio for the stream you cast to Chromecast. However, there are some apps which let you stream video files from your mobile device and allow you to adjust the cast resolution in different ways. MX Player and VLC Media Player are two such apps. For example, adjusting the orientation in VLC will ensure the Chromecast streams to the TV using the correct aspect ratio.
Adjust Chromecast Resolution From Your PC
If you’re casting content from your computer, you can control the Chromecast resolution by setting the screen resolution of your PC. Follow the steps below to adjust your Windows 10 resolution.
Does Built-In Chromecast Support 4K?
It is possible to cast 4K Ultra HD (Ultra High Definition) content with your Chromecast, but there are a couple of important requirements. You’ll need to own a Chromecast Ultra, since it’s the only Chromecast capable of streaming 4K content. However, it will also work if you have a regular Chromecast connected to a Google TV. In either case, you’ll need a Wi-Fi network and an internet connection capable of 20 Mbps (mega-bits per second). The HDMI connection on the television will need to be capable of 60 frames per second and support HDCP 2.2. Of course, you’ll also need subscriptions with content providers like Netflix or Hulu which provide 4K programming.
