Initiate and control YouTube videos from any Google streaming device or TV that works with Google Cast using only your voice.
Step 1. Link TVs using the Google Home app
Link TVs to your speaker or displayLink a device
- Open the Google Home app
.
- Make sure your mobile device or tablet is connected to the same Wi-Fi as your Google device.
- Make sure your mobile device or tablet is linked to the same account as your Google device.
- At the top right, tap your account.
- To switch accounts, tap the drop down
another account or Add another account
.
- Tap Favorites
or Devices
..
Tap your device's tile
Settings
.
- Optional: More
- Optional: More
- At the top right, tap Settings
- Check for a banner at the top of the page that states “Enable voice control and more.”
- If the banner appears, tap it and follow the steps to link your TV.
- If the banner doesn't appear but your email address appears under “Linked account(s),” your TV is already linked.
If you get an "Error when linking device" message, factory reset your Google streaming device.
Unlink a device
Make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the same Wi-Fi or Google Account as your speaker, display, Google streaming devices, or Pixel Tablet.
- Open the Google Home app
- Tap Favorites
- Touch and hold your device's tile.
- Tap Settings
Remove device.
The following Cast devices can play YouTube videos on TVs using your speaker or display:
- Chromecast
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Google TV Streamer (4K)
- TVs that work with Google cast
- Android TV devices
Step 2. Control YouTube videos on TVs using voice commands
Below are some ways to talk with your Google Assistant on your speaker or display to play YouTube videos on TVs:
|
To do this: |
Say "Ok Google" or "Hey Google," then: |
|---|---|
|
Play general videos from TV show, YouTube Channel, or artist |
"Play [artist] videos on [TV name]" |
|
Play specific videos or songs |
"Play [video name] trailer on [TV name]" |
|
Play videos by category |
"Play [topic] videos on [TV name]" |
|
Control videos on a remote device. Tip: To do this, add "on [device name]" to any of the basic voice commands for music. |
"Pause on [device name]" |
If you only have one linked voice-supported Cast device, you don't have to say its name in your command. Instead, you can say "Hey Google, ...<on TV>" or "Hey Google, ...<on streaming device>."
Other ways to control video
From the Google Home app- Make sure your mobile device or tablet is linked to the same account as your speaker or display.
- Open the Google Home app
- Tap Favorites
- Tap the current media session for:
- Playback controls
- Volume control (media and Google Assistant)
- Playback device selection
On the media player, you get the following information for the current session:
- Content provider
- Title (song name, show episode name or radio station program)
- Artist (if available)
- Collection (playlist, album, show series, or radio station, if available)
You can also pause or resume, stop, and control the remote device from the device card.
Fix problems
Need help? Try these troubleshooting steps- Make sure you've correctly linked your devices, including:
- Cast device is voice-supported and running Cast version 1.32 or newer.
- You've linked the devices via the Google Home app:
- Open the Google Home app
- Tap your account.
-
Verify that the Google Account shown is the one linked to your Google device. If correct, tap Close
to exit the account window. To switch accounts, tap the drop down
- Tap Assistant settings
Devices. You'll find a list of all your linked devices.
- Open the Google Home app
-
Name your speaker or display, streaming device or device that works with Google Cast
To ensure proper playback on your TV, follow these tips when naming your devices:
- Give your speaker or display, streaming device, or device that works with Google Cast different names, and avoid the use of the same words in the names. This helps your speaker or display correctly understand your command and play content on the right device.
- ?Good:
- Name your speaker or display "Living Room"
- Name your streaming device "Family TV"
- Ok:
- Name your speaker or display "Living Room Home"
- Name your streaming device "Living Room TV"
- ?Good:
- Make sure the name is easily pronounceable.
- Avoid using emoji or special characters.
- To change the name of your streaming device, speaker or display:
-
- Open the Google Home app
- Tap Favorites
- Touch and hold your device's tile
- Delete the current name and type in a new name. Tap Save.
- Open the Google Home app
- Give your speaker or display, streaming device, or device that works with Google Cast different names, and avoid the use of the same words in the names. This helps your speaker or display correctly understand your command and play content on the right device.
- If your remote devices don't seem to respond to voice commands, or you get a response that says "Nothing is playing,” be more specific in your request by adding “…. on <device name>” to your request. This will re-initiate media focus and allow you to better control the device.
- Try to add "videos" or "trailers" to the request. Examples: "Play funny videos on TV" or "Play movie trailers on TV."
- If you get an error message like, "I can only play videos on devices using Chromecast, or on Google Cast-enabled TVs," try to rename your devices.
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