Creative Ways to Repurpose Your Old Google Chromecast
Even if you’ve recently upgraded your streaming setup, your old Google Chromecast can still provide significant value by being repurposed for various practical uses. Instead of letting the device gather dust or selling it, consider these creative and easy ideas to extend the life of your Chromecast beyond its original use.
Use Chromecast for Larger, Smoother Presentations
Need to give an important presentation but find the meeting room technology lacking? Your Chromecast can be a reliable companion for projecting slides and visuals onto larger screens. Its portability makes it easy to carry in a briefcase or bag for impromptu meetings.
- Ensure your smartphone and Chromecast share the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open Google Slides on your mobile device with the presentation saved in your Google account.
- Tap the Cast button and select your Chromecast-enabled display.
- Navigate through slides by swiping on your phone, controlling media sound with volume buttons.
With Google’s Gemini AI now capable of assisting in creating presentations, this setup offers seamless enhancement in both preparation and delivery. Additionally, Google Meet calls can be cast to Chromecasts (2nd generation or newer) by selecting “Cast this meeting” during video calls—a helpful backup for remote collaboration.
Transform Your Soundbar into a Dedicated Music Player
Your Chromecast can partner with a soundbar to stream music directly, freeing you from turning on the TV just to enjoy audio. This is especially handy for outdoor setups, such as your backyard or other Wi-Fi enabled spaces where music is desired.
- Connect your Chromecast to your soundbar’s HDMI input.
- Ensure both devices share the same Wi-Fi.
- Open music streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora.
- Select your Chromecast device under “Available Devices” to start streaming audio.
This approach maximizes your sound system’s utility, offering cost-effective ways to enjoy music with minimal fuss while also potentially saving on power consumption.
Turn Your TV into a Digital Photo Frame
Repurpose your Chromecast as a vibrant digital photo frame ideal for showcasing recent vacations, family events, or celebratory moments on the big screen.
- Install and sign into the Google Photos app on your mobile device.
- Choose your desired albums or photos.
- Tap the Cast icon and select your Chromecast-connected TV.
- Swipe through photos or start a slideshow to display continuously.
This simple setup can also be enhanced by casting YouTube videos like fireplace scenes to create ambiance, enriching your viewing experience without additional devices.
Use Chromecast as a Home Security Monitor
With compatible smart home cameras and Chromecast devices (3rd generation or newer, or Chromecast with Google TV), you can transform your TV into a security monitoring station.
- Open the Google Home app and confirm you are logged into your primary Google account.
- Select “Add” → “Device” → “Link apps or services.”
- Choose your camera brand and complete setup.
- Use voice commands on Chromecast remotes or Google Assistant to display live security feeds.
This setup offers real-time visual monitoring without the need for dedicated displays, using your existing TV and Chromecast hardware effectively.
Conclusion: Getting the Most Out of Your Old Chromecast
Your older Chromecast can easily become a multipurpose tool for presentations, music streaming, photo displays, or security monitoring — all leveraging the device’s native casting capabilities in everyday scenarios. These suggestions maximize your investment’s value while keeping your digital life more connected and convenient.
