Google Chromecast is a convenient, easy-to-use dongle that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV and lets you stream movies and shows from Hulu, Netflix, Crackle and other popular services. Although these streaming subscriptions offer a wide variety of content, many users opt to jailbreak their Chromecast by utilizing the free Kodi media player–an application that provides access to even more video content through compatible third-party add-ons.
While you cannot actually install the Kodi software on your Chromecast device itself as you can with an Amazon Fire TV Stick, you can cast its video content from a computer, smartphone or tablet to your TV. Devices running Android 4.4.2 or above are supported as well as desktop or laptop computers running Linux, macOS or Windows operating systems. iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch) are not supported, however.
Before jailbreaking your Chromecast with Kodi, it's best to make sure that you have these prerequisites in place.
Wi-Fi connection: Your Chromecast should already be connected to a Wi-Fi network. The device that you are casting from (Android or computer) will also need to be connected to that same network.
Kodi: The Kodi app should already be installed on your Android device or computer prior to starting this process. Download the version of Kodi which corresponds to your operating system.
Kodi add-ons: Any Kodi add-ons that you wish to use while casting should also be installed beforehand.
VPN software (optional): While not required, some Kodi users choose to utilize VPN software for privacy and security purposes. View our list of free VPN software for some suggestions.
Google Home app: This is only required if you're casting from an Android device. If not already installed, download the latest version of the app from Google Play.
Google Chrome web browser: This is only required if you're casting from a computer. If not already installed, download the latest version of Google Chrome.
By following the steps below you'll be able to cast Kodi content from your Android phone or tablet right to your Chromecast-connected TV.
Casting from an Android device for an extended period of time will cause your battery to drain faster than it normally would under average usage conditions. It's important to keep this in mind, and to stay connected to a power source whenever one is available.
Tap on the main menu button, located in the upper left-hand corner of the screen and represented by three horizontal lines.
When the drop-down menu appears, select Cast screen / audio.
A new screen will now appear, describing the app's mirroring capabilities. Press the blue CAST SCREEN / AUDIO button.
A list of devices should now be displayed, beneath the Cast to heading. Select your Chromecast from the available options.
If successful, the contents of your Android screen will now be displayed on your TV as well. Launch the Kodi app.
Kodi will automatically open in full-screen mode, so your casting experience will be as expected. Launch the desired add-on from within Kodi and begin playing the content that you wish to view on your TV.
To stop casting at any time, repeat steps 1-3 above. When the Cast screen/audio page appears, tap the DISCONNECT button.
If screen casting consistently disconnects immediately after attempting to make a connection, you may need to enable microphone permissions on your device by taking the following steps.
Launch the Settings app on your phone or tablet.
Select Apps & notifications from the Settings interface.
Scroll down and choose Google Play services from the list of installed apps.
Locate Microphone in the App permissions list. If the slider accompanying the option is off (button is on the left side and grayed out), tap it once so that it shifts to the right and turns either blue or green.
By following the steps below you'll be able to cast Kodi content from your computer's web browser directly to your Chromecast-connected TV.
Click on the Chrome menu button, represented by three vertically-aligned dots and located in the upper right-hand corner.
When the drop-down menu appears, select the Cast option.
A pop-up message will now appear, welcoming you to the Cast experience in Chrome. At the bottom of this message should be the name of your Chromecast device. If you do not see this name, your computer and Chromecast may not be connected to the same network and this needs to be resolved before contuining on.
Click on Cast to, located directly above the Chromecast device name and accompanied by a down-arrow.
When the drop-down menu appears, select Cast desktop.
With Cast desktop now displayed, click on the name of your Chromecast device (i.e., Chromecast1234).
A new window should appear labeled Share your screen. First, ensure that there is a check mark next to the Share audio option. Next, click on the Share button.
If successful, your entire desktop should now be visible on the TV which is connected to Chromecast. To halt casting at any time, click on the STOP button now displayed in your browser below the Chrome Mirroring: Capturing Desktop heading. You can also control the volume level of your casting output using the slider that accompanies this button.
Kodi should now be visible on your TV and can be controlled through your laptop.