6 Creative Uses for an Old Chromecast Beyond Streaming Movies and Shows

around, don’t worry—it’ll still work fine for now. But if you’re thinking of upgrading or have already done so, you may be wondering what to do with your old Chromecast. Surprisingly, these nifty little devices are more versatile than you might think.

While most people use Chromecasts for streaming content from services like Netflix and Apple TV, you can actually do a lot more with them thanks to Google’s casting support and other developer integrations.

For starters, if you have a Chromecast-compatible security camera (like Google’s Nest Cams), you can easily view a live feed on your Chromecast. This can turn your TV into a makeshift security monitoring center, perfect if you have a spare monitor or television lying around. Just ask Google to show the camera feed by name through the Google Home app or the Google Home widget on the Chromecast with Google TV.

Additionally, you can wirelessly cast any Chrome tab from your laptop or desktop to your Chromecast-connected monitor or TV, essentially turning it into a second screen without any cables required. This is great for multitasking or extending your display.

When it comes to audio, don’t forget that Chromecasts support audio apps as well. Whether you’re streaming music from Spotify, podcasts from Pocket Casts, or audiobooks from Audible, you can enjoy high-quality sound through your TV’s connected speaker system or soundbar.

If you have a Chromecast with Google TV, you can even play games on it using local storage and a compatible controller. Check out the Google Play Store for a variety of games or explore guides online on creating retro game emulators with apps like RetroArch.

For a more laid-back experience, use your Chromecast to display photos, artwork, or nature shots to add some ambiance to your space. Cast pictures from Google Photos or set up a screensaver through the Google Home app to keep your visuals fresh.

Lastly, make use of your Chromecast for video calls by casting Google Meet from your web browser to your TV. This is especially helpful for larger virtual meetings or catching up with loved ones over the holidays with a bigger screen.

While Google may have moved on from Chromecasts, there’s still a lot you can do with these versatile little streaming devices. So get creative and make the most out of your old hardware before deciding to retire it for good.