How to Stream Amazon Prime Video to a Chromecast

If you are a long-term Amazon Prime Video user, you are probably aware of the complete lack of support for most things Google-related. This situation includes Chromecasts, whether built-in systems or plug-in dongles. The compatibility of devices has been an issue for many users for a long time.

Fortunately, in 2019, Amazon and Google struck up a friendlier relationship, and support for Chromecast quickly followed.

Setting Up Your Prime Video & Chromecast

Before you begin streaming, ensure that everything gets set up correctly. If you are new to the Chromecast game, you will be happy to know that getting started is simple. A proper setup means you will not run into difficulty when you start casting.

To start your Chromecast, do this:

1. Plug your Chromecast device into the TV, unless you have a Google OS TV.
2. Connect your mobile device to the wifi network you plan to use.
   
3. Download Android Google Home or iOS Google Home.
   
4. Follow the on-screen process to connect your device to your wifi.

Setting up your Prime Video is not tricky, but you will need a subscription to Amazon Prime. If you use a computer rather than your mobile device, go to the Prime video website and sign in.

Casting Prime Video to Chromecast using the App

There is nothing complex to do when casting a Prime Video stream to a Chromecast dongle. Note that the app has native support. As long as your mobile device supports casting, you will be good to go. Here are the steps.

1. Launch the “Prime Video app.”
   
2. Tap the “Cast icon.”
   
3. Choose the Chromecast device you want to stream to.
   
4. Browse the list of titles for the video you want. Select it and enjoy watching it.
   

The Prime Video app makes streaming to a Chromecast a simple matter.

Casting to Chromecast using a Computer

Windows, Mac, and Linux users can also rejoice. If you want to stream Prime Video content to a Chromecast device from your laptop or desktop, you can do that too.

There is no built-in cast button in the app for desktops, as is the case with the app’s mobile version. So, you’ll have to use the browser.

1. Launch the “Google Chrome browser.” Go to the Amazon Prime Video website and log in.
   
2. Look for a video and start the playback.
   
3. Click on the “three-dotted line” in the upper right corner of your browser and select the “Cast” tab.
   
4. Click the “Sources” dropdown, then choose your casting option from the list.
   
5. Select the desired device. It should be a Chromecast device in this scenario.
   

Another thing that might disappoint you is that you will not see any controls for pausing or rewinding. That said, if you have no other option than to use your desktop, it is still good to know that you can do it.

If you’re casting from a mobile device, you can stream up to 4K videos from your Prime Video library to a Chromecast-enabled TV, with little to no latency, depending on your network strength.

It’s a nice workaround for people with TVs that do not support Prime Video for some reason or for anyone that wants to cast something from a different account. Google now lets you do this from a Mac or Windows device, too, which is even better.

Chromecast will let you display a presentation from your phone to a larger display, show funny home videos to your audience, and show entire web pages too. It is not just limited to casting movies and TV shows.

Chromecast Troubleshooting

• First of all, for this to work, you need to ensure that your mobile device and your Chromecast device are on the same Wi-Fi network. It never hurts to check that first, primarily if you use more than one network at home. This situation applies whether you have a Chromecast dongle or a TV with a built-in Chromecast.
• Another thing you should do is check whether both the Amazon Prime Video app and your mobile device got updated to their latest versions. Any missed updates could cause incompatibilities.
• One more thing worth noting is that the Prime Video app will only display the cast icon if you are using it from a permitted country. This scenario means that you may run into some issues if you have to use a VPN to access the Prime Video platform or if you’re trying to get into a restricted library for your region.

Missing Subtitles in Chromecast

To be able to get subtitles, you have to make a few adjustments.

1. First of all, disconnect your Chromecast dongle from your TV so that it’s no longer connected to your phone or tablet.
2. After that, access your device’s accessibility settings. On both Android and iOS devices, this submenu should contain subtitle settings or caption settings.
3. Once you make the changes you need, reconnect the dongle to your TV, then relaunch the Prime Video app. Go through the casting process as explained above.

Casting Prime Video to Chromecast FAQs

Can I download Prime Videos to watch later?

Yes! If you don’t have internet and would like to download videos and tv shows from Prime Video to watch later, you can.

1. Download the title you want to watch from the Prime Video app by clicking the download option from the movie’s detail page.

2. To download an episode or entire season of a TV show, click on the “Download episode” or “Download the season” option.

When properly downloaded, you can cast pre-loaded content. If you don’t see the download option first, ensure you’re using the Prime Video app. Second, make sure that the app is updated.

Some features of Chromecast get designed for Android users, although there are always workarounds for Apple fans. Those who use Android receive a seamless viewing experience.

Casting Prime Video isn’t working for me. What else can I try?

The most common problem that arises when casting is a bad internet connection. Your device may have a weak internet connection, or the devices aren’t all connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Go to the network settings on your device and your smartphone or tablet. Ensure both connect to the most robust Wi-Fi possible and that they’re on the same band (2.4Ghz or 5Ghz).

Another issue with your video not casting correctly is that you may have the wrong input selected on your television. Using your TV remote, toggle between HDMI selections or verify which one the Chromecast uses by checking the connections on the back. If Prime Video is casting, you should see a message on your computer or smartphone screen that looks like this:

If you’re using a smartphone, you may need to check your low-power mode settings. The low-power mode can prevent casting because it’s trying to preserve battery life. Toggle the option off and retry casting.