How to Cast Local Videos, Photos and Music From Android to TV

How casting local files works

When you cast a file stored on your phone, the phone acts as a small media server on your Wi-Fi network and the TV fetches the file directly from it. Nothing is uploaded to the cloud, and the file never leaves your home network. This works with Chromecast and with DLNA / UPnP TVs.

Cast a video

1. Open SmartGoCast and go to Videos. Allow access to your media when Android asks.
2. Browse by folder or open All videos.
3. Tap a video. If no TV is connected yet, choose one from the list.
4. Use the playback controls: pause and resume, drag to seek, or jump 15 seconds back or forward. The same controls are available from the notification.

Use Play on phone in a video's menu to preview it before sending it to the TV.

Cast photos

1. Go to Photos and open a folder.
2. Tap a picture to show it on the TV.
3. Start the slideshow to move through the pictures automatically, which is perfect for a family evening.

Cast music

1. Go to Audio and pick a track or a folder.
2. Tap a song to play it on the TV, then keep using your phone while the music plays.

Formats that play on almost every TV

If a file won't play, the TV usually can't decode it. Convert it to MP4 (H.264 / AAC) with a video converter and try again.

Tips for smooth playback

• Stay on 5 GHz Wi-Fi close to the router, especially for large 4K files.
• Keep the phone connected to the same Wi-Fi while casting and turn off any VPN.
• Use favorites and playlists in the app to find your content faster.

Troubleshooting

• The video plays but there is no sound. See casting to TV: video plays but no sound.
• The TV isn't listed. See TV not showing up in the cast list.
• Playback stutters. Move closer to the router, close heavy apps on the phone, or convert the file to a lower bitrate.