Chromecast: Play local files with Plex

Chromecast allows you to stream web content to your TV. We explain how you can also play local files with Plex. You can find illustrated instructions in our gallery.

Set up Plex and manage your own media collection

The Chromecast HDMI stick is only designed to display web content. With the free software "Plex Media Server" you can also stream local files from your PC to the HDMI stick, similar to the Apple TV:

1. First download the Plex Media Server and install the software.
2. Start the software after installation. A web interface opens, asking you to create an account. However, this is not necessary for this purpose.
3. Click on the house icon in the web interface to access the main menu. Then click on the plus symbol under "My library".
4. You will now be asked to select a media type. Depending on the media type, you should select a folder in which to keep files of this media type.
5. Plex then starts searching the selected folder and comparing the contents with a database. In addition to cover and background images, the description, title, year of publication and further information are downloaded for each film or audio file.

Play local files on Chromecast using the Plex app

The most convenient way to play your media files now recorded with Plex on your Chromecast is via the Plex app:

1. As soon as Plex has entered all the files you want, you can download the Plex app for Android or iOS.
2. If your smartphone or tablet is in the same network as your PC, the app should automatically find your Plex Media Server.
3. The app gives you access to all media files captured with Plex. Select the desired content and start playback.
4. The Google Chromecast icon should appear in the upper right corner. Click the icon and connect to your Chromecast. The content should now be played on your TV.
5. You can use the app to pause, fast forward and rewind as well as change the volume. You can disconnect from Chromecast at any time using the Chromecast icon in the upper right corner.

Play local files on Chromecast using the Plex web app

If you do not want to pay for the Plex app, you can also play your local files in Plex via the web app. The prerequisite for this is that you have installed Google Chrome and the Google Cast plugin.

1. First open the Plex web app. In order to use the web app, you have to create a Plex account or log in with your existing account.
2. As soon as you have logged in with your account, you will see a web interface similar to that in the Media Manager.
3. As before, just select the content you want to play on your Chromecast. The Chromecast icon should appear in the top bar. Use the button to select your Chromecast.
4. Once you're connected to your Chromecast, you can control playback through the web interface.

In another practical tip, we'll explain how to play Spotify music on your Chromecast.

Latest videos

Once you've installed Plex, you can add new media files and folders in the main menu. Simply click on the house symbol and then the plus sign.

You can now determine which media type you want to add. In addition to films, TV series and music albums, Plex also masters private photos and home videos.

Plex compares your added media sources with various databases. The result is a chic media library with covers, background images and descriptions. Plex is not only practical, it also looks good.

If your smartphone or tablet and PC are in the same network, the app should automatically find your media library and show you all the content. The Chromecast icon also appears in the top bar. You can use this to connect to the HDMI stick.

If you select a content, playback starts directly on the TV thanks to Chromecast. On the smartphone you can make settings, fast forward or adjust the volume.

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Playing Plex content on the Chromecast is also possible from the PC. However, this requires the Chrome internet browser and the Google Cast extension. If these conditions are met, the Chromecast symbol appears in the surface of the [[//plex.tv/web/app|Web-App]], which allows you to pair your PC with the HDMI stick.