Chromecast Google TV Nest Audio Speaker Setup

This article explains how to use a Nest Audio speaker with a Chromecast with Google TV, covering what works, what doesn’t, and how to set it up for the best experience. You’ll learn the difference between casting to the speaker and using it as a TV speaker, plus how to fix common pairing issues. The short answer: the Nest Audio cannot serve as a TV speaker for the Chromecast, but it can play audio cast from the Chromecast’s apps.

Background: What Each Device Does

The Chromecast with Google TV is a streaming dongle that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port. It runs the Google TV interface, so you browse apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ directly on your TV. The Nest Audio is a smart speaker that primarily streams music, podcasts, and other audio content via Wi-Fi, and it also responds to Google Assistant commands.

Both devices are part of Google’s ecosystem and use the same casting protocol, which is why people often expect them to work together seamlessly. The key limitation is that the Chromecast with Google TV sends video to your TV and audio through the same HDMI cable. It does not have a separate audio output to send to a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi speaker. The Nest Audio, on the other hand, is designed to receive audio from your phone or from the Google Home app, not from a TV dongle.

How Casting Works Between Them

You can cast audio from the Chromecast with Google TV to the Nest Audio, but only in a limited way. When you play a video on the Chromecast, you can open the Google Home app on your phone and select the Nest Audio as a speaker group. This sends the audio from the video to the Nest Audio, while the video continues playing on the TV. This is called a “speaker group� and it works with most apps that support casting.

However, this is not the same as using the Nest Audio as a TV speaker. The audio is delayed slightly because it travels over Wi-Fi, so you may notice the sound is out of sync with the video. Also, the Nest Audio will not receive audio from the TV’s built-in apps or from any device connected to the TV via HDMI, such as a game console or cable box. The only way to get audio from the Chromecast to the Nest Audio is through the casting feature, which is app-dependent.

How to Set Up a Speaker Group

To cast audio from the Chromecast with Google TV to a Nest Audio, you need to create a speaker group in the Google Home app. Here are the steps:

• Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet.
• Tap the “+� icon and select “Speaker group.�
• Choose the Chromecast with Google TV and the Nest Audio from the list of devices.
• Name the group (e.g., “Living Room TV + Speaker�) and tap “Save.�
• When you play a video on the Chromecast, open the Google Home app, tap the group, and select “Play audio.�

This will route the audio from the Chromecast to the Nest Audio. The video will continue to play on the TV, but the sound will come from the speaker. This works best with music videos or content where a slight delay is not noticeable. For dialogue-heavy shows, the delay can be distracting.

Common Problems and Fixes

The most common issue is audio lag. If you notice the sound is behind the video, you can try adjusting the audio delay settings on the Chromecast. Go to Settings > Display & Sound > Advanced audio settings and look for “Speaker group delay.� You can adjust it in milliseconds, but finding the perfect value is often trial and error.

Another problem is that the speaker group may not appear in the Google Home app if both devices are not on the same Wi-Fi network. Make sure the Chromecast and the Nest Audio are connected to the same 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. Some routers use separate network names for each band, so check that both devices are on the same one.

If the Nest Audio does not show up in the speaker group list, try restarting both devices. Unplug the Chromecast and the Nest Audio for 10 seconds, then plug them back in. Also, update the Google Home app to the latest version, as older versions may have bugs with speaker groups.

Alternatives: Using a TV Speaker or Soundbar

If you want a better audio experience for your Chromecast with Google TV, you have a few options. The simplest is to use a soundbar or a pair of powered speakers connected to your TV’s audio output. Most TVs have an HDMI ARC or optical audio port, and you can connect a soundbar that supports HDMI ARC for a seamless setup. This gives you synchronized audio without any Wi-Fi delay.

Another option is to use a Google Home Max or a Nest Audio in a stereo pair, but that still requires the speaker group method and has the same delay issue. If you are willing to accept the delay, a speaker group is a free workaround. Otherwise, a dedicated TV speaker or soundbar is the reliable solution.

Comparison: Nest Audio vs. TV Speakers

Nest Audio has a 75mm woofer and a 19mm tweeter, which produces decent sound for music and podcasts. However, it is not designed for TV dialogue. TV speakers are often small and lack bass, but they are perfectly synchronized with the video. A soundbar, even a budget one, will generally sound better than the Nest Audio for movies and shows because it has a wider soundstage and better dialogue clarity.

If you already own a Nest Audio, using it as a speaker group is a fun experiment, but it is not a replacement for a proper TV audio setup. The Nest Audio is better used for music in a room where you don’t have a TV. For TV, a soundbar or a pair of bookshelf speakers will give you a better experience.

Cost and Setup Considerations

The Nest Audio typically retails for around $99, but it is often on sale for less. A basic soundbar can cost anywhere from $50 to $150, and it will likely provide better TV audio. If you are on a tight budget, the speaker group method costs nothing extra since you already have both devices. But if you are buying new, consider a soundbar instead of a Nest Audio for TV use.

Setup for a speaker group takes about five minutes, but you may need to tweak the audio delay settings. The delay can range from 50 to 200 milliseconds, depending on your Wi-Fi network and the devices. If you watch a lot of action movies, the delay is more noticeable than in a podcast or music video.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Nest Audio as a TV speaker for Chromecast? No, the Nest Audio cannot be used as a direct TV speaker. It can only receive audio via a speaker group, which introduces a delay. For synchronized TV audio, use a soundbar or TV speakers.

Why is there a delay when casting to Nest Audio? The delay is due to Wi-Fi transmission. The audio is sent over the network, which adds latency compared to a direct HDMI connection. You can try adjusting the speaker group delay setting, but you may not be able to eliminate it entirely.

Does the Nest Audio work with all apps on Chromecast? No, speaker groups work with apps that support Google Cast. Most major streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify do, but some apps may not support casting audio to a speaker group.

Can I use two Nest Audio speakers as a stereo pair for TV? Yes, you can create a stereo pair in the Google Home app, but you will still need to use a speaker group to get audio from the Chromecast. The delay issue remains the same.

Is there a way to connect Nest Audio via Bluetooth to the Chromecast? The Chromecast with Google TV does not support Bluetooth audio output to speakers. It only supports Bluetooth for connecting remotes and game controllers, not for audio out.

What is the best budget option for TV audio? A soundbar with HDMI ARC is the best budget option. It connects directly to your TV and provides synchronized audio without any delay. You can find basic models for under $100.

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