HBO Go Chromecast: How to Cast & Fix Issues

Yes, you can cast HBO Go to a Chromecast device. You start the video on your phone or tablet, tap the Cast icon, and select your Chromecast to play it on your TV. This article covers how to set it up, what to do when casting fails, and how HBO Go compares to HBO Max and the current HBO app.

What Is HBO Go and How Does Casting Work?

HBO Go was the streaming service for cable and satellite subscribers who had HBO as part of their TV package. It let you watch HBO shows and movies on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices. Casting to Chromecast works by sending a link to your TV rather than mirroring your phone’s screen. Your phone acts as a remote, and the Chromecast pulls the video directly from HBO’s servers. That means you can lock your phone or use other apps while the show keeps playing on your TV.

How to Cast HBO Go to Chromecast

Before you start, make sure your phone or tablet and your Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then follow these steps:

Open the HBO Go app on your Android or iOS device.
Sign in with your TV provider credentials.
Start playing a movie or episode.
Tap the Cast icon (a rectangle with a Wi‑Fi symbol in the corner) at the top or bottom of the player.
Choose your Chromecast device from the list.
Wait a few seconds for the video to appear on your TV. The phone screen will show playback controls.

If you don’t see the Cast icon, check that your Chromecast is powered on and that both devices are on the same network. Some older versions of the app required you to look in the settings menu for the cast option, but most recent versions show it directly in the player.

Using the Chromecast App as an Alternative

If the in-app Cast button isn’t working, you can try casting from the Google Home app instead. Open the Google Home app, tap the device you want to cast to, and then tap “Cast my screen.” This mirrors your phone’s display, so the video will play on your TV but your phone must stay on and the video will be slightly lower quality than direct casting. This method is a workaround, not the ideal experience, because it drains your battery and uses more bandwidth.

Why Isn’t HBO Go Casting? Common Problems and Fixes

Casting issues usually come down to a few things. Here are the most common ones and what to try:

Devices on different Wi-Fi networks: Your phone and Chromecast must be on the same network. If you have a guest network or a mesh system, move both to the same band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
App is outdated: Check for updates in the App Store or Google Play. Old versions often break casting.
Chromecast firmware is outdated: Open the Google Home app, tap your device, and check for updates under settings.
VPN or firewall blocking: A VPN can interfere with casting because it changes your network path. Turn it off and try again.
HBO Go servers are down: Check a site like Downdetector to see if others are reporting issues.
Restart everything: Reboot your phone, your router, and your Chromecast. Unplug the Chromecast from power for 10 seconds and plug it back in.

If none of these work, try casting a different video to see if the problem is specific to one title. Also, make sure your TV provider subscription is active and that you’re signed in correctly.

HBO Go vs. HBO Max vs. the Current HBO App

HBO Go was replaced by HBO Max in 2020, and then by the current HBO app in 2023. The key difference is that HBO Go required a cable or satellite subscription, while HBO Max was a standalone streaming service that also offered a cable-login option. The current HBO app (simply called “HBO”) is the one you should use now. It includes all the content from HBO Max, plus new releases and a better interface. If you still have the HBO Go app installed, you should switch to the new app because HBO Go no longer receives updates and may stop working entirely. The casting process is the same in all three versions, but the current app has more reliable Chromecast support.

What About Chromecast Built-In and Other Devices?

Chromecast isn’t just the dongle you plug into your TV. Many smart TVs and streaming boxes have Chromecast built-in, which means you can cast to them without an extra device. If your TV has Chromecast built-in, it will show up in the list of available devices just like a regular Chromecast. Also, some TV brands have their own casting protocols that work with HBO Go, but the steps are generally the same: open the app, start the video, and tap the cast icon. For devices that don’t support Chromecast, you can use an HDMI cable to connect your phone to the TV, but that’s less convenient and not wireless.

Is There a Cost to Casting?

Casting itself is free. You just need a Chromecast device (or a TV with Chromecast built-in) and an active HBO subscription. There’s no extra charge for using the cast feature. However, if you’re using the Google Home app to mirror your screen, that also costs nothing. The only cost is the data used for streaming, which counts against your home internet data cap if you have one. If you’re casting from a phone on cellular data, it will use your mobile data, so be mindful of that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast HBO Go from my iPhone?

Yes, the HBO Go app for iOS supports Chromecast. Make sure your iPhone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Tap the Cast icon in the video player and select your device.

Why is there no sound when casting HBO Go?

This usually happens when your phone’s volume is muted or the TV volume is low. Check both. Also, if you’re mirroring your screen, the phone’s volume controls the audio. Try adjusting the volume on your phone while casting.

Can I cast HBO Go to a Chromecast without Wi-Fi?

No, Chromecast requires a Wi-Fi network to work. Both your phone and the Chromecast need to be connected to the same network. There’s no offline casting option.

Does casting HBO Go drain my phone battery?

Direct casting (using the Cast button) uses very little battery because your phone is just sending a link. Screen mirroring, on the other hand, uses a lot of battery because the phone is continuously sending video. Prefer direct casting whenever possible.

How do I stop casting HBO Go?

Open the HBO Go app on your phone, tap the Cast icon, and select “Stop casting.” You can also use the Google Home app to stop the cast. The video will stop on your TV and return to your phone.

Is HBO Go still available?

No, HBO Go has been discontinued. It was replaced by HBO Max, which is now just called HBO. If you have the HBO Go app, you should download the new HBO app and sign in with your provider to continue watching.

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