How to Pause on Chromecast When Streaming to TV

This guide shows you the different ways to pause content when streaming to a TV with a Google Chromecast or Chromecast built-in device. Whether you’re using your phone, tablet, or the TV remote, you’ll learn the exact buttons and menus to use, plus what to do when the pause button doesn’t work.

What You’ll Need

• A Chromecast device (any generation) or a TV with Chromecast built-in.
• A smartphone or tablet with the app you’re casting from (e.g., YouTube, Netflix, Spotify).
• The casting device and the Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
• If you want to use the TV remote, make sure it’s paired with the TV and that the TV supports HDMI-CEC (usually enabled by default).

Step-by-Step

1. Pause from the casting app (most common): Open the app you’re casting from (e.g., YouTube, Netflix, Spotify). Look at the bottom of the screen (or top-right on some apps) for a mini player bar showing the casted content. Tap it to expand the full player view. You’ll see a pause button (two vertical bars) – tap it once to pause. The button will change to a play button (triangle) when paused.
2. Pause from the lock screen or notification shade (Android): If you’re casting from an Android phone or tablet, pull down the notification shade. You’ll see a media notification for the casting session. Tap the pause button (two vertical bars) on that notification. This works even if the app is in the background.
3. Pause from the lock screen (iOS): On an iPhone or iPad, when you cast from a compatible app, the lock screen will show a media control widget. Tap the pause button there. If you don’t see it, unlock the device and use the app’s player.
4. Pause using the TV remote (if your TV supports it): Many TVs with Chromecast built-in (like Google TV or Android TV) allow you to pause using the TV remote’s OK/Select button or a dedicated play/pause button. For a standard Chromecast dongle, you can’t pause with the TV remote unless you also have a Google TV or Android TV device connected. Try pressing the center button on the remote – it often toggles play/pause.
5. Pause using Google Home app: Open the Google Home app on your phone. Tap the device that is casting (e.g., “Living Room TV”). You’ll see a media card with a pause button. Tap it to pause. This is useful if you can’t find the original app.
6. Pause using voice commands (Google Assistant): If you have a Google Assistant-enabled speaker, smart display, or the TV itself with a mic, say “Hey Google, pause” or “Hey Google, pause on [TV name].” The Assistant will pause the casting session.
7. Pause from the Chromecast’s own interface (if using Google TV): If you’re using a Chromecast with Google TV, the remote has a dedicated play/pause button. Just press it. If you’re in a streaming app, the button works as expected.

Common Mistakes

• Pressing the wrong button on the TV remote: Many people press the “back” or “home” button, which exits the app instead of pausing. Use the center/OK button or the dedicated play/pause button if available.
• Looking for a pause button on the TV screen: When casting from a phone, the TV screen does not show a pause overlay. You must use the phone, remote, or voice.
• Using the wrong app: If you cast from YouTube, but then open Netflix on your phone, the pause button won’t control the YouTube cast. You must use the app that initiated the cast.
• Not checking the notification shade: On Android, the media notification can be dismissed accidentally. If you don’t see it, open the casting app.

Tips

• Enable HDMI-CEC: On your TV’s settings, look for “HDMI-CEC” or “AnyNet+”, “Bravia Sync”, etc. This allows the TV remote to control the Chromecast. Usually it’s on by default, but if not, turn it on.
• Use the Google Home app as a fallback: The Google Home app always shows a media card for any active cast, so it’s a reliable way to pause if you lose the original app.
• Keep your casting device unlocked: On some phones, the lock screen media controls may not appear if the screen is locked for a long time. Unlock and use the notification or app.
• If you have a Google Nest speaker, use voice: Voice commands are often the fastest way to pause without touching any device.

Troubleshooting

• Pause button doesn’t appear in the app: Make sure you’re actually casting, not just playing on your device. Check the TV screen – if it’s showing the content, you’re casting. If not, tap the cast icon and select your Chromecast.
• Pause button is grayed out: This can happen if the app is not fully connected. Try tapping the cast icon again and reconnecting. Also, check that your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.
• TV remote doesn’t pause: Ensure HDMI-CEC is enabled on your TV. If it is, try pressing the center/OK button instead of a dedicated play/pause button. Some remotes don’t have a dedicated pause button.
• Voice command doesn’t work: Make sure the Google Assistant device is linked to the same Google account as your Chromecast. Also, say the name of the TV as it appears in the Google Home app.
• App shows “Paused” but video keeps playing: This is rare, but if it happens, try pausing from the Google Home app. If that doesn’t work, stop the cast entirely and restart it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pause with the TV remote if I have a regular Chromecast dongle?

No, a standard Chromecast dongle doesn’t have a remote. You can only pause via the casting device, Google Home app, or voice. If you have Chromecast with Google TV, you have a remote.

Why doesn’t the pause button on my phone work?

Make sure the app you’re using is the one that initiated the cast. If you’re using a different app, it won’t control the cast. Also, check that your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Can I pause a cast from my computer?

Yes, if you’re casting from a Chrome browser, you can pause from the browser’s media controls or the tab’s audio icon. However, this guide focuses on mobile devices, but the same principles apply.

Does pausing on my phone pause the TV?

Yes, if you pause from the casting app on your phone, it will pause the TV. The phone acts as a remote control.

What if I lose my phone while streaming?

You can use another device with the Google Home app or a voice assistant. If you have a Google TV remote, that works too. If you have no other device, you’ll have to wait for the content to end or unplug the Chromecast.

Is there a way to pause automatically when I leave the room?

No, Chromecast doesn’t have a built-in presence sensor. You’ll need to manually pause using one of the methods above.

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