**7 Clever Ways to Repurpose Your Old Chromecast**
Got an old Chromecast sitting unused in a drawer? Even if you don’t need it for streaming anymore, there are still plenty of creative ways to put it to good use. Dust it off, connect it to your TV, update the software, and try one of these ideas to repurpose your old Chromecast.
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### 1. Turn Your TV Into a Digital Photo Frame (or Virtual Fireplace)
One of the simplest ways to reuse an old Chromecast is by transforming your TV into a digital photo frame. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, all you need to do is:
– Open Google Photos on your phone.
– Select an album or folder.
– Tap the Chromecast icon at the top.
– Connect to your TV, tap the three-dot menu, and select “Slideshow.”
Your TV will now cycle through all the images in the album.
Want a different kind of ambiance? Use Chromecast to turn your TV into a virtual fireplace. Just open the YouTube app, search for “fireplace,” and cast it to your screen. Enjoy the cozy, high-definition scene—complete with soothing crackling sounds. (Tip: Look for longer videos without ads for a seamless experience.)
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### 2. Use Your TV as a Big-Screen Monitor for Your Phone
Many Android phones now offer desktop mode, but if yours doesn’t, you can still mirror your phone with Chromecast. Here’s how:
– Open the Quick Settings panel on your phone.
– Find and tap the Cast option.
– Select “Cast entire screen.”
Now your phone’s display will be mirrored on your TV. Pair your phone with a Bluetooth keyboard, open a word processor or web browser, and you have a makeshift desktop experience! While lag can make this setup less suitable for gaming, it works great for writing, browsing, or presentations.
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### 3. Turn Your Soundbar Into a Music Player
If you have a soundbar with an available HDMI port, plug your Chromecast into it and transform your soundbar into a dedicated music player. Many apps—including Spotify and Pocket Casts—support Chromecast, allowing you to easily send audio from your phone to your TV’s sound system. It’s a perfect way to get more out of your soundbar between movie nights.
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### 4. Use It for Presentations
Chromecast remains a handy presentation tool. Keep it in your bag and plug it into any display with an HDMI port at the office or on the go. The Google Slides app for both Android and iPhone has a built-in Chromecast icon, making it simple to start your presentation. On a laptop, use Chrome’s “Cast” option under the View menu. Browsers like Brave and Edge also have casting capabilities built in.
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### 5. Create a Retro Gaming Console
For those with a fourth-generation Chromecast with Google TV, you can sideload the RetroArch emulator to turn your device into a retro gaming console. Set up emulators for classic systems and enjoy vast libraries of old-school games—especially those with simpler graphics like NES or SNES for the best performance. More advanced consoles may experience some lag, but it’s still a fun project for gaming enthusiasts!
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### 6. Turn Your TV Into a Live Dashboard
Transform your TV into a dynamic dashboard using services like DAKboard. It can display your calendar, weather, to-do lists, and more. Cast the dashboard directly from your browser or use a tool like castDeck for a seamless, always-on information center in your living space.
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### 7. Use It for Home Security
If you have Google Nest doorbells or cameras, you can use a newer Chromecast to stream live video footage to your TV. Some third-party smart doorbells and security cameras that integrate with Google Home may also be compatible. It’s a convenient way to keep an eye on your doorstep or monitor different areas of your home.
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**Final Thoughts**
Your old Chromecast still has plenty of life left in it! With just a bit of creativity, you can reinvent its role in your home—whether it’s as a digital frame, mini-PC, music station, or part of your home security setup. Give these ideas a try and upgrade your tech experience without spending a dime.
https://www.howtogeek.com/how-to-repurpose-an-old-chromecast/
