Preparations for a Journey

Google helps simplify your online life—from email and online storage to news and digital maps. But it can also take over your TV with Chromecast.

If you have a 4K TV, the Chromecast App Ultra will set you back $69; the standard version is $35. Whichever one you choose, part of the Chromecast’s appeal lies in its portability and ease of use; just plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, and you’ll be streaming Netflix, Spotify, HBO, Hulu, and more from your mobile device or PC to the TV in no time. Not to mention apps for music, working out, and catching up on sports.

When the Chromecast was released in July 2013, it quickly sold out, and is still going strong. Sales have now topped 55 million.

While the ultraportable device is pretty much plug and play, there are a few tips and tricks that can make casting more magical. Check them out below.

Own a Chromecast? You can now cast HISTORY shows from your mobile device or Chrome browser directly to your TV! Enjoy all your favorite HISTORY shows including Pawn Stars, Ancient Aliens, Alone and so many more! New content is added daily, so you’ll always have something new to watch.

To cast on mobile:

To get started, make sure your Chromecast is on the same wifi network as your device. Download the HISTORY app on your iOS or Android device, and press the Cast button in the top right corner of the app. Pick your Cast device, and you’ll see the Cast button change color to indicate it’s active.

To cast on Chrome browser:

Make sure your Chromecast is on the same wifi network as your device. Go to HISTORY.com in your Chrome browser and navigate to a video or full episode. Press the Google Cast button in the bottom right corner of the video player to start casting.

If you do not own a Chromecast, you can still get full episodes, clips, and topical videos, all available by going to History.com or downloading the free HISTORY app on your favorite device.