To cast Moto G to TV, you need both devices on the same Wi-Fi network and a TV with Chromecast built-in or a Chromecast dongle plugged into an HDMI port. Once those prerequisites are met, you can mirror your phone’s entire screen or cast videos from apps like YouTube directly to the TV.
Before you cast your Moto G to a TV
Casting requires two essential conditions. First, your Moto G and the Chromecast or TV with Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Second, your TV must have Chromecast built-in, or you need a Chromecast device plugged into the TV’s HDMI port. Without both of these, casting will not work.
How to cast your Moto G screen to a TV
Wireless screen mirroring shows everything on your phone, all apps, screens, and notifications, on the TV. To start mirroring:
- Open Settings on your Moto G.
- Go to Connected devices > Connection preferences > Cast. (On some older Motorola software versions, the path is Settings > Display > Cast.)
- Tap the name of your Chromecast or TV from the list of available devices.
- Confirm the connection on your phone if prompted. Your screen will now appear on the TV.
You can also start casting from Quick settings by tapping the cast control icon and then selecting your TV. Your Moto G may support MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) or Slimport technology for a wired HDMI connection.
How to cast from an app like YouTube
Instead of mirroring your entire screen, you can send video content directly from a cast-compatible app. This lets you use your phone for other tasks while the video plays on the TV. To do this:
- Open a cast-compatible app such as YouTube.
- Tap the Cast icon (a rectangle with Wi-Fi waves) inside the app.
- Select your Chromecast or TV from the list.
- The video will start playing on the TV, and you can control playback from your phone.
This method is ideal for casting apps to a TV without tying up your phone’s screen. It’s also how you cast from a Motorola phone to TV when you want to stream from services like YouTube or Netflix.
How to stop casting from your Moto G
To end a casting session, pull down the notification shade on your Moto G. You will see a persistent casting notification. Tap Disconnect to stop the connection. The TV will return to its normal input, and your phone will stop mirroring or streaming.
What if my TV only supports Miracast?
Motorola documents that Miracast is not supported for apps on current Moto G models. If your TV uses Miracast, you cannot cast videos from apps like YouTube directly. However, you can use Motorola’s Smart Connect app to cast your phone’s screen to a Miracast TV. Note that this mirrors the entire screen, so it is not a replacement for casting videos from a phone to TV via Chromecast.
Troubleshooting: Moto G not connecting to TV
If your Moto G will not connect, try these solutions:
- Verify both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. A mismatch is the most common cause.
- Restart both your Moto G and the TV or Chromecast.
- Move your phone closer to the Wi-Fi router to improve signal strength.
- Check for software updates on your Moto G and on the TV or Chromecast. Outdated software can prevent casting.
- Lower the resolution on your Moto G before casting to reduce network strain and minimize playback interruptions.
- Inspect the HDMI or casting port on your TV for physical damage that may affect the connection.
- Close unnecessary background apps on your Moto G to mitigate audio or video lag during casting.
- Ensure no other devices on the network are consuming excessive bandwidth to address audio or video lag.
- Contact Motorola or your TV manufacturer for further assistance if persistent casting problems continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast my Moto G to a TV without Wi-Fi?
No. Casting through Chromecast or Chromecast built-in requires both devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network. There is no offline casting method documented for Moto G phones.
Does my Moto G need a specific Android version to cast?
Motorola’s support pages do not list a minimum Android version for casting. The feature is available on recent models such as moto g play - 2026, moto g - 2025, moto g stylus - 2025, and others listed in the support documentation.
Will casting drain my Moto G battery quickly?
Yes, casting uses more battery than normal phone use because the screen and Wi-Fi radio stay active. For longer sessions, keep your phone plugged into a charger.
Can I cast from my Moto G to a TV that is not a smart TV?
Yes, if you plug a Chromecast dongle into the TV’s HDMI port. The TV does not need to be a smart TV as long as it has an HDMI input.
Why does my Moto G show the TV but won’t connect?
This usually indicates a network issue. Confirm both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, restart both, and check for software updates on the phone and TV.
