7 ways to give your old Chromecast a second life

Congratulations on your new Chromecast! Don’t throw the old one in the storage drawer now, because it is without it. This is how you give an old Chromecast a second life.

You can do this with an old Chromecast

The Chromecast has been around for a while now. Google released the first version in 2013 and the newest member of the family appeared in 2022. The price-quality ratio of the media player is unprecedented, but everything comes to an end.

After all, Google has stopped supporting the first Chromecast. This means that the device will no longer receive software or security updates. Will this force the device to be retired? Not necessarily. After all, an old Chromecast can still be of value.

1. Recycle

The average gadget is packed with precious materials that can easily be reused, including Chromecasts. So consider recycling your unwanted Google media player.

This can be done in several ways. For example, you can return broken devices for free when purchasing a new, comparable device.

In addition, you can dispose of old Chromecasts in specially designated e-waste waste bins. These are usually found in (large) supermarkets and hardware stores. Finally, the local recycling center is also very happy with discarded Chromecasts.

2. Photo frame

But, we can also think a bit out-of-the-box. For example, you can use an old Chromecast as a digital photo frame. Connect the HDMI dongle to a (little used) TV, go through the installation procedure and cast photos.

You can also use the so-called mood setting for this. When the old Chromecast (Ultra) is not used, it can show something in the background via the screen saver. You operate the Chromecast mood mode via the linked Google account.

3. Video conferencing

An old Chromecast also has business use. For example, you can use it to cast Google Meet meetings to a TV. This allows you to see the other participants on the big screen, but you continue to use the computer’s camera and microphone.

It works very simply. In the Meet meeting, press the three-dot menu and choose ‘Cast this meeting’. Then select the desired Cast device, i.e. the old Chromecast.

You need at least a second generation Chromecast for this. This appeared in 2015 and, with a little imagination, looks like a hockey puck.

Also interesting: Which Chromecast do I have? This is how you find out

4. Give presentations

The Chromecast also proves useful during physical meetings. For example, you can use the media player to give presentations or to cast your laptop screen to team members.

All you need for this is a TV screen or monitor. Of course, you must install the Chromecast once in preparation.

5. The ideal travel companion

The Chromecast is compact and therefore ideal for travelling. Anyone who regularly travels on business or ‘just’ goes on holiday should therefore consider putting a Chromecast in their suitcase next time.

By connecting this to the hotel TV and WiFi, you can watch your own films, series and sports matches and you are not stuck with the (limited) offer of the establishment.

In the article below we explain how to use a Chromecast in a hotel.

Also read: When traveling: this is how you use the Chromecast in a hotel

6. Keep an eye on cameras

Do you have Nest security cameras at home? You can then keep an eye on things at all times by transmitting the live images to an (unused) television screen. You use, yes, a Chromecast for that.

This works best via a voice command. For example, say “Hey Google, show the camera in the front yard” via the Chromecast voice control. The device then casts the video feed onto the screen.

7. Give away (or sell)

Finally, you can of course give away an old Chromecast. Especially if the media player still looks neat, you can probably make a neighbor, great aunt or acquaintance happy with it.

Selling is of course also an option, but you won’t get rich doing it. The enormous success of Chromecasts is partly due to the affordable price tag, which is why you will probably not get more than a few tens of euros for them through platforms such as Marktplaats.

The next Chromecast is coming

The editorial staff of Android Planet is a big fan of the Chromecast. According to reliable sources, Google is currently working on a new version. This again appears to support a 4K resolution. Compared to the current model, there would be one big difference: the remote control. Read all about it in the article below.

Read more: ‘Finally: Google is working on a new Chromecast with Google TV (4K)’

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