Google adds guest mode to Chromecast

Google has added a new ‘guest mode’ feature to its Chromecast HDMI streaming device, designed to make it easier for friends to cast videos to a TV without first being connected to the same WiFi network.

Google said that the new feature means that Chromecast users don’t need to share their WiFi password with their guests, with visitors now able to cast content from an Android phone to a Chromecast-connected TV if they are in the same room as the device.

“You will see the cast icon in Google Cast Ready apps, even if WiFi is turned off on your supported Android phone,” said Google, explaining users will just need to tap ‘guest mode’ from their device and select Chromecast from the device list.

Previously, users were only able to cast content to their Chromecast stick if their mobile or tablet was connected to the same WiFi network as the device.

The new guest mode is only available for Android devices running Android 4.3 or higher and is not supported on iOS devices.