How do I use Chromecast with BBC Sounds?

You can use Chromecast with the BBC Sounds mobile/tablet app, and from your computer or laptop when using the Chrome browser.

Your device needs to be connected to the same network as the Chromecast device. The Chromecast device will need to be running v.1.36 or above, and you'll also need to make sure you have the latest version of the BBC Sounds app, or the Chrome browser.

Having problems connecting to Chromecast on an older device? Have a look here for more info: Why has Chromecast stopped working on my device?

How do I cast from the app?

  1. Start playing something on the BBC Sounds app
  2. Once your device detects your Chromecast, tap on the Chromecast icon or Available Devices option at the bottom of the playback page
  3. Tap on the device you want to play the audio through and give it a few seconds to connect

Any programme or station you play will now be played through your Chromecast device. To return playback to your device, tap the Chromecast icon or Available Devices icon again and select your device.
 

Two screenshots of the BBC Sounds mobile app. The first shows the playback screen with the Chromecast icon highlighted. The second shows the available devices to choose from.

How do I cast from the browser?

  1. Head to bbc.co.uk/sounds on the Chrome browser and choose a live stream
  2. When the stream starts to play, click on the browser menu (the ellipses, or three dots, on the top right)
  3. Select Cast...
  4. Select which device you'd like to cast to from the list populated. A blue cast icon will appear on the top of the browser
  5. To stop casting, click on the blue cast icon and select 'Stop casting,' or close the open window or tab with the playback screen. You can also stop the cast directly from the speaker by saying "Hey Google, stop."
     

How can I control playback?

Once connected, you can use the play, pause and skip controls on the app or on the browser playback screen to control playback. You can adjust the volume on either the device or the speaker itself. 

Please note that Live Restart is not supported when casting live streams (but we're aware of the interest in this), so you will always listen from the live point.


Why can’t I cast anything I've downloaded?

When you cast a programme, you’re actually instructing your Chromecast dongle to fetch the programme over your internet connection, not from your phone or tablet. Because of that, you can't cast a programme that’s stored on your device.
 


Check Google's Chromecast Support page for further information. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. If you encounter any other problems with BBC Sounds via Chromecast, let us know via the 'Contact Us' link below.