Google Cast For Education, Chromecast | No Cast Destination

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Before we discuss the “No Cast Destination Found Error” within the Google Cast plugin, let me dig into the different types of Google Cast functions. Most people confuse the Google Cast (functionality) with the Google Chromecast (device), which are entirely two different things. Then there is the Google Cast for Education plugin, which adds to the confusion. My goal is to break each one down in this article, so all of this makes sense.

Google Cast function is built into the Chrome browser which can be accessed as follows or as Google calls it the “Hamburger” menu.

You can use the cast button to cast your tab, window, or even your whole desktop to another computer screen or television.

The only difference would be Google Chromecast (device) would be used with a television or projector and the Google Cast for Education (extension) would be used within a computer as a Chrome extension.

Here are the two different scenarios of usage:

If a computer device is running the Google Cast for Education extension, you can cast your screen to that computer. For example, a student can cast their desktop to the teacher computer running the Google Cast for Education extension.

If a TV or projector has the Google Chromecast device plugged into the HDMI port, you can cast your screen to that destination. For example, a student cast to a chromecast device attached to a projector or TV in the classroom.

The Google Cast for Education extension acts as a software receiver, and the Google Chromecast Device acts as a hardware receiver

Google Chromecast device requires all casting devices to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Google Cast for Education operates over the cloud so your devices can be located anywhere in the world.

Now that you understood the concept let’s move on to discussing each.

Google Chrome Cast (Device)

You can buy the Google Chromecast device directly from Google or from Amazon. Amazon may provide faster returns with prime etc.

Below is a video showing how to set up the Google Chromecast device.

Google Cast for Education (Software)

Google Cast for Education requires no additional hardware to function, but it does require the Google Chrome Browser. Casting your screen has never been so easy with Google Cast. This article will mostly pertain to those of you working in the educational field where Google Cast for Education extension is usually deployed. Anyone can install the Google cast for EDU extension. However, Google limits the receiver to be set up for organizational accounts only. You will otherwise get the following error.

After you install the Google Cast for Education extension from the Chrome Web Store, follow these instructions to set up your receiver. Receivers are typically set up on teacher/presenter computers for the audience/students to cast to.

When you click on the Google Cast for Education extension, you will be presented with the following window, and here you can name your receiver, among many other options.

Once you save changes here, you will be able to invite other users to the Google Cast receiver that you’ve just set up. Teachers can also add entire classrooms to their invitation list.

You can add specific users to cast to your receiver, or you can pre-add them to present automatically without asking. You may want to change this to a request only option if you wish your students to take turns showing their presentations. It can also be a security concern if you allow users to cast at all times automatically.

Common Google Cast for Education Errors

No Cast Destination Found Error

The “no cast destination found error,” usually happens while trying to find your Google Cast for Education software receiver on the network. You may not have the proper web RTC ports forwarded on the network. Your filter may also be blocking specific Google API’s from functioning properly. Here is Google’s guide on what to check for if you run into these issues.

If your network administrator has pre-selected webRTC ports, add them within the G Suite admin panel, as shown below. Most times, you can allow Google to pick the ports automatically.

If you are still faced with the “No Cast Destination Found Error,” enable cloud services under the Google Cast Plugin as shown below, you should now be able to find your Google Cast for Education receiver on the network.

Your users will have to right-click and enable “Google Cloud Services” on the Google Cast plugin once only. The setting is then saved under that user account for future use.

Even though Google Cast is built into Chrome, to make things easier for the user, you should also deploy the Google Cast extension. Here is a guide to deploying the Google Cast extension for users in your organization.

Common Google Chromecast Errors

No Devices Found Error

Here are some of the steps you can take if you are getting the “No Devices Found Error” while connecting to your Chromecast.

• Check if your Chromecast is powered on using the USB input on your TV or an external power adapter.
• Make sure all of your devices are on the same WIFI network (this is easily missed as some users may have a guest network)
• Older 1st Gen Chromecast devices cannot connect to a 5GHZ network, so be sure to check if your router supports both 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ devices.
• You will need the Google Home app installed on Android & IOS devices.
• Is your Android Device running version 5.0 or above? (Google Home is not supported in any versions prior)
• Is your IOS Devie running version 11.0 or higher? (Google Home is not supported in any versions prior)
• If all fails, try factory resetting your Chromecast & rebooting your router.
• Seek help from Google Chromecast Team for further troubleshooting.

Other Links You Maybe Interested In

Chromecast Streaming to Firefox

Screen Share Using Smart Board

Google Chromebooks & G Suite

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