Devices like the Google Chromecast are designed for home networks. Connecting them to a complex enterprise network requires more steps. This article outlines the Chromecast setup steps for U of M residence hall use.
Important: You will need the MAC address of your Chromecast device to complete the registration process. Newer models do not list the MAC on the box or device. To find the MAC address, you will need to run through a partial setup and then register the MAC before completing the setup process.
- Registering your phone as an IoT device temporarily
- Starting the Chromecast configuration process
- Finding and registering your Chromecast MACAddress
- Completing the Chromecast configuration process
- Testing your Chromecast's connectivity
- Removing your phone's IoT registration
Registering your phone as an IoT device temporarily
For setup, your Chromecast and phone need to be on the same WiFi network. To do that, your phone needs to be temporarily registered as an IoT device.
- Register Your Phone as an IoT Device following the steps outlined to register a streaming device for WiFi access.
Starting the Chromecast configuration process
- Download and install the Google Home app on your phone.
- Connect your phone to the UofM-IoT WiFi network.
- Note: While connected to the UofM-IoT, you won't have access to many U of M services that require central authentication. Those services require your device to use the eduroam network. After completing this process, return your phone to eduroam.
- Connect your Chromecast to a display, and make sure it is on.
- Open the Google Home app.
- Select Set up 1 device.
- Choose your location.
- Select Next. The app will now scan for your device. After scanning, the app will display your device.
- Select Next. You'll see a code on your display and in the app.
- Select Yes. You will see the room select area.
- Choose a room from the list.
- Select Next to begin finding and registering your Chromecast Mac Address.
Finding and registering your Chromecast MAC Address
You will need to find and register your Chromecast Mac Address so you can complete the Chromecast Configuration process.
- Choose the UofM-IoT WiFi network.
- DO NOT touch Next.
- Select the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen.
The screen refreshes. - Select Show MAC address.
- Note the displayed MAC address.
- Use the MAC address displayed to register your Chromecast.
After your Chromecast is registered, you can complete the Chromecast configuration process.
Completing the Chromecast configuration process
- Resume the setup process.
- If you need to restart the process, go back to Starting the Chromecast Configuration Process.
- Select UofM-IoT.
- Select Next. The Chromecast and Home app will link up.
- Select Continue. The Almost done! page appears.
- Review your configuration on the Almost done! page.
- Select Next.
- You may see a screen asking if you want to automatically share data, and crash reports with Google. Touch No thanks or Yes, I'm in depending on your preferences.
- Select Finish.
Testing your Chromecast's connectivity
Once you pass through the final acknowledgement screens and while your phone is still on the UofM-IoT WiFi network, connect to your Chromecast using an app like YouTube to display something.
Removing your phone's IoT registration
When you're finished setting up your Chromecast, remove your phone's IoT registration.
- Navigate to the WiFi Registration webpage, if inaccessible please try the alternate WiFi Registration webpage. (Note: These links will work only if you are accessing this article from a device on campus connected to eduroam or are connected to VPN.)
- Click on your phone's registration.
- Click Remove. A new box will appear below.
- Select Delete.
- Click Make Changes.
As mentioned in the warning in above, IoT devices will not be able to access any authenticated services such as email. Removing your phone from the IoT database will prevent accidental connection to the IoT network.