2 min read

How to Screen Mirror and Cast with Google Pixel 5 (and More)

You can cast your Google Pixel wirelessly to a TV or computer. Whether you’re on the newest Google Pixel 5 with Android 11 or on previous versions of the phone or operating system, this quick guide shows you how. Use these instructions to screen mirror and cast the Google Pixel 5, 4a, 3, Motorola Moto G Power, TCL 10 Pro and more.

UPDATE: Discover how to screen mirror and cast Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro here.

The Google Pixel phone allows you to cast natively. There’s no need to download additional apps on your phone.

We’ll show you how to cast wirelessly to a computer, but you can follow the same steps (beginning with step 3) to cast to other wireless receivers, like a compatible smart TV or Chromecast.

Before you begin:

You will need a receiver app on your computer to display mirrored content from your Pixel. We recommend Reflector.

Reflector is a simple app for your Mac or Windows computer. You can mirror your phone, tablet or another computer wirelessly to any Reflector-enabled computer.

Get Reflector here.

How to Screen Mirror and Cast with Google Pixel 5

Step 1

Download and install Reflector on your Mac or Windows computer. Make sure your computer and Google Pixel 5 are on the same wifi network.

Step 2

Open Reflector on your computer. 

Reflector running on a MacBook

Step 3

On your Pixel 5 (or older), swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Settings tray.

Google Pixel Quick Settings

Step 4

Inside Quick Settings, tap Cast. On some phones this may be labeled Screen Cast. You can pull down the Quick Settings tray into the extended view to see icon labels.

If you don't see a Cast option inside Quick Settings, follow the steps listed below.

Google Pixel Cast Quick Settings screen cast

Step 5

A window will appear showing available Cast receivers. Tap the name of your computer running Reflector or another Cast receiver.

Google Pixel Cast receivers

Step 6

When prompted, tap Start Now. This allows your Pixel to mirror its screen contents. That’s it — your phone will begin casting to your computer.

Google Pixel Cast start now

If you can’t find the Cast icon in Step 4, follow these instructions:

Step 1

On your Google Pixel 5, navigate to Settings > Connected devices.

Google Pixel settings

Step 2

Once in Connected devices, tap Connection preferences.

Google Pixel Connected Devices

Step 3

Tap Cast.

Google Pixel Connection Preferences

Step 4

Tap the name of your computer (or other preferred Cast receiver) that appears in the list.

Google Pixel Cast

Step 5

Tap Start Now and your Pixel will begin casting its screen.

Google Pixel Cast Start Now

Get Reflector today to screen mirror all of your devices to the big screen.

If you want to cast to another display like a compatible smart TV or Chromecast, the steps to connect will remain the same. All you have to do is choose the name of your TV or other wireless receiver from the receiver list.

Want to become a screen mirroring expert? Here’s everything you need to know.

Cast Google Pixel to computer

Related Reading

Cast your devices to the big screen. Wirelessly.

Reflector makes it easy.

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Last updated 8/29/2023

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