What’s the best Ethernet adapter for Chromecast with Google TV
- By: Ashley Saunders | Chromecast
- PUBLISHED: 9th October 2022 | LAST UPDATE: 24th October 2023
We usually connect a Google Chromecast to the internet using Wi-Fi. However, you’ll notice a drop in speed if you’re running over 20 devices on your Wi-Fi network. So, it’s worth connecting your Chromecast directly to the router. But you’ll want to use the best Ethernet adapter for Chromecast with Google TV.
Unfortunately, none of the Google Chromecast products have an Ethernet port. And so, you’ll need to purchase an Ethernet adapter. They take seconds to set up and allow you to connect your Chromecast directly to the internet via a wired network.
If you’re frustrated by the current picture quality and want to guarantee the best results, you should connect to a wired Ethernet network. Before you think an Ethernet adapter is expensive, several are available around the £20 mark, including one directly from Google.
Let’s discover the best Ethernet adapter for Chromecast with Google TV.
Ethernet adaptor for Chromecast with Google TV
photos by Google
Google sells its own solution, which is in the form of a UK plug with an Ethernet port and a USB port. You can quickly get up and running. It costs £20, and the price includes free delivery.
The Google Ethernet adaptor only works with Chromecast Ultra or Chromecast with Google TV according to their instructions. If you have another model, it won’t work. But don’t worry, as we have another solution below!
Star by replacing the existing power plug with the adaptor version. Next, connect a USB cable from the adaptor plug to your Chromecast device. Finally, connect an Ethernet cable between the port on the adaptor and your Wi-Fi router.
UGREEN Micro USB to Ethernet Adapter
If you have a Chromecast Gen 1, Gen 2, or Audio, consider the UGREEN Micro USB Ethernet Adapter, which is slightly cheaper at £19!
As a plug-in-and-play device, there are no drivers to download or complex configuration. Simply, connect the adapter to your TV, Chromecast dongle, and router, and you’re all set!
You can eliminate video buffering caused by a weak wireless signal and enjoy a data transmission rate of up to 480Mbps with backward compatibility (almost 5x Fast Ethernet speed).
Also, the UGREEN Adapter works with Amazon Fire TV Stick to add an Ethernet port to any of their streaming dongles.
Using your Ethernet adapter for Chromecast with Google TV
Whether you use the Google Adapter or the UGREEN Adapter, connecting them is similar.
The Google option has two sockets. One is the Ethernet port, and the other is a USB port that allows you to use the existing power USB to micro USB cable that came with your Chromecast unit.
The UGREEN adaptor has an Ethernet port and separate USB and micro USB cables. Start by connecting the USB end to a USB port on your TV or using the included power adaptor. Next, plug the micro USB cable end into your Google Chromecast.
The final step with both units is to connect an Ethernet cable to the adaptor and one of the LAN ports of your Wi-Fi router.
photo by Cable Matters
Configuring your Chromecast’s Ethernet connection
If your physical connection stops working, your Chromecast will automatically switch to using Wi-Fi. So, things will keep running without you doing anything.
When setting up Chromecast using an Ethernet Adapter, you can only use an Android or iOS device. There’s no way to set up your Chromecast using the Google Home app on Windows (either using Wi-Fi or hardwired).
You can also assign your Chromecast a static IP address manually. Doing so ensures that your streaming device is always assigned a dedicated IP address. We don’t recommend this, but if you have a more complex set up, a dedicated IP address makes sense.
Finding the best Ethernet adapter for Chromecast with Google TV?
You now have a clear idea of the best Ethernet adapter for Chromecast with Google TV. So, while none of the Google Chromecast range have a built-in Ethernet port, you can buy an adapter that allows you to painlessly add one.
Plus, there are plenty of affordable options are available, and all are plug in and play.
