Looking to stream Sky Sports on your TV using Chromecast? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about casting Sky Sports from Android, iPhone, iPad, and PC.
Whether you want to catch the latest Premier League matches or watch thrilling Test cricket, we’ll show you multiple methods to get Sky Sports on your Chromecast-connected television using mirroring techniques.
Why Sky Sports Doesn’t Support Built-in Chromecast Streaming
Sky Sports is undoubtedly one of the top sports streaming platforms in the UK and Ireland. With dedicated channels for football, cricket, golf, F1, and more, Sky Sports is many sports fans’ service of choice.
However, Sky Sports does not currently support direct streaming to Chromecast devices. The Sky Sports mobile app and website do not have a built-in Cast button like Netflix or Disney+.
So why doesn’t Sky Sports allow Chromecast streaming?
The developers likely did not integrate the Google Cast SDK into their apps. Live sports streaming also involves complex DRM restrictions and licensing limitations that can prevent easy Chromecast integration.
That said, just because an app doesn’t directly work with Chromecast doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it on your TV. Using screen mirroring, you can display Sky Sports on-demand videos and live matches on your television via Chromecast.
While not as seamless as native Chromecast integration, screen mirroring only adds a couple of quick steps and works reliably if your Wi-Fi connection is good.
So without further ado, let’s go over everything you need to know to watch Sky Sports on Chromecast!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cast Sky Sports
To recap the prerequisites, you’ll need:
- A Chromecast streaming device connected to your TV
- The Google Home app installed on your smartphone
- The Sky Sports app or website access on your device
- Your smartphone / tablet / computer connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast
Below we provide detailed instructions to cast Sky Sports from various devices using mirroring techniques.
How to Cast Sky Sports from an Android Phone
Casting Sky Sports on Chromecast from Android devices is straightforward thanks to built-in screen mirroring capabilities.
Step 1: Install Sky Sports and Connect Chromecast to WiFi
Start by installing the Sky Sports app from the Google Play Store if you don’t already have it. Also ensure your Android device and Chromecast dongle are both connected to the same WiFi network.
Step 2: Enable Screen Mirroring in Quick Settings
- Swipe down on the top of your screen to reveal Quick Settings then tap on the Cast tile. Alternatively go to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection Preferences > Cast
- Select your Chromecast device from the list of available options
- Your Android screen will now be mirrored directly onto your TV. Provide any permissions if prompted
Step 3: Launch Sky Sports and Start Streaming!
Open the Sky Sports app on your Android phone and log in with your account credentials if required. You’ll be able to view the Sky Sports stream directly on your larger TV screen.
Pretty easy right? This works for both Sky Sports Match Centre and Main Event channels so you can enjoy live cricket, soccer, F1, and more on the big screen.
To stop casting, simply swipe down and tap on the Cast toggle again. Disconnecting from the Chromecast will end screen mirroring and take you out of video full-screen mode on Android.
Some key things to note when casting from Android:
- Avoid using your phone heavily during casting as it can cause lag or glitching
- You may need to adjust video player settings to improve streaming performance. More on this later!
Now let’s look at casting Sky Sports on Chromecast from iPhone and iPad.
How to Cast Sky Sports from iPhone and iPad
Since iOS devices don’t have built-in screen mirroring like Android, you’ll need to use a third party app to beam Sky Sports to your Chromecast.
We recommend using either Replica or Google Home which work seamlessly for screen mirroring iPhones and iPads.
Here’s how to use Replica to cast Sky Sports on Chromecast from iOS:
Step 1: Download Replica App and Connect Chromecast
Grab the Replica app from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
When launched for the first time, Replica will automatically search and connect your Chromecast device provided it’s on the same WiFi network.
You’ll see the “Ready to Cast” screen once connected. Leave this open in the background.
Step 2: Allow Notifications to Keep Casting in the Background
When prompted by iOS, ensure you enable notifications for Replica. This allows casting to work reliably even when you launch other apps like Sky Sports.
Step 3: Start Casting Your iOS Screen to the TV
Tap on the large Start Broadcast button within Replica. This will begin screen mirroring so your iOS device’s display is now shown on your television screen.
Give the necessary permissions if you see any pop-up alerts at this stage.
Step 4. Get Sky Sports App and Start Streaming!
Finally, open the Sky Sports mobile app from your iPad or iPhone. You can now enjoy on-demand highlights or even live matches on the big screen thanks to seamless Chromecast integration.
Once done streaming sports action on TV, return to Replica app and tap Stop Broadcast to disable screen mirroring and disconnect from your Chromecast.
Using Google Home app also offers the same functionality if you prefer. Just launch and connect Chromecast, then swipe down from the top and enable Casting to mirror your iOS device which will then allow Sky Sports viewing on Chromecast!
Next up, casting Sky Sports on Chromecast from your Windows PC in just a few clicks.
How to Cast Sky Sports from a Windows Laptop or Desktop
Don’t have a smartphone? You can also use the Sky Sports website to view content on your TV using Chromecast when browsing on a Windows PC. The same techniques can be used to watch NHL or stream ESPN on Chromecast.
Here are the steps:
Step 1: Connect PC and Chromecast to Same WiFi
Ensure your computer and Chromecast dongle are both hooked up to the same wireless network before beginning. Use Ethernet on your PC for the most stable connection.
Step 2: Open SkySports.com in Google Chrome
Visit the official Sky Sports site using the Chrome browser on your Windows laptop or desktop. You’ll be able to cast directly from this tab once logged in.
Step 3: Click on Cast Icon and Choose Chromecast Device
With the page open in Chrome, click on the Cast button (it looks like a Wi-Fi symbol) at the top right and select your connected Chromecast device.
Next choose Cast tab under the ‘Cast to’ heading. This ensures the current tab is streamed on your television.
Your Sky Sports stream will now play directly on the Chromecast connected TV! Enjoy matches, highlights and news on the big screen.
When finished, simply click the Cast button again and select ‘Stop Casting’. Taking your laptop out of full screen will also stop the cast.
This saves you from installing any third party apps for screen mirroring Windows devices.
What if you don’t use Chrome though? Read on to see how you can still cast Sky Sports on Chromecast from Microsoft Edge or Firefox browsers on Windows too.
How to Cast Sky Sports on Chromecast from Edge or Firefox
Don’t use Google Chrome? No worries – other modern browsers also allow tab casting so you can still view Sky Sports on your television.
Here’s how it works in Microsoft Edge:
Step 1: Install Edge Browser with Chromecast Support
Ensure you have the latest version of Microsoft Edge browser installed on your Windows 10 or 11 machine. Older Edge versions may not work for casting to Chromecast.
Step 2: Visit Sky Sports Site and Click Cast Icon
Head to the SkySports website using Edge browser. Once the page loads, click the Cast button visible beside the address bar.
Step 3: Select Chromecast Device to Begin Casting
In the menu that pops up, choose your WiFi-connected Chromecast device. Your Edge browser tab will now be cast directly on your television screen.
Give permissions if any dialogs box pops up during the process. Now just play your preferred Sky Sports stream and enjoy it on the big screen!
To disconnect from the Chromecast after you’re done streaming, simply close the current Edge browser tab or press the Cast button again and select ‘Stop Casting‘.
Following the same principle, you can also cast SkySports on Chromecast from Mozilla Firefox or other Chromium-based browsers using the built-in Cast Tab option.
This allows easy viewing from any Windows machine, whether using Chrome or not. Now onto casting options for Mac users out there.
How to Cast Sky Sports on Chromecast from a Mac
Those using an iMac or MacBook can also get Sky Sports streams going on their Chromecast but will require some additional apps for macOS screen mirroring. The process is similar to watching Netflix on Chromecast from a Mac.
Here are a couple effective options:
Using QuickTime Player (Built-in)
Your Mac has a built-in capability to screen mirror to an Apple TV using QuickTime Player. The same works for Google Chromecast with just a small tweak:
- Open QuickTime Player app on your Mac
- Go to File > Open Stream (or press ⌘ + ⌥ + N)
- Click on the drop down arrow next to Camera and select Chromecast
- Now launch Sky Sports website in a browser tab on your Mac
- You’ll see the stream playing directly on your TV!
QuickTime utilizes audio forwarding so you’ll hear the sounds without extra steps. Use on-screen controls to Stop Mirroring once done streaming sports.
With Third Party Apps Like Airfoil
For more customization and less glitches, we suggest utilizing a third party app such as Airfoil on Mac.
The steps to cast Sky Sports to Chromecast are:
- Get Airfoil for Mac and launch it
- Choose your Chromecast device under ‘Select A Device‘
- Now head to Safari or any browser and play Sky Sports stream
- Audio and video will both seamlessly transmit to the television
Use software like Airfoil for the most reliable performance when casting from Mac. The advantage over QuickTime is ability to control resolution and bitrates.
Now that you know all about casting Sky Sports on Chromecast irrespective of your device, let’s go over some key tips to improve streaming experience.
Tips for Smooth Streaming Performance
Mirroring an intensive live sports stream from your phone or computer to the television can often lead to lag, buffering or quality issues.
Here are some handy troubleshooting techniques:
Adjust Mirroring Resolution
Too high a display resolution can overwhelm your WiFi bandwidth leading to glitches. Most smartphone and PC settings have an option to change mirrored resolution.
- 720p provides good quality without hogging bandwidth
- 30fps uses half the bandwidth of 60fps so adjust frame rate too
Use Ethernet With PC/Mac
For best possible throughput and stability, plug your desktop or laptop directly into your router with an Ethernet cable instead of using WiFi to cast Sky Sports.
Connect Devices to 5GHz WiFi
Reduce interference by ensuring both casting device and Chromecast are hooked up to the less crowded 5GHz network instead of old 2.4GHz band if available.
Close Extra Apps and Tabs
Free up device bandwidth allocation by shutting down any other applications during streaming, especially bandwidth heavy ones. Suspend antivirus scans temporarily too.
Reboot Devices and Router
Before major streaming sessions, rebooting all devices ensures maximum RAM, caches and temporary files are cleared out for smooth mirroring and performance.
With the above tips, you can mitigate most intermittent lag or choppiness issues faced when casting Sky Sports via Chromecast using Android, iOS, Mac and Windows laptops/PCs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about streaming Sky Sports on Chromecast? Below we’ve compiled helpful answers to commonly asked queries:
Why can’t Sky Sports be directly casted from apps?
Sky Sports website and mobile apps currently do not support built-in Chromecast capability. This is likely due to complex licensing restrictions around live sports streaming and digital rights management. Screen mirroring the streams provides a reliable workaround.
Does casting Sky Sports use a lot of data?
Streaming over WiFi won’t eat into mobile data. However live sports does consume substantial bandwidth so ensure you have minimum 10-15 Mbps speeds for smooth 1080p streams. Reduce mirroring resolution if you face lag or buffering.
What happens when I get a call during casting?
On Android, getting a call will temporarily interrupt casting until you disconnect. On iPhone using Replica app, calls won’t disrupt viewing on TV due to background notifications access. You can also set ‘Do Not Disturb’ while casting to avoid interruptions.
Can I cast Sky Sports on my Smart TV natively?
Unfortunately most smart TVs sold internationally do not support the Sky Sports app directly. However, many smart TVs do allow casting MLB TV and other sports apps, so it varies by service. Using a streaming stick like Chromecast combined with screen mirroring provides a cost-effective workaround to get Sky Sports on any television.
Is casting Sky Sports illegal?
Casting legally purchased Sky Sports subscriptions via personal Chromecast devices for personal non-commercial viewing does not violate piracy or copyright laws. Restrictions mostly apply for unauthorized rebroadcasting. Many top apps use similar mirroring without issues.
Conclusion
I hope this guide gives you clarity on successfully casting Sky Sports streams from any device using Chromecast screen mirroring.
While native Chromecast integration would be more convenient, existing mirroring techniques work reliably once you get the hang of device pairing.
Optimizing performance with the above tips allows stutter-free streaming so you can enjoy crystal clear visuals of EPL football, electrifying T20 battles and more on the big screen! When you’re done, here’s how to turn off your Chromecast properly.
Do let me know if you have any other questions related to watching Sky Sports on Chromecast. Happy streaming and don’t miss the action!
