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Can Old Chromecasts Still Be Useful?

Don't throw away your old Chromecast just yet
24 January 2026 by
TechStora Editorial Board

Is my old Chromecast really useless?

My old Chromecast had slowed down noticeably, but I didn't want to get rid of it just yet. I started thinking, what can I still use it for? It's still perfectly functional, just not as fast as it used to be.

Travel companion

I found that my old Chromecast is actually really useful when I travel. Hotel TVs often only have a few channels, but with my Chromecast, I can stream all my favorite shows and movies. I just plug it into the hotel TV and use my phone's Wi-Fi hotspot to connect.

Casting device

Another way to use my old Chromecast is as a casting device. I use it to stream photos and videos from my phone during family gatherings. It's easy to use and adds a nice touch to our get-togethers.

Digital screensaver

I also use my old Chromecast as a digital screensaver for my living room. I loop YouTube videos like wildlife videography or a fireplace, and it adds a nice vibe to the room.

Audio streaming

If you have a soundbar connected to your TV, you can use your old Chromecast to stream audio to it. Just plug the Chromecast into the soundbar's HDMI port and start casting. It's a great way to use your soundbar as a dedicated music speaker.

Retro gaming machine

You can even repurpose your old Chromecast as a retro gaming machine. If you have a Chromecast with Google TV, you can install emulators like RetroArch and PPSSPP and play classic games directly on it.