You just arrived at your hotel, unpacked your bags, and want to relax by watching some YouTube videos. But when you turn on the hotel TV, you realize the remote is missing, limited, or doesn’t let you change the input. It feels frustrating, right? Fortunately, there are several smart and easy ways to cast YouTube to a hotel TV even without remote access. In this post, I’ll walk you through practical methods that actually work during real-world travel situations.
Check for Open HDMI Ports First
Even if you can’t control the TV with a remote, there’s still hope. Many hotel TVs have an open HDMI port on the side or back. Look for one and check if it is physically accessible. Some hotels mount TVs against the wall in a way that hides these ports, but others leave them exposed.
If you can plug in a device, you’re already on the right track. Most modern TVs will automatically detect HDMI input if a signal is coming from your device. That means even without switching the source using the remote, the TV may switch on its own once a signal is active.
Use a Chromecast or Fire Stick With Pre-set Mobile Hotspot
If you travel frequently, carrying a Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick can be a game changer. These small devices let you cast content directly from your phone. Here’s the trick: set up a mobile hotspot on your phone before connecting the device.
- Set up your phone’s hotspot with the same name and password you used last time with the Chromecast or Fire Stick.
- Plug the device into the TV’s HDMI port and provide power using a USB adapter or the TV’s USB port.
- Wait a few seconds. The device should connect to your hotspot automatically and be ready to cast.
Now just open the YouTube app on your phone, tap the cast icon, and select your streaming device.
Need help setting up? Here is the official 👉 Chromecast setup guide from Google.
Use a Phone-to-HDMI Adapter for Direct Connection
If casting wirelessly is not possible, using a physical connection is a solid backup. You can buy a USB-C to HDMI adapter for Android phones, or a Lightning to HDMI adapter for iPhones. These small gadgets let you mirror your phone screen to the TV without needing WiFi or any remote.
- Plug the adapter into your phone.
- Connect an HDMI cable between the adapter and the hotel TV.
- If the TV doesn’t auto-switch, try unplugging the power and restarting it with the device already connected.
You’ll be able to play YouTube videos on your phone and watch them on the big screen instantly.
Try Using the Hotel TV Buttons to Change Input
Many hotel TVs have built-in buttons on the side or bottom. These are usually used for power, volume, and sometimes input source. If you can find those buttons, press the one labeled “Input” or “Source” and switch to the HDMI port you connected to.
Some hotel TVs may hide these buttons intentionally, but they are still worth checking for. You might need to hold the button for a few seconds or use a combination like volume down plus power.
Use Your Laptop as a Middleman
If you brought a laptop, you can cast or mirror YouTube from your phone to the laptop first, and then connect the laptop to the hotel TV using HDMI. Here’s how to do it:
- Connect your laptop to the hotel TV using HDMI.
- Open a browser and go to 👉 YouTube.com.
- Play the videos directly or cast from your phone to your laptop using tools like 👉 AirDroid Cast.
This method works even if your phone can’t connect to the hotel’s network, since it only needs a cable.
Use a Universal Remote App
Some smart TVs support IR (infrared) signals, which means they can be controlled with your phone if it has an IR blaster. There are free apps on the Play Store like Mi Remote or Universal TV Remote Control that might work with hotel TVs.
Note that most iPhones don’t have IR capability, but some Android devices still support it. Try downloading one of the apps and scanning for TVs nearby. You may be able to switch the input that way.
Travel Router as a Hotel WiFi Workaround
Hotel WiFi is often locked behind login screens, which makes it hard for casting devices to work. A travel router can help you get around that. You connect your laptop to the hotel WiFi, then connect your streaming device to the travel router. This way, all your devices share the same network without extra login screens.
Learn how to use one by visiting 👉 TP-Link travel router setup page.
Ask the Front Desk or Maintenance Team
It might feel awkward, but sometimes the fastest way to solve the problem is to ask the front desk. Explain that you’re trying to watch YouTube on the hotel TV and would like help switching the input. Most hotels are used to this kind of request and may be able to send someone to assist you or unlock the TV settings for you.
Some hotels even offer smart TVs or guest casting systems. It never hurts to ask.
Final Tip: Download YouTube Videos in Advance
When you’re not sure if the TV setup will work, download a few YouTube videos offline on your phone or tablet using YouTube Premium. That way, you’ll still have something to watch even if casting is not possible.
If you want to learn more, here is 👉 how to download YouTube videos legally with the official app.
Wrapping Up
Streaming YouTube in a hotel room without a remote might seem difficult, but there are several practical workarounds. From bringing your own streaming stick, using a phone-to-HDMI adapter, to checking physical buttons on the TV, you have more options than you think.
If you travel often, carrying a few of these tools will make every hotel stay feel more like home. Always check the room setup before unpacking, and remember that hotel tech limitations can usually be bypassed with a little preparation.
👉 Open YouTube now and keep watching your favorite channels