For Google TV & Chromecast owners

Set up your own photos in Google TV Ambient Mode.

Use Google Photos to set personal albums as your Google TV screensaver. Or, when you want a private slideshow from files on your computer, cast them directly with PictaCast.

Try a Local Slideshow

10 minutes free every day. One-time payment options available.

Built-in option

Set up personal photos in Google TV Ambient Mode

For the built-in screensaver, Google TV uses photos and albums from the Google Photos account connected to your TV.

  1. 1

    Open Ambient Mode settings

    From the Google TV home screen, go to Settings, then System, then Ambient mode.

  2. 2

    Choose Google Photos as the source

    Select Settings, then Source, and choose Google Photos. Verify the Google Account linked to your TV if prompted.

  3. 3

    Select your albums or favourites

    Choose the Google Photos albums, recent highlights, or favourites that you want Google TV to show while it is idle, then select Confirm.

  4. 4

    Fine-tune the display

    Choose Basic fullscreen or Dynamic slideshows where available, set the slideshow speed, and choose which on-screen information to show.

These menus can vary slightly by device. See Google’s current Ambient Mode instructions for the latest options.

Built-in Ambient Mode or a local PictaCast slideshow?

Both can display personal photos. The best choice depends on whether you want an automatic idle screensaver or a slideshow from files that stay on your computer.

Google TV Ambient Mode

  • Beautiful curated photography and art
  • Works automatically when TV is idle
  • Personal photos must be available in Google Photos
  • Includes slideshow speed and on-screen information settings
  • Dynamic slideshows include collages on eligible devices

PictaCast

  • Your own photos — family, travel, events
  • Start a slideshow any time with one click from your browser
  • 100% local: no Google Photos upload required
  • Background music from your local MP3s
  • Fullscreen or picture wall grid layouts during an active Cast session

Cast local photos to Google TV or Chromecast

PictaCast is for an active Chromecast photo slideshow, not the built-in idle screensaver. It uses the standard Cast protocol: no TV app to install and no cloud upload required. Compare built-in screensavers and local slideshows to choose the right option.

1

Open PictaCast

Visit app.pictacast.com on your laptop or desktop. Sign in with Google.

2

Select your photos

Choose a local folder from your computer. Your photos stay on your device.

3

Cast to Google TV

Click the Cast button, choose your Google TV or Chromecast, and your photos appear instantly.

Works with these devices

Chromecast with Google TV
Google TV (built-in)
Chromecast (all models)
Any TV + Chromecast dongle
Compare: Google TV screensaver options and local slideshows

Google TV Ambient Mode & Screensaver FAQs

Common questions about Google TV Ambient Mode and local photo slideshows.

Can I show personal photos in Google TV ambient mode?

Yes. Google TV’s built-in Ambient Mode can show albums from your Google Photos account. If you prefer not to upload your files, use PictaCast to cast a local photo slideshow from your computer while the Cast session is active.

Does Google TV have official support for a custom screensaver?

Yes. Google TV’s built-in Ambient Mode supports Google Photos albums, an art gallery, and other available sources. PictaCast provides a separate active casting session for local files; it does not change the built-in idle screensaver.

Why is Ambient Mode not showing my Google Photos?

Check that your photos are available in the Google Photos account linked to the TV. In Settings → System → Ambient mode → Settings → Source, select Google Photos, complete verification if prompted, choose your albums, and select Confirm.

Can I shuffle personal photos in Google TV Ambient Mode?

Google TV's Ambient Mode rotates through your Google Photos albums but offers limited shuffle control. PictaCast provides full shuffle, sequential, and random playback modes for your local photo folders.

Does Google TV Ambient Mode work without Wi-Fi?

Google Photos needs internet access to retrieve your albums. PictaCast sends photos over your local network during an active Cast session. Local photo streaming does not guarantee fully offline operation: loading the web app, signing in, and starting the receiver may require internet access.

Make your Google TV display what matters to you.

For a slideshow from your computer, try PictaCast free for 10 minutes per day. Keep your computer awake and the app open during playback.

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One-time payment options available. No subscriptions.