For Google TV & Chromecast owners

How to show 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 Free — No Setup Required

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.

  4. 4

    Fine-tune the display

    Choose a slideshow style and speed, then decide whether the screen should show time, weather, or photo details.

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
  • Your personal photos require Google Photos sync
  • No background music, no grid layouts

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 photo slideshow, not the built-in idle screensaver. It uses the standard Cast protocol: no TV app to install and no cloud upload required.

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
Related: See how to set up your own photos as a Google TV Screensaver

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.

Make your Google TV display what matters to you.

Your memories are more meaningful than any stock photo. Try PictaCast free today — no credit card required, no cloud sync needed.

Start Casting Free View all pricing

One-time payment options available. No subscriptions.