Title: DIAL Connect
Description: Cast YouTube videos to smart TVs on your network.
URL: /v2.1/wifi/dial-connect/
Version: v2.1
Section: Wi-Fi
Search index: /search-index.json

# DIAL Connect

> Cast YouTube videos to smart TVs on your network.

## On this page

- [Prerequisites](#prerequisites)
- [How to use](#how-to-use)
- [On-device UI](#on-device-ui)
- [Command line](#command-line)
- [What happens](#what-happens)
- [Supported devices](#supported-devices)
- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
- [How it works](#how-it-works)

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Cast random YouTube videos to all DIAL-enabled devices (Chromecasts, smart TVs, Roku, etc.) on your network.
Note: Only test this on networks and devices you own or have explicit permission to test.
## Prerequisites
- GhostESP flashed device, powered on.
- Connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the target devices (run connect SSID PASSWORD first).
- DIAL-enabled devices on the network (Chromecast, smart TV with YouTube app, Roku, etc.).
## How to use
### On-device UI
- First connect to a Wi-Fi network: Menu → WiFi → Connect.
- Go to Menu → WiFi → DIAL Connect.
- The device will discover smart TVs and cast a random YouTube video.
### Command line
Cast to first available device:
dialconnect
Cast to ALL devices on the network:
dialconnect all
or
dialconnect -a
Set a custom device name (shown on TV):
dialconnect MyDevice
Cast to all with custom name:
dialconnect all GhostESP
## What happens
- GhostESP discovers DIAL-enabled devices using SSDP (multicast discovery).
- For each device found, it fetches the device description to get the app launch URL.
- It sends a POST request to launch YouTube with a random video ID.
- The TV should start playing the video within seconds.
## Supported devices
DIAL Connect works with any device that supports the DIAL protocol:
- Google Chromecast (all versions)
- Android TV (Sony, Philips, TCL, etc.)
- Roku devices
- Samsung Smart TVs (Tizen-based)
- LG Smart TVs (webOS)
- Fire TV devices
## Troubleshooting
- No devices found: Make sure GhostESP is connected to the same network as your smart TVs. Run connect SSID PASSWORD first.
- 404 errors: The YouTube app may not be installed or available on that device.
- 403 errors: The device may have DIAL restrictions enabled. Some Roku devices require enabling “Screen Mirroring” in settings.
- Connection timeouts: The device may be on a different subnet or have firewall rules blocking DIAL.
## How it works
DIAL (Discovery and Launch) is a protocol developed by Netflix and YouTube that allows second-screen devices to discover and launch apps on first-screen devices (TVs). GhostESP uses this protocol to:
- Send an SSDP M-SEARCH request to discover DIAL devices.
- Fetch device descriptions to get the Application-URL.
- POST to the YouTube app endpoint with a video ID parameter.
The TV receives the launch request and starts playing the specified video.