Is your Chromecast not working? It can be a frustrating experience. In an ideal world, our Google Chromecast devices would always work without a hitch. As with everything, that isn’t always the case and we need to figure out how to get your Chromecast device up and running again. 

Key Takeaways:

• Common Chromecast issues include being unable to cast from a phone or computer, being unable to find your device in Google Home, and Chromecast not connecting to WiFi. 
• You can solve many Chromecast issues using simple troubleshooting tactics. If all else fails, a factory reset might be your best bet. 
• If you continue to experience issues, go to Chromecast troubleshooting on Google support. You can usually get a quick response by sending a message on the Made by Google Facebook page.

Let’s take a look at some common Chromecast issues and how to troubleshoot a Chromecast that’s not working. We’ll go over 10 things that could be wrong with your Chromecast, whether they’re issues with your WiFi network or if your Chromecast needs a factory data reset, so stick around.

Chromecast Not Working: 10 Causes and Fixes

Common Chromecast issues include being unable to connect to WiFi, being unable to find the Chromecast device in the Google Home app, and Chromecast not casting to the TV screen. In many cases, the causes are loose connections or network issues. Let’s take a look at some simple troubleshooting steps. 

1. Check Your WiFi

If your Chromecast can’t connect to WiFi in the Google Home app during the setup process or the Chromecast is not showing up, the first step is to ensure that your WiFi is working as it should be. There are a few ways you can check for WiFi issues or poor connectivity. 

1. Check Your WiFi Router

   Take a look at your WiFi router to see if there’s anything unusual. All routers are different, so check for things like blinking red or missing lights.

   

2. Check the WiFi Connection on Your Phone

   Go to “settings” on your device and find “WLAN” or “WiFi.” Tap to see if you’re connected. Then, do a quick Google search or send a message to check if it’s functioning.

   

2. Make Sure Your Mobile Device and Chromecast Are on the Same Network 

If you’ve tried connecting your mobile device, but it can’t communicate with your Chromecast, you might be on the wrong network. Your Chromecast needs to be on the same WiFi network as your mobile device. 

Follow the steps below to find out which network your Chromecast is connected to. Make sure your Chromecast is connected to the TV’s HDMI port and plugged in before starting. 

1. Open the Google Home App

   Open up the Google Home app and tap your device. Then, tap on the “settings” icon in the top-right corner.

   

2. Tap “Device Information”

   In “device information,” you should be able to see the WiFi network your Chromecast is connected to.

   

3. Change Your Power Supply

You can find a new power brick at retail stores or on the Google store in “accessories,” but they’re sometimes out of stock. You’ll also need to check that the power supply you purchase matches your Chromecast model’s specifications. Go to the Google support centerto check your Chromecast’s power supply specifications. 

4. Restart Your WiFi Router or Modem

Restarting your WiFi router or modem is a tried-and-true method for fixing a lot of internet issues. If your Chromecast dongle won’t cast or you can’t find your device, you might want to give this a shot. 

Simply unplug the router or modem from the port and wall outlet, or hold down the power button until all the lights go out. Wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in. It may take a few minutes for the router to fully restart. 

5. Restart Your Chromecast Device

You can restart your Chromecast device to fix a lot of device-related issues. Don’t worry, a simple reboot will not wipe all of your data in the same way a factory reset does. This method works for Chromecast and Chromecast Ultra. 

Tap your device. Then, go to the “settings” icon. Tap “more settings” (the three horizontal dots in the top right-hand corner). Finally, tap “reboot.” 

For the newer version, Chromecast with Google TV, find your profile on the TV screen, then go to “settings.” Finally, select “system” and “restart.” 

6. Attach the Chromecast Extender

First-generation Chromecasts came with an HDMI extender, but this isn’t included with later models. HDMI extenders are used to position the Chromecast in such a way that it picks up the WiFi signal better, so if you’re still using a first-generation model, you could give this a try. 

When you have plugged the Chromecast into the extender, plug the extender into the TV’s HDMI port.

7. Update Your Chrome Browser

If you’re having difficulties casting from your laptop or PC to your TV, you may need to update to a newer version of Chrome. 

Open up a Google Chrome browser tab. Then, click the three dots icon in the top-right corner. If an update is required, you will see “update Google Chrome.” Just click on that option and follow any necessary steps, like restarting the browser. 

If your browser is up to date, you won’t need to update Chrome and you won’t see the “update Google Chrome” option. This picture shows our browser is up to date. 

8. Update the Chromecast App (Google Home) on Your iOS or Android Device

You should always be using the latest version of the Google Home app with your Chromecast. Updates are often done automatically, but if you’re having issues within the app, you can check for an update manually on the Google Play store (Android) or the App store (iOS). 

On iOS, go to “search,” then tap your account. Tap “purchased.” Look for the Google Home app. If it needs to be updated, you’ll see the option to update. 

For Android devices, go to “menu” in the Google Play Store and tap “my apps and games.” Look for the Google Home app and tap on “update.” 

9. Update Your Chromecast

When you set up your Chromecast, it automatically installs any recent updates. If you’re still unsure whether your Chromecast is running the latest firmware, there is a way to check. We’re using a third-generation Chromecast for this tutorial. 

1. Check the Latest Firmware

   Visit Google support to check the latest firmware version for the Chromecast model you’re using.

   

2. Open Google Home

   Tap your device, then “settings.” Go to “device information.” Scroll down to find the firmware information. If it matches what’s on Google support, you’re up to date.

   

If your firmware isn’t up to date, reboot your Chromecast following the steps in part four of this guide. The firmware update will start when it turns back on. Go to “settings,” then “about” and finally “system update” on the TV to check for Chromecast with Google TV updates.

10. Chromecast Factory Reset

If you’ve tried everything and nothing has worked to fix your Chromecast, your last resort may be to perform a factory reset. Just bear in mind that the Chromecast reset option will delete all of your data and you will need to set up the Chromecast again from scratch. 

The reset process is really simple. Make sure your Chromecast is plugged into the TV’s HDMI port and power outlet. You’ll find a button on the side or back of the Chromecast device, depending on which model you’re using. Press and hold the button, wait until the LED light turns white, then release. 

Final Thoughts: Chromecast Device Not Working

You can solve most Chromecast issues by trying the steps outlined in this guide. If you’ve tried absolutely everything and your Chromecast remains uncooperative, you may have to reach out to Google support. The “Made by Google” Facebook page is one of the quickest ways to get in touch with Google support. 

We hope this guide has helped you to solve your Google Chromecast issue. Which method did you try? Did it work? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thanks for reading! 

FAQ

• What If Chromecast Can No Longer Cast to TV?

  If you suddenly can’t stream content, check your WiFi network. Make sure the connection at the back of the TV and to the power outlet hasn’t become loose. Try a different power supply if you have one handy.

• How Do I Fix My Chromecast Not Working?

  This really depends on the type of issue you’re experiencing. If you’re having issues with casting from your phone, you may need to check you’re connected to the correct WiFi network and that WiFi is working. If you’re having issues with screen mirroring from your laptop or PC, you may need to update the Google Chrome browser. Sometimes, a simple reboot is all that’s required.

• How Do I Reboot Chromecast?

  Tap your device in the Google Home app, then tap the “settings” icon. Tap the three horizontal dots in the top right-hand corner and tap “reboot.” Do not tap “factory reset” unless you want to completely reset your Chromecast and wipe all of your data.