Settling in with friends or family for an evening of entertainment can quickly become frustrating when your Google Chromecast can’t connect. You will want to find out the source of the issue quickly so you can get back to the entertainment.
Troubleshooting your Google Chromecast device starts with ensuring your device is connected properly, verifying you have power, and ensuring internet connectivity. Power and connectivity issues are often at fault when you cannot connect to Chromecast.
Figuring out why your Chromecast isn’t connecting doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. There is a lot of help available to help you identify and fix the issue. Continue reading to find out the steps you can take to get your Chromecast back up and running so you can get back to your entertainment.
Why Isn’t My Chromecast Connecting?
To figure out why your Chromecast isn’t connecting, you will need to troubleshoot the issue following some initial steps to identify the problem:
- Ensure that Chromecast is plugged in and powered on by ensuring both the dongle and the power block are connected.Check to see that the LED light is white.Verify that you are logged in and using the correct password.If you are setting up Chromecast from a mobile device, make sure you have the latest version of the Google Home app for either your Android or iOS device.Ensure you are within 15-20 feet of your device while verifying settings between your phone and your Chromecast device.Find out if there have been any recent changes to your network, such as your internet service provider updating your router. Visit their website or contact them to inquire.Using your television remote, make sure your device is chosen using the input button and verifying the HDMI port your Chromecast is plugged into.
After verifying all the above issues and your Chromecast still won’t connect, other solutions can get you back online. Google offers interactive troubleshooting to help you pinpoint the source of the problem here. Check all the applicable issues you’ve confirmed and continue through the troubleshooting to find the source of your problem.
Troubleshooting Router and Wi-Fi Issues with Chromecast
Sometimes there is nothing wrong with your Chromecast device. In some cases, your router or Wi-Fi can be the source of the problem. Follow these steps to see if this fixes the issue.
- Using your phone, turn Wi-Fi off and then back on again and see if this fixes connectivity.Do you have a dual-band router? Try setting up Chromecast on a 2.4GHz or a 5GHz band.Perform a hard reset on your router by unplugging it, waiting 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in.Wait a few minutes for the devices to reboot and see if your Chromecast reconnects.
This video will give you a step-by-step visual walkthrough of procedures to fix your Chromecast connection issues.
Other Steps to Troubleshoot Chromecast Connection
Suppose you have tried all of the above troubleshooting ideas, and you still can’t get your Chromecast to connect. In that case, the support community at Google has an interactive site that will prompt you to choose the model of the Chromecast you are using and allow you to post in their community forum for ideas and tips to get you connected.
After discussing your connection issue with the Chromecast community and finding that your Chromecast still won’t connect, the next step is to contact the Chromecast Support Team. After filling out the required information, you will find out the different ways to contact someone to get the help you need.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues on a TV with Built-In Chromecast
If your television came with Chromecast already installed, you will need to do your troubleshooting a bit differently since there is no device to check.
- You will need to disable Access Point/AP isolation, also known as “guest mode,” on your router. Contacting your router provider will give you the instructions necessary to make this change.Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play), also known as Multicast, on your router. Refer to your router documentation or contact them to learn how to enable this.As mentioned before, if none of these options work, you should contact the support community at Google or get in touch with the Chromecast Support Team for more in-depth troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Chromecast has made seamless interactions between your TV and the most popular apps out there convenient and affordable. However, it can be frustrating when your Chromecast won’t connect. By following the troubleshooting steps here, or contacting either the support community at Google or getting in touch with the support team, you will be on your way to reconnecting to your device or TV in no time.