Chromecast Is Connected but Can’t Cast: Causes and Solutions

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Chromecasts are convenient, but they can be finicky since they require several factors to be working perfectly in order to function.

So, if one aspect of your Chromecast device’s hardware, software, or wireless settings is off, you’ll find yourself staring at an error screen.

This problem is exceedingly common, but have no fear!

We’ve compiled a list of solutions that will help fix your Chromecast connectivity problems in no time. All of these solutions only take a few minutes to do and we’ll walk you through each step.

Let’s get started!

1. Ensure Your Phone and Chromecast are Connected to the Same Network

Chromecast devices receive your device’s data and cast it to your TV/monitor using the internet. Additionally, your Chromecast can only connect to your phone and cast its content when they’re connected to the same network.

So, the first thing you should always do when troubleshooting your Chromecast is check that it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi as your phone, tablet, or laptop.

Head to your phone’s Wi-Fi settings, usually found in the Settings app, and take note of which network it’s connected to.

Now, let’s learn how to check which network your Chromecast is connected to and change it if needed.

Connect Chromecast to a New Wi-Fi Network

Step 1: Install the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Download it from the Google Play Store for Android devices and from the App Store for Apple devices. Once the app is installed on your device, launch it.

Step 2: Tap your Chromecast device’s tile on the screen. If you have several Chromecast devices in your home, ensure you select the correct one.

Step 3: Select Device information.

Step 4: Tap Wi-Fi.

Step 5: Select Forget this network.

Step 6: Find and tap the Add icon in the top-left corner of your screen, marked by a plus (+) sign.

Step 7: Go to Setup device.

Step 8: Click on New device.

Step 9: Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the setup process.

2. Correctly Power the Chromecast Device

If your Chromecast is incorrectly plugged into power or connected to an insufficient power source, you will not be able to cast content.

So, ensure that the Chromecast device’s micro USB cable is securely plugged into the device and its USB adapter or your TV’s USB port.

If everything is plugged in correctly, but you’re still having trouble casting content, try using your Chromecast’s included stock power supply. Plug the power supply into a working wall outlet.

Alternatively, you can plug your Chromecast into any 5W 1.5Amp and-up power supply, such as another USB power adapter.

If there’s no wall outlet near your TV or monitor, or you’d like to hide your Chromecast’s cables behind your TV, you can use a USB Power Cable for Chromecast.

Last update on 2023-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

Most TV USBs cannot supply the necessary 1.5Amps of electricity needed to power your Chromecast. However, the USB Power cable for Chromecast boosts the TV USB’s electrical output using built-in capacitors, powering any Chromecast device without the use of an AC outlet.

Now is also a good time to check that all of your cables are wear and tear-free, as a damaged cable will prevent your Chromecast from being correctly powered.

3. Disconnect from VPNs or Proxy Servers

Since your Chromecast and personal device discover and pair with each other via one Wi-Fi network, a VPN or proxy server will prevent them from connecting. These services disguise your device’s IP address, making it appear as though they’re connected to a different network, possibly even in a different location.

Therefore, your Chromecast will not register your phone as being on the same network making it impossible for you to cast content.

So, it’s a good idea to disconnect your devices from the VPN and proxy servers.

This process will be different depending on what kind of device you’re casting from (PC, Macbook, smartphone).

For your convenience, we’ve included links to articles on how to disable NordVPN and ExpressVPN on your devices.

If your VPN supplier isn’t listed above, consult the brand’s official website for more information.

4. Update Chromecast, Streaming App, and Browser

Your Chromecast, streaming app, or browser may be out of date, making them incompatible with each other.

Let’s learn how to update them!

a. Update Chromecast

A Chromecast with out-of-date firmware could have some bugs in its code, causing it to malfunction and be unable to connect to other devices. You may also find your Chromecast is lagging or displaying other problems due to its pending update.

Step 1: Download the Google Home app on your smartphone or tablet from either the Google Play Store (for Androids) or App Store (for Apple devices). Then, open the app.

Step 2: Tap the device tile which will be labeled with your Chromecast’s name.

Step 3: Go to Settings.

Step 4: Select More Settings.

Step 5: Click on the kebab menu (፧).

Step 6: Select Reboot from the drop-down list.

Your Chromecast will reboot, installing the newest update.

b. Update the Streaming App (Netflix, Youtube, Prime Video, or any other Chromecast-supported app)

If you’re using your smartphone, you may need to check that its streaming apps are updated. Your phone’s apps should update automatically, but if they don’t, you’ll have to update them manually by following the steps below.

Android

Step 1: Head to the Google Play Store.

Step 2: Tap the Profile icon.

Step 3: Click on Manage apps & devices.

Step 4: Select Updates available and scroll until you see the app’s icon. If there are any available updates, there will be an Update button next to it. Click on it to install new updates.

iOS

Step 1: Open the Apple App Store.

Step 2: Go to the Profile icon.

Step 3: Click on Available Updates.

Step 4: Find the app’s name in the list.

Step 5: If available, click Updates to update the app.

c. Update Your Chrome Browser

If you’re casting content from your laptop or from your phone/tablet’s browser, you may need to update its Chrome browser. Chrome frequently releases new updates and you may not be able to connect to your Chromecast until these updates have been installed.

PC

Step 1: Open your Chrome browser.

Step 2: Select the kebab menu (፧) in the top-right corner.

Step 3: Scroll to the bottom of the drop-down menu and select Help.

Step 4: Click on About Google Chrome.

Step 5: Select Update Google Chrome. This option will be unavailable if your Chrome browser is up to date.

Step 6: Select Relaunch to reboot your browser.

Android

Step 1: Open your smartphone or tablet’s Google Play Store.

Step 2: Select the Profile icon.

Step 3: Head to Manage apps & devices.

Step 4: Navigate to Updates available.

Step 5: Check if the Chrome app has any available updates.

Step 6: If it does, tap Update next to the Chrome icon.

iOS

Step 1: Open your iPhone or iPad’s Apple App Store.

Step 2: Navigate to the Profile icon.

Step 3: Tap Available Updates.

Step 4: Head to the Chrome icon.

Step 5: If there are any pending updates, tap the Update button on-screen.

5. Reboot the Chromecast Device

There may be something wrong with your Chromecast’s software. This problem could be fixed by rebooting your Chromecast device, refreshing its software in the process.

There are two ways of rebooting your Chromecast device.

The first is to reboot it through the settings. This can be done through the Google Home app or through your Chromecast with Google TV’s settings.

This will ensure each of your Chromecast’s functions is properly shut down and then restarted.

The second is to reboot it via its power supply, which may be your only option if your Chromecast is unresponsive.

Let’s learn how to do both!

a. From the Google Home App

Step 1: If you haven’t done so already, install the Google Home App on your Android device via the Google Play Store or Apple device via the App Store. Once installed, open the app.

Step 2: Tap the device tile on the app’s home screen.

Step 3: Go to Settings.

Step 4: Open More Settings.

Step 5: Tap Reboot and wait until your Chromecast has fully restarted before trying to use it again.

b. From Chromecast with Google TV OS

Step 1: Using the Chromecast Voice Remote, navigate to the Profile icon found in the top-right corner of your TV or monitor screen.

Step 2: Open the Settings.

Step 3: Click on System.

Step 4: Tap Restart.

Step 5: When prompted, tap Restart again.

c. From the Power Source

Step 1: Unplug the micro USB power cable from your Chromecast device.

Step 2: Wait for at least 60 seconds.

Step 3: Plug the power cable back into your Chromecast device’s micro USB port, ensuring it’s securely fastened in place.

6. Factory Reset the Chromecast Device

Factory resetting your Chromecast is the last resort, as you will have to set it up from scratch and reconnect it to the network and your personal device.

The good thing about this solution is that it will reset any customized settings. So, if you’ve accidentally enabled some settings that are causing this problem, they will be reverted to their original values.

a. From the Google Home App

Step 1: Download the Google Home app from the Google Play Store or App Store, depending on if you have an Android or Apple device. Then, launch the app.

Step 2: On the home page, tap your Chromecast device’s tile.

Step 3: Select Settings.

Step 4: Go to More.

Step 5: Click on Factory Reset.

Step 6: Tap Factory Reset once more to confirm your choice.

b. From Chromecast with Google TV OS

Step 1: Navigate to the top-right corner of your screen and select Profile using your Chromecast Voice Remote.

Step 2: Go to Settings.

Step 3: Click on About.

Step 4: Select Factory reset.

c. From the Chromecast Device

Step 1: Head to the back of your TV and find your Chromecast device. Then, hold down the device’s button.

Step 2: Keep pressing the button until the LED indicator light flashes red, white, or yellow, depending on which Chromecast model you own.

Step 3: Once the LED starts to flash, release the button. Your Chromecast will then begin to factory reset.

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