Chromecast Is Connected but Can’t Cast? 9 Proven Fixes Await!

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This article will walk you through the best solutions that I can find to fix the casting issues on your Chromecast device.

The guides are completed with demonstration images as proof that I’ve tested and tried them myself.

Let’s get your streaming experience back to smooth sailing without further ado.

1. Make Sure Both Devices Are Connected to the Same Wi-Fi Network

Before you start casting from your phone or laptop to your Chromecast, it’s important to check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.

This step is crucial because the Wi-Fi network acts as a bridge, allowing your devices to connect wirelessly.

Depending on your Chromecast model, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

• For Chromecast devices without Google TV, remember that changing the Wi-Fi network isn’t an option unless you perform a factory reset on the device.
• If you’re using a Chromecast with Google TV or a TV that has Chromecast built-in, adjusting the Wi-Fi settings is straightforward: Settings > Network > Check and choose the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.

2. Reboot Your Chromecast Device

Giving your Chromecast device a quick restart can often solve connection issues, a step even Google suggests trying first.

It’s simple to do. Just turn off all the devices in your setup, unplug them from their power sources for at least 30 seconds, then plug them back in and turn them on.

3. Clear Cache & Data From Google Play Services (For Android)

The method works as a charm for many Android users. This may stem from the fact that cache data can become problematic over time. Essentially, all that is needed is a reset—in this scenario, clearing the cache data.

It’s advisable not just when you’re unable to cast from your phone to a Chromecast device. Although cache data significantly speeds up the launch of an app or service, the situation changes over time. As data accumulates, it can lead to your device slowing down.

Because the Android settings vary between devices, the steps to clear the Google Play Services cache might differ slightly.

In this section, I’ll make a guide based on my Samsung Galaxy A71.

Step 1: Go to the Settings app of your phone, then head to Apps.

Step 2: Navigate to Google Play Services, then Storage.

Step 3: Select Clear Cache, and click on Manage storage.

Step 4: Select Clear All Data.

After that, you may have to log in to some Google account on your phone again, but the casting issue will likely be solved.

4. Factory Reset Your Chromecast Dongle & Reinstall the Google Home App

Performing a factory reset on your Chromecast is a powerful step to fix casting problems, as it wipes all current data including Wi-Fi settings and personal preferences. This might sound drastic, but it’s often the most effective way to troubleshoot.

In addition, a user has discovered that combining a factory reset with the reinstallation of certain apps brings even better results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing just that:

Step 1: Hold down the button on your Chromecast dongle until the light flashes. Release the button once the light stays solid.

If you’re using a laptop, you don’t need the Google Home app to cast onto the Chromecast. Therefore, simply follow any on-screen instructions from your Chromecast to attempt casting again. There’s no need to proceed with the next steps to reinstall the apps.

Step 2: Uninstall and then reinstall the Google Home app, along with any other apps that include Chromecast functionality (like YouTube or Netflix) that might be causing issues.

Step 3: Ensure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 4: If you’re casting through the Google Home app, follow the steps in this guide to set up. If you’re casting from Chromecast built-in apps, simply click the Chromecast icon within the app.

5. 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, not the 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 1.5A 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 2024-04-18 / Paid Link.

Most TV USBs cannot supply the necessary 1.5A 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.

6. 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.

7. Factory Reset Your TV with Chromecast Built-In

Resetting your TV to its factory settings will clear out all of the information and the installed apps on your TV together with possible glitches.

This step is quite drastic, so I recommend saving it for when you’ve tried everything else.

Once your TV is back to its original state, you’ll have a fresh start for casting and reinstalling any apps you had before.

Most TVs with built-in Chromecast feature the Google TV OS, which means the process for a factory reset is generally uniform.

Therefore, I’ll demonstrate how to factory reset a TV with Chromecast built-in using my Chromecast with Google TV OS.

Step 1: Go to Settings, then System.

Step 2: Click About, and choose Factory reset.

Step 3: Confirm to Factory reset.

8. Disable the Encrypted Connection Scanning on Anti-Virus (For Laptops & PCs)

First, make sure your anti-virus software is fully updated. Then, dive into the settings of your anti-virus program and look for any features related to scanning SSL, TLS, or encrypted connections. You’ll want to disable these options.

As a troubleshooting step, you could even temporarily remove your anti-virus software to see if it’s causing the issue.

9. Other Things to Try

The solutions below are what you can try as your last resort.

While these are often recommended across the web, I find them to be more general solutions that may not always directly address the issue

Yet, I haven’t seen anyone follow the below solutions and successfully fix the issue.

• Soft reset your router: unplug your router from power for at least 30 seconds then replug it and try casting again.
• Place the router or the Chromecast within 15 – 20 ft (4 – 6 m) of each other to ensure a stable connection.
• Make sure the apps you’re trying to cast from are up to date.
• If you’re casting using Google Chrome browser, ensure your browser is running the latest version.
• Check if there are any updates available for your Chromecast device and install them.

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