With a single press of a button, Chromecast lets you stream everything from Netflix to Disney+ to Facebook to Instagram onto any TV.
The Chromecast is a streaming dongle designed to cast anything and everything from your device to any TV, allowing you to watch everything on the big screen.
But with new devices come new and often challenging questions and the Chromecast is no different. One of the most frequently asked questions by users is: should they be unplugging the Chromecast when they aren’t using it? Do you even need to disable it? Should I leave it plugged in?
This article will clear up any misconceptions and problems you may be facing and offer everything you need to know about unplugging and plugging in the Chromecast.
Let’s get straight into it.
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Why Would You Need to Keep Unplugging Your Chromecast?
There are multiple reasons for unplugging your Chromecast after every use. Let’s start with the most important reason: Security.
Users are anxious that keeping the device attached to the TV at all times could result in a potential security breach. Since the Chromecast runs in the background, users feel safer disconnecting and detaching it from the TV or power supply to avoid any breaches or hacks, even when not in use.
Moreover, removing the Chromecast dongle after each use also helps in reducing visitor access or unwanted access to the device, thereby controlling unnecessary internet usage. If guests visit the house you can avoid spending too much Internet time, by removing the Chromecast. Also, if you’re looking to limit internet usage, removing the Chromecast is a good idea.
Another common reason why you need to keep unplugging your Chromecast is if you need to switch to other TV’s. The Chromecast can be removed and plugged into other TV’s whenever you want. So, if you’re looking to frequently switch to other TV’s, you may need to keep unplugging your Chromecast.
How Do I Turn Off Chromecast?
Because the Chromecast lacks an off switch, turning it off requires disconnecting and unplugging it directly from the TV or power source. Easy, right?
Watch this video to learn more:
How Do I Turn Off Chromecast Remotely?
If, for whatever reason, you do not have direct access to the Chromecast, you can turn it off remotely. To turn off the Chromecast remotely, access the ‘Google Home’ app on your iPhone or Android and switch off the Chromecast.
Do I Really Need to Turn Off My Chromecast?
Although there are good reasons to keep unplugging your Chromecast and the process of unplugging is really simple, users often ask: is there really a need to unplug and turn off my Chromecast after every use?
Well, it turns out, there are good reasons NOT to turn off and unplug the Chromecast.
Why You Shouldn’t Keep Unplugging Your Chromecast?
As mentioned earlier, although the process of unplugging and turning off the Chromecast is really simple, there are a couple of reasons why you shouldn’t.
In reality, unplugging your Chromecast after every use will actually do more harm than good.
The reasons down below will address common misconceptions and reasons for not unplugging your Chromecast all the time.
Reason #1: They Are Highly Efficient
Lately, tech-savvy users and tech enthusiasts have been talking about how all things we leave plugged in all the time contributes to increased power bills, heavy internet usage and general wastefulness.
It’s no wonder, it’s got people asking similar questions about the Chromecast as well. Should we be unplugging the Chromecast to avoid electricity and power bills?
Let’s get one thing straight. When it comes to the Chromecast, this is nothing more than a misconception.
The Chromecast is among the most power-efficient devices out there. In terms of energy use, you’re not going to believe how little energy it uses: 1.8 watts. You read that right, only 1.8 watts.
No matter how long you leave the Chromecast idle, or how much video content you throw at it, the Chromecast consumes only 1.8 watts of power.
Even if you use your Chromecast nonstop for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it is quite likely that it is the most power-efficient device in your entire home. So, you don’t need to be worried about draining your bank account with this device!
Reason #2: Always On Means Always Up-To-Date
Now that we’ve established keeping the Chromecast on won’t affect your power consumption (or your bills), wait till you hear this.
Keeping the Chromecast plugged in all the time has one great benefit: Always-on always means up-to-date.
Keeping the Chromecast plugged in 24/7 allows the device to update any new programs or software automatically, without having you interfere. However, constantly unplugging the Chromecast means you won’t get the chance to update your device and we all know what that means:
Whenever you plug in the Chromecast to watch TV, a 3-hour long update will pop up, ruining your movie night with friends and family, and you’ll be stuck doing nothing. We don’t want that now, do we?
Reason #3: HDMI Connections Are Delicate
If you look closely at your Chromecast, you’ll see it comes attached with a little HDMI extension cable.
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This little HDMI extension is used to improve Wi-Fi signal and protect the stick from being snapped off.
The problem with the HDMI connection is that it is extremely delicate and susceptible to damage.
The HDMI connections aren’t exactly designed for continual plugging and unplugging. That means the more time you plug and unplug the device, the more you stress HDMI connections and risk breaking them.
Although many users keep unplugging their Chromecast to put it on another TV, this isn’t recommended as you run the risk of breaking it.
Wrapping Up
The Chromecast, it’s innovative, it’s useful, it’s affordable and it’s fun, but should you always be unplugging it? Well, the answer is no.
The Chromecast wasn’t designed to be continually plugged and unplugged.
You’ll find that leaving it on all the time is beneficial; you won’t have to keep updating it, you don’t need to worry about continuous updates and most importantly you can have great fun with it!
Good luck!
I hope you found this article helpful.
Let us know what you thought about it in the comment section down below.
Vance is a dad, former software engineer, and tech lover. Knowing how a computer works becomes handy when he builds Pointer Clicker. His quest is to make tech more accessible for non-techie users. When not working with his team, you can find him caring for his son and gaming.