Chromecast devices often come with an LED light indicator. This LED indicator can display different color lights — blinking or steady.
The different indicator colors each carry a special message. They can signify an error, a command the Chromecast is currently carrying out, or the mode it is in.
If your Chromecast’s indicator is blinking white, it means there’s a lack of connection. Either you haven’t set up the Chromecast correctly, or it was recently disconnected from a network.
The meanings of indicator lights vary across Chromecast models. This article discusses all you need to know about blinking white indicator lights and their meaning.
Quick Navigation
Why Does My Chromecast Blink White?
The Chromecast device comes in different versions. The later versions are upgrades of the former — they have additional features and functions that differentiate each from the earlier version.
The 1st generation Chromecast was released in 2013, the 2nd generation in 2015, and the 3rd in 2018.
There are some variations between the models. For example, Google replaced the red indicator light in the 1st generation Chromecasts with orange in subsequent versions.
However, the blinking white light has remained the same across different Chromecast models. It also has the same meaning, no matter your Chromecast model.
When your Chromecast’s indicator blinks white, it means that the Chromecast is not connected to any network.
This indicator usually comes on when you have just turned on a new Chromecast device and haven’t set it up for the first time yet.
If you notice the blinking white light, don’t worry. Just reconnect the Chromecast to your network. If it’s a new device, go ahead and set it up.
Chromecast Blinking White: Meanings
Sometimes, your indicator may not blink only white — it may alternate between white and another color. This section will show what different white indicators mean on different Chromecast models.
| Meaning | Chromecast Model | |
| Pulsing/Blinking White | Chromecast is disconnected or waiting to be set up. | 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen.
Chromecast Ultra. Chromecast with Google TV. |
| Alternating White & Orange | Chromecast is updating and unavailable for casting.
Leave the device on and wait for the indicator to start blinking only white. |
Chromecast with Google TV |
| Blinking Orange + Few Seconds of White | Chromecast is undergoing or has just completed a factory reset. | Chromecast with Google TV |
What Color Should My Chromecast Light Be To Work Properly?
The purpose of the LED indicator light is to enable your device to communicate with you easily.
The single LED light has different color options, which it displays based on the state of your Chromecast device at a given time. Sometimes it dims or brightens, and it can even combine two colors.
Want to know what lights indicate that your Chromecast is working properly? Below is a list of different colors to expect with your Chromecast and what each of them means.
Bright Solid White
This white light isn’t blinking; it’s just a steady glow. It shows that your Chromecast is connected to a network and ready to cast. It also stays on when your device is already casting.
The bright solid white indicator is on all Chromecast models and has the same meaning.
Dim Solid White
This is a white light indicator that is noticeably dim. It comes on when your Chromecast is connected but idling (i.e., it has not been casting for some time).
The dim white indicator is only present on Google TV Chromecast. Your device is working well, so just start casting.
Blinking Orange (or Red)
This color indicator shows that your Chromecast is running a self-diagnosis and will be unavailable for a short while. When the diagnosis is complete, the indicator turns white again (or solid orange).
The blinking orange indicator is present on all Chromecast models. However, 1st generation Chromecasts use a red indicator light instead of orange.
Solid Orange (or Red)
This indicator light shows your Chromecast is experiencing functional errors. The solid orange/red indicator is on all versions of Chromecast except Google TV Chromecast.
If your Chromecast indicator displays a solid orange light, here’s what you can do:
- Unplug the device from the power source
- Plug it back in after one minute
- Switch off your TV and switch it back on
- Plug your Chromecast into another TV to see if it works
- Initiate a Chromecast factory reset
Conclusion
The Chromecast device is quite adept at communicating with users. All you need is a guide to help you figure out what your device is saying at every step.
A blinking white light is most common during the initial set-up. It simply means that your Chromecast is not yet connected to a network, so you know what to do!
Other common indicators include the solid whites (bright and dim), which show that your device is ready to cast, and the orange/red error indicator. With our guide, you can figure out what you’re up against and take the necessary actions.
Gabriella ‘Diogo is a content writer with a vested interest in tech hardware and equipment. She shares her knowledge and processes in an easy-to-grasp, lighthearted style. When she’s not testing or researching device performance, you’ll find her writing short stories or rewatching episodes of her favorite sitcoms.