Chromecast is one of the best devices for casting content from your phone, tablet, or laptop to a big screen. It’s also great at playing games on TV and getting rid of that annoying ‘screen off’ notification when you’re watching Netflix.
But if your Chromecast isn’t working properly, there are some things you can do to fix it. In this article, we will answer what to do when and why Chromecast is not showing up.
If you have a Google Home device, you can use its voice commands to cast video from YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and other apps directly to your television.
You can even control smart home devices with these commands. If the device has failed to work, there are countless causes and solutions. To better understand the solutions, we need to start with the basics.
Table of Contents
What is Chromecast?
Chromecast is an inexpensive streaming media player designed by Google. The device plugs into any HDMI port in your TV and allows you to stream videos from your smartphone, tablet, computer, or Chromebook over Wi-Fi to your HDTV.
It’s easy to set up and works with most popular streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Now, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Pandora, Spotify, Vudu, MLB.tv, NHL GameCenter Live, NBA League Pass, WatchESPN, and more.
How does Chromecast work?
The Chromecast device should be integrated into the TV through the HDMI port. Once connected, you can easily connect your PCs, Tablet, iPhone, or Android device to the Chromecast as long as they are on the same network to allow you to cast any content to a larger screen.
Why is Chromecast not working?
If Chromecast doesn’t show up in the list of available devices, this could be because;
- You don’t have any compatible TVs connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- The app is open but no Chromecast is plugged into your computer.
- The Chromecast is turned off.
- Chromecast is already paired with another device.
- Your Wi-Fi router does not support streaming media.
- Chromecast needs to restart.
- Your browser may need updating.
How to troubleshoot Chromecast issues?
Chrome cast not working: Fixes
There are many reasons why your Chromecast might stop working. The following steps will help you determine what’s causing your issue.
- Check the WIFI – Make sure that your Chromecast is connected to the same wireless network as your computer. If they’re both using different networks, then you’ll need to pair them together first.
- Turn on the Chromecast – Make sure that the power switch is set to ‘on’ and the HDMI cable is plugged into the right port. Verify that the Chromecast is powered on by opening the Settings menu and clicking the Power button.
- Try again later – Sometimes, problems like this occur due to temporary internet connection issues. Try connecting to your Wi-Fi again after a few minutes. If it still fails, try rebooting your device.
- Update Chrome – Updating your web browser software can sometimes resolve issues with Chromecasts. If you’re experiencing an issue with a particular website, try clearing your browsing history and cookies. This should reset the cache and allow you to load the page normally.
- Reset the Chromecast – This step won’t always solve the problem, but it’s worth trying if nothing else works. Resetting the Chromecast removes all settings and data stored on your device, so make sure you back up anything important before doing this.
- Unpair the Chromecast – If you’ve tried everything above and still aren’t able to get the Chromecast to work, unplug it from your computer and turn it off completely. Wait 10 seconds, plug it back in and then reopen the Settings menu and click the Power button. Make sure that the HDMI cable is plugged incorrectly.
- Reinstall the Chromecast driver – If none of the previous steps worked, try reinstalling the Chromecast driver. Download the latest version here.
- Reboot the computer – If you haven’t done so yet, reboot your computer. Sometimes, rebooting clears out temporary files or caches that prevent the Chromecast from loading properly.
- Check Your WiFi Router – It’s possible that your router isn’t supporting streaming media. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for how to enable the feature.
- Change Your Power Supply – If you’re having trouble getting the Chromecast to work at home, try changing your power supply. Some routers require AC power while others use USB ports.
- Restart Your Chromecast Device – If you’ve tried every other solution above and still have no luck, try restarting your Chromecast device. You can do this by turning off the device, removing the battery, and then reinserting it. After about 30 seconds, press the Power button to turn it back on.
- Contact Support – In some cases, the Chromecast itself has stopped working. Contact Google directly to see if there’s any way to fix the issue.
FAQs
How do I connect my Chromecast to my TV?
You can either use the included HDMI cable or connect your Chromecast to another HDMI port on your TV.
What happens when I don’t see my Chromecast listed under My Devices?
Your Chromecast may be turned off or disconnected. To check whether this is the case, open the Settings menu and tap the Power button.
The device will display its status as either On or Off depending on whether it’s currently connected to a network.
Why can’t I cast to my TV anymore?
The Chromecast might be offline. Open the Settings menu and tap Connected Devices. Tap the Chromecast name to reconnect it.
Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting?
Make sure that the Chromecast is powered on and connected to a Wi-Fi network. Make sure that the Chromecast has sufficient bandwidth available.
Try using different cables. Try connecting the Chromecast to a different Wi-Fi network.
Conclusion
I hope these troubleshooting tips help! If they didn’t work, please let get in touch with the Chromecast Customer support.
In some instances, the issue might not be corrected and therefore you have to try more than one method before contacting them. It’s also advisable to make sure you have the latest version of Google Chrome Browser and Updated software on your PC.
Depending on your TV, you might also have to upgrade to the latest smart TVs that can cast better image quality.
