Are you getting errors like “Network problem,” “Chromecast encountered a network error,” or “Connection problem during setup” on your Chromecast? Don’t worry. This tutorial will help you solve all the issues that you might face when the Wi-Fi is not working or connecting on Chromecast. Let’s check the various fixes.
Tip: want to have access to more content on your TV? Here’s how to sideload apps on Chromecast.
1. Turn on Chromecast
If you are unable to cast on Chromecast or it doesn’t show up on the TV, the first thing you mustdo is ensure that Chromecast is powered on. Look for the small light on the Chromecast. It should be glowing. If it’s not, remove the Chromecast from the wall socket, plug it back in, and re-insert it into the HDMI port of your TV.
2. Restart Devices
If your Chromecast is unable to detect Wi-Fi or is stuck on a network problem screen, you must restart your Chromecast, TV, and Wi-Fi router. To restart Chromecast, simply remove the Chromecast’s power cable, then plug it back in.
3. Get Within the Appropriate Range
Your Chromecast device must not be placed far away from your Wi-Fi router, so try to keep your Chromecast and router as close to each other as possible to avoid Chromecast Wi-Fi issues. Similarly, the mobile device that you are using to set up Chromecast must be within 14.5 to 19.5 feet of your Chromecast.
4. Change HDMI Port
Another way to fix Chromecast if it’s stuck on the Wi-Fi setup screen is by plugging the Chromecast into a different HDMI port on the TV. It may do the trick.
5. Connect to the Same Wi-Fi Network
After you have set up Wi-Fi on your Chromecast but are unable to connect or use the Chromecast again, make sure that your Chromecast and the mobile device with the Google Home app are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Google Home app on your phone.
- Tap on the Chromecast device and press the “Settings” icon at the top.
- Go to “Device Information” to find the Wi-Fi network associated with your Chromecast.
Good to know: just in case, you should know that you can use Chromecast without connecting to Wi-Fi.
6. Try Switching Wi-Fi Frequency
If you have previously connected your Chromecast to the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, you can try to connect to 5GHz or vice versa. Make sure to connect both tjhe Chromecast and phone to the same Wi-Fi network. To switch networks, you will have to factory reset your Chromecast and connect to the new Wi-Fi network, as show below.
7. Update Google Home App
If Chromecast doesn’t show up in the Google Home app while setting up, you should make sure that you are using the latest version of the app. Sometimes the older versions have bugs that prevent them from detecting or connecting to Chromecast.
To update the Google Home app, search for the Google Home app in Play Store (Android) and App Store (iPhone). Press the “Update” button if available.
8. Reinstall Google Home App
If the above fixes don’t help, try reinstalling the Google Home app on your phone that you used to set up the Chromecast Wi-Fi. For that, you must uninstall the app, then reinstall it from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone). You will have to set up your Chromecast again after reinstalling the Google Home app.
9. Reset Chromecast
Chromecast devices can only remember one Wi-Fi network. If you changed the Wi-Fi network’s password, or your Chromecast isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi due to other reasons, the last resort is to factory reset it.
When you do so, your Chromecast will act as a new device, so you will have to set up the Wi-Fi again and also customize any settings you changed in the Google Home app. To factory reset your Chromecast and connect your Chromecast to Wi-Fi again, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the button on the side of the Chromecast (or a button in the circle of Chromecast) for 15 to 20 seconds. This will factory reset your Chromecast. You will see the initial screen of the Chromecast on the TV.
- Open the Google Home app on your phone.
- Tap on the “(+) Add” icon and select “Set up device.”
- Tap on “New device” and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Chromecast with the preferred Wi-Fi network.
Have a Linux machine? Here’s how to use it to stream audio and videos to your Chromecast and Google Home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any other way to factory reset Chromecast?
Yes, you can factory reset your Chromecast from the Google Home app as well. Open the Google Home app and tap on your Chromecast. Press on the Settings icon, then the three-dot icon on the next screen. Select “Factory reset” from the menu.
Do you need a smart TV with Wi-Fi for Chromecast?
No. Chromecast will work on any TV – provided your TV has an HDMI port.
Can I use Chromecast without Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a mandatory requirement for Chromecast. If you don’t have Wi-Fi or its not working, sadly, you will not be able to use Chromecast.
All screenshots by Mehvish Mushtaq.
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