(Solved) Chromecast not connecting to wifi – Causes and how to fix
Chromecast is a quality streamer that can transform your TV into a smart device. With this device, you are free to use web applications or smartphones to stream content.
Just like any other device, Chromecast is not perfect. You should expect to experience specific issues while using this streaming device. One of the common issues that many Chromecast users have been reporting is the device failing to connect to wifi. This can occur when the device is improperly plugged or when it fails to support the network band. A router issue can also prevent your Chromecast device from connecting to wifi. Fortunately, you can easily find a lasting solution to this problem. Read on!
Table of Contents
What you should do when your Chromecast device is not connecting to wifi
Check your wifi connection
A problem in your wireless network can prevent the Chromecast device from connecting to wifi. For instance, when the router is not performing well, it interferes with the performance of this streaming player. To fix this, you should consider power cycling the router. You can do this by unplugging the router from the power source for at least one minute then plugging it back.
Confirm if your wifi has poor signal since this can also make it hard for the streaming device to connect to wifi. If, for instance, you have placed Chromecast in an area that has poor signal, you should find a better location so that it can connect well with wifi.
Move the router
Ensure that the router is not far away from your Chromecast device since it can prevent the device from connecting to wifi. Try to bring it closer to the Chromecast device. If this does not help, adjust the router channels through the settings. If, for instance, you are using a dual-band router, you could try switching to the 5GHz radio band instead of the 2.4 GHz band.
Reboot your device
Sometimes, the problem is not as serious as you may think. Doing a simple reboot can make the Chromecast device start connecting to wifi again. To reboot the Chromecast device, start by disconnecting it from the power cable for some time then reconnect it back in.
Look at how the Chromecast device is plugged in
When this device is not plugged in correctly into the wall outlet, it may not connect to wifi. You should, therefore, confirm this before you proceed with other steps. Just like any other electronic device, Chromecast comes with LED lights that show its status. Check the side of this device to see if the light is white. This light shows that the Chromecast device is fine.
Update your browser
Are you using your computer to transfer content to your big screen? If yes, the Chromecast device may fail to connect to wifi when the Chrome Browser is not updated. Before you try to use the computer, you should make sure that you update the Chrome browser to the latest version. Open Google Chrome on the PC then tap on the section that is labeled more. Look for an option that is labeled Google chrome update and choose relaunch.
Use the latest Google home app version
If you prefer using an iOS device with Chromecast, you should ensure that you are using the latest Google Home app version. This can make the Chromecast connect to wifi effortlessly. Be keen on the password you are using and verify that it is correct as you try to make the connection.
Utilize an extender
As part of the package, every Chromecast device comes with an HDMI extender cable. This is a useful feature that allows the device to go behind your smart TV. It can help the Chromecast device get more space to detect issues related to wifi. If you have a very large TV, sometimes wifi signals may struggle to surpass through it. Using an extender can help you boost the speed of your network.
Consider using Connectify hotspot
This is a software app that can transform your computer into a virtual router. It can help you share the PC’s wifi connection with other devices. Connectify hotspot can, therefore, serve as a middleman for your Chromecast device so that you don’t have to keep on dealing with such wifi problems.
When you use your device with the Connectify for the first time, you have to set up the device with your computer. After that, the only thing you will be doing is opening your PC and turning on the hotspot. The Chromecast device will be able to recognize the hotspot connection so that you can start streaming content as you please.
Factory reset the Chromecast device
To run the factory reset on this device, you need to start by finding the reset button. Once you do, press it for about 30 seconds without releasing it. You will notice your TV screen going blank in the process of factory resetting the streaming device. Once your Chromecast device is new again, you can now start resetting it from scratch. The wifi connection problem will disappear.
What causes Chromecast not to connect to wifi |
How to fix this problem |
The device is not plugged in well |
Plug in Chromecast properly |
Your router has a problem |
|
Poor signal |
|
Using an outdated Chrome browser |
Update your browser |
Using an older Google Home app version |
Look for the latest version |
Conclusion
If your Chromecast device is not connecting to wifi, you should find out what is wrong. This can be caused by the different issues we have highlighted above. Consider power cycling your router and look for the best position for your devices. Good luck!
FAQs
Where should you place the Chromecast device?
Place it somewhere near the router. Ensure that you also choose a place that receives an excellent signal.
Can I solve this problem on my own?
Yes. If you are keen on the steps above, you can restore your Chromecast device within no time.