Chromecast won’t connect wifi – How to fix
Most of the time when your computer, apps, smartphone, or other devices aren’t working properly, it comes down to your router. Just because it works on one device doesn’t mean it’s the problem when your Chromecast won’t connect wifi.
Chromecast is a popular media streaming device that’s reliable, convenient, and robust, but it can still malfunction leaving you without any streaming content. There are several reasons why your Chromecast won’t connect wifi. Your Chromecast may not be plugged in correctly, your device may be missing necessary firmware updates, it might not be getting enough power, can’t detect your wifi network, or your router isn’t broadcasting on a compatible frequency with your Chromecast.
Whatever the reason, there are some ways you can fix these wifi connection issues.
Ways of fixing Chromecast won’t connect wifi
Check your wifi network
If you recently changed your router password and forgot to update your Chromecast or you added another wifi network and now your Chromecast and mobile devices are connected to different wifi networks. The easiest way to fix this wifi setup error with your Chromecast is to ensure that it’s connected to the same wifi network as your mobile devices.
You’ll need to go to your phone settings and check which network it’s connected to then also check your Chromecast settings. If they’re not the same networks, change the wifi settings for your Chromecast to match those on your phone.
Now that you’re working with the same wifi network with all your devices, you can try the following:
Use a Chromecast extender
If your Chromecast isn’t working with your wifi network it could be because it may be having problems detecting a signal. Your TV might block a Chromecast signal, but an extender will help your Chromecast to detect a wifi signal. If your Chromecast came with an extender, you can plug it into the HDMI port on your TV then plugin in your Chromecast to help it stick out a few inches out of the back of your TV. This cable will give your Chromecast room to detect your wifi network. Even if this doesn’t solve your problem, it may help to improve your streaming speeds.
Restart your Chromecast
There’s a difference between doing a simple restart and resetting your Chromecast to its default factory settings which is a more drastic measure. All you need to do is unplug your Chromecast then wait for 30 minutes. Plug it back in and check to see if the problem has been resolved.
Reboot your router or modem
If your Chromecast still won’t connect wifi, you can try to reset your router or modem.
- Turn off your router or modem
- Unplug it from the power source
- Wait for about 30 seconds
- Plug it back in and turn on the power. If you have a router and modem as separate units, start with your modem then the router.
- Wait for about a minute before trying to connect your Chromecast again
Check your router’s frequency
Wifi networks operate using two frequencies, the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, but Chromecast only works on the 2.4 GHz frequency. The 2.4 GHz frequency is better for your streaming devices and its lower frequency is better at penetrating thick walls or other solid objects.
Go to your router settings or check the bottom of your router for instructions to check the frequency your router is operating on. If you have other devices connected to the 5 GHz frequency, you may not need to change their frequencies but this will depend on your router’s abilities. When you’re setting up your Chromecast, make sure you enable the guest mode.
Update your Chromecast firmware
If you have difficulty streaming or casting, it could be because your Chromecast needs a firmware update. Google automatically sends out the latest available firmware updates, but this can take some time to install. You can try and prompt an automatic update by following these steps:
- On the Google Chromecast support page, check for the latest firmware version for your Chromecast device
- Download and install the google home app for your Android or iSO devices if you haven’t
- Make sure your Chromecast is turned on and ready to receive a cast signal
- Make sure both your phone and Chromecast device are connected to the same wifi network
- Open your smartphone app and look for your Chromecast device then click on its icon to view its details
- Click on the gear icon at the top left corner to open the device’s settings
- Scroll down to cast firmware version that will show you the firmware your device is currently running on
- Compare the current firmware version with the latest available version
- If the firmware versions are different, you can try and encourage an automatic update. From your device settings, click on the three dots icon
- A popup window will appear with options. Click on reboot to restart your Chromecast device
- Your Chromecast will automatically turn off and then restart. It will download and install the latest available firmware. The installation process will be displayed on your TV
- After the updating process is complete, you can use your Chromecast normally
Update your Chrome browser
If you usually use your computer to cast, you may need to update your chrome browser to its newer version of chrome available. This can prevent the cast button from appearing on several sites or your Chromecast might stop working. Here are a few steps to follow:
- On your computer, open chrome
- At the top right, click on the three dots
- Select update Google chrome. If it’s using the latest version, this tab won’t appear
- Then click on relaunch
Other ways to solve your Chromecast wifi connection problem
Solution |
How |
Change the power supply |
Most people use the USB or HDMI ports on their TV that can at times cause spontaneous restarts or power stuttering. Disconnect your Chromecast from your TV and plug it into a power outlet |
Check for network congestion |
Check how many devices are connected to the 2.4 GHz frequency. If they’re too many, disconnect some. |
Reboot your connected devices |
If you use your devices to control your Chromecast, a quick reboot on your devices will solve some of the problems. |
Conclusion
If you’ve tried all and nothing has worked, contact the Chromecast team via email, online chat, or give them a call for further assistance.
FAQ
Does my Chromecast need to be updated?
For you to enjoy all the latest and available features on Chromecast, you’ll need to update your device to the most recent software version.
Why is my laptop not finding Chromecast?
Your laptop and Chromecast should be on the same wifi network because Chrome can’t detect Chromecast devices on different networks.
