How to reset Google Chromecast

Many people rely on Google Chromecast to get content up on their big TV screens. Sometimes, you may run into errors that may seem impossible to fix. If this happens, you should consider resetting Chromecast.

Resetting this streaming device means taking it back to the factory settings. You can reset Chromecast in different ways. For instance, you can reset it directly on this device or via the Google Home app.

Determine if resetting your Google Chromecast is necessary

Before you simply click on the reset button, you need to determine if this is the best possible solution for your streaming device. Some of the issues, such as network problems, can be solved without the need to do a full reset. If you are attempting to connect the streaming device to a new network or want to use another name, you may not need to reset Google Chromecast. Google provides troubleshooting steps that you should follow before you opt for the factory reset.

If you cannot solve some issues, then a reset can be the only viable option. When you reset Google Chromecast, you will not be able to access any settings you may have customized before since this action deletes everything. It makes the streaming device new again. After the reset, you should, therefore, be prepared to set up Google Chromecast once more from scratch. Apart from trying to solve some issues, you should consider resetting Google Chromecast when you have a new router.

How to reset Google Chromecast

Resetting this streaming device to factory default settings is a straightforward process. This should only take minutes. You can reset this streaming player in the following ways.

On the device

Look for the USB port on this streaming device. You should see a small round button next to the port. This is a reset button that you can use to take Chromecast to the factory default settings. You only need to press and hold on the button for about 30 seconds. Focus on the lights on your device. Hold on to the button until the light turns red and then starts blinking. Do not release the button until the lights turn white. At this point, your TV screen should go black.

You should then proceed with disconnecting the power cable from the USB device. Give it some time before you plug the Google Chromecast device back. Once you have done a complete the factory reset, you should set up your streaming player as a new device.

Even though this process of resetting Google Chromecast does not change with different Chromecast models, you may notice that the reset button’s position and the lights differ. For instance, if you are using Chromecast Ultra, the reset button is located on the left side of the HDMI cable. As you hold down the button, the lights on Chromecast Ultra blink orange, unlike in older models.

Utilizing the Google Home app

This is also another option that can help you reset your Google Chromecast streaming device. Use your tablet or mobile phone to access the Google Home app. Tap in the icon so that you can open it. On the right-hand side of the screen, you should see the account button that you need to tap on. You will then see an option that informs you of the number of devices that are currently connected to your network. Tap on this section. When you see the list of all your local devices, you need to identify the device you want to reset, which is Google Chromecast.

After clicking on this device, click on the settings icon. This will then send you to a new page labeled device settings. At the right-hand corner, you will see some three dots which reveal some new options. Click on the option that reads reset. Ensure you tap it one more time to show that you did not tap it the first time by mistake.

You can only use this app method to reset Google Chromecast if you have not lost wifi connection to your device. In case you cannot connect Google Chromecast to wifi and wish to reset it, you should stick with the first method.

How to reset Google Chromecast

On the device

Using the Google Home app

Find the USB port Press on the section next to it labeled reset button Hold on to the reset button for about 30 seconds The lights on the Chromecast device should turn red then start blinking During the reset, your TV screen should be blank Once the seconds are over and the lights on the Chromecast device are white, release the button Set the streaming device afresh

Use your smart device to open the Google home app Tap the icon then look for the account button Once you tap the account button, click on the devices connected to your network Choose the Google Chromecast device then on the settings icon Proceed to device settings then click on the three dots at the corner of this section Click on the reset option twice Only use this method when your device is connected to wifi.

Conclusion

Sometimes, even excellent devices face irreparable issues. Google Chromecast is no different. You can solve some complicated issues with this device by resetting it to factory default settings. Before you, however, make this decision, you should try things such as rebooting the device. If nothing works, resetting Google Chromecast is an ideal option. Though this process is easy, it gives you a new device without any custom settings. You can reset Chromecast on your device or through the Google Home app. Follow the steps above to give your streaming device a full reset.

FAQs

Can I access the Google Home app from my computer?

Yes. The location of this app can, however, vary depending on what PC you use. 

What is FDR?

This stands for factory data reset. It is the process of wiping all the data in your device to start setting it afresh.