Chromecast is a dongle by Google that streams your favorite movies, shows, videos, and even sports. You can use it to cast videos from Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Dailymotion, and other Google-compatible platforms. But when your Chromecast can’t connect to Wifi, it sabotages your streaming expectations.
The Chromecast dongle is a portable wireless transmitter that stays connected to your T.V. Although you can use the cable that comes with Chromecast to stream videos from your mobile directly, it doesn’t exactly beat the wireless experience.
So, whether you’re facing problems when connecting Chromecast to Wifi for the first time or it stopped working midstream, you’ll find a fix in the article below. However, knowing what causes your problem in the first place makes fixing it easier. This is why we shall start with why your Chromecast won’t connect to a Wifi network.
Why Your Chromecast Can’t Connect to Wifi?
Chromecast not connecting Wifi is usually either an issue with your device, mobile app or discovery settings.
1. A Weak Connection
While Chromecast not powered up is a generic check to make before doing anything else, it may not be the sole problem. Chromecast connectivity issues stem from an unstable, weak, or protected network. It happens when:
- You have changed your Wifi password but didn’t update it on your Chromecast dongle.
- Any router or modem setting changes from your internet service provider.
- Your Chromecast dongle connects to a different network than the one you’re casting on.
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2. Outdated App
Suppose your Google Home app on mobile or the device you’re casting from is not up to date. In that case, you may face Chromecast connectivity problems. Google frequently makes changes to its apps by eliminating bugs and enhancing user experience.
If you’re running an older version of the app, you may not be able to sync with your Chromecast dongle. And vice versa, if your dongle software is out of date, it may prevent it from connecting to a Wifi network.
3. Out of Range
Chromecast dongles do not support long-range connections like mobiles and laptops. They are small and compact devices with a limited range to operate. The ideal range for a Chromecast dongle to work smoothly is anywhere under 20ft from the router.
If your Chromecast device is further away or has obstructions (walls, ceiling) in the way, it may fail to connect to the network properly. Also, you’ll make a much stronger connection to the dongle if your mobile or laptop is within the desired range of 20ft as well.
4. You’ve Enabled VPN
VPN redirects your device’s I.P. address to mask any online activity. And while they’re utterly useful for browsing some parts of the internet, it doesn’t let your Chromecast sync with your device.
Chromecast requires the casting device to be connected to the same network. If you’re not connected to the same home network or have changed your I.P. using a VPN, it will fail to make the connection.
How to Fix When Chromecast Doesn’t Connect to Wifi?
If you’ve found the reason why your Chromecast dongle won’t connect to Wifi from the above section, you probably have a fix for it in mind. But if not, try our expert-tested ways to get your Chromecast back online!
1. Restart Your Chromecast Device
When any electronic device malfunctions, the first thing to try is restarting it. It refreshes the ongoing processes and usually kills any bugs preventing a critical task.
To restart your dongle:
- Unplug the Chromecast dongle from your T.V
- Wait 10-15 minutes
- Plug the device again
Once the device comes online and you can see the white LED light come back on, don’t rush to connect your device immediately. Give it a few minutes to start up, then connect your casting device to the dongle.
2. Check Your Wifi Network
Typically, when Apps from your phone or your Chromecast won’t respond, it’s a network problem. Try updating the password on all your devices and try casting again. If you still fail, the Chromecast dongle may have a coverage and range issue.
In that case, get the HDMI cable that comes with Chromecast and connect it to the dongle. Keep the dongle in front of the TV or stretch it out as close as you can to the Wifi router. Because when your Chromecast dongle is connected at the slot behind the T.V, it may obstruct signals if the router is already far away.
3. Update Your App
Google typically has automatic updates checked on all Chromecast devices. But if you’ve disabled it at some time in the past, you may be running an unsupported app version.
You must connect to Chromecast via the Google Home app to update it.
- Open the Chromecast app and Navigate to the “Devices” tab.
- Find Chromecast and click on the three-dots-icon opposite it.
- Click on “Device Settings” and scroll down.
If your Chromecast app is out of date and needs updating, you should see a newer version available. Install the available update. It shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes.
4. Factory Reset When Chromecast Can’t Connect to Wifi
We often hesitate when approaching a factory reset for any app or device. And why not? In most cases, it does erase all your data, settings, and preferences. However, a factory reset on Chromecast doesn’t erase user data or settings. Though you do have to set up your dongle from scratch!
To perform a hard rest on Chromecast:
- Press and hold the button on the back of the device for 25-30 seconds
Your screen will go completely blank during the process and will take a few minutes to get back on. To take extra care, try connecting a different device to Chromecast after a factory reset to rule out device-related issues.
Chromecast Can’t Connect to Wifi: Bottomline
We’re positive that you’ve found a fix for Chromecast not connecting to Wifi by now. But, if you haven’t, you can check out Google’s Troubleshooting guide to get specific instructions.
For maintenance and upkeep, avoid using your Chromecast for long hours, especially in high temperatures. Like any other device, overheating causes excessive load on the Chromecast dongle’s CPU, interfering with its functions.
That said, let us know if you’ve solved your Chromecast connectivity issue from our guide in the comments below. Also, feel free to drop by any suggestion or point you think we may have missed.
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