Chromecast Not Connecting to Wi-Fi: Why It Happens and How to Fix It

Your Chromecast worked yesterday, and today the TV shows a Wi-Fi error, or the Google Home app can’t find the device during setup. Most of the time the cause is one of a few things Google lists in its own help pages: the device is too far from the router, it isn’t getting enough power, or the network is a type Chromecast simply doesn’t support. This guide goes through them in order, from the quickest checks to a factory reset.

Check This First

1. Do other devices have internet? Google points out that if other devices can’t connect either, the problem is most likely the router, not the Chromecast. In that case see Wi-Fi not working first.
2. Restart the router. Google recommends unplugging it from the outlet and leaving it off for 2 minutes before plugging it back in.
3. Restart the Chromecast. Unplug its power cable, leave it unplugged for about a minute, then plug it back in.
4. Check the phone. For casting and setup, Google says your phone and the Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network. A phone on mobile data or on a guest network won’t see the device. On iPhone, the Google Home app also needs Bluetooth and Local Network access turned on.

If the TV shows the Wi-Fi network as connected but nothing loads, the problem is the internet connection itself — see Wi-Fi connected but no internet.

Distance, the TV and the HDMI Extender

Google says its streaming devices work best within about 20 feet of the router and of the phone used for setup. A Chromecast hangs behind the TV, and the TV itself is a large block of metal and electronics between the device and your router.

• Use the HDMI extender that came in the box with older Chromecast models. It moves the device a few inches away from the back of the TV, which Google suggests to get it closer to the router. Chromecast with Google TV and the Google TV Streamer don’t come with one.
• Move the router to a more open, central spot if you can — see how to boost Wi-Fi signal.
• Use Ethernet if Wi-Fi is weak where the TV is. Google lists an Ethernet adapter as a fix; the Google TV Streamer has an Ethernet port built in.

Power: Use the Right Adapter

A Chromecast plugged into the TV’s USB port can look like it works and still misbehave. Google warns that in that case, or with a different adapter, the device might not be getting enough power, and recommends using the cable and power adapter that came in the box. For Chromecast with Google TV and the Google TV Streamer, Google gives the replacement spec as 5V/1.5A. Chromecast Ultra won’t work from a TV’s USB port at all.

If you see a “Low power” message on screen, this is the cause — switch to a wall outlet with the original adapter.

Networks Chromecast Can’t Join

Some networks look normal on your phone but won’t work with a Chromecast, according to Google.

Hidden networks. If the router hides its network name (SSID), the network won’t appear in the list during setup. Unhide it for setup — see should you hide your Wi-Fi network.

Networks with AP or client isolation. This setting, also called client isolation or guest mode, stops devices on the network from seeing each other. It is common on guest networks — see guest Wi-Fi network. Your phone then can’t find the Chromecast. Turn isolation off or connect both to your main network.

Hotel, airport and other sign-in pages. Google’s streaming devices don’t support captive portals — networks that ask you to sign in or accept terms in a browser. See Wi-Fi login page not showing for how those networks work.

Business, school and dorm networks. Google’s advice is to connect to a different network. WPA2-Enterprise networks, which ask for a username as well as a password, aren’t supported.

2.4 GHz or 5 GHz

Current models — Chromecast with Google TV and the Google TV Streamer — support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. If your router offers both, Google suggests putting the streaming device on the 5 GHz network. If 5 GHz is weak where the TV is, 2.4 GHz reaches further but is slower — see 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz.

The exception is the first-generation Chromecast, which only works on 2.4 GHz and won’t list 5 GHz networks at all.

Moving Chromecast to a New Wi-Fi Network

Changed your router, your Wi-Fi name or your password? Google notes that its streaming devices remember only one Wi-Fi network at a time, so the device won’t find the new one by itself.

• Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer: change the network in the TV’s Settings menu, under network settings.
• Chromecast (3rd gen and older), Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast Audio: use the Google Home app — open the device, go to its settings, then device information and Wi-Fi, and choose to forget the network. Then set the device up again on the new network.

If the device is no longer connected to any Wi-Fi — for example, the old router is already gone — Google says to do a factory reset and set it up from scratch.

Factory Reset

A reset erases the device’s settings, so try it last. Google’s methods:

• Chromecast (1st gen): hold the button on the device for at least 25 seconds, or until the solid light starts flashing red.
• Chromecast (2nd and 3rd gen) and Chromecast Ultra: hold the button on the device while it is plugged in until the light starts blinking orange.
• Chromecast with Google TV: hold the button on the back until the light blinks yellow.
• Google TV Streamer: hold the button on the back for 10–12 seconds.

After the reset, set the device up again in the Google Home app, with your phone on the same Wi-Fi network.

Older Chromecast Models

Google has ended support for the first-generation Chromecast: it no longer gets software or security updates, and Google doesn’t provide technical support for it. If you are fighting connection problems on one, it may be time to replace it. Other older models, such as the 2nd and 3rd gen and Ultra, are still listed with current firmware on Google’s release notes page.

Google’s old guest mode, which let visitors cast without joining your Wi-Fi, is no longer supported. If guests need to cast, give them access to your Wi-Fi — a guest network won’t work if it isolates devices.