Can't connect Chromecast Ultra to Wi-fi

[Brendan4285]

My sister is in a nursing home (Beaudesert, Australia). Each resident can have up to six devices connected to Wi-fi and has an individual username and password to log on to Wi-fi. We have tried setting up both a Chromecast 2nd generation and a Chromecast Ultra via Google Home, from both an android phone and an iPad, with no joy. I have tried the 2nd gen at home and all works well. I have the impression that Google Home can connect a Chromecast to a router if there is just the (Network name) + (password), but when there is a (Network name) + (username) + (password) it just sits there with the wheels spinning. I have tried the live chat on here for help without success - I think the guy had too many convo's going or was missing my replies - his questions didn't make sense. 

Sister is there after a stroke in 2020 left her paralysed, is a young 66, and a Beatles tragic. We're trying to get Disney+ to the not very smart supplied TV for the The Beatles - Get Back doco (which is amazing!).  

My next thought is to see if it's possible to add the Chromecast MAC address to her Wi-fi setup, but may need their admin people to do that. 

Any other suggestions greatly appreciated. 

(It's starting to look like a new TV with Disney+ capability may be the least painful option). 

[Byteguy · Accepted solution]

You are right, as you've discovered, Chromecast doesn't support 2-step (also called "captive portal") logins like that where you connect and then have to go to a web-page to finish authorization.

If you do a google search for "use Chromecast in hotels" you'll find how people have worked around this using phone hotspots and (my preference) travel routers.

Keep in mind that neither solution is officially supported and most shared networks like that are grossly overloaded so streaming may not be a smooth experience.

Also, you don't really WANT to get connected to a big shared network like that. If you did, your Chromecast would be visible to everyone else on the network and they could cast to it at any time. Using a travel router makes a private network of your own and then nobody else will be able to see your Chromecast or cast to it.

And, yes, as absolutely amazing as Chromecast devices are, it may be that a smart TV is a better bet for her situation.  She will be much more limited (access dozens of streaming services instead of thousands) but the simple interface and controls may work better for her.  And, my Beatles Fanatic kid agrees with you.  That documentary is excellent.

[Brendan4285]

Hi Byteguy, many thanks for your very helpful reply. It's looking like a TV upgrade will be the best solution, with everything on one remote.  Thanks again! 

[Jeran]

Hey there!

It looks like Byteguy was able to help out Brendan4285, so I'm locking the thread. As always, feel free to make a new thread if you have any more questions or concerns.

Thank you for your help, Byteguy!

Best regards,
Jeran