Chromecast needs to be activated before setup. Won't activate via device utilty

[dawnwiener]

Hi there,

My chromecast won't work / can't be activated.  Manufacture date ont eh box is 8/2021  so I am assuming its the latest generation. Here's what happens: 

- I plug chromecast into the TV and see the "get the app" screen with the Chromcast ID in the bottom right corner of the screen. 

- I go to my existing google home app on my pixel5 phone. I click the plus sign and add the the device. 

- I get the message: 

'Chrome cast found. It needs to be activated before setup. 

This device has a few extra steps before you can start setup. Go to the help centre to learn more. '

- I download and go to the device utility app as per the help centre advice. 

Its per the device utility instructions I turn off wifi, the device utility searches for chromecast and it says “chromecast found” 

-  click start to activate the device and get the message “could not connect to your chrome cast. Make sure it is nearby and that you connect to it when prompted.”

- I'm then returned to the start screen of the device utility app.

Help! 

[David_K]

Are you located in the US?

[dawnwiener]

Hi there,

No I am in Australia. 

[dawnwiener]

Further to this, I can see the google chromecast SSID but when I look at bluetooth I can't discover the bluetooth device. 

[David_K]

Try these steps:

1. Download the Device Utility app from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the Device Utility app, and then turn Wi-Fi OFF in your phone's settings as instructed.
3. Once the app finds your device, tap on its name if you have multiple devices that need activation.
4. Go back to your phone's Wi-Fi settings and turn Wi-Fi back ON.
5. Re-open the Device Utility app and tell it to connect to your device.
6. It should now connect successfully and you can follow the setup steps.

[dawnwiener · Accepted solution]

Hi there,

Well I managed to track the issue down and now have a working chromecast.

Note: I did contact google support via online chat during this process who went through troubleshooting steps but I ended up working this out myself. 

Basically I had bought a chromecast with old firmware that needed to be updated. The device needed to be activated by the device utility tool. I have a pixel 5 and whilst google states that the device utility should be able to operate successfully, it will not function with a pixel 5 (or other possible google pixel phones), 

It seems this is the case with US located pixel phones and the issue has been documented. The device utility is not available in the playstore for US located phones.  

Same problem happens for pixel phones in Australia. 

Turned out that I had an old android phone lying around. Installed the google home app and was able to add the chromecast device, update the firmware and it's now available and working fine from the pixel 5 and the old android device. 

I hope someone from google is listening and applies the same restrictions to the device utility and some documentation for Australian pixel users as this has cost me a good few hours of headbanging. 

Anyways, the problem is solved and thanks for all your comments and assistance. 

[Bryan5]

Are there clear instructions for someone in this situation that lives in the USA and only has Pixel devices available? 

[Bookosaurus]

I'm in the same boat.  I don't understand why this doesn't work with Pixel 5 phones. 

[JenniferV]

Hi folks,

dawnwiener, glad to hear that you're able to successfully set up your Chromecast and thanks for sharing your resolution in the Community. Feel free to reach back if you need help in the future. 

Bryan5 and Bookosaurus, I'm sorry to hear that you're having the same issue. You may check this blog post for more information about this and try the suggested steps.

Thanks for the help here, davidking.

Regards,

Jennifer

[JenniferV]

Hello Bryan5 and Bookosaurus,

How's it going? Do you still need help or have other questions and concerns?

Thanks,

Jennifer

[JenniferV]

Hey there,

I haven't heard from you in a while so I’ll  be locking this thread if there’s no update within 24 hours. If you need help in the future, please feel free to start a new thread and we'll be happy to help.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[dawnwiener]

My only workaround was to use another phone and setup google home on that device. IE a samsung / iphone / etc etc.