Chromecast set up and Casting issues

[Usethaschwarz]

Hello I've had a 1st Gen Chromecast that's worked fine for many years now. I brought it back from use on a trip recently and now it is having a lot of issues. I factory reset it several times and Google Home cannot find it in several locations in my house near the Wifi router. I've tried connecting directly to the Chromecast SSID on the Wifi list on my phone with no luck. I was able to use Google Home on another device and was able to connect to the Chromecast SSID to finally connect it to Wifi (I think). Even though the set up is complete in Google Home, I still cannot cast anything to it from cast supporting app. I can usually test out the casting directly on the Google Home app with live TV, but even that isn't working. Any ideas on what else I can try?

For reference, I also have a Chromecast Gen 2 that works totally fine, so I don't think it's the Wifi.

[David_K]

It sounds like you've already tried some good troubleshooting steps. There are some other things you can try:

Need help with setup? Troubleshoot common Chromeca… - Google Nest Community

Let us know how you get on!

[Usethaschwarz]

Hi David, this sort of helped. I found that in my personal phone I had the local network setting disabled for the Google Home app. I was able to factory reset and set the device up by connecting directly to the Chromecast SSID on the list of Wi-Fi’s. Now that it’s set up though, it’s still not being found by any cast supported app. On the TV, the Chromecast says ready to cast, and there’s also a pin in the bottom left.any other thoughts? How do I remove the pin if that’s the issue? I didn’t see anything in the Google Home Chromecast settings to do that.

[David_K]

If you're not able to see the cast icon in cast supported apps, try these steps:

1. Make sure your Chromecast is within 15 - 20 ft (4 - 6 m) of the Wi-Fi router if possible.
2. Reboot your router. Most routers just require that you unplug the power source and then plug it back in to reboot.
3. Reboot Chromecast by removing the power cable, then reconnect it.
4. Reboot your phone or tablet.
5. Make sure you're using the latest version of the apps you want to cast from, by checking your app store for any updates.
6. Restart those apps.
• Android: Swipe up from the bottom, hold, then let go. Swipe up on the app.
• iPhone/iPad: Swipe up from the bottom, hold, then let go. Swipe up on the app. On older devices with a home button, double-click the Home button, then swipe up on the app.
7. Turn Wi-Fi off and on again on your phone or tablet.
8. Reopen the app(s) you want to cast from.

As for the PIN at the bottom left of the screen, that only shows when guest mode is turned on. Here's how to turn that off: Set up and manage guest mode - Chromecast Help

[Kimy]

Hi folks,

Thanks for helping out, @David_K.

@Usethaschwarz, have you had the chance to try the suggestion above? If yes, how is it? I look forward to your response.

Thanks,

Kimy

[Usethaschwarz]

Hi David,

Unfortunately, none of these steps are working for me. I rebooted/restarted everything. The Chromecast is within range of the router.

Here are some other things I’m noticing:

1. My other Chromecast (gen 2) is still working fine and is the only one my phone apps are finding. This is the case even after the Wi-Fi reboot.

2. The PIN instructions don’t seem to be relevant anymore since the PIN is now gone from the Chromecast Home Screen.

3. In Google Home, the non-functioning Chromecast (gen 1) options look different than the functioning Chromecast (gen 2) options. Gen 2 displays Showing Ambient, allows me to edit ambient mode, and watch live TV. Also, under Gen 2, Guest Mode is an option to turn on or off. None of these things are displayed under Gen 1 options. Is that intentional?

4. Both Chromecasts are showing as connected to the same Wi-Fi, and linked to the same google account.

Anything else I can try?

Thanks,

Eric

[Kimy]

Hi Usethaschwarz,

Thanks for the details. If the Chromecast 1st Gen shows ambient mode (a screensaver with the correct time), then it is connected to Wi-Fi. And if the phone (with the apps) can only detect the Chromecast 2nd Gen, then it’s possible that both of these devices are connected to the 5 GHz band. Unlike the succeeding versions, the Chromecast 1st Gen can only detect and connect to the 2.4 GHz band. Kindly check if your router is dual-band. If it is, you can try to split the network to ensure that both Chromecast devices are connected to the 2.4 GHz band. Let me know how it goes.

Regards,

Kimy

[Usethaschwarz]

Ok that worked! Thanks.

[Kimy]

Hello Usethaschwarz,

Awesome! I'm happy to hear that this has been sorted out. I’ll keep this thread open for one more day. If you need further help, let me know.

Cheers,

Kimy