Google home can't find Chromecast 4K

[Rebyosef]

I have read so many posts, where everyone seems to be posting the same answers found on the internet... 

I am stationed overseas. The only service is a 1gb WiFi service (no modem or router). I have an LG Thinq TV. I bought a brand new Chromecast with Google TV 4K. The Chromecast is on the same WiFi network as my phone.

When I tried setting up the Chromecast though Google Home, Home found the Chromecast, but got stuck trying to connect the Chromecast to the network. It reported the Chromecast couldn't connect. When I tried connecting the Chromecast manually (not using Home), it connected fine. 

Now, however, I can't connect Home to the already-connected Chromecast. Yes, I've done a factory reset (twice). Yes, they are both connected to the same WiFi network. Yes, my phone is in close proximity to the dongle. Yes, I've set location to always and precise. Yes, I've deleted and reloaded Google Home. 

Help!!!!!

(Thank you...)

[David_K]

Does the Wifi service you're referring to require you to login to be able to access the internet?

[Rebyosef]

Yes, it does. But both the Chromecast and the phone are logged in. 

[David_K]

Then I would guess the Wifi network has a security feature enabled called client or AP isolation, which prevents devices from communicating with each other (i.e., your phone talking to your Chromecast). Do you know who manages the Wifi network to ask about that?

[Rebyosef]

I do. Wow! That would explain also why I can't communicate between my phone and the TV itself, through the LG ThinQ app. I'll check on that today and post the results here. Thanks!

[Rebyosef]

Okay. Good news and bad news. The good news: the WiFi admin created a new access point just got Chromecast (to address the AP isolation. It is much faster, since no one is on it (yet)!

I have both my phone and Chromecast on that network. Here is where it gets crazy. Google Home shows the Chromecast as "In your home," it shows it as on, and I can even turn it off from that screen. But when I try to cast, it says, Chromecast not available... Can't see Chromecast on this network." And when I try to add a device, it can't find it...!!! If I wasn't bald, I'd be looking my hair out!! 

[Rebyosef]

Follow up: when I did a factory reset of both the Chromecast and my phone, I was able to go through most of the setup. The phone saw Chromecast, It connected to the Chromecast, but when it tried to connect the Chromecast to the network, it couldn't. I called back, yet again, to technical support. And I was told the problem is a multicast problem involving the phone and the Chromecast trying to work through the Wi-Fi hotspot attached to the wall. He suggested I get a router and hardwired to the hot spot through the port at the bottom, and that would bypass the problem. That's my next step. Unless anyone here has a better idea!

[JenniferV]

Hi there,

Thanks for the help here, davidking.

Rebyosef, I appreciate you doing the suggested steps. In order to use a Chromecast device, it is recommended to connect it to a stable Wi-Fi connection. You may try the steps provided by our support team or you may use a mobile hotspot to set up your Chromecast device.

Regards,

Jennifer

[JenniferV]

Hello Rebyosef,

It's me again. How's it going? Did you manage to get your device working?

Thanks,

Jennifer

[Rebyosef]

Final post: it turns out @David_K was correct. The WiFi provider does have isolation in place to protect the subscribers. They suggested I run a router out of the port on the AP unit, and run everything - smart TV, Chromecast and phone - off the router. That fixed everything. Thanks, y'all!!

[JenniferV]

Hey there,

Thanks for getting back to us with an update and glad to hear that the steps shared by our product expert helped to resolve your issue. Let us know if you still have questions and concerns otherwise, we'll be locking this thread after 24 hours.

Best,

Jennifer