Home app can't find Chromecast, even though phone sees it

[ChristopherS]

I have a 2nd gen (I think) chromecast and I'm trying to use it while traveling. I did a factory reset to clear out the old wifi network info.

When I plug it into the new TV I get the initial setup screen -- so that part is good. My pixel 4a even noticed the device appearing and prompted me to open the Home app to set it up.

This is where things stop working...the Home app just can't find the chromecast! It just spins and takes me back to the "what device are you adding" screen.

Any suggestions? Have tried this in two different places, same result both times. 

[RXShorty · Accepted solution]

Hi @ChristopherS,

What kind of WiFi are you using?
I ask because you primarily use public WiFi or managed WiFi when traveling.
And most of the time, those kinds of WiFi access points have security measures like client isolation, meaning other devices cannot talk with other devices on the same network.

So there is no way to get this working with an older Chromecast. 🙄
When traveling, I now bring my Chromecast with Google TV. You can set up the device with the remote; this way; you only have to change the WiFi settings on the device itself.

[ChristopherS]

Ah, that makes sense...I was optimistic when my phone immediately saw that the Chromecast was alive, but not to be.

[RXShorty]

Hi @ChristopherS 

That should be correct because it uses technology to see nearby devices. 
But as soon as it connects to the WiFi, you won't see it anymore.

Maybe getting a Chromecast Google TV HD is a friendly, affordable solution for traveling. 😊

[Jeran]

Hey there ChristopherS,

I'm just checking up on this thread, do you have any more questions or need any additional help? 

Thank you for helping out on this thread, RXShorty!

Best regards,
Jeran
 

[Jeran]

Hey there ChristopherS,

Do you have any more questions or need any additional help? 

Thank you,
Jeran
 

[ChristopherS]

No thanks...I think the explanation given is sufficient.

[Jeran]

Hiya ChristopherS,

No problem at all! In that case, I'll go ahead and lock this thread. If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to create a new thread.

Have a good one!

Best regards,
Jeran