Home can't find Chromecast, on any device

[SBT]

Recently the Home app stopped detecting my Chromecast (model GZRNL). I had been using it perfectly well on a Samsung tablet, but now when I go into Home it doesn't register that the Chromecast is available. I can cast in YouTube to the device, from the tablet (Android) or my phone (also Android), but I can't cast my screen using Home. I installed Home on another tablet, and it still didn't work. I installed the latest version of the firmware, and it still didn't work. I did a factory reset and it still didn't work. I created a new home, tried to add the device, and Home couldn't find it to add!

When I go into Home, I have the `Favourites-Devices-Automations-Activity-Settings' menu on the left of the screen. Selecting `Devices' I have no tile for the Chromecast (yes, it's plugged in and powered on. I can be using it to watch streaming services, etc.). If I try to "+ Add device", I get the Set Up A Device screen (I select New Device), then choose a home, then "Looking for devices" comes up for about 5 seconds, followed by the "What are you setting up?" screen (I select Chromecast/GoogleTV), and then the "Plug in your device" screen, which just stays in its searching pattern indefinitely. 

Only very occasionally will a tile for the Chromecast show up in the Home app, after the Chromecast has been unplugged from mains power for over an hour. But if I switch the Chromecast off with the remote (i.e. not unplugging it) it disappears again from Home the next time I turn it on. 

[Kimy]

Hi SBT,

Thanks for posting and for being a step ahead of us. This is a Chromecast with Google TV - 4K (Model GZRNL). When you factory reset this device, the first step in setting it up is pairing the remote. Once the remote is paired, it will ask you to choose the language and then scan the QR code, which will then require the use of the Google Home App. You can’t start the setup using the Google Home App on this particular model, hence why it can’t detect the device. For the cast screen or mirroring, it would require permission for certain functions (microphone, notifications, etc.). Please note that not all makes and models of Android devices are guaranteed to work. Let us know if you still have questions.

Thanks,

Kimy

[SBT]

Hi Kimy, and thanks for the response.

So just to be sure, I've re-factory-reset the Chromecast. I uninstalled and reinstalled Home. I set up the remote, scanned the QR code - all fine. Home indicated that the Chromecast had been found. Everything looked fine. When I got as far as trying to log in to my google account using the Home app it didn't accept my password. I tried several times, checked that caps lock wasn't on, etc., logged into another device using the same password just to make sure I had it right. The fault wasn't mine - I had the correct password. The Home app just didn't accept it. So I had to cancel logging in using Home, and log into my google account using the remote. I did that, and entered my email address and password (which worked fine). Got all the way through setting up my streaming service apps, and now the Chromecast is behaving just as before. I can watch YouTube videos etc. The **bleep** thing works. BUT, when I go into the Home app, and look for devices my Chromecast isn't there! When I try to " + Add device", it just behaves as before, spinning endlessly without finding the Chromecast.

I can still cast to the TV/Chromecast from the YouTube app on my phone. But casting the screen of my tablet using Home? Forget it!

I genuinely think the problem isn't with the Chromecast, it's a fault in the Home app.

If you need any further information from me to get to the bottom of this, please ask. This is getting frustrating.

[SBT]

Excuse me, but this issue IS NOT resolved. I was hoping for a response. Could someone please look over my reply, above, and provide further help? Thank you

[Kimy]

Hello SBT,

Thanks for the reply, and I’m sorry for the delay in response. Since the steps didn't work on your end, we'd be happy to take a look into this for you. Please fill out this form with all the needed information and let me know once it’s done.

Cheers,

Kimy

[SBT]

Thanks Kimy, I'll get that form filled out this week.

[Kimy]

Hi SBT,

Understood! Don’t forget to reply here once you’re done, so we can forward the form to our support team. We look forward to your response.

Thanks,

Kimy