Can't Connect From My Browser

[nicoshk]

My Chromecast is connected to my TV. No major problems when I cast from my phone and streaming apps on my Macbook, however, when trying from my browser on my Macbook, it suddenly can't detect any devices (regardless of which browser it is, I've tried Chrome, Arc, Safari and Firefox, and none work.)

The Macbook and Chromecast are on the same network and I used to be able to do this but overnight it was gone.

What I've tried (nothing has worked)

• I've restarted them multiple times
• I've factory reset the Chromecast multiple times too
• I've tried with and without a VPN and antivirus
• I've restarted my modem and router

Whilst doing this, the Chromecast still worked if I connected from my phone - the problem is just connecting from the browser on my Macbook.

Any help would be appreciated 🙂

[kcruzgonzalez]

Hi @nicoshk,

Thank you for reaching out in the community. I'm sorry to hear you're having difficulty casting from your MacBook's browsers to your Chromecast. I understand it's especially challenging when you've already tried restarting devices, performing a factory reset, and checking your network connection. Don't worry, I'm here to help.

You've already covered many of the essential troubleshooting steps, including restarting your devices and network equipment, factory resetting the Chromecast, and checking VPN/antivirus. This tells us the Chromecast itself is likely functioning correctly (as your phone can cast), and the primary issue is how your MacBook's browsers are detecting it.

Let's investigate some key areas based on your symptoms and common solutions for this type of problem:

1. Verify Google Chrome Browser is Up-to-Date and Settings: Even though you've tried other browsers, Chrome is typically the most optimized for casting.

   • Check for Updates: In Chrome, click the three-dot menu (top right) > Help > About Google Chrome. Chrome will automatically check for and install any updates. Ensure it's fully updated.

   • Reset Chrome Settings: Sometimes, a setting change or corrupted profile can interfere. In Chrome, go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults. This will reset browser-specific settings but won't delete your bookmarks, history, or saved passwords.

   • Disable Chrome Flags (if modified): Type chrome://flags into your Chrome address bar. Search for anything related to "Media Router" or "Cast" and ensure they are set to "Default." If you've previously experimented with flags, this is a good place to reset them.

   • Test in Incognito Mode: Try opening an Incognito window (File > New Incognito Window) and attempting to cast. This runs Chrome without extensions, which can help determine if an extension is causing the problem. If it works, try disabling your Chrome extensions one by one in your regular browser to find the culprit.

2. Enable Local Network Access for Chrome (macOS 15 or later): This is a common requirement for casting on newer macOS versions. If your MacBook is running macOS 15 or later, this setting is crucial for applications like Chrome to discover devices on your local network.

   • On your MacBook, go to System Settings.

   • Click Privacy & Security.

   • Scroll down and select Local Network.

   • In the list of apps, find Chrome and ensure the toggle next to it is turned ON. This grants Chrome permission to access your local network for device discovery.

   • Also, confirm your macOS version: Click the Apple icon (top left) > About This Mac. Make sure your OS is compatible with casting (versions below 10.9 are not supported).

3. Review your router and Wi-Fi settings. You've restarted your modem and router, which is a great first step. Let's dig a bit deeper into potential network configurations that might affect device discovery.

   • AP Isolation/Client Isolation: Some routers have a feature called "AP Isolation" or "Client Isolation," which prevents devices connected to the Wi-Fi network from communicating with each other. This is a common cause for casting issues. You'll need to log into your router's administration page (usually by typing your router's IP address into a web browser, like 192.168.1.1). Look for wireless or advanced settings, and ensure any form of "isolation" or "guest network" feature that separates devices is disabled.

   • Dual-Band Router Configuration: If you have a dual-band router (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks), please confirm:

     • Are both your MacBook and your Chromecast connected to the same Wi-Fi band (e.g., both on 2.4 GHz or both on 5 GHz)? While modern Chromecasts can work on either, consistency is important.

     • While often not an issue, sometimes routers can mismanage device discovery across different bands if "AP Isolation" is subtly active. Consider temporarily connecting both your MacBook and Chromecast to the same band (e.g., 2.4 GHz) for testing purposes.

   • Other Network Changes: Have there been any other recent changes to your router besides restarts? For example, a new router, a change in Wi-Fi name (SSID), a change in Wi-Fi password, or a router firmware update? If so, you might need to reset up your Chromecast with the new password.

4. Antivirus/Firewall Software on MacBook: You mentioned trying with and without antivirus. While you've tested this, sometimes an update to security software can re-enable or change permissions. Ensure that your firewall and/or antivirus software is not specifically blocking Google Chrome from communicating on your local network. If you suspect your antivirus, you might need to check its settings or consult your antivirus software provider for assistance on how to allow Chrome to discover local network devices.

Please try these steps, particularly focusing on the macOS Local Network setting and Chrome's internal settings.

To help me further troubleshoot, could you also let me know

• What specific macOS version are you running on your MacBook?

• What model of Chromecast do you have? To make sure please visit our Help Center Chromecast and Google TV Streamer specifications.

• Do you have a dual-band router? If so, what are the names of your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks?

Looking forward to your update so we can get your casting working seamlessly again!

Regards,

Kevin