Chomecast with Google TV 4K REFUSING to work with surround sound system

[thecfos]

I have a Chromecast with Google TV (4K) that works as a streaming device when using the internal TV speakers. For our preferred audio, we have a full SONOS surround sound system (SONOS Arc soundbar, Sub Gen 3 subwoofer, 2x Era 100 rear speakers) that works perfectly with any regular streaming of music etc. from phones. However, it will often not work at all with the Chromecast. Despite all speakers being installed and paired properly, the Chromecast will instead often use the TV's internal speakers.

This is definitively, 100% a Chromecast problem: there are enough posts across platforms backing this up (e.g. https://www.reddit.com/r/sonos/comments/13dlcvs/sonos_chromecast_with_google_tv_no_sound_half_of/). It is frankly appalling that the problem persists in 2024. To further back this up, there are times that yes, the whole system works as desired. Other times it won't work, and (a) I will unplug the Chromecast, leave it 30 seconds, then plug it back in and the problem has gone away temporarily (sometimes having to repeat a couple of times), or (b) I try a full power cycle of the TV, as well as unplugging everything from all ports and plugging them back in. The latter  process is unbearable for a slim wall-mounted TV, and tonight has done nothing: there is simply zero sound coming from the soundbar now.

Is there ANY suggested new fix for this? It is TERRIBLY disappointing to have shelled out so much money for a good surround sound system, only for a Chromecast to throttle the whole experience.

Further details: it's a JVC 55" 4K TV with the SONOS Arc plugged into HDMI1-ARC, and the Chromecast plugged into HDMI3. The Chromecast is fully up-to-date (OS version 12, security patch 1 January 2024, Kernel version 4.9.269). HDMI-CEC is enabled on the TV and on the Chromecast.

[ByronP]

Hi thecfos,

Thank you for posting. I'm really sorry that the Chromecast didn't work properly with the SONOS surround sound. 

There is a good article you can check to verify the settings of the Chromecast with the advanced sound settings options.

Also, please make sure that the sound bar isn't on the mute option. If the issue isn't resolved, you can make a factory reset of your Chromecast and the other devices to refresh the connection and add them back again.

Here are the steps on how to factory reset your Chromecast:

Chromecast with Google TV:

1. Make sure the Chromecast device is plugged into a TV and power source.
2. On the back of the device, press and hold the button.
3. Wait until the LED blinks yellow, then white.
4. When the light is solid white, release the button to start the factory reset process.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Byron

[thecfos]

Hi Byron,

Thanks for the reply. While I can appreciate that a factory reset is often the go-to advice in situations like these, it is not the solution to whatever deeper problem is going on with Chromecasts in general to cause the issues I and others are having. I have already previously tried factory resets of all devices (Chromecast, SONOS speakers) in the past, yet the problem persists intermittently. I can also confirm that the SONOS is not on mute.

Regards,
Charles

[ByronP]

Hi thecfos,

Thank you for posting. Sorry that the previous steps didn't work.

For further assistance with your concern, please fill out this contact us form, select the Chromecast section, and follow the prompts to get a call or chat. Our dedicated team will further assist with your issue.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Byron