ChromeCast with Google TV (4K) snowy screen

[normkelly]

I have seven of the new ChromeCast with Google TV (4K) between two different homes and on both Panasonic and Samsung TVs. Two of the seven are through receivers: one Yamaha and one Sony. Intermittently, many of them (maybe all) will start showing a very snowy screen. You can still see the video in the background, but it is very snowy. The only fix we have found is to power off the Chromecast device, and then after a number of seconds, power it back on. We mostly watch Youtube TV and Netflix, and have seen this behavior on both apps.

Any ideas what is going on and how to keep this from happening?

[Kimy]

Hi normkelly,

Thanks for posting here in the Google Nest Community. A few questions: do you have the same Wi-Fi setup in both homes? Are you using the same router? What is/are the make and model of your router(s)?

Give the steps below a try and let me know how it goes:

• Ensure that the Chromecast devices are within 15 feet from the router or access points.
• Ensure that there’s no interference.
• Try to disconnect your Chromecast devices from Wi-Fi via Settings > Network and Internet, using the remote.
• Connect it instead to your phone’s mobile hotspot, then observe.

Thanks,

Kimy

[normkelly]

While the WiFi SSIDs are the same in both homes, one is a Netgear Orbi mesh system (RBK50) and the other one is a WiFiRanger Elite AC router, so they are very different router configurations. However, the symptoms are identical. In both cases, the Chromecast units are basically in the same cabinet as the routers.

Since this is very intermittent, it will be almost impossible to leave the Chromecast units attached to my phone's mobile hotspot...

Thanks much!

Norm

[normkelly]

This is getting worse now. About 50% of the time when I turn on the Chromecast (which also turns on the Yamaha receiver and the Samsung 75" Smart TV), it starts up with a very snowy screen. When I turn it back off and then on again, it normally goes away!

What can be causing this, and how do I get it fixed? Do I need to return my Chromecast and get a new one?

Thanks, Norm Kelly

[Alex_S]

Hello normkelly,
 

Let’s try to factory reset your Chromecast with Google TV 4K devices, then set up. Let us know how it goes.

Warmly,
Alex

[Alex_S]

Hi there,

I wanted to follow up and see if you are still in need of any help. Have you had the chance to try the suggestion above? If yes, how is it?

Kind regards,
Alex

[normkelly]

I haven't had a chance to do this yet. Obviously, it takes a while to do this and then set everything back up!

Norm

[normkelly]

I wasted about 45 minutes this morning! I reset it to Factory Defaults, and while setting it back up, the screen became snowy again while trying to set the Remote to turn the Samsun TV on/off. I couldn't even get through the setup without it becoming snowy again!

Norm

[Alex_S]

Hi Norm,
 

We appreciate all your efforts. We'd like to take a deeper look into this for you. Please fill out this form with all the needed information then let me know once done.

Sincerely,
Alex

[normkelly]

I filled it all in and submitted it.

Norm

[Alex_S]

Hi there,
 

We got your form — thanks for filling it out. Our team will reach out to you via email anytime soon. Please continue the conversation there as this thread will be locked after 24 hours.

Best,
Alex