Chromecast ambient mode not cycling through photos

[rownie23]

Ambient Mode no longer scrolls through photos as requested. Only one photograph shows and doesn't move on. This happens with my own selection of photos, or with Google curated photos. I'd say that this has started in the last couple of weeks or so. I don't see the issue on my Google Nest.

System information:

System firmware version: STTE.240615.007

Cast firmware: 3.72.425634

[moralesvicente]

Hi rownie23, 

Thank you so much for posting in this community. I’m sorry to hear your Chromecast isn’t cycling photos in ambient mode as expected. Don’t worry, I'm here to help you. 

To provide you accurate troubleshooting steps, please help me out by answering these following questions:

• What model of Google Chromecast do you have? Please refer to this article for further details: Chromecast specifications.
• When did the trouble first occur?
• Have you made any changes in the Chromecast environment? 

Please feel free to share any additional details you think might be relevant.

Best regards,

Daniel

[rownie23]

• It is a Chromecast with Google TV (HD).
• I think the trouble started a couple of weeks ago; I can't put an exact date on it. 
• I can't say I have made any changes in Chromecast environment, other that adding two bulbs to Google Home, but that was only a couple of days ago.

[ByronP]

Hi rownie23,

Thank you for your response; I really appreciate it.

Based on your response, I tried to check the speed and band frequency for your network; it could be 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, depending on your settings. Follow these steps to find the current network band:

• For Chromecast with Google TV (HD): To check the Wi-Fi network where Chromecast is connected, go to Google TV Settings, then Network and Internet.

Once you find the network band, try to switch to 5 GHz since the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) works better with 5 GHz networks, especially if you have other devices like bulbs that can cause a congestion.

To change the band frequency, please do the following:

1. Reboot the Chromecast with Google TV (HD).
2. Watch the screen as it boots up.
3. During the boot-up process, the Chromecast should display which network it's connected to on the screen and change it.

Let me know how it goes, keep me posted.

Regards,

Byron

[rownie23]

During rebooting either using the menu or removing power, there was no indication of which WiFi band the device uses. This information is not given anywhere in the settings.

However the after the reboot the photos are cycling. I had previously rebooted and had this working, but then it stopped again, which prompted me to post here. I'll update if it stops working again.

[Guarcax]

Hi there!

Thanks for your reply. I’m sorry to hear that the previous steps that you received didn’t work for you. As I understand that you have already tried rebooting your device but are still having the same issue with the ambient mode on your Chromecast, then here I send you the steps to do the factory reset to your Chromecast with Google TV. Keep in mind that if you do this, you will need to reinstall all the applications that you currently have: 

1. On the top right of your TV screen, select your profile and then Settings.
2. Select System, then go to About, and finally hit on Factory Reset.

And also, you can check if your Chromecast is already updated. You will need to do the next thing on your Chromecast with Google TV: choose Settings, then go to System, then go to About, and finally hit on System Update.

Please check the following articles: How to factory reset your Chromecast. Ambient Mode for Chromecast and Updates to your Chromecast.

Tell me how it goes.

Regards,

Daniel.

[rownie23]

It has stopped working again. Using the remote left/right buttons won't skip the photos on.

The software is up to date.

I haven't tried a factory reset, I'm always hesitant of having to start setting everything up again.

[virnab]

Hi rownie23,

Thank you for your reply.

I apologize that despite following previous troubleshooting steps, we haven't been able to restore the ambient mode functionality of your Google Chromecast HD. I understand that you would rather not perform the factory reset process, so I would recommend you follow the next steps to ensure you switch the network band to 5 GHz for your Chromecast device.

1. Make sure your mobile device or tablet is linked to the same account as your Chromecast.
2. Open the Google Home app .
3. Tap and hold your device's tile.
4. Tap Device information Wi-Fi Forget this network.
5. You’ll be taken back to your Home screen.
6. Follow the steps to set up your Chromecast with Google TV on a new network.

Please let me know how it's going.

Best regards,

Virna

[rownie23]

The steps you provided didn't direct me to forget the device; this option is not in the Device Information settings within the Google Home app. I used the Chromecast remote control and "forgot" the WiFi network from the Chromecast settings itself. I reconnected the Chromecast to the WiFi network and currently, photographs are cycling.

I will post back if they stop.

[virnab]

Hi Smite,

Thanks for posting in the community.

I'm sorry to hear that Ambient mode on your 3 Chromecast TV 4K TVs isn't working as expected and is stuck on one picture.

Could you please double-check the slideshow speed you've set for your pictures?

1. From the Google TV home screen, select Settings, then select the option System, then select Ambient mode.
2. Under "More settings," choose:

• Personal photo data: Show or hide the owner's name and album name.
• Portrait Google Photos: Choose if photos can show in portrait orientation.
• Personal photo curation: Choose which albums are included.
• Slideshow speed: Choose how long a photo stays on the screen.

If the issue persists after checking the slideshow speed, please verify the bandwidth connected to your Chromecast devices. If your router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, ensure your Chromecast devices are connected to the 5 GHz network. Here's how to check the bandwidth:

1. At the top right of your TV screen Select your account icon.
2. Select: All settings, 
3. then select Network & Internet.

If the previous requirements are met and ambient mode continues to be stuck on a photo, please try these troubleshooting steps:

• Update your router's firmware: Outdated firmware can sometimes cause issues. Make sure your router is running the latest software.
• Restart your streaming device: Unplug the power cable, wait 3 seconds, then plug it back in.
• Restart your modem or router. Refer to your manufacturer's instructions.
• Reduce Wi-Fi or Bluetooth interference: Move your router within 20 feet of your Chromecast devices and keep it away from other devices, wires, or cables.
• Check your wireless network's capacity: Ensure it can handle the number of connected devices.
• Improve wireless coverage: Consider using a mesh network like Google Nest Wifi.

Please let me know if these suggestions are helpful.

Best regards,

Virna

[virnab]

Hi rownie23,

Thank you for your valuable feedback. I really appreciate you sharing the solution you found.

It's my pleasure to follow up on your case. Please keep me updated.

Best regards,
Virna

[rownie23]

Hi @virnab it looks like the function is broken again, the same photograph is displayed constantly again.

[virnab]

Hi rownie23,

Thank you for keeping me updated with your case.
 

I am sorry to hear that you’re again facing inconvenience with the same photograph being displayed constantly in the ambient mode of your Chromecast. But don’t worry, I'm continuing to work on finding a solution.

Based on the information you've provided, I recommend manually downloading the latest firmware update. Please follow these steps:

1. Go to the home screen of your Chromecast with Google TV.
2. Select "Settings."
3. Choose "System."
4. Select "About."
5. Choose "System update."
    

Please let me know if this resolves the issue. I'll be waiting for your response."

Regards,

Virna

[rownie23]

Hello again 

I followed the steps and installed Android TV OS build version STTL.240812.006. Thank you.

Right now, the screensaver is cycling through the photographs. If it stops working again, I will reply back.

[virnab]

Hi rownie23,

Thank you for your valuable feedback. I really appreciate you sharing the solution you found.

If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact me whenever you need it.

Best regards,

Virna

[Smite]

I am having the same issue. I have 3 TV's with Chromecast TV 4k the same issue. I have power cycle'd swapped photo types on the unit and the home app. Same thing stuck on one picture 

[rownie23]

I'm pleased to hear it isn't my set up and that it actually sounds like a bug.