Chromecast casting is erratic and mostly not working

[AnnetteSo]

M y Chromecast devices used to work very well ( I have 2, for 2 TVs). I was able to cast to TV from cast-enabled apps on my Android phone, and cast from a Chrome browser on my mac to TV. Then, for various reasons, I didn't cast for a few months.

Then, recently, I tried to cast from my mac Chrome browser as usual to TV, and it mainly just didn't work. It sees the Chrome devices, lets me choose the option to cast, but then just doesn't work. Something will flash up on the TV eg. the word Chromecast or 'device is starting casting', so it seems to be doing something, but it doesn't play any video. Sometimes I can cast a tab that contains 'static' content. However, I cannot cast a tab that contains any kind of video content. Also, I used to be able to cast the whole screen, (useful, because Zoom does not have a cast button) but that does not work at all now.

The same happens when trying to cast from apps on my Android phone. I see the devices displayed, I select to cast to one of them, something might display on the TV that suggests it's thinking about it, but no video plays. In the app, it will say 'casting' but nothing is actually playing on the TV.

I have factory rebooted both Chromecast devices and re-added them to the Home app. My Chrome browser and my phone apps are all up-to-date.

Sys firmware version: 275994
Cast firmware: 1.56.275994

[AndersC]

Hi @AnnetteSo,

Thank you for posting in the community. I'm sorry to hear you've been experiencing some inconveniences casting from your Android device and Chrome browser to your TV. I'll be happy to assist you.

To better understand the reason this is happening, please provide the information requested below:

• What's the Operating System (OS) version of the device you're using to cast (your Android phone)?
  Note: For more information on supported mobile device operating system (OS) requirements, refer to Requirements for Chromecast and Google TV Streamer devices.
• How far is the Google streaming device from the router?
• How far are you from the TV when trying to cast?
• Is the Internet connection stable?
• Have there been any changes on the router settings?
• Are the devices connected to the same network?

Please keep me posted. I'll be waiting for your response.

Regards,

Anders

[AnnetteSo]

Hi @AndersC thanks for your reply. See answers below:

• What's the Operating System (OS) version of the device you're using to cast (your Android phone)?
  Note: For more information on supported mobile device operating system (OS) requirements, refer to Requirements for Chromecast and Google TV Streamer devices.
  Android version 14
• How far is the Google streaming device from the router?
  Very close, less than a meter
• How far are you from the TV when trying to cast?
  Close, less than 2m
• Is the Internet connection stable?
  Yes - Gigabit fibre broadband
• Have there been any changes on the router settings?
  Switched to a new BB provider recently, but these problems started before that. Also, as I explained, my phone/laptop see the cast devices, and limited casting from a Chrome browser tab on the mac works.
• Are the devices connected to the same network?
  Yes, I had to do a factory reset and reconnect the Chromecasts after we got the new BB connection. That setup worked.

[AndersC]

Hi @AnnetteSo,

Thank you for your reply. I also appreciate that you already factory reset and reconnected your Chromecast device after obtaining the new broadband connection.

Based on this information, let's try to troubleshoot your device by following the steps below:

1. Clear cache.
   • On the phone, go to Settings > Device > Apps > All.
   • Scroll down and touch Google Play Movies.
   • Tap Clear data, then tap OK.
   • Tap Clear cache.
2. Reboot the streaming device, casting device, and router.
   • Remove the streaming device from the power source, then leave it unplugged for 5 minutes, then plug it back in.
   • Turn off your phone and keep it off for one minute, then turn it back on.
   • Disconnect the Wi-Fi router from the socket and leave it unplugged for 5 minutes.
3. Disconnect from the streaming device; click or Stop mirroring.
   • Make sure the mobile phone or tablet is on the same Wi-Fi network as the Chromecast device. Open the Google Home app.
   • Tap Favorites or Devices.
   • Tap the device > Stop mirroring.
4. Disconnect and reconnect the casting device from the Wi-Fi.
   • On the casting device, toggle the Wi-Fi off and then on.
   • Make sure the device reconnects to the same Wi-Fi network that the Chromecast is connected to.

Please keep me posted. I'll be waiting for your response.

Regards,

Anders

[AnnetteSo]

Hi @AndersC thanks again. 

I can't do step 1, don't have Google play movies. 

Did steps 2-4, no difference. My devices are all connected to the same WiFi network. 

However, turns out my daughter can cast some apps from her iPhone running ios 18.1.11. Eg, she can cast from YouTube and Disney+, but not Netflix. 

[AndersC]

Hi @AnnetteSo,

Thank you for the update. I appreciate you following the troubleshooting steps provided. 

There are still a few things I need you to do and confirm:

1. Check if your mobile device has the latest firmware version.
2. Check if the phone's power saving mode is turned on:
   • On Android devices: Check the device manufacturer’s support site for instructions. You may also do a quick search on Google on how to turn off the power saving mode in your device.
   • On iOS devices: Go to Settings > scroll down and tap Battery > disable Power Mode.
3. Turn off screen overlay: 
   • Go to phone Settings.
   • Tap on Apps > Apps Manager > Applications.
   • On the top right corner, tap the gear icon or the 3 vertical dots.
   • Check for Draw over other apps or Apps that can appear on top.
   • In some Android devices, they will need to tap on Special Access first, before they can get to Draw over other apps.
   • After a list of apps appears, tap on Google Play Services.
   • Switch the slider to the left to disable. 
   • Reboot the device. Then, try to cast the screen.

Let me know if you have more questions.

Regards,

Anders

[AnnetteSo]

Hi @AndersC thanks for your suggestions - all of the things above were already configured as you outline.

My wifi modem provides 2.4 and 5GHz channels as outlined here: https://www.virginmedia.ie/customer-support/support-by-products/broadband/wifi/fix-improve-wifi/
In case this was causing the issue, I tried renaming the 5GHz channel in my modem settings so as to distinguish it from the 2.4GHz channel. I then restarted the modem, and did a factory reset of the chromecast. I connected my phone to the 5Ghz wifi channel, and started the chromecast setup through the Home app. It was fine up to the point of connecting to wifi. I selected to connect the Chromecast to the 5Ghz channel, same as my phone, and after spinning for a while, a message came up saying the Chromecast was setup successfully but it couldn't be found. It suggests turning off 'AP isolation' and links to these steps, which I'm  not sure how to implement on our modem. I've looked in the settings but can't see anything obvious.
I repeated all this attempting to connect to the 2.4Ghz network, and then without having a different name for the 2 channels, but I get the same result each time. So it looks like I need to contact my broadband provider, unless you have any other suggestions?

[AndersC]

Hi @AnnetteSo,

Thank you for the update. I appreciate all the information you've provided about your concern and its possible cause.

Before continuing, I need you to confirm that you properly factory reset your device, as indicated in the article "How to factory reset your Chromecast or Google TV Streamer."

Keep me posted.

Regards,

Anders

[AnnetteSo]

Hi @AndersC , yes I've reset multiple times using the Chromecast device method. 

[AndersC]

Hi @AnnetteSo,

Thank you for clarifying this important step.

The team would like to learn more about this behavior. When you get a chance, please fill out this form and let us know when you’re finished. We’ll have someone reach out to you via email from there.
To help us assist you better, please include the link to your Community thread and your Community username.
Don't hesitate to reach out if you need help or have more questions in the future.

Regards,

Anders

[AnnetteSo]

Thanks @AndersC I submitted the form. I will also call my wifi provider and see if they have any suggestions.