Random freezing after seeing strange pixel artifacts

[BuckyKat]

I'm experiencing an issue where after not using the Chromecast for a few hours, navigating will have strange pixel artifacts that appear briefly around random icons and text. If I go into any app the chromecast will freeze and become unresponsive to the remote. For instance, if I go into YouTube TV it returns to the last station I was watching as I can hear the audio but I only see a black screen and then I cant use the remote any more.

When the pixels appear I can navigate to the system menu and restart the Chromecast and that resolves the pixels and allows it to work correctly. However the issue will return at some point.

[jenniffert]

Hi BuckyKat,

Thanks for reaching out to the community! I'm sorry to hear that your Chromecast is freezing and displaying pixelated video. I'm here to help.

Sometimes, the quality image can be affected by the strength of the Wi-Fi signal. I appreciate all the details and the steps that you've already tried. To better investigate the inconvenience, I'd like to ask the following:

• What model of Chromecast do you have?
• When did the issue start?
• Have you ever cast before without any video quality issues?
• How far is the Chromecast from the router?
• How far are you from the TV when you try to cast?
• Have you made any changes to the Wi-Fi network?

In the meantime, I’d suggest the following steps:

• Make sure you have the latest versions of the Google Home app and your mobile device's operating system.
• Ensure the casting device, the TV, and the router are within 15 to 20 feet of each other.
• Reboot your router by unplugging it for 2 minutes, then plugging it back in.
• Try a different HDMI and test if using a different HDMI port on the TV improves the quality and performance.
• Check if power-saving mode is disabled. This can sometimes cause video to freeze.
• If possible, try connecting the Chromecast to another TV to see if the inconvenience persists and check if it shows the same behavior.

Please keep me posted.

Best regards,

Jenniffer

[BuckyKat]

4K Chromecast with Google TV.

• Android TV OS version 12
• Android TV OS security patch level June 1, 2024
• Kernel version 4.9.269 #1 Thu May 30 05:31:56 UTC 2024
• Android TV OS build STTL.240508.005.12011027

I think the issue started about 1.5 months ago.

I don’t generally cast anything to it.

The Chromecast is 3 feet from the router.

I don’t generally cast anything to it, but the problem is simply when navigating around the interface using the Chromecast remote.

I’ve not made any changes to my network.

I’m not interfacing with the Chromecast using a mobile device.

Chromecast, TV and router are 3 feet from each other.

I had a brief power outage a few weeks ago and the problem was occurring prior to the outage and has continued after the outage.

The Chromecast is connected directly to my receiver which is connected to the TV via HDMI.

Power saving mode is not enabled.

I’ll have to wait until the issue occurs again and then bring another TV into the living room to connect the Chromecast to as moving it to another TV will reboot it thus not allowing the problem to occur.

[jenniffert]

Hi BuckyKat,

Thanks for following up! I understand how inconvenient this situation can be. Let’s try to fix this!

I also appreciate all the efforts you've already made and the details you've provided. Definitely, this is really helpful.

For now, don't worry if you can't try your Chromecast on another TV. Let's try another alternative.

In this case, I suggest performing a factory reset on the Chromecast and setting it up again through the Google Home app. For instructions, you can check out these articles: How to factory reset your Chromecast and Set up Chromecast with Google TV and Voice Remote.

Please keep me updated.

Best regards, 

Jenniffer