buffering while streaming

[Andrea99]

Using a Google chrome cast has worked fine for months. Gradually in the last few weeks shows being streamed via different services have been freezing and the buffering circle appears. It has varied from 10 seconds of show to freeze 10 seconds, the 2 minutes of show or two lines of dialogue, freezing again. Some times it drops the image to black, then 30 seconds later image returns, 10 seconds more of show, freeze etc. This has increased gradually until the last few days where it is constant on all platforms, pointing me to the device. I have turned everything off, checked my wifi, and tried streaming on other devices successfully. How do I know if it is the actual chrome cast device? Can it be checked? I have no idea which Gen it is (or the labels above) - can see it in settings. Help appreciated.

[Ashepherdson]

Without know what type of CC this is, your best bet is to factory reset it , usually by pressing the button on the CC for 15 seconds or so, and set it up fresh.  Would also recommend rebooting your router just to be safe.  Let me know if this works for you! 

[Andrea99]

the firmware has a 3.XX.XXXXXX so guessing gen 3

[Ashepherdson]

Take a look at this link, it shows the different generations, that way you can know for sure 

What generation Chromecast do I have | TechThatWorks 

[virnab]

Hi Andrea99,

I'm sorry to hear that over the past few weeks, your Chromecast has been displaying frozen images and buffering loops when streaming programs from various services. Thank you for sharing your device's behavior and the steps you've taken to restore it to working order. Don't worry, help is here.

Thank you Ashepherdson for your kind collaboration.

Before I start further troubleshooting, let me ask you a few questions:

• Could you please let me know what the Chromecast firmware version is?
• Are you using an Android or iPhone device to set it up?
• Is your Google Home app updated?
• How far from the router is your Chromecast?
• Have you tried to reboot your Chromecast? (You can use this help center article as a model reference.).
• What WiFi frequency band do you try to connect to (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)?
• Have you tried to connect the Chromecast to another HDMI port on your TV?

In the meantime, please try to reboot your router following these instructions:

• Unplug the WiFi router from the power source for 2 minutes.
• Ensure that the router's lights turn off completely when unplugged.
  Note: Some routers have backup battery packs, so it will be necessary to disconnect the battery packs as well to ensure that the router is completely turned off.
• After 2 minutes, plug the router back into its power source.
• Once all the router lights are back on and you can find the network name listed in the WiFi options on your mobile device or computer, you should check if the Chromecast is connected to the WiFi network.

Regarding your question about how to know if the Chromecast you have is the current model and what generation it is, I recommend you review this article to identify it. Chromecast and Google TV Streamer specifications

Thanks for your kind attention; I will be looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Virna