It’s wrong to assume that when Chromecast can’t connect to WiFi, the reason is always on Google’s side.
Sometimes our WiFi experiences inconsistencies and interference, which is the primary reason why Chromecast can’t connect or frequently disconnects from the WiFi.
To fix when Chromecast is not connecting to the WiFi, begin by performing a power circulation on your network router and Chromecast.
Then test whether the WiFi is stable and consistent and double-check whether the used WiFi credentials are correct.
Let’s next unwrap the reasons why?
Can’t Connect Chromecast to WiFi – Why?
To understand why Chromecast won’t connect to the WiFi, we first need to explore all possible causes so we can identify the culprit.
Keep in mind that the issue might not be related to the Chromecast device since your network reliability plays a vital role in the device’s connection.
Here are all reasons why Google Chromecast can’t connect to the WiFi:
- Wrong WiFi network credentials.
- Router-related WiFi inconsistency.
- Congested home wireless network.
- Too much distance between devices.
- Incorrect Chromecast WiFi setup.
- Chromecast power fluctuations.
These are why Chromecast is not connecting to the WiFi, but note that there are many more surrounding factors. We’re about to explore everything in the solution guide below!
How To Fix When Chromecast Can’t Connect to WiFi?
Tip: Follow the steps in consecutive order!
1. Connect Chromecast to WiFi (Correctly)
The first and most important step is to ensure that the WiFi connection process is performed correctly so we can exclude this from the possibilities.
To connect Chromecast to WiFi you need a TV or display, a phone or a tablet, a Google Account, and the Google Home app installed.
Then follow the steps below to connect Chromecast to WiFi:
- Plug your Chromecast into a TV/monitor and to the power.
- Select the correct TV source to see the welcome screen.
- Connect your smartphone to a 2.4 GHz WiFi (recommended).
- Download and install the Google Home app for iOS or Android.
- Sign in to your account and enable the device’s Bluetooth.
- Follow the prompts and select your Chromecast device.
- Tap on “Choose your WiFi network” and select the home WiFi.
- Lastly, tap on “Connect” to hook up Chromecast to the WiFi.
Note: In case your Chromecast won’t connect to the WiFi, double-check whether you see the welcome screen and whether the LED light is lit up.
2. Re-Check the WiFi Credentials!
The next very step is to ensure that you’re inserting the correct WiFi credentials and moreover, that you’re connecting to the correct WiFi.
Simply take your phone, and connect to the same WiFi that your Chromecast can’t, to ensure the credentials are correct.
One More Thing!
One of the fundamental rules that you need to follow during the WiFi setup in the Google Home app is that both the phone and Chromecast have to be connected to the same WiFi.
For dual-band routers, it’s essential to check and connect the setup to the same WiFi frequency.
Tip: Re-type the WiFi network password key by key!
3. Verify the WiFi’s Availability
In case your Chromecast won’t connect to the WiFi, perhaps the wireless network is currency down or facing difficulties.
To quickly verify whether the WiFi is available for external device connections, simply use your smartphone to connect and test the internet connection.
WiFi Interference?
It’s important to test the WiFi on your mobile while staying close to the Chromecast to check whether there is interference.
In case the WiFi is weak at the spot where your Chromecast is installed, it would be best to relocate the setup or resolve the interference.
The Solution?
One of the quickest ways to solve internet and Wi-Fi-related issues is to reboot your router by turning the device off and then unplugging it from the power.
This will surely improve the speed of the WiFi and perhaps the Chromecast will now be able to connect.
Note: In addition, you can relocate your router closer or use an HDMI extender, in order to elevate the Chromecast higher for a better WiFi connection.
4. Use the 2.4 GHz Wireless Network!
A quick fix when Chromecast won’t connect to the WiFi is when you’re attempting to hook up the device to the 5 GHz WiFi frequency of your router.
In case you didn’t know the 2.4 GHz broadband is weaker but more stable and travels way further, through many walls.
In contrast, the 5 GHz WiFi thread is faster but can’t reach much further and starts to drop when the Chromecast is behind more than one wall.
This is why we strongly recommend connecting to the weaker but more resilient and consistent – 2.4 GHz WiFi.
Tip: You can also share a personal hotspot from your mobile smartphone and test connecting the Chromecast to a different WiFi.
5. Soft-Reset the Google Chromecast
Another quick solution you can’t connect to WiFi Chromecast is to perform a soft reset or also known as “power circulation”.
This process involves unplugging your Chromecast from the TV as well as from the power supply and will not erase anything from your devices!
Follow the steps below to power cycle your Google Chromecast:
- Unplug the Chromecast from the TV/monitor.
- Disconnect the power adapter from the outlet.
- Wait for 3-5 minutes for the power to circulate.
- Reconnect the power equipment of the device.
- Connect the Chromecast to the TV and test.
Tip: In the meantime, we also recommend powering OFF the smartphone (Google Home host) and checking whether you’re connected to the WiFi.
6. Reinstall the Google Home App!
Sometimes the reason why the Chromecast won’t connect to the WiFi is due to the Google Home app – corrupted data or bad installation.
As we know the Google Home app is available for both Android and iOS devices so follow the respective guide to cleanly reinstall the app!
Uninstall & Install Google Home on Android:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Select your Profile Icon.
- Then, tap “Manage Apps & Devices”.
- Select the Google Home app.
- Tap on Uninstall to remove.
- Use the search field to find Google Home.
- Download and install the app.
- Sign in to your Google Account.
Uninstall & Install Google Home on iOS:
- Find the Google Home icon on the home screen.
- Tap and hold the icon until it starts to *jiggle*.
- Tap on the “–” sign on the corner of the icon.
- Select the “Remove app” option to uninstall the app.
- Open the App Store and find the Google Home app.
- Download and install the app and sign in to your account.
Tip: Clearing the app completely will erase all settings and configurations so create a backup!
7. Factory Reset the Chromecast!
In case nothing else helped, then surely the factory restoration will do!
Assuming that your Chromecast is still not connected to the WiFi, the reset will not be possible from the Google Home app.
However, there is another easy way to restore the system of your device by using the button on the back.
Follow the steps below for a reference on how to reset your Chromecast without WiFi:
- Ensure that your Chromecast is plugged in and powered on.
- Locate the button on the back side of the Chromecast.
- Press and hold the button tightly for 20-25 seconds.
- Wait until the Chromecast LED starts to flash.
- Wait for about 60 seconds until the Chromecast restarts.
Reminder: When your Chromecast has been freshly reset, follow the first step from the guide to correctly reconnect the device to the WiFi.
8. Use a Wired Connection (Workaround)
In case you’re tired of the WiFi inconsistency and unreliability, our solution is to use a wired connection to connect your Chromecast to the WiFi.
The only way of doing so is by acquiring a USB to Ethernet Adapter, which plugs in the USB of the device and enables an Ethernet port.
From there we only need an Ethernet cable to connect a router and Chromecast directly and finish the setup using the Google Home app.
This way you will no longer be a victim of WiFi interference and will never struggle to establish a reliable connection to your Chromecast again.
Quick Recap:
Here we’ve learned why Chromecast can’t connect to WiFi and that the solution involves a thorough inspection of the home wireless network.
In case the WiFi is just fine, then we need to perform a factory restore on the Chromecast in order to resolve the problem!
Read Next: How to Use Chromecast Without Remote? – Complete Guide
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.