If your Chromecast extension not working, there are a couple of straightforward solutions you can apply right away.
Most of them won’t be effective if you don’t identify the problem beforehand. This is why in this post we’ve managed to include ALL possible causes and their respective solutions!
To fix a Chromecast extension, first, re-install the extension and update the Chrome browser. Then disable ad-blockers and VPN after which you should inspect your network for outages. If everything is well, you can factory reset the Chromecast device.
Let’s first take a look at what users say regarding this problem and what turned out to be the cause in their cases.
Why Did The Chromecast Extension Stopped Working?
If your Chromecast extension functionality was suddenly interrupted, a couple of things could have happened.
Users say that this can be related to a temporal malfunction or a router issue with the address. Let’s review the possibilities first and then learn how to fix them:
Outdated Version of Chrome
In case your Chrome is running an outdated version, this can cause severe interference with the casting services.
Active Ad-blockers or VPNs
Any location-altering services might also prevent extensions from working correctly.
Network Problem
Issues with your internet will definitely disable your Chromecast extension until further notice.
Temporary Glitch
Sometimes extensions simply glitch and they need a re-installation in order to restore their functionality.
Now that we’ve introduced you to the main suspects of the issue, let’s begin with the best solutions available.
How To Fix Chromecast Extension Does Not Work Issue?
Before we proceed with any of the upcoming solutions, make sure to eject and then plug in your Chromecast.
This will restart the device services and hopefully, the extension will be able to establish a connection.
If that didn’t help, try some of these solutions to fix the issue.
Solution #1 Re-Install Chromecast Extension
The very first thing that you should try is to re-install the Chromecast extension, which has proven to be the top solution to this problem.
Here are the steps to re-install the Chromecast extension:
- On your Google Chrome browser, click on the puzzle icon on the top right.
- You will see a list of all installed extensions.
- Simple click on the three dots at the end of the extension line.
- Then select Remove from Chrome.
Once removed, install the extension from scratch and you’re ready to test its functionality. If it does not work, then you can continue with the next solution.
Solution #2 Power Cycle Equipment
The difference between a simple restart and a power cycle is that the power cycle will completely discharge your device from any leftover electricity, thus providing a clean boot.
We recommend power cycling both your TV and PC.
Here are the steps to perform a power cycle on your devices:
- Unplug the power adapter from all of your devices.
- Wait for 5 minutes at least in order for the electricity to properly discharge.
- Plug the power adapters back in position.
- Turn ON the devices and test.
If you’ve done the power cycle on ALL devices in your equipment and the problem is still there then you should look for the problem elsewhere.
Solution #3 Troubleshoot Network
The most widely recommended solution when you’re unable to cast through your extension is to troubleshoot the network.
If your network does not give enough bandwidth at the given moment, this might be the reason why you’re unable to use your extension properly.
You could be experiencing network problems that you’re not aware of, so you’ll need to solve them first in order to use the extension.
Here are some things you could try to solve network issues:
- Unplug & plug ALL network-related cables.
- Restart your router/modem.
- Relieve network usage by disconnecting devices from the WiFi.
- Stop downloading, seeding, or streaming.
If there is nothing wrong with your network, let’s proceed with the next solution.
Solution #4 Disable VPN And Ad-Blocker
Another major cause that can interfere with your Chromecast extension is an enabled VPN or ad-blocker software.
If you have installed an ad-blocker software to the Chrome extensions, make sure to negate its effects temporarily until you find the issue behind all of this.
For VPN software, make sure to stop or entirely delete them from your Chrome extensions or from any computer connected to the WiFi you’re using.
Once you’re done, restart your Chrome browser and check if the issue has been resolved.
Solution #5 Update Chrome
If you’re unable to use the Chromecast extension, it is possible that this is happening due to your Chrome being outdated.
This type of issue can often occur with older versions of Chrome, so you must make sure that you’ve applied the latest firmware available.
You can check if your Chrome has an available update by taking a look at the upper right corner of the Window.
To update Chrome whenever there is an available update, follow these steps:
- Click on the update button in Chrome.
- Go to the Play Store app.
- Click on the profile icon.
- Tap “Manage apps & devices”.
- Find where Chrome is.
- Next to Chrome, click on Update.
Your Chrome will most likely restart and then you should be running the latest version. Test and if the extension works and if it doesn’t, let’s switch our troubleshooting target.
Solution #6 Factory Reset Chromecast Device
If your Chromecast extension not working even after all of the previous solutions, then there might be something wrong with the Chromecast device itself.
In that regard we’ll be restoring its factory default settings so make sure to pay close attention to the steps:
- On the back of your Chromecast device, hold the small button for 25 seconds.
- Wait until the LED flashes in red light.
- Then wait for the Chromecast device to undergo a sequence of reboots to initialize the software.
Wait for a couple of minutes and everything should be refreshed to factory defaults!
Solution #7 Use Screen Mirroring (Workaround)
If you’re using Chrome, but you’re unable to cast with the extension, there is a way to bypass it completely, at least until you identify the problem.
Here is how to turn on the screen mirroring feature:
- Open your Google Chrome.
- Go to chrome://flags and hit the Enter button on your keyboard.
- On your keyboard, simultaneously press the CTRL + F buttons.
- Type “Mirroring” in the find tool that appeared.
- Click on the blue field where it says Disabled and enable the mirroring service.
- Restart Chrome for the changes to take effect.
You’re done! You can now retry the cast feature and start screen mirroring to your Chromecast without the extension.
This should work as a temporary solution until you reach out to Google via the Help Center.
To fix a Chromecast extension that isn’t working, first power cycle your equipment, re-plug your Chromecast device, and update Chrome’s firmware. You can then check for any VPNs, re-install the Chromecast extension and factory reset the device.
Note: If that does not work, you can use Chrome’s inbuilt cast feature so you can mirror the screen to your Chromecast.
Read Next: Why my Chromecast has No Sound?
Bottom Line:
Now that you know why the Chromecast extension not working, you should be able to solve the problem following our solutions.
If the problem is still there, simply use the Chromecast feature until you contact Google and solve the problem with the extension.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.