Why Chromecast Keeps Disconnecting from Phone? Fix Guide

Intermittent disconnection or Chromecast keeps disconnecting from phone is one of the most common issues Chromecast users face.

If you use the dongle for streaming and cast from your phone, you likely have experienced the issue as well.

The comforting news is that most Chromecast issues can often be resolved faster than issues with an Apple TV, FireStick or other streaming devices.

Your Chromecast is disconnecting from your phone because you haven’t updated your phone operating system and Chromecast itself. It’s also possible that you’re having a connection problem; either your Internet Service Provider’s service is out, or your WiFi router isn’t working.

It can be a frustrating and disappointing experience when you’re in the middle of casting an excellent show, then Chromecast disconnects from the phone.

In this article, you’ll learn the various ways you can fix this problem and get on with your entertainment.

Reasons Why Chromecast Keeps Disconnecting

While there are no specific reasons why this error occurs here are some possible reasons why Chromecast keeps on disconnecting from your phone:

Software Issue

Failure to update software will often lead to all kinds of issues because glitches and bugs can overwhelm your phone. Such bugs could be the reason why Chrome keeps on disconnecting on your phone.

Connection Issue

Your phone and the Chromecast device have to be under a similar WiFi connection. An unstable connection will consequently lead to Chromecast disconnecting on your phone.

Phone Issue

Many Android users have a problem with battery drain even though they have enabled battery-saving mode.

Some top-end devices have default settings that prevent third-party apps such as Chromecast from using too much battery.

After adding the app, you may have to give the device permission for it to work.

Age of Chromecast

The average lifespan of a Chromecast is just over two years.

If you keep experiencing Chromecast disconnection problems on your phone after two years of use, you may need to replace your device.

Why Chromecast Keeps Disconnecting from Phone? – Solutions

Solution #1 Update Device

Google’s Android system is open-source, and its Chromecast is one of the most popular streaming devices you can get.

Users from all parts of the globe send in feedback that Google uses to better the OS.

When your mobile phone is running on an outdated or corrupted operating system, all applications, including Chromecast, will often not function properly.

Here’s how to update your Operating System to fix the Chromecast issue:

1. Ensure your phone is connected to reliable WiFi.
2. Go to settings.
3. Select About Phone.
4. Tap to check if there are any updates.
5. An update button will appear. Tap it.
6. Depending on your Operating System, you’ll see Reboot and Install, Install Now or Install System Software. Tap it.

Note: Sometimes it takes up to 30 minutes just for your Operating System to update itself. 

Never interrupt an OS update so ensure your phone has enough charge and good internet connection.

Solution #2 Reboot Chromecast

Rebooting or restarting your Chromecast solves numerous problems, such as crashing when it’s frozen and disconnecting from the phone.

The quickest way to reboot is to disconnect power from your Chromecast, wait for about 10 to 30 seconds, and then plug the power back in.

1. Switch your TV on with the Chromecast device plugged in.
2. Go to Google Home on your device.
3. Tap the TV into which your Chromecast device is plugged.
4. Go to Settings then tap the three-dot menu.
5. Tap Reboot then confirm.

Each time you turn on the Chromecast, it automatically checks for updates, as long as it’s been set to do so.

Updates make your Chromecast function better and avoid any unnecessary crashes so make sure automatic updates is turned on.

NOTE: The 2nd and 3rd Generation Chromecasts operate slightly differently from the 1st Generation.

If the restart guide doesn’t work, check the manual for the ideal restart guide.

Solution #3 Use Primary HDMI Port

Chromecast is a device that allows you to watch shows and movies from any of your mobile phones on your TV.

Since Chromecast is a streaming device, it needs to be plugged into the main HDMI port of your TV.

Most smart TVs come with numerous HDMI ports and they are all marked as primary and secondary ports.

Some Chromecast models have to be connected to a USB connection for power. For such models you’ll often get a micro-USB cable which is included with your Google Chromecast device.

Whenever the Chromecast is not properly powered it will keep disconnecting from your phone. If you don’t get the micro-USB, you may need to purchase it separately.

Solution #4 Reset Chromecast to Factory Settings

One solution you should opt for when wondering why Chromecast keeps disconnecting from my phone is to restore it to its settings before you unboxed it.

This is a mandatory procedure to do, especially if you have been gifted a Chromecast dongle or use a Chromecast used by someone else.

Here’s how to reset Chromecast to factory settings:

1. On your TV, go to Settings.
2. Head to Systems, then scroll to About.
3. Select Factory reset on the list.
4. You’ll have to verify and select Factory Reset again.
5. Choose Erase Everything.

Your TV may restart automatically after the reset, thereby restarting the Chromecast dongle.

When you reset the Chromecast to factory settings, it will return to the setup page where you pair the remote with the Chromecast.

Note: Restarting Chromecast to factory settings eradicates any prior settings.

Solution #5 Fix WiFi Connection

When you experience an unstable or weak WiFi connection, it will be the reason why the phone keeps disconnecting from Chromecast.

The bad news is this will keep happening again and again until you fix the issue. 

To solve this problem, you need to test the signal’s stability and strength.

There are multiple ways to check your WiFi’s strength and stability, such as checking the statistics on your router or running a test in an online speed test like speedtest.net.

Here’s how to fix your WiFi connection issue:

1. Restart your router.
2. Download the Google WiFi app, then use it to check WiFi speed.
3. Use a WiFi range extender if the signal is weak.
4. In case of no internet, contact your Internet Service Provider.

Either a laptop or a smartphone can be used to check whether the WiFi connection is good or not.

NOTE: Always keep your phone within range of the WiFi connection.

For a bigger house with multiple rooms, you may need to place your router in a central position.

If you’re using a Chromecast, you should remember that it may require the configuration of the WiFi router under certain situations.

It’s possible that Chromecast is disconnecting your phone because the WiFi router is not compatible with your Chromecast.

Read Next: Best Screen Mirroring App for Roku

Final Thoughts

Whenever Chromecast keeps disconnecting on your phone, simply update your phone, reset Chromecast to factory settings then restart it. If these don’t help, you may need to plug the dongle to a primary HDMI port or fix your WiFI connection.

Chromecast dongles are often prone to connection issues. You can use some of these methods to solve your Chromecast keeps disconnecting from phone issues quickly.

If none of the above steps fixes your issue, there may be an issue with the dongle itself.

When such issues happen before or during the warranty period, you should ask for a Chromecast replacement.