TV and streaming · Repair guide

How to fix a Chromecast that is not working

8 fixes, easiest first4 min readUpdated November 2026

Quick fix

Unplug the Chromecast's power cable (not the HDMI end), wait one minute and plug it back in, making sure it uses the power adapter that came in the box plugged into a wall outlet. Then check that your phone and the Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.

What it means

A Chromecast or Google TV Streamer that stops working usually has a power, HDMI or Wi-Fi problem. It may not be getting enough power, the TV may be on the wrong input, or the phone you cast from may be on a different Wi-Fi network than the Chromecast.

Common causes

  • Not enough power, often from using the TV's USB port or a different adapter
  • The TV is on the wrong HDMI input or the HDMI connection is loose
  • The phone and the Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks
  • Weak Wi-Fi or interference near the TV
  • Out-of-date software on the Chromecast, the app or the TV
  • An HDMI switch, sound bar or receiver getting in the way of the signal

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

01Use the power adapter that came in the boxEasy

  1. Plug the Chromecast into its own power adapter, and plug that adapter straight into a working wall outlet.
  2. Don't power it from the TV's USB port or a different charger; these may not give enough power.
  3. Use the cable that came with it, and push it in fully at both ends.
  4. Remove any USB-C hub or switch between the Chromecast and the adapter.
  5. If you need a replacement adapter, Google says to use one rated 5V/1.5A.

Why it helps: Too little power causes a "Low power" screen, restarts and black screens.

02Restart the ChromecastEasy

  1. Unplug the power cable from the Chromecast or Google TV Streamer, wait one minute, then plug it back in. Unplugging only the HDMI end does not restart it.
  2. Chromecast with Google TV: on the TV screen, select Settings at the top right, then System > Restart and Restart again.
  3. Google TV Streamer: select All settings at the top right, then System > Restart.
  4. Older Chromecast without a remote: in the Google Home app, tap Home > All devices, touch and hold the device's tile, then tap Settings > More settings > Reboot.

Why it helps: A restart clears a frozen screen and many casting and connection problems.

03If the TV says no signal or the screen is black, check the input and HDMIEasy

  1. Use the TV remote's Input or Source button to pick the HDMI port the Chromecast is plugged into, such as HDMI 1 or HDMI 2.
  2. Push the Chromecast or its HDMI cable firmly into the TV's port.
  3. Try a different HDMI port on the TV.
  4. If it still won't show, unplug all other HDMI devices from the TV and unplug the TV's power cord for 30 minutes, then reconnect only the Chromecast.
  5. On a Samsung TV, if the picture drops out for a few seconds at a time, turn off the HDMI UHD Color setting for that port.

Why it helps: Most no-signal and black-screen problems come from the wrong input or a poor HDMI connection.

04If you can't cast, put your phone and Chromecast on the same Wi-FiEasy

  1. On your phone, open Settings and note which Wi-Fi network it is using.
  2. Google TV Streamer: check All settings > Network & Internet.
  3. Chromecast with Google TV: select your profile icon, then All settings > Network & Internet.
  4. Older Chromecast: in the Google Home app, tap Home > All devices, touch and hold the tile, then tap Settings > Device information > Wi-Fi.
  5. If the names don't match, connect both to the same network and try casting again.

Why it helps: Casting only works when the phone and the Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.

05Improve the Wi-Fi connectionEasy

  1. Restart your modem and router the way their maker describes.
  2. If your router has both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, connect the Chromecast to the 5 GHz one.
  3. Keep the router within about 20 feet of the Chromecast if you can.
  4. Move the Chromecast a little away from the TV so it isn't touching other devices, wires or cables.
  5. For a wired connection, plug into the router with an Ethernet cable. Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV need an Ethernet adapter, sold separately.
  6. Install any firmware update for your router.

Why it helps: A weak or crowded Wi-Fi signal makes the Chromecast go offline, buffer or disappear from the cast list.

06If you see an HDCP error, reconnect everything in orderMedium

  1. Unplug the Chromecast from the TV, sound bar or receiver.
  2. Restart the Chromecast and the TV, sound bar or receiver.
  3. Plug the Chromecast back in and push the HDMI cable in firmly.
  4. If the error comes back, try a different HDMI input, and plug the Chromecast straight into the TV instead of through an HDMI switch, sound bar or receiver.

Why it helps: HDCP errors happen when the TV and Chromecast fail to confirm a protected connection; a clean restart usually fixes it.

07Update the Chromecast, apps and TVEasy

  1. Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer: from the home screen open All settings (on Chromecast with Google TV, select your profile icon first), then System > About > System update.
  2. Older Chromecasts usually update on their own while plugged in and online.
  3. If the problem only happens in one app, update that app.
  4. Check your TV maker's menus for a TV software update.

Why it helps: Updates fix bugs that cause HDMI, app and casting problems.

08Factory reset the ChromecastAdvancedBack up first

  1. Warning: a factory reset erases everything on the device and cannot be undone, including your signed-in accounts, installed apps, settings and saved Wi-Fi details. You will need to set it up again in the Google Home app.
  2. Chromecast with Google TV or Google TV Streamer, with the remote: select your profile, then All settings > System > About > Factory reset.
  3. Google TV Streamer, on the device: while it is on, hold the button on the back for 10 to 12 seconds, until the light blinks yellow and then turns solid white.
  4. Chromecast with Google TV or Chromecast (2nd gen, 3rd gen or Ultra), on the device: while it is plugged in, hold the button on the back until the light blinks yellow and then turns solid white.
  5. Chromecast (2nd gen, 3rd gen or Ultra) in the app: tap Home > All devices, touch and hold the tile, then Settings > More > Factory reset. This only works on the Wi-Fi network it was set up on.

Why it helps: A reset clears settings or software problems the other fixes could not reach.

Check it's fixed

  • The Chromecast or Google TV home screen appears on the TV.
  • The cast icon in an app shows your Chromecast and a video plays on the TV.
  • The device shows as online in the Google Home app.

When to get help

If the Chromecast still shows a black screen or won't power on with the original adapter, test it on another TV. If it fails there too, contact Google support.

Questions

Why does my Chromecast say Low power?

It isn't getting enough power. Use the adapter and cable that came in the box, plugged straight into a wall outlet instead of the TV's USB port.

Why can't my phone find my Chromecast?

Usually the phone and the Chromecast are on different Wi-Fi networks, or the Wi-Fi signal near the TV is weak. Connect both to the same network and restart the Chromecast.

Does unplugging the HDMI cable restart a Chromecast?

No. Google says you need to unplug the power cable, wait one minute and plug it back in.

Does the first Chromecast still get updates?

No. Google has ended support for the Chromecast (1st gen), including software and security updates.

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