The latest versions of Chromecasts are way more reliable than their predecessors; however, like every other smart device, your Chromecast is prone to issues.
One annoying problem many users have reported is when Chromecast keeps disconnecting.
Typically, just three reasons could be the culprit behind this, and this often isn’t your fault.
So, before we discuss what to do if Chromecast keeps disconnecting from your Wi-Fi, let’s first see what could be responsible for that.
Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting?
Faulty Wi-Fi connection
A wrong Wi-Fi connection is often the #1 culprit. It may be due to the distance between your router and your Chromecast, your Internet Service Providers (ISP) could be responsible too, an outdated router firmware also, or an entirely different issue.
When your Chromecast disconnects from Wi-Fi often, you should first check your Wi-Fi and be sure every configuration or setting is correct.
Chromecast overuse
Just like every other electronic gadget, there’s a limit to how much use Chromecast can take. So if you have been using your device consistently for a long time, there’s a chance that it may have worn out.
On the condition that this is the case, consider resting your Chromecast device for at least a day or two.
Old Chromecast
Best Buy suggests that every Chromecast’s life span is just two years. Supposing your device is over two years old and coincidentally stops connecting to your Wi-Fi, replacing it is the best resolve.
If your Chromecast won’t stay connected to Wi-Fi, you should consider the solutions in this guide before resting or completely replacing it.
Chromecast keeps disconnecting? Here’s the Solutions to fix it
1. Reduce the distance between router and Chromecast
If you’ve recently changed your router’s or Chromecast position, then this should do. To get the best of your Chromecast, it should be at least 4.5 meters (15 feet) from your router—the lesser the distance, the more the connection strength.
Also, you should move your Chromecast closer even if you haven’t changed both positions recently. This is because your Chromecast connection to your Wi-Fi may be interrupted by different household objects like microwaves, mirrors, metal cupboards, and others.
It may also be in a Wi-Fi dead spot, in such conditions, consider getting a Wi-Fi extender.
2. Check if the connection is right
If Chromecast is connected but can’t cast, then you may be connected to the wrong network. Go through your Wi-Fi network, check its name and recheck if that’s the same network your device is connected to.
Also, if you control your Chromecast with your mobile device, ensure both are connected to the same Wi-Fi.
Most users connect their mobile device to Chromecast with their mobile data; this may work in some cases, but it is best to use one Wi-Fi connection on both devices.
3. Restart Chromecast
Restarting our gadgets is known to fix various issues. For example, if your Chromecast drops Wi-Fi often, you can restart it in one of the two methods below.
- Restart your Chromecast with the Home App
- Confirm your mobile device and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Locate and launch the Home app.
- Open the Settings icon.
- Click on More Settings from the top-right menu.
- Select Reboot.
- Restart Chromecast from the power source
- Unplug your smart device from its power outlet or unplug the power cable from Chromecast.
- Allow it for a minute.
- Plug back the cable and power it on.
Disconnecting just the HDMI cable won’t get the job done; completely unplug it from the power source.
4. Use the right cables
Included in your Chromecast pack are recommended cables. A typical Chromecast package comes with a stereo 3.5 mm analog audio cable, USB power cable, and power supply. If your Chromecast can’t connect to your Wi-Fi, then get the right wires. If need be, go through the right sources to replace the cables. Using the wrong wire
5. Check for Chrome update
Most users often stream through the Chrome browser; it is a bit comfortable. However, an outdated Chrome browser could be making Chromecast keep disconnecting. Usually, Chrome updates its browser automatically. In rare cases, you may need to do this manually, follow the steps below to see if an update is available.
- Launch your Chrome browser
- Open the menu by tapping the three horizontal dots at the top-right corner.
- Click on Update Google Chrome; if you can’t find this button, then your browser is up-to-date.
- When an update is done, relaunch your browser and see if the problem persists.
6. Clear Chrome cookies and cache files
While cookies and cache files play a role in making internet activities seamless, it could also cause Chromecast to keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi as these files could interfere with each other.
- Open your Chrome browser.
- Click Menu, then navigate to More Tools and select Clear Browsing Data.
- Select a Time range, tick Cookies, other site data, Cached images, and files boxes
- Clear data.
Note, clearing these files may log you out of so many sites.
7. Reset Chromecast
If Chromecast won’t stay connected to Wi-Fi, then a reset might solve it. However, resetting your Chromecast is a bit extreme and is best suited for a new device. In addition, a reset restores your device to its factory setting, thereby eliminating your customized settings; you should consider this carefully and go with it as a last resort after trying every other solution here.
To reset Chromecast from the device, press and hold the reset button for about 25 – 30 seconds until its power light starts blinking red.
You can also reset your Chromecast through the Home app.
- Launch your Home app from your mobile device. Ensure both your device and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi.
- Open the Settings menu and tap on System.
- Scroll down and select About
- Tap the Factory reset option and allow the reset to complete. You would see the light blink red.
8. Turn-off battery optimization
If you cast with your phone and Chromecast won’t connect to the internet, your phone might be responsible. Most Android devices have a battery optimization feature that reduces services and activities it perceives to be irrelevant in order to increase your battery life.
The process to disable this differs with each Android manufacturer or operating system; nevertheless, you often would find this in your Settings app under the battery option.
Also, if your battery optimization feature selects specific apps to optimize, ensure your Home app isn’t one of them. Likewise, apps you use while casting like Disney +, Netflix, YouTube, and others shouldn’t be selected too.
These apps must get as much battery as they require.
9. Enable background activity
This solution often goes hand in hand with battery optimization. When Chromecast is connected but can’t cast then your mobile device must have played a role. When your device optimizes your battery, it frequently reduces background activities that require mobile data.
This feature is similar to “metered connections” on your PC. This setting can also be manually turned on. So, go through your settings app and ensure this isn’t active.
10. Reset your Router
Resetting your Wi-Fi is also as critical as resetting your Chromecast, so you should consider it carefully. Before resetting your router, first, disconnect your Wi-Fi from the power outlet, restart it and try connecting it; if Chromecast appears connected but can’t cast, then we can proceed with resetting our Wi-Fi.
- Press the reset button often hidden behind your router. Unfortunately, most reset buttons are pretty small, and only a paper clip or pin can get it done.
- Unplug it from any power outlet.
- Allow it for a few minutes.
- Turn on your router and reconnect to Chromecast after configuring all the necessary settings.
11. Switch Wi-Fi connection
The reason Chromecast keeps disconnecting from your Wi-Fi may be due to the Wi-Fi. This doesn’t mean your Wi-Fi is bad; it may be that Chromecast cannot establish a connection with your Wi-Fi.
Disconnect Chromecast from your Wi-Fi, then try connecting it to a different one. You can create a hotspot connection with your mobile device and see if it works.
12. Check your Wi-Fi band
Currently, Wi-Fi connections are on two bands, namely 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The latter is often faster but limited by distance and prone to interruption by walls, mirrors, microwaves, and some other household furniture.
It’s rare to see a Wi-Fi connection with just one band, although most don’t differentiate these bands, and you’ll need to separate them by renaming each. For this solution, you are required to switch from the 5GHz band to the 2GHz.
13. Check your Wi-Fi Quality of Service
Most routers have a Quality of Service or QoS; this ensures specific services or devices get enough Wi-Fi bandwidth.
Access your router’s settings page by visiting its IP address through your browser. Virgin Media hub or similar routers/modems don’t give room for edit. Routers like Netgear and many prominent others provide you with room to make these changes.
Locate the QOS settings and ensure your Chromecast is prioritized over other devices in your home.
14. Try Google Troubleshoot
Google has a Chromecast Help page that can help you troubleshoot your issue. This is an excellent place to check if everything here has proven abortive.
The tool can troubleshoot
- Setup issues: Unable to set up Chromecast.
- Cast: Unable to properly cast apps to your TV.
- Guest Mode
- Returns: To return a faulty device.
- Error messages
- And for random issues.
Conclusion
If your Chromecast keeps disconnecting from your Wi-Fi, one of the three could be responsible for either your Wi-Fi is faulty, you’ve overused your Chromecast, or your Chromecast is old. Nevertheless, in this guide, we proffered over ten solutions. First, you should reduce the space between your Chromecast and your router, check for Chrome browser update, restart Chromecast, check your Wi-Fi network connection, consider resetting your router or Chromecast or try any other solution here. Thank you for stopping by; share with us what worked for you.
FAQs
Why does my casting keep stopping?
Many reasons could be responsible for this: a faulty Wi-Fi, an old Chromecast model, or an overused gadget. In a case where your casting stops unprovoked, you should consider resting your device for a while, especially if you’ve been using it for a long. Also, if Chromecast keeps losing connection check your Wi-Fi network, temporarily disconnect it or try pairing your Chromecast to a different Wi-Fi.
Why won’t my Chromecast stay connected to the TV?
If you are casting from your mobile device, there’s a possibility that your device is restricting background data or optimizing your battery. Both of these activities seek to reduce as many background activities as possible to either save mobile data or extend your battery life. Also, you should check if you are using the recommended cables or cables that came with your Chromecast package.
Why does my Chromecast audio keep connecting out?
Your television should be the first culprit; check if your TV’s volume is high enough or if you mistakenly used the mute button. Most TVs disable their sound, so you connect to your home stereo system, check and be sure your stereo isn’t malfunctioning.
Finally, ensure your Chromecast is plugged into a steady power outlet; also, check if it’s properly connected to your TV and with the recommended cables. Restarting your Chromecast and all devices playing a role here could suffice too.
Why is my Chromecast turning off my TV?
Outdated firmware on both your TV and Chromecast could be responsible; ensure both devices use the latest firmware packages. Also, if you power your Chromecast with your TV’s USB, this issue may rear its head; power it directly from a power outlet. Then, go through your TV settings and disable it from “auto on” when an HDMI device is available.
