How to Fix Issues with Apps on a Chromecast

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Most users have a smooth and trouble free experience with the Google Chromecast, but when it misbehaves the experience quickly goes from flawless to nearly unusable. This guide will assist with resolving common issues with the device.

2. Reboot

  1. Unplug the Chromecast from your TV.
Unplug the Chromecast from your TV.


  1. Plug it back in after a minute.
Plug the Chromecast back in to your TV.

3. Connect Your Chromecast to Your Wi-Fi Network

In order to cast from your device to your Chromecast, the device and the Chromecast should be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

  1. Open the Google Home app on your smartphone and tap Get Started.
Welcome screen with Get Started highlighted.


  1. Choose which Google account you want to connect to the Chromecast.
Choose account screen.


  1. Google Home requires permissions to see your location in order to find nearby devices. Click Next.
Location access screen with Next highlighted.


  1. Click Allow when prompted.
Location access allow or deny screen.


  1. Google Home will now scan for nearby devices.
  2. In the list of devices found, tap the device you wish to set up and tap Next.
  3. A connection code will be displayed on the TV and within the Google Home app.
Connection code with I See It highlighted.


  1. Confirm the connection code displayed on the TV matches the code within the Google Home app. If it matches, select I SEE IT.
    If you do not see a confirmation code on the TV, move closer to the Chromecast and tap on I DON'T SEE IT.
  2. If prompted, select your country and then tap Continue.
  3. To help identify this Chromecast in the future, choose the room name and tap Continue.
Name your Chromecast screen.


  1. Choose the WiFi network you want to connect to and tap Next.
  2. Enter the WiFi password and click Connect.
  3. You should now be connected to WiFi. Follow the remaining prompts until finished.
Completion screens

4. What's next?

5. Ensure Device and Chromecast Are on Same Wi-Fi

Your casting device should be on the same network as the Chromecast. Confirm that your Chromecast and device are on the same network by doing the following:

  1. Open the Google Home app on your smartphone.
  2. Select Devices in the upper right corner of your screen.
Google Home app with Devices selected. Screenshot.

  1.   
  2. Click the device card menu in the upper right corner of your screen.
Device menu.


  1. Select Settings.
  2. Locate Wi-Fi. The network name shown is the wireless network your Chromecast is currently connected to..
Device Settings with Wi-Fi network shown. Screenshot.

  1.   
  2. Your Chromecast should be on the same Wi-Fi network as the device casting to it.
  3. If your Chromecast is not on the same Wi-Fi, tap Wi-Fi.
  4. Select your Wi-Fi name and enter your password.
List of Wi-Fi networks. Screenshot.


  1. Ensure your device is connected to the same network before proceeding.

6. Device Types That Can Cast

The following types of devices can cast to the Chromecast:

  • Android Devices
  • iOS Devices
  • Computer

7. Cast Your Screen from Android

  1. Make sure your Android device and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Turn off Power Saving on the Android device.
Power saving mode button. Screenshot.

  1.   
  2. To enable microphone permissions in Google Play Services:
  3. Go to Settings.
Settings. Screenshot.

  1.   
  2. Select Apps.
Settings menu with Apps selected. Screenshot.

  1.   
  2. Select Google Play Services.
Apps list with Google Play services selected. Screenshot.

  1.   
  2. Go to Permissions.
Google Play services with Permissions selected. Screenshot.

  1.   
  2. Locate Microphone then push the slider to the right to enable it.
App permissions with Microphone toggled on. Screenshot.

  1.   
  2. On your Android device open the Google Home app.
  3. In the top left corner of the app's Home screen, select Menu.
Google Home app's menu. Screenshot.

  1.   
  2. Click Cast Screen / Audio then Cast Screen / Audio.
App menu with Cast screen / Audio selected. Screenshot.

  1.   
  2. Select the Chromecast device you would like to cast to.
  3. Start playing the video.

8. Restart

  1. Hold down the power button on your Android device.
    Depending on the manufacturer and model of Android device you have, the location of the power button will vary.
  2. A prompt will appear on-screen. Select Restart.
Power prompt with Restart highlighted.

If the menu does not pop up, continue to hold the power button, and your Android device will shut off.

  • If you had to shut down your Android device, wait 30 seconds before turning your device back on.

9. Cast a Tab from Your Desktop Computer

  1. Make sure your desktop and TV connect to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. Click the Chrome Settings menu, located in the upper right corner of your browser.
  3. Select Cast.
Chrome Settings men with Cast selected. Screenshot.

  1.    
  2. Select the TV you would like to cast to.
  3. Start playing the video.

10. Restart Your Computer

Please reboot your computer.

11. Update

Method 1: Navigate Directly

  1. Open Google Chrome browser.
  2. Navigate to chrome://settings/help
Browser tab with chrome settings link, chrome://settings/help


  1. Select Update Google Chrome, unless the browser is already up to date.

Method 2: Navigate Via Menus

  1. Open Google Chrome browser.
  2. At the top right, click on the More icon.
Chrome window with menu button highlighted


  1. Click on Settings.
Chrome menu with Settings highlighted


  1. At the top left hand, tap on the icon for more settings.
Chrome window with additional settings button highlighted


  1. Choose About Chrome.
Settings with About Chrome highlighted


  1. Select Update Google Chrome, unless the browser is already up to date.

12. Pin the Cast Button on Chrome Toolbar

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. At the top right, click on the More icon.
Google Chrome with More or Settings icon selected. Screenshot.

  1.   
  2. Click on Cast.
Chrome More menu with Cast selected. Screenshot.

  1.   
  2. The Cast button will appear temporarily.
Cast.

  1.  
  2. Right-click on the Cast button and click Always show icon to keep it there permanently.
Cast menu with Always show icon selected. Screenshot.

13. Cast from iOS

  1. Make sure your device is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast.
  2. Open the app you are trying to cast from. The app must be compatible with Chromecast.
  3. Tap the Cast button located near the top of your screen.
Cast button.


  1. Select the Chromecast device you would like to cast to.
  2. Start playing the video.

14. Restart

Powering off an iPhone.
  1. Hold down the lock/power button.
  2. Slide to power off when prompted.
  3. Wait until the phone is off.
  4. Hold down the lock/power button until you see the Apple logo.

15. Device Types That Can Cast

The following types of devices can cast to the Chromecast:

  • Android Devices
  • iOS Devices
  • Computer

16. Restart

  1. Hold down the power button on your Android device.
    Depending on the manufacturer and model of Android device you have, the location of the power button will vary.
  2. A prompt will appear on-screen. Select Restart.
Power prompt with Restart highlighted.

If the menu does not pop up, continue to hold the power button, and your Android device will shut off.

  • If you had to shut down your Android device, wait 30 seconds before turning your device back on.

17. Restart

Powering off an iPhone.
  1. Hold down the lock/power button.
  2. Slide to power off when prompted.
  3. Wait until the phone is off.
  4. Hold down the lock/power button until you see the Apple logo.

18. Restart Your Computer

Please reboot your computer.