How to Fix 'Reconnect Me' Error on a Chromecast

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

A "Reconnect Me" error is the way your Chromecast lets you know it can't get online for some reason.

This guide will walk you through the steps to try to fix this problem.

2. "Reconnect Me" Error Type

After the words "Reconnect me", more information is given that will tell us exactly what type of problem your Chromecast is having, and make it a lot faster and easier to fix.

Can't Find

Reconnect me error with can't find highlighted.

Can't Connect

Reconnect me error with can't connect highlighted.

Can't Access the Internet

Reconnect me error with can't access the internet highlighted.

Router Error

Reconnect me error with router error highlighted.

3. Recent SSID/PW Change Check

Most of the time, this error happens because the Wi-Fi network the Chromecast was expecting to find was either missing, or required different information.

This is normal if you have recently moved to a new router, a new home network, or recently changed the Wi-Fi network name or password.

4. Connect your Chromecast to Wi-Fi

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

5. Check Other Devices

Check your home's internet connection by testing with another device such as your smartphone, computer, game console, streaming device, etc.

6. Moved Chromecast or Router Check

Wi-Fi has only a limited range. Given the size and shape of the Chromecast, and that it sits behind a television, it suffers from interference more than other wireless devices.

7. Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.

In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.

The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.

8. Power cycle your Home Network

To Power Cycle Your Modem and Router:

Remove the power cable from both your modem and router.

Verify all lights are off on the modem and router.
Wait 10 seconds.

Plug in the power to your modem only.
Wait for the Online light to turn on stop flashing on your modem.This can take up to three minutes.

Plug in the power to your router.
Wait for the Online light to turn on stop flashing on your router.This can take five minutes or more.

9. Restart

Method 1: Restart with the power cable

Disconnect the power from your Chromecast.
Wait 10 seconds.
Plug the Chromecast back in.

Method 2: Restart with the app

Open the Google Home app.

Select the Menu in the top-left corner.

Select Devices.

Google Home menu with Devices highlighted.

Select the Options menu for your device.

Devices list with Option menu for device highlighted.

Select Reboot.

Device Options menu with Reboot highlighted.

Select OK.

10. Test

Try casting your screen from your phone, your browser from your computer, or streaming a movie again from your favorite app.

11. How to Factory Reset your Chromecast

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

12. Basic Setup for your Chromecast

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

13. Test

Try casting your screen from your phone, your browser from your computer, or streaming a movie again from your favorite app.

14. What's next?

15. Relocate Router Check

Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.

Good Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the center of a house will provide better coverage to reach all devices. Diagram.

Bad Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the corner of the house can cause some devices to not have a Wi-Fi signal. Diagram.

16. Router Relocation

Since this appears to be a range issue that can be resolved by putting the router in closer proximity to the device's intended use area, we recommend moving the router to a more centralized location.

17. Range Extender

If the wireless signal is not reaching the device and moving the router or device in closer proximity is not possible or doesn't resolve the issue, the best option for wireless connectivity is to get a range extender.