Can't establish a Wi-Fi connection to Chromecast

If you're able to find your Wi-Fi network listed in the Google Home app during setup, but can't connect your Chromecast or Chromecast built-in device to the network and complete the setup process, try the following steps.

Recommended: Troubleshooting tool

First, use our self-help flow to troubleshoot a Chromecast connection issue.

Troubleshoot a connection issue

Can other devices connect to your Wi-Fi network?

If other devices can’t connect to your Wi-Fi network, it's most likely a router issue and not a Chromecast issue. It might be a weak connection, or the router might need a firmware update. Check and update the router firmware.

Are you at a place of business, hotel, school, or dorm?

Chromecast doesn’t support networks requiring connection through a captive portal, which is typical of hotels, schools, dormitories, or business. You won't be able to connect to these types of networks.

Are you using a Wi-Fi hotspot?

Set up your Chromecast device by following the usual setup process. If you can’t set it up, remember hotspots aren’t recommended and might cause connection issues in the future.

Check if your Chromecast is within 15 to 20 feet of both your setup device and the Wi-Fi router.

Your Chromecast should be within 15 feet of both the device you’re setting up and the Wi-Fi router. If the devices aren't in close proximity, move them closer together for the best performance.

Note: Support for Chromecast (1st gen) has ended, which means it no longer receives software or security updates, and Google doesn't provide technical support. Users might notice a degradation in performance.

You can also follow these manual steps:

Step 1. Reboot the following devices:

Wi-Fi router
1. Unplug the power source for about one minute before plugging back in.
  Note: If you're unable to set up using the Netgear Nighthawk router, then you might need to:
  - Disable Access Control
  - Enable Allow guests to find each other and access my local network in "Guest Network Setup."
Chromecast device
1. Unplug the power cable from the Chromecast device.
2. Leave it unplugged for one minute.
3. Plug the power cable back in.

Step 2. Turn Wi-Fi off and on from the mobile device you're using to set up the Chromecast device.

On your mobile device, tap Wi-Fi.
Turn Wi-Fi off, then on again.

Step 3. If you have a dual band router, try setting up Chromecast on either the 2.4 or 5 GHz bands.

Dual-band routers might broadcast 2 networks with similar names but have 2, 2.4 G, or 2.4 GHz as part of the 2.4 GHz band name, and 5, 5 G, or 5 GHz as part of the 5 GHz band name. For example, if your Wi-Fi network name is "Home", you might find "Home2" and "Home5" in the list of available networks.

Note: Chromecast (1st gen) is only compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks, so it won't list 5 GHz networks during setup.

Step 4. Perform a factory reset.

Factory reset your Chromecast.

Other troubleshooting steps to try:

Turn Wi-Fi off, then on from the setup device, then reopen the Home app.
Force close, then reopen the Home app.
Uninstall, then reinstall the Home app.
Turn on Bluetooth.
Turn on Local Network Access for iOS devices:
1. Go to your iOS device's Settings app.
2. Tap Privacy & Security Local Network.
3. Turn on Local Network for Google Home .
Use a different device (phone or tablet) for setup.
Connect manually to your Chromecast’s service set identifier (SSID).
1. Open your phone’s Settings app
2. Tap Wi-Fi connect to the Chromecast SSID.
3. Open Google Home .
4. Set up your device again.
Disable Access Point (AP) isolation.

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