When you want to stream your favorite movie, music or photos to your TV, there are few tools more useful than the popular Google Chromecast. First released in 2013, Chromecast has cemented its place in the world of streaming and casting. This is especially useful if your TV is not connected to the Web, which allows Chromecast to make your TV smart. However, like all technology, Chromecast is imperfect and requires a reset every now and again. Let’s take a look at the steps to reset your Chromecast.
1st Generation Chromecast
For the 1st generation model that kicked off the Chromecast revolution and brought streaming to the mainstream, there are two real possibilities for resetting. It’s hard to say if one should be called a “soft” reset and the other a “hard” reset, but they both work, and that’s more important.
On Android: start by opening the Google Home app on your Android phone or tablet. Locate your 1st generation Chromecast device and tap on Settings or the gear icon. At the top right, tap on “More (three dots) -> Factory reset” and then “Factory Reset” again.
On iOS: begin by opening the Google Home app and tapping on the Chromecast device you want to reset. At the top-right corner, locate the Settings icon and tap on “Remove device.” Tap on “Factory reset” and confirm you want to reset the device by tapping on “Factory reset.”
From the Chromecast device (hard reset)
Start by ensuring the Chromecast unit is plugged into your TV. Press and hold the button on the Chromecast device for at least 25 seconds. You will know when it is working after the solid LED light turns to a flashing red light. After a moment or two, the LED light should turn white again and the TV screen will go blank. At that point, you can remove your finger and wait for the device to restart.
Chromecast 2nd or 3rd Generation and Chromecast Ultra
The 2nd and 3rd generation units as well as the Chromecast Ultra reset in a very similar fashion.
On Android: open the Google Home app and tap on your Chromecast device. Locate and tap on the Settings (gear icon). Look to the top right and tap on More (three buttons). Tap on “Factory reset,” then tap it again.
On iOS: open the Google Home app and tap on the Chromecast device you want to reset. Locate the Settings icon in the top right and tap on “Remove device.” Tap on “Factory reset” and confirm you want to reset the device by tapping on it again.
From the Chromecast device (hard reset)
While the Chromecast is plugged into your TV, hold down the button on the side of the Chromecast. Wait for the LED to begin blinking orange. After the LED moves from orange to white, you can release the button, and the Chromecast will then restart.
Chromecast with Google TV
The most recent Chromecast model with Google TV is the first in the product lineup to offer an interface on-screen. Thanks to the Google TV integration, your Chromecast now has a true “smart” interface and can include all of your existing streaming service subscriptions in one easy-to-use interface. In the event of technical issues, resetting the latest Chromecast is just as easy as its predecessors.
Using the Chromecast Voice Remote
In the upper right of your television screen, select your profile by choosing the “Settings” button (gear icon). Now select “System -> About -> Factory Reset.”
From the Chromecast device
While plugged into the television, press and hold the button on the back of the Chromecast until the LED light starts blinking yellow. When the LED light moves from yellow to solid white, release the button, and the Chromecast will reset itself back to factory settings.
Getting Started After Reset
Once your Chromecast is reset, you should be able to set it up exactly as you had originally done.
1. Start by plugging your Chromecast device in to your TV through the USB/HDMI cable and plug the other end into a power outlet.
2. Download the Google Home app on either Android or iOS. If for any reason you don’t see the Chromecast steps appear, go to the top left of the Google Home app and tap “Add + -> Set up device -> New device.”
Follow the remaining steps until the Chromecast is set up.
Updating Chromecast
To ensure your Chromecast has the latest software, Google does most of the heavy lifting behind the scenes automatically. During these brief updates, you will not be able to cast, and most updates take around five to 15 minutes. While the Chromecast is receiving an update, the LED light will pulse red until it has finished. If there are any issues and the update seems to be taking longer than normal, reboot the Chromecast by unplugging and replugging into a power source.
Final Thoughts
The Chromecast is a fantastic device that has become a staple of many “smart” homes. What it lacks in features when compared to a Roku or Fire Stick, it more than makes up for with top-notch performance and a growing range of options that work exactly as it promises. In fact, buy more than one and add it to every TV in the house.
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David Joz
David is a freelance tech writer with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry. He loves all things Nintendo.
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