Sometimes your Chromecast with Google TV may not work correctly. If that happens sometimes you may need to restart the device. Or, in advanced troubleshooting situations, or if you’re selling or gifting it you can do a factory reset and return it to the state it was when it arrived in the box. Here’s a look at how to either restart your Chromecast with Google TV or do a full factory reset.
Restart Chromecast with Google TV
If your experiencing issues with the Chromecast one option is to simply restart it to get it working. You could always unplug the power and plug it back in again. But the device is probably behind your TV and hard to get at. Luckily you can restart it from the Google TV interface. To get started grab your remote and select your profile picture at the right of the home screen.
Then select Settings from the menu.
On the next screen select System.
To restart the Chromecast with Google TV scroll down and select Restart. Then wait a few moments while the Chromecast restarts and it’s complete when it returns to your home screen.
Factory Reset Chromecast with Google TV
To return your Chromecast with Google TV to its original factory settings head to Settings > System. Under the “System” list scroll down and select About.
Now under the About list scroll down and select Factory reset.
The next screen is where you need to verify the factory reset by selecting Factory to reset again. Note that at this point it’s not too late to turn back. If you change your mind just select Cancel.
On the next screen choose to Erase everything. Again if you change your mind there is still time to cancel the factory reset.
During the factory reset your Chromecast with Google TV will restart. The amount of time it takes will vary depending on the number of apps and other content you have installed on the device.
When it’s done with the factory reset it will return to the initial setup screen where you pair your remote with the Chromecast.
That’s all there is to it. All of the data is erased and it’s back to the way it was when you first received the device in the box. If you’re selling or gifting the Chromecast to someone else you can unplug it and send it on its way. If you’re resetting it to solve a troubleshooting issue you can go through the initial setup process on the Chromecast itself or by using the Google Home app.
Google’s Chromecast streamer is a pretty easy way to get content up on the big screen, but running into errors can sometimes require a quick reset. Here’s how to fully reset every type of Chromecast.
Do you need to reset your Chromecast?
First things first, let’s talk about why you need to reset your Chromecast. Are you having network issues? Are you trying to connect to a new Wi-Fi network? Are you trying to change the name? Many issues can be fixed without the “nuclear option” of a full reset.
For example, if you’re seeing an issue that says “Reconnect me,” you might just need to change your network details. On both Android and iPhone, you can fix this using the Google Home app. Google even has a handy set of troubleshooting steps on this exact process. The same is true of changing the device’s name. Simply open the Home app, find your Chromecast, and in its settings, you’ll be able to change the name!
Another option to try before a full factory reset is simply rebooting the device. You can do this by removing the power cable, waiting a few seconds, and then plugging it back in.
How to reset a Google Chromecast
- Turn on your TV and switch to Chromecast’s input
- Find the Chromecast device
- Locate the button on the side of the device
- Hold it down until LEDs start flashing
- Release the button and wait for reboot
The reset process for a Google Chromecast device will depend on which model you have, so you’ll need to identify it first. Below you’ll see pictures of each Chromecast generation in order: Chromecast 1st Gen (2013), Chromecast 2nd Gen (2015), Chromecast 3rd Gen (2018), and Chromecast Ultra.
To reset a first-generation Chromecast, locate the button on the right side of the device, under the Chrome logo. Hold that button for around 25 seconds until the LED on the Chromecast turns red and starts blinking. Continue holding the button until it turns white and the TV’s screen goes blank, at which point you can release the button. Your Chromecast will then reboot in a reset state.
As for newer Chromecast generations, resetting is a slightly quicker process. Like with the original, there’s a button located around the circular design of the device — on Chromecast 3rd Gen, it’s directly to the right of the micro-USB port; on Chromecast Ultra, it’s to the left of the HDMI cable. Once you find the button, hold the button down until the LED starts blinking orange. When it turns white, you can release the button and wait for your Chromecast to reboot.
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You can reset Google Chromecast if you’re having issues with the device or if you get a new wireless router.
- It’s easy to reset a Google Chromecast to its factory settings if you’re having issues with the device.
- You can reset Google Chromecastdirectly on the device or through the Google Home app.
- You may also need to reset your Google Chromecastif you get a new wireless router.
Google Chromecast is a nifty invention that lets you “cast” media from any of your devices – laptops to tablets to mobile phones – onto your TV screen.
Most of the time, the device operates pretty seamlessly with few problems, but like all technology, it’s not perfect. Your Chromecast could freeze or lag at some point, and while simply rebooting the device may help, if it doesn’t, you may need to resort to more serious measures.
Whether you’re trying to solve tech issues or connect the device to a new wireless router in your home, resetting your Chromecast to its factory default settings might be the way to go. Doing so is relatively easy and should only take a few minutes, after which you’ll have a device that’s just like new again.
