How to Connect Chromecast to WiFi [All You Need To Know]

Google Chromecast is a plug-in adapter that lets you access media from the Internet to your TV. Once plugged in and linked through WiFi, you can stream content like music, movies, and other media. 

Connecting Chromecast to WiFI is simple and requires little to no preparation. You only need the Chromecast, a smartphone, the same WiFi connection, and a TV.

Learn from this article's complete guide on how to connect Chromecast to WiFi.

Chromecast WiFi Setup - A Complete Guide

Setting up a Chromecast for a home office or on a home space needs certain requirements. You should note that preparation is needed to set up Chromecast quickly.

The process involves three essential things:

• Fulfilling requirements
• Setting up Google Chromecast
• Connecting to WiFi

Once you have all of the above, you can proceed to the first step below.

Step 1: Ready the Requirements 

Before connecting your Chromecast to WiFi, there are a few things that you need to prepare. These include: 

• Google Chromecast device (Third generation or older)
• Updated Google and Google Home apps on your smartphone
• A Google account you want to use for this process
• Any display device with HDMI input (or socket), like a smart TV 
• A smartphone or tablet that supports a 5 GHz connection so it can set up Chromecast on a 5 GHz network

• Secure and compatible wireless network
  Here’s the WiFi networks compatibility: 
  • Chromecast Ultra: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/ac 5 GHz network
  • Chromecast: WiFi 802.11 b/g/n/ac 2.4/5 GHz network
  • Chromecast (First generation): WiFi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz network
• The WiFi password

Step 2: Setup Google Chromecast  

Once you have all the necessary items, you can pair your Chromecast to the WiFi network. Follow these steps: 

1. Plug the Chromecast and connect it to one of the TV’s HDMI ports or to a hub attached to your TV.

Source: Trusted Reviews

1. Install Google Home on your smartphone. This app is available at Google Play Store and Apple App Store. 

1. Open Google Home. Log in to your Google account. Select an area for the Chromecast—for example, Home or Office. Click Next.
2. When the app finds the Chromecast, tap Yes to confirm.  
3. The TV should show a code like what is on your phone. If the code matches, tap Yes.

Source: How To Tech

4. Click Yes, I’m in. Organize the devices and tap Next.

Step 3: Connect WiFi with Google Chromecast 

Now, you can set up the WiFi connection. Here’s how: 

1. Chromecast will ask you to choose an internet connection. Tap on the WiFi name and click Next.

 Source: How To Tech

2. You have the option to save the password. Tick on the box to save the password and tap OK. 

Finish the Chromecast setup by following these directions: 

1. After Chromecast connects to the WiFi, link your Chromecast account and tap Next. 
2. Choose the services you want with Chromecast or not signing up for any. After, tap Next.
3. Chromecast will prompt All done! Then, click Continue.
4. When Chromecast finishes updating, tap on Continue.

Setting up the Chromecast WiFi on different models will be similar; ensure you have the necessary items before starting. Now, you can stream with Chromecast using your smart TV. 

Let’s say you followed the steps, and the Chromecast didn’t work. Find out more about this on the next one. 

Troubleshooting Chromecast WiFi Connection Issues

You could encounter problems using Chromecast, which stops you from TV streaming. 

Here are some possible issues your Chromecast is having:

• Weak WiFi signal that causes buffering or interruptions 
• The Google Home app is not the latest version and needs an update
• The device is out of the WiFi range
• Wrong frequency of the wireless connection 
• Not in the same WiFi network

As you read on, learn how to address these problems. 

Check for Blinking Lights on the WiFi Router

Assess the WiFi router to see if there are red or missing lights. You should restart and unplug the modem or router to reconnect to the internet until the red or missing lights return to normal. 

Verify the WiFi Connection 

See if the WiFi works for devices like your smartphone. If the WiFi connection works fine with other devices, it will probably work with the Chromecast. 

It will help if you ensure the Chromecast and smartphone have the same WiFi connection. To do this, here’s how: 

1. Open Google Home on your smartphone. Tap the gear icon in the upper right corner to open the settings.
2. Select Device Information. Scroll down and see what connection is under WiFi. 

Reboot Chromecast 

Your Chromecast might need a refresh. Restart the device with these steps:

1. Open the Google Home and click the gear icon to open the settings. 
2. Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger or triple bar icon) in the upper right corner to open more settings. 
3. Click Reboot. 

You can restart the newer version of Chromecast on the TV screen. Follow the steps below to do this: 

1. Open your profile and click settings. 
2. Tap the system and select restart. 

Use an HDMI Extender 

Attach it to its extender if you’re using the first-generation Chromecast. This cord will help pick up the WiFi connection better.

Source: Amazon

Update Google Home App on Your Smartphone

For Android-powered devices, here’s how you update the Google Home application. 

1. Open Google Play Store. Type in Google Home. 
2. Tap on Google Home and click Update.

If you’re using an iOS-powered device, follow these steps to update Google Home: 

1. Go to search and tap on your profile in the upper right corner. 
2. Select purchased. Look for Google Home and tap on Update. 

Perform a Firmware Update 

If your Chromecast device still has trouble connecting, it might need a firmware update. 

In this example, we’re using a third-generation Chromecast. Here’s how: 

1. Go to Google Support to see Chromecast’s firmware version on your desktop or smartphone. 
2. Open Google Home on your smartphone and select your Chromecast device. 
3. Go to settings and scroll down. At the bottom, it should show the Cast firmware version under Technical information. 
4. If your Chromecast firmware needs an update, reboot it first (follow Reboot Chromecast in this section). 
5. The firmware update will start when the Chromecast turns back on. On the TV, check the firmware version by going to settings.
6. Tap about and system update and see the changes or updates. 

Check for Password or Router Changes 

Verify if there are any changes to the password router of the WiFi connection. If there are any changes to these, you need to update these on your Chromecast, too. 

To change the WiFi network, follow these steps: 

1. Perform a factory reset following the Reboot Chromecast of this section. 
2. When the Chromecast turns back on, open Google Home on your smartphone. 
3. Open settings or the gear icon in the upper right corner.
4. Scroll down and tap on forget next to WiFi. 
5. A window prompt asks if you’ll forget the network. Tap on Forget network. 

After these steps, continue the setup process found in this article's Chromecast WiFi Setup section. 

Factory Reset Your Chromecast

Your last resort would be a factory reset of the Chromecast device. If you have tried everything and nothing works, you should reset and delete all data in your Chromecast. 

Factory reset is simple. To perform this, follow these steps: 

1. Plug the Chromecast into the TV and the power outlet. 
2. Press the Google Chromecast device's button for around 25 seconds.
3. Release when it shows a white light. 
4. To set up the Chromecast again, follow the setup guide earlier in this article.

When you tried all the steps and still nothing works, it's best to contact Google Support through su[email protected]. You can also reach them on their Facebook, Made by Google. 

Wrap Up 

Connecting your Google Chromecast to WiFi requires some preparation to ensure a smooth process. These requirements include a Chromecast device and an internet connection. A Google Home application is also a must. 

You can troubleshoot the device if there are WiFi or Chromecast setup issues. You can check for the WiFi routers or perform a factory reset for Chromecast. If the problems persist, it’s best to consult Google Support.