Chromecast/Chromecast built-in privacy settings

The Google Privacy Policy describes how we treat personal information when you use Google's products and services, including Chromecast devices such as Chromecast and devices with Chromecast built-in. This article provides additional information about the privacy settings available to Chromecast users.

In addition, you can read more about Google & Nest's overall commitment to privacy in the home, which covers Chromecast devices made by Google.

Cast usage data and crash reports

Google may collect system activity, crash reports, and usage data (details about how you use the casting functionality of your Cast device, including the apps and domains you cast). Crash reports and diagnostics data collection is optional.

If you opt in, your device collects the following information:

  • Crash logs
  • Diagnostics, which includes information such as:
    • When the application first begins casting
    • When media playback begins
    • The number and type of any media playback errors or interruptions

You can control Google's collection of crash reports and usage data through a device setting, which is enabled by default.

  • For Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices, you can manage your privacy settings in the Google Home app.
  • For Android TV devices, you can manage this setting through the Chromecast settings in the settings menu.

  • For other Chromecast built-in devices, you can manage this setting in the device's utility application settings.

Information Google always collects

Certain device information is necessary to enable performance and reliability of our connected home devices and services and we always collect it, even when you choose not to share device stats and crash reports, such as:

  • Device attributes. We collect basic information about your device type, including model number and build version.
  • Activation date and connection status. This records the date when your device was activated, and whether or not it is connected to the internet.
  • Security information. To quickly resolve any security device errors or outages, we collect information about some security interactions.

This data is handled as explained in the Google Privacy Policy and the Google Nest Privacy Help Center article.

Non-Chromecast, devices with Chromecast built-in

For devices with Chromecast built-in, the settings referenced above only control Google's collection of information relating to your usage of Chromecast. The manufacturers of devices with Chromecast built-in may collect other information about your usage of those devices pursuant to their privacy policies. To learn more, please reference the privacy policies of the devices you are using.

Please note that Google Fiber devices that are Chromecast-built-in will collect information, including crash reports and usage data, in accordance with Google Fiber's privacy policies.

Casting from apps and websites

When you cast content to your Chromecast-enabled device, the application or website that you are using will have its own logging practices and policies with regard to user data. A unique identifier for your Chromecast device may be sent to the operator of that app or website for purposes of digital rights management ("DRM"). To learn more, please reference the privacy policies of the apps or websites you are using.

Performing a factory reset

You can perform a factory reset on your Chromecast using one of the 2 methods listed below.

Important: This action clears your data and can't be undone.

 Chromecast with Google TV

With the Chromecast Voice Remote

  1. On the top right of your TV screen, select your profile and then Settings .
  2. Select System and then About and then Factory Reset.

From the Chromecast device

  1. While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV and powered, press and hold the button on the back of the Chromecast. The LED should start to blink yellow. 
  2. When the LED light turns solid white, release the button, and the Chromecast should then reset.
 Chromecast (2nd gen), Chromecast (3rd gen), or Chromecast Ultra

From the Google Home app

Note: This option is only available if you're on the same network your Chromecast was set up on.

  1. Open the Google Home app Google Home app.
  2. Tap and hold your device's tile.
  3. At the top right, tap Settings  and then More More menu and then Factory reset and then Factory reset.

From the Chromecast device

While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV and powered, hold down the button on the side of the Chromecast. The LED should begin to blink orange. When the LED light turns solid white, release the button and the Chromecast should then restart.

Chromecast (1st Gen) Chromecast (1st gen)

From the Google Home app

Note: This option is only available if you're on the same network your Chromecast was set up on.

  1. Open the Google Home app Google Home app.
  2. Tap and hold your device's tile.
  3. At the top right, tap Settings  and then More More menu and then Factory reset and then Factory reset.

From the Chromecast device

  1. While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV and powered, hold down the button on the Chromecast device for at least 25 seconds or until the solid LED light flashes red.
  2. Once the LED light blinks white and the TV goes blank, release the button. The device should then restart.
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.

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