Having trouble with your Chromecast Audio? Don't worry, your question may be answered below. If your question isn't covered, try to troubleshoot your issue.
Setup and settings
Do I need an internet connection?Yes. Your Chromecast Audio needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network and have internet access. Your Chromecast Audio and your mobile device, tablet or laptop need to be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast audio.
Chromecast Audio supports streaming playback from media servers through several Chromecast-enabled apps. Visit Chromecast Audio apps to find the app that fits your needs, such as Plex.
- For Android users, make sure Location Services is enabled. It needs to be on in order for Chromecast to locate your Chromecast Audio device.
- For iOS users, turn on Bluetooth to help improve the setup process.
- If that doesn't work, try these simple troubleshooting steps.
Chromecast Audio supports several ways of playing local content stored on your phone or tablet through different methods:
- You can use Android Audio casting to play any locally stored music on your Android phone or tablet to your speaker.
- You can can upload your local music to Google Play Music.
- You can cast music files from your Chrome browser to your speaker, by casting the tab’s audio.
- You can use one of many Chromecast-enabled apps that allow you to cast your local music files from your Android phone or tablet, iOS devices, or Chrome browser to your speaker. Visit Chromecast Audio apps to find the app that fits your needs.
- Recommended apps include Videostream, Plex, AllCast, LocalCast, BubbleUPnP, and Cinch
Chromecast Audio does not support streaming audio through Airplay at this time.
With Chromecast Audio, the music is streamed from the cloud to your speakers through Wi-Fi, providing many benefits compared to Bluetooth:
- Your phone is not tied to what's playing on the speaker. You are free to continue using it to play a game, take a call, and even move around the house without interrupting what’s playing on the speakers.
- Cast to Chromecast Audio won’t drain the battery on your phone, tablet, or laptop.
- You can leave the room and still control playback from anywhere in the house. No need to limit yourself to the Bluetooth range.
- Wi-Fi enables higher audio quality playback.
Yes. Chromecast Audio uses dual band 802.11ac as well as Bluetooth 4.1.
Check out the router compatibility list to check if Chromecast Audio will work with your router.
No. Use the provided power supply and a USB power cable to power Chromecast Audio. Note: You need to be in the range of a wall outlet.
No. Chromecast Audio will not work in your car.
Yes. Chromecast Audio was built with portability in mind. You can bring it with you when you travel, but keep in mind that you need Wi-Fi access to set up and use Chromecast Audio.
Note: Chromecast Audio only works with networks which allow device to device communication. If the router or network on which you’re attempting to set up Chromecast Audio has AP or client isolation enabled (typical of hotel rooms, school networks, corporate environments), you won't be able to set up your Chromecast device properly. You need to disable AP or client isolation on your router in order to set up Chromecast Audio. If you need assistance disabling AP or client isolation on your router, contact your router manufacturer.
Yes. Chromecast was built with portability in mind. You can move it from room to room for use with other speakers. You won’t need to set up your device again, as long as your Chromecast Audio is connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you'll be able to cast right away.
If you hear audio popping or distortions from your speaker, make sure the Chromecast Audio is plugged into the wall outlet using the provided USB power cable and power supply. If that doesn’t work, try using longer cables to create distance between the Chromecast Audio and the speaker it is connected to.
During setup you have the ability to "name" your Chromecast Audio in order to distinguish it from others, for example "Lulu’s Chromecast" or "Living Room." You can also rename your Chromecast Audio at a later time from the Google Home app.
Chromecast Audio has an LED light on the side of the device that visually explains what the device is doing. The Chromecast Audio LED status indicators article explains the different LED status indicators and what the states mean.
Yes. You will need to disable AP or client isolation on your router. You can refer to your router documentation to learn how to disable AP isolation.
If you don't have access to your router settings, or if you are attempting to connect through a guest, hotel, or public network with AP or client isolation, you won't be able to set up your Chromecast Audio.
If you are attempting to connect through a Wi-Fi extender, check your extender settings. You will need to disable AP isolation on your Wi-Fi extender before setting up Chromecast Audio to work with your Wi-Fi network.
- Open the Google Home app
.
- Tap and hold your device's tile.
- Tap Settings
Device information.
- Under "Technical information," check for Cast firmware: "X.XXX.XXXXX." If the device is on Fuchsia, check for System firmware version: "X.XXXXXXXX.X.XXXXXXX".
.
Device information.Chromecast Audio updates are rolled out gradually to users and your device will update automatically. Once an update is available, it can take up to two weeks for it to reach your device. It’s important that your Chromecast Audio is plugged into a wall outlet and connected to your wireless network during this time. You can follow the steps below to try and activate an available update if you think your device may be eligible:
- Leave your Chromecast Audio plugged in and connected to your Wi-Fi network for at least one minute.
- We recommend that you plug your Chromecast Audio into a wall outlet using the USB power cable and power adapter that was provided in the box.
After one minute, reboot your Chromecast Audio. There are two ways to reboot your Chromecast Audio device:
From the Google Home app
- Make sure your mobile device or tablet is linked to the same account as your Chromecast.
- Open the Google Home app
- Tap and hold your device's tile.
- At the top right corner, tap Settings
More settings
More settings 
From the power source
- Unplug the power cable from the Chromecast device.
- Leave it unplugged for one minute.
- Plug the power cable back in.
Note: When you unplug the Chromecast from the TV’s HDMI port, it does not reboot the device. It must be disconnected from the power source in order to reboot.
Casting
I’m trying to cast music from Spotify but can’t find the Cast button in its usual place. Where is it?Typically the Cast button is in the top right corner of Chromecast-enabled apps. For Spotify, you’ll find the option to cast at the bottom of your screen. Tap Devices Available 
To stop casting from Spotify, tap Devices Available
Yes. You can use the YouTube Music app (not the YouTube app) to play music on Chromecast Audio. Note: You must have a YouTube Premium subscription for this functionality to work.
Get the YouTube Music app on:
Chromecast Audio only supports audio apps. Many video apps won’t show Chromecast Audio as a possible target for casting, but some still show it. When trying to cast from those video apps, casting won't be successful.
Here's a complete list of Chromecast Audio supported audio apps.
Yes. To cast your Android Audio to a multi-room group, follow the instructions to Cast your Android Audio from the Google Home app. All of your available Chromecast Audio groups should appear in the list of available sources.
Turn off "Power Saving Mode" for the Android device you're using to cast content. Enabling "Power Saving Mode" can limit the processing power of that device which could affect the performance of the Cast Audio feature.
Troubleshooting help
I'm having trouble setting up my Chromecast Audio. Where can I get help?Check our Chromecast router compatibility list. If your router is not on the list, try our Chromecast troubleshooter. If you're still having trouble, contact us.
Review the Perform a Factory Reset article to reset your device correctly.
If you purchased your Chromecast Audio from Google Store or an authorized Chromecast Audio retailer and are in need of a replacement, contact us for assistance.
Note: Proof of purchase is required.
If you purchased your Chromecast from someone other than a Google-authorized retailer, your purchase is not covered by our warranty. Review our Warranty policy.
If you're a developer interested in finding out more about developing for Chromecast Audio, visit developers.google.com/cast.