Fix a "Reconnect me" error

If your TV screen is showing a 'Reconnect me' error message, you may be encountering one of the errors below. Match the error message on your screen to the error message listed below to help fix your issue. 

Choose your error

Error 1. Reconnect me: Chromecast XYZ can't find the 'NAME' Wi-Fi Network

If there's a "Reconnect me: Chromecast XYZ can't find the 'NAME' Wi-Fi Network" error message on your screen, complete the troubleshooting steps below:

  

Troubleshooting steps

Step 1. Check the Internet access

1. Is your Wi-Fi network available and are other devices (phone, tablet, desktop or laptop) able to connect to it and access the Internet?
   1. If other devices are able to connect to the Wi-Fi network, and Chromecast is not working, continue to Step 2 directly.
   2. If no other devices are able to connect to the Wi-Fi network or access the Internet, reboot your router.
      1. To reboot, unplug the Wi-Fi router. Leave it unplugged for two minutes before plugging it back in.
      2. Ensure that the router's lights turn off completely when unplugged. Some routers have backup battery packs. You may need to disconnect the battery packs as well, in order to ensure that the router is completely turned off.
      3. Once all the router lights are back on and the network name is listed in the Wi-Fi options on your phone or computer, check if the Chromecast is now connected to the Wi-Fi network.
      4. After the reboot, look at the following scenarios:
      • If the network is online and the issue gets fixed after you reboot the router, skip the rest of the steps.
      • If the network is online but the issue is not resolved, then continue to Step 2 for more troubleshooting.
      • If you successfully rebooted the router and the Wi-Fi network is still not available for all the devices, then there could be something wrong with the Internet service. It is recommended that you contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check if any of your network settings were recently changed.

Step 2. Have there been any changes to the router, router location or router password?

If no, continue to next step.

If yes,

1. If the device appears as 'Needs setup' in the list of devices in the Home app, follow the steps to set up your device.
2.  If the device is listed under devices in the Home app, follow the steps to change the Wi-Fi network of Chromecast.

Step 3. Is the Chromecast device within 4.5–6 metres of the setup device and the Wi-Fi router?

The Chromecast device should be as close as possible (within 5 metres) to the device used for setup (phone, tablet or laptop computer), and equally close to the Wi-Fi router. Close proximity allows for the best Wi-Fi connection possible.

If the devices aren't in close proximity, move them closer together.

If moving closer did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step and reboot the Chromecast device. 

Step 4. Reboot the Chromecast device

1. Unplug the power cable from the Chromecast device.
2.  Leave it unplugged for ~1 minute.
3.  Plug the power cable back in.

Note: Unplugging the Chromecast from the TV’s HDMI port does not reboot the device. It must be disconnected from the power source in order to reboot.

If that did not resolve the issue, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

If that resolves the issues, then skip the rest of the steps.

Step 5. If you have a 1st generation device, use the HDMI extender

If you have a 1st generation device, use the HDMI extender that came in the box with your Chromecast device. The extender may help reduce Wi-Fi signal interference.

1. Unplug the Chromecast device from the HDMI port.
2. Unplug the power cable from the Chromecast device.
3. Plug the HDMI extender into the Chromecast device.
4. Plug the HDMI extender into an available HDMI port on the TV.
5. Reconnect the power cable to the Chromecast device.

If that did not resolve the issue, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

If that resolves the issues, then skip the rest of the steps.

 

Step 6. Perform a factory reset 

 Chromecast with Google TV

With the Chromecast Voice Remote

1. At the upper right of your TV screen, select your profile Settings .
2. Select System About Factory Reset.

From the Chromecast device

1. While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV and powered on, 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 will then reset.

 Chromecast (2nd gen), Chromecast (3rd gen) or Chromecast Ultra

From the Google Home app

Note: This option is only available if you still have access to the network that your Chromecast was set up on.

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

From the Chromecast device

While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV, hold down the button on the side of the Chromecast. The LED will begin blinking orange. When the LED light turns white, release the button and the Chromecast will begin the reboot sequence.

 Chromecast (1st gen)

From the Google Home app

Note: This option is only available if you still have access to the network that your Chromecast was set up on.

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

From the Chromecast device

1. While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV, hold down the button on the Chromecast device for at least 25 seconds or until the solid LED light turns into a flashing red light.
2. Once the LED light turns blinking white and the TV goes blank, release the button. The device will begin the reboot sequence.

After you perform the factory reset, there should be a 'Set me up' message on the screen. Set up your device again.

 

 

Error 2. Reconnect me: Chromecast XYZ can't connect to 'NAME' Wi-Fi network

If there's a "Reconnect me: Chromecast XYZ can't connect to 'NAME' Wi-Fi network" error message on your screen, complete the troubleshooting steps below:

Troubleshooting steps

Step 1. Check the Internet access

1. Is your Wi-Fi network available and are other devices (phone, tablet, desktop or laptop) able to connect to it and access the Internet?
   1. If other devices are able to connect to the Wi-Fi network, and Chromecast is not working, continue to Step 2 directly.
   2. If no other devices are able to connect to the Wi-Fi network or access the Internet, reboot your router.
      1. To reboot, unplug the Wi-Fi router. Leave it unplugged for two minutes before you plug it back in.
      2. Ensure that the router's lights turn off completely when unplugged. Some routers have backup battery packs. You may need to disconnect the battery packs as well, in order to ensure that the router is completely turned off.
      3. Once all the router lights are back on and the network name is listed in the Wi-Fi options on your phone or computer, check if the Chromecast is now connected to the Wi-Fi network.
      4. After the reboot, look at the following scenarios:
      • If the network is online and the issue gets fixed after you reboot the router, skip the rest of the steps.
      • If the network is online but the issue is not resolved, then continue to Step 2 for more troubleshooting.
      • If you successfully rebooted the router and the Wi-Fi network is still not available for all the devices, then there could be something wrong with the Internet service. It is recommended that you contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check if any of your network settings were recently changed. 

Step 2. Have there been any changes to the router, router location or router password?

If no, continue to next step.

If yes,

1. If the device appears as 'Needs setup' in the list of devices in the Home app, follow the steps to set up your device.
2.  If the device is listed under devices in the Home app, follow the steps to change the Wi-Fi network of Chromecast.

Step 3. Is the Chromecast device within 4.5–6 metres of the setup device and the Wi-Fi router? 

The Chromecast device should be as close as possible (within 5 metres) to the device used for setup (phone, tablet or laptop computer), and equally close to the Wi-Fi router. Close proximity allows for the best Wi-Fi connection possible.

If the devices aren't in close proximity, move them closer together.

If moving closer did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step and reboot the Chromecast device. 

Step 4. Reboot the Chromecast device

1. Unplug the power cable from the Chromecast device.
2.  Leave it unplugged for ~1 minute.
3.  Plug the power cable back in.

Note: Unplugging the Chromecast from the TV’s HDMI port does not reboot the device. It must be disconnected from the power source in order to reboot.

If that did not resolve the issue, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

If that resolves the issues, then skip the rest of the steps.

Step 5. If you have a 1st generation device, use the HDMI extender

If you have a 1st generation device, use the HDMI extender that came in the box with your Chromecast device. The extender may help reduce Wi-Fi signal interference.

1. Unplug the Chromecast device from the HDMI port.
2. Unplug the power cable from the Chromecast device.
3. Plug the HDMI extender into the Chromecast device.
4. Plug the HDMI extender into an available HDMI port on the TV.
5. Reconnect the power cable to the Chromecast device.

If that did not resolve the issue, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

If that resolves the issues, then skip the rest of the steps.

 

Step 6. Perform a factory reset

 Chromecast with Google TV

With the Chromecast Voice Remote

1. At the upper right of your TV screen, select your profile Settings .
2. Select System About Factory Reset.

From the Chromecast device

1. While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV and powered on, 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 will then reset.

 Chromecast (2nd gen), Chromecast (3rd gen) or Chromecast Ultra

From the Google Home app

Note: This option is only available if you still have access to the network that your Chromecast was set up on.

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

From the Chromecast device

While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV, hold down the button on the side of the Chromecast. The LED will begin blinking orange. When the LED light turns white, release the button and the Chromecast will begin the reboot sequence.

 Chromecast (1st gen)

From the Google Home app

Note: This option is only available if you still have access to the network that your Chromecast was set up on.

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

From the Chromecast device

1. While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV, hold down the button on the Chromecast device for at least 25 seconds or until the solid LED light turns into a flashing red light.
2. Once the LED light turns blinking white and the TV goes blank, release the button. The device will begin the reboot sequence.

After you perform the factory reset, there should be a 'Set me up' message on the screen. Set up your device again.

 

 

Error 3. Reconnect me: Trouble connecting to 'NAME' network due to router error

If there's a "Reconnect me: Trouble connecting to 'NAME' network due to router error" on your screen, complete the troubleshooting steps below:

Troubleshooting steps

 

Step 1. Check the Internet access

1. Is your Wi-Fi network available and are other devices (phone, tablet, desktop or laptop) able to connect to it and access the Internet?
   1. If other devices are able to connect to the Wi-Fi network, and Chromecast is not working, directly continue to Step 2.
   2. If no other devices are able to connect to the Wi-Fi network or access the Internet, reboot your router.
      1. To reboot, unplug the Wi-Fi router. Leave it unplugged for two minutes before you plug it back in.
      2. Ensure that the router's lights turn off completely when unplugged. Some routers have backup battery packs. You may need to disconnect the battery packs as well, in order to ensure that the router is completely turned off.
      3. Once all the router lights are back on and the network name is listed in the Wi-Fi options on your phone or computer, check if the Chromecast is now connected to the Wi-Fi network.
      4. After the reboot, look at the following scenarios:
      • If the network is online and the issue gets fixed after you reboot the router, skip the rest of the steps.
      • If the network is online but the issue is not resolved, then continue to Step 2 for more troubleshooting.
      • If you successfully rebooted the router and the Wi-Fi network is still not available for all the devices, then there could be something wrong with the Internet service. It is recommended that you contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check if any of your network settings were recently changed. 

Step 2. Have there been any changes to the router, router location or router password?

If no, continue to next step.

If yes,

1. If the device appears as 'Needs setup' in the list of devices in the Home app, follow the steps to set up your device.
2.  If the device is listed under devices in the Home app, follow the steps to change the Wi-Fi network of Chromecast.

Step 3. Is the Chromecast device within 4.5–6 metres of the setup device and the Wi-Fi router?

The Chromecast device should be as close as possible (within 5 m) to the device used for setup (phone, tablet or laptop computer), and equally close to the Wi-Fi router. Close proximity allows for the best Wi-Fi connection possible.

If the devices aren't in close proximity, move them closer together.

If moving closer did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step and reboot the Chromecast device. 

Step 4. Reboot the Chromecast device

1. Unplug the power cable from the Chromecast device.
2.  Leave it unplugged for ~1 minute.
3.  Plug the power cable back in.

Note: Unplugging the Chromecast from the TV’s HDMI port does not reboot the device. It must be disconnected from the power source in order to reboot.

If that did not resolve the issue, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

If that resolves the issues, then skip the rest of the steps.

Step 5. If you have a 1st generation device, use the HDMI extender

If you have a 1st generation device, use the HDMI extender that came in the box with your Chromecast device. The extender may help reduce Wi-Fi signal interference.

1. Unplug the Chromecast device from the HDMI port.
2. Unplug the power cable from the Chromecast device.
3. Plug the HDMI extender into the Chromecast device.
4. Plug the HDMI extender into an available HDMI port on the TV.
5. Reconnect the power cable to the Chromecast device.

If that did not resolve the issue, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

If that resolves the issues, then skip the rest of the steps.

 

Step 6. Perform a factory reset

 Chromecast with Google TV

With the Chromecast Voice Remote

1. At the upper right of your TV screen, select your profile Settings .
2. Select System About Factory Reset.

From the Chromecast device

1. While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV and powered on, 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 will then reset.

 Chromecast (2nd gen), Chromecast (3rd gen) or Chromecast Ultra

From the Google Home app

Note: This option is only available if you still have access to the network that your Chromecast was set up on.

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

From the Chromecast device

While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV, hold down the button on the side of the Chromecast. The LED will begin blinking orange. When the LED light turns white, release the button and the Chromecast will begin the reboot sequence.

 Chromecast (1st gen)

From the Google Home app

Note: This option is only available if you still have access to the network that your Chromecast was set up on.

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

From the Chromecast device

1. While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV, hold down the button on the Chromecast device for at least 25 seconds or until the solid LED light turns into a flashing red light.
2. Once the LED light turns blinking white and the TV goes blank, release the button. The device will begin the reboot sequence.

After you perform the factory reset, there should be a 'Set me up' message on the screen. Set up your device again. 

 

 

Error 4. Reconnect me: Chromecast 'XYZ' is connected to 'NAME' Wi-Fi network, but can't access the Internet

If there's a "Reconnect me: Chromecast 'XYZ' is connected to 'NAME' Wi-Fi network, but can't access the Internet" error message on your screen, complete the troubleshooting steps below:

Troubleshooting steps

Step 1. Check the Internet access

1. Is your Wi-Fi network available and are other devices (phone, tablet, desktop or laptop) able to connect to it and access the Internet?
   1. If other devices are able to connect to the Wi-Fi network, and Chromecast is not working, continue to Step 2 directly.
   2. If no other devices are able to connect to the Wi-Fi network or access the Internet, reboot your router.
      1. To reboot, unplug the Wi-Fi router. Leave it unplugged for two minutes before you plug it back in.
      2. Ensure that the router's lights turn off completely when unplugged. Some routers have backup battery packs. You may need to disconnect the battery packs as well, in order to ensure that the router is completely turned off.
      3. Once all the router lights are back on and the network name is listed in the Wi-Fi options on your phone or computer, check if the Chromecast is now connected to the Wi-Fi network.
      4. After the reboot, look at the following scenarios:
      • If the network is online and the issue gets fixed after rebooting the router, skip the rest of the steps.
      • If the network is online but the issue is not resolved, then continue to Step 2 for more troubleshooting.
      • If you successfully rebooted the router and the Wi-Fi network is still not available for all the devices, then there could be something wrong with the Internet service. It is recommended that you contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to check if any of your network settings were recently changed.

Step 2. Have there been any changes to the router, router location or router password?

If no, continue to next step.

If yes,

1. If the device appears as 'Needs setup' in the list of devices in the Home app, follow the steps to set up your device.
2.  If the device is listed under devices in the Home app, follow the steps to change the Wi-Fi network of Chromecast.

Step 3. Is the Chromecast device within 4.5–6 metres of the setup device and the Wi-Fi router?

The Chromecast device should be as close as possible (within 5 m) to the device used for setup (phone, tablet or laptop computer), and equally close to the Wi-Fi router. Close proximity allows for the best Wi-Fi connection possible.

If the devices aren't in close proximity, move them closer together.

If moving closer did not resolve the issue, continue to the next step and reboot the Chromecast device. 

Step 4. Reboot the Chromecast device

1. Unplug the power cable from the Chromecast device.
2.  Leave it unplugged for ~1 minute.
3.  Plug the power cable back in.

Note: Unplugging the Chromecast from the TV’s HDMI port does not reboot the device. It must be disconnected from the power source in order to reboot.

If that did not resolve the issue, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

If that resolves the issues, then skip the rest of the steps.

Step 5. If you have a 1st generation device, use the HDMI extender

If you have a 1st generation device, use the HDMI extender that came in the box with your Chromecast device. The extender may help reduce Wi-Fi signal interference.

1. Unplug the Chromecast device from the HDMI port.
2. Unplug the power cable from the Chromecast device.
3. Plug the HDMI extender into the Chromecast device.
4. Plug the HDMI extender into an available HDMI port on the TV.
5. Reconnect the power cable to the Chromecast device.

If that did not resolve the issue, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

If that resolves the issues, then skip the rest of the steps.

 

Step 6. Perform a factory reset 

 Chromecast with Google TV

With the Chromecast Voice Remote

1. At the upper right of your TV screen, select your profile Settings .
2. Select System About Factory Reset.

From the Chromecast device

1. While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV and powered on, 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 will then reset.

 Chromecast (2nd gen), Chromecast (3rd gen) or Chromecast Ultra

From the Google Home app

Note: This option is only available if you still have access to the network that your Chromecast was set up on.

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

From the Chromecast device

While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV, hold down the button on the side of the Chromecast. The LED will begin blinking orange. When the LED light turns white, release the button and the Chromecast will begin the reboot sequence.

 Chromecast (1st gen)

From the Google Home app

Note: This option is only available if you still have access to the network that your Chromecast was set up on.

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

From the Chromecast device

1. While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV, hold down the button on the Chromecast device for at least 25 seconds or until the solid LED light turns into a flashing red light.
2. Once the LED light turns blinking white and the TV goes blank, release the button. The device will begin the reboot sequence.

After you perform the factory reset, there should be a 'Set me up' message on the screen. Set up your device again.

 

 

Issue still not fixed?

If you're still having trouble setting up your Chromecast, contact the Chromecast support team.