Can't find Chromecast in the Google Home app

If your mobile device can’t find your Chromecast during setup, try the following solutions.

Initial checklist

1. Your mobile device can connect directly to the same network from your current location.
2. You're near your Wi-Fi router.
3. You have a strong Wi-Fi connection where you’re trying to set up Chromecast.
4. If you want to set up Chromecast on a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection, your mobile device must support 5 GHz.
5. Your Wi-Fi network broadcasts its name (SSID) to be visible by everyone.
   1. If it is broadcasting, it will be listed in your available networks on the device being used to complete setup.
   2. If it's not listed, move to the troubleshooting section below for hidden networks.

Hidden network troubleshooting

If you've checked off all of the steps above and the Wi-Fi is still not listed, try one of the steps below and then check if it's listed. If you still can't find it, go to Check your internet connection.

Step 1. Confirm if the network name (SSID) is hidden

Check if the network is listed on other devices which aren’t currently connected to the network.

If not, then the SSID is broadcasting but hidden, and you'll need to enter the SSID and password manually in the Google Home app during setup.

1. From the Wi-Fi setup screen, tap the arrow located to the right of the network name field.
2. Scroll all the way down and tap Other.
3. Add the Wi-Fi Information for the wireless network.
   1. Enter Wi-Fi network name.
   2. Enter security information from one of the following choices. If you do not have this information, you will need to log into your router or contact your ISP to find the security settings.
      1. None
      2. WEP
      3. WPA
      4. WPA2
   3. Enter password.
   4. Tap Set Network.

Step 2. Reboot router

Power the router off and then power it back on.

Note: Most routers just require that you unplug the power source and then plug it back in several seconds later to reboot.

Step 3. Reboot Chromecast

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

Step 4. Force close, then reopen the Google Home app

Completely close the Google Home app and then reopen it.

Step 5. When all devices have completed rebooting and you're able to access the internet, try to set up Chromecast

Tap Network Name to expand the drop down list of available network names and select your Wi-Fi name.

Check your internet connection

1. Make sure Chromecast is within 15-20 feet (4-6 meters) of the device used for setup.
2. Verify the color of the LED light. If this did not resolve the issue, continue to next step.
   • Chromecast should be powered on with a white flashing LED light.
   • The LED light color should change when power cycled.
   • Go to Chromecast LED light for more information about the LED light status.
3. Check if the TV says "Set me up." If this did not resolve the issue, continue to next step.
4. Check if other networks are visible and in range, including your home Wi-Fi. If this did not resolve the issue, continue to next step.
5. Check if your device is connected to the Internet. If this did not resolve the issue, continue to next step.
6. [Android devices only] If you are using an Android device powered by Android Marshmallow, make sure “Use location” is turned on.​
7. [iPhone/iPad only] If you are using an iPhone or iPad, make sure Bluetooth is turned ON.

General troubleshooting steps

1. Turn Wi-Fi off and on from the setup device, then reopen the Google Home app.
2. Uninstall, then reinstall the Google Home app.
3. Turn on Local Network Access for iOS devices
   1. Go to your iOS device's Settings.
   2. Tap Bluetooth turn Bluetooth on.
   3. Scroll down, then tap Google Home .
   4. Turn Local Network on.
4. Use a different device (phone or tablet) for setup.
5. Connect manually to your Chromecast’s service set identifier (SSID).
   1. Open your phone’s Settings app
   2. Tap Wi-Fi connect to the Chromecast SSID.
   3. Open Google Home .
   4. Set up your device again.
6. Disable Access Point (AP) isolation.

Perform 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 Settings .
2. Select System About 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 .
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 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)

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 .
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 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.