How to Reset Chromecast

Last Updated: August 4, 2021 Tested

Chromecast allows you to broadcast your Chrome window to your TV or other display. Like all electronics, though, things can go wrong. Usually, the easiest way to fix any problem your Chromecast is having is to simply reset it to factory defaults. You'll need to set it up again afterwards, but that only takes a few moments.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Chromecast Desktop App

1
Open the Chromecast app on your computer. This may be located on your Desktop, in your Start menu, or in your Applications folder.
- If you don't have the Chromecast app installed, you can get it from cast.google.com/chromecast/setup/
- This method only works if you can connect to your Chromecast. If it is not appearing as a selectable device, click here.
2
Select your Chromecast. If you have multiple Chromecasts on your network, you will need to select the one you want to make changes to.

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3
Click the .Settings button.
4
Click the .Factory Reset button. Click Reset to confirm. This will reset your Chromecast to its factory settings. You will need to setup the Chromecast dongle again to use it.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using the Chromecast Mobile App

1
Download the Chromecast app from the Google Play Store on your Android device. You cannot perform a factory reset from the iOS app. If you only have access to the iOS app, click here to reset the Chromecast manually.
- This method only works if you can connect to your Chromecast. If it is not appearing as a selectable device, click here.
2
Tap the Menu button. This is located in the upper-left corner
3
Tap "Settings". This will open the Settings menu for your Chromecast.
4
Tap "Factory reset Chromecast". After confirming, your Chromecast will reset with the factory settings. You will need to run the setup process for it again.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using the Chromecast Reset Button

1
Locate your Chromecast on your TV. Make sure to leave it plugged in so that it is able to reset. The Chromecast cannot be reset when it is unplugged.
2
Press and hold the reset button. The button is located next to the Micro USB port at the end of the Chromecast dongle.
3
Hold the reset button for 25 seconds. The light on the Chromecast will begin blinking, and your TV screen should display the Chromecast logo and the message "Resetting to factory defaults".
4
Set up the Chromecast. After it has been reset, you will need to run through the setup process again before you can use it.

Community Q&A

Question

What do I do if Chromecast isn't showing up on my TV, even though it's been set up?

Travis Bryant

Community Answer

I had the same issue. It was previously working and just stopped showing up on my TV one day. I held the button on the Chromecast device down while the TV was on and device plugged in until the screen said "Be Right Back...Resetting..." Then I just had to set it up again and it worked fine.
Question

I can't see the chromecast on my android phone, and cannot connect. What can I do?

Community Answer

Try to turn it off and on again to reset it.