Your Chromecast isn't appearing because it's either not powered on, not connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer, or needs a restart

When you can't see your Chromecast in the Google Home app or casting menu, the device itself is usually fine — it's a connection problem between your Chromecast and the device you're trying to cast from. Chromecast needs to be plugged in, on the same Wi-Fi network as your phone or computer, and within range of your router. If any of those three things aren't true, your phone won't find it.

The fastest fix is almost always to unplug your Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the light to stop blinking. Then check that your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network. If that doesn't work, the steps below will walk you through the other common causes.

Key Takeaways

  • Chromecast must be plugged into power and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the device you're casting from — it cannot see your phone if it's on a different network.
  • A factory reset erases all your Chromecast settings and requires you to set it up again from scratch, so try a straightforward restart first.
  • If your router has separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, Chromecast works on 2.4 GHz only — your phone may be on 5 GHz without knowing it.
  • The Google Home app is where you manage Chromecast and troubleshoot connection problems, not the casting menu alone.

Check that your Chromecast is powered on

Chromecast has a small LED light on the device itself. When it's powered on and working, the light is white or off. When it's starting up or having a problem, the light blinks orange or yellow. When it's powered off or not receiving power, there is no light at all.

Make sure the USB cable or power adapter is plugged firmly into both the Chromecast and the wall outlet or power strip. If you're using a USB cable plugged into a TV, try plugging it into a wall outlet instead — some TVs don't provide enough power. Wait 30 seconds after plugging it in; Chromecast takes time to boot up and connect to Wi-Fi.

Verify your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network

Open the Google Home app on your phone and look at the top left. You'll see your Wi-Fi network name. Now go to your phone's Wi-Fi settings and confirm you're connected to that same network. If you're on a different network, switch to the one your Chromecast is on.

Many routers broadcast two networks at once: one at 2.4 GHz and one at 5 GHz. Chromecast only works on 2.4 GHz. If your router has a combined network name that switches between the two automatically, your phone might be on 5 GHz without you knowing it. Check your router's settings or ask your internet provider which network is which. You may need to connect your phone to the 2.4 GHz network specifically.

If you recently changed your Wi-Fi password, your Chromecast is still trying to connect with the old one. You'll need to set it up again — see the factory reset section below.

Restart your Chromecast and your phone

Unplug your Chromecast from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the light to stop blinking and turn white or off. This usually takes one to two minutes.

While you're waiting, restart your phone by turning it off and back on. Once both devices are back on, open the Google Home app and see if your Chromecast appears in the device list.

Check your router and Wi-Fi range

Chromecast needs a clear Wi-Fi signal to stay connected. If your Chromecast is far from your router or blocked by thick walls, it may drop off the network. Try moving it closer to the router temporarily to test whether distance is the problem.

Also check whether other devices on your network are working. Open a web browser on your phone and visit a website to confirm your Wi-Fi is actually connected to the internet. If your whole network is down, your Chromecast won't appear either.

Factory reset your Chromecast if nothing else works

A factory reset erases all your Chromecast settings and returns it to the state it was in when you first bought it. You'll need to set it up again from scratch using the Google Home app. Only do this if restarting and checking your Wi-Fi network haven't worked.

To factory reset, hold down the reset button on the back or bottom of your Chromecast for 10 to 15 seconds. The light will blink orange, then turn white. Release the button and wait for the device to restart. Once it's done, open the Google Home app, tap the plus sign to add a device, and follow the setup steps. You'll need to enter your Wi-Fi password again.

Troubleshoot the Google Home app itself

Sometimes the Google Home app has a glitch and won't show devices that are actually connected. Try closing the app completely and opening it again. On Android, swipe up from the bottom to see all open apps, find Google Home, and swipe it away. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom to open the app switcher, find Google Home, and swipe it up. Then open the app fresh.

If that doesn't work, uninstall the Google Home app and reinstall it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. This clears out any corrupted data without affecting your Chromecast itself.

When to call for help

If your Chromecast light never turns on after being plugged in for two minutes, the device may not be receiving power. Try a different USB cable or power adapter if you have one. If the light still doesn't come on, the Chromecast hardware may be faulty.

If your Chromecast appears in the Google Home app but won't let you cast to it, or if it keeps disconnecting after a few minutes, contact Google Support. They can walk you through more advanced troubleshooting or determine whether the device needs to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Chromecast show up in Google Home but not in the casting menu?

The casting menu pulls from the Google Home app, so if it's there in Home, it should appear when you try to cast. Close the app you're trying to cast from completely, then open it again. Sometimes the casting menu doesn't refresh. If it still doesn't show up, restart your phone.

Can I use Chromecast on a guest Wi-Fi network?

Yes, but your phone and Chromecast must both be on the same guest network. If your router has a main network and a separate guest network, connect your Chromecast to the guest network during setup, and make sure your phone is on that same guest network when you cast.

What if my Chromecast worked yesterday but not today?

Your Wi-Fi password may have changed, or your Chromecast may have been knocked off the network. Restart both your Chromecast and your phone first. If that doesn't work, check that you're still on the same Wi-Fi network. If your password changed, you'll need to factory reset and set up your Chromecast again.

Does Chromecast work without an internet connection?

No. Chromecast needs Wi-Fi to connect to your phone and to stream content. It won't work on a network that isn't connected to the internet, and it won't work if your router is offline.