A factory reset clears all your settings and returns your Chromecast to its original state

A factory reset wipes your Chromecast back to the condition it left the factory. This means your Wi-Fi network, Google account, and any customized settings disappear. You will need to set it up again from scratch, the same way you did when you first unboxed it. Most people reset a Chromecast when they are troubleshooting a problem that won't go away, or when they are giving or selling the device to someone else.

There are two ways to reset: using the physical button on the device itself, or using the Google Home app on your phone. The button method works even if your Chromecast is not connecting to Wi-Fi. The app method is faster if everything is working normally.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases your Wi-Fi connection, Google account, and all settings, and you will need to set up the device again.
  • The physical reset button on your Chromecast takes about 10 to 15 seconds of holding and works without internet.
  • The Google Home app reset is faster but requires your Chromecast to be connected to Wi-Fi and your phone to be on the same network.
  • After a reset, your Chromecast will appear as a new device in the Google Home app and you will need to name it and connect it to Wi-Fi again.

How to reset using the physical button on your device

Every Chromecast has a small recessed reset button. On the standard Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV, the button is on the back of the device. On a Chromecast Audio (the older speaker model), it is on the bottom. You will need a straightened paperclip or a similar thin object to reach it—the button sits inside a small hole so you cannot press it with your finger.

Plug your Chromecast in and let it power on normally. Once the light is on, use your paperclip to press and hold the reset button for about 10 to 15 seconds. You will see the light on the device start to blink or change color. Keep holding until the light stops blinking and returns to a steady state—this usually takes another 10 to 20 seconds after you first see the change. Then release the button. The device is now reset and will restart on its own.

This method works even if your Chromecast is not connected to Wi-Fi, or if you have forgotten your Google account password. It is the most reliable way to reset if your device is not responding to anything else.

How to reset using the Google Home app

Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast. Tap and hold the Chromecast device you want to reset—the one you see in the app's main screen. A menu will pop up with several options.

Look for a settings icon (usually three dots or a gear symbol) and tap it. Scroll down to the bottom of the settings page. You will see an option that says "Factory reset" or "Reset to factory settings." Tap it. The app will ask you to confirm—tap "Reset" again. Your Chromecast will restart and clear all its settings. This usually takes one to two minutes.

This method is faster than the button method, but it only works if your Chromecast is already connected to Wi-Fi and responding to the app. If your device is not showing up in the app, or if the app cannot reach it, use the physical button method instead.

What happens when ready after a reset

Once the reset is complete, your Chromecast will restart and show a setup screen on any TV or display it is connected to. The device will appear in your Google Home app as a new, unnamed device. You will see it listed with a generic name like "Chromecast" or "Living Room Device."

At this point, you can set it up again. Tap the device in the Google Home app, give it a name (like "Bedroom TV" or "Kitchen Display"), and connect it to your Wi-Fi network. You will need to sign in with a Google account—this can be the same account you used before, or a different one. Once you complete setup, the device will work normally again.

When to reset before giving away or selling your device

If you are giving your Chromecast to someone else or selling it, always factory reset it first. A reset removes your Google account and Wi-Fi password from the device, so the new owner cannot access your personal information or your home network. It also removes any apps or preferences you set up.

After you reset, the device is ready for the new owner to set up with their own Google account and network. If you are mailing the device, you can reset it before you pack it, or you can include a note telling the new owner how to reset it themselves when they receive it.

Troubleshooting a reset that does not seem to work

If you held the reset button for 15 seconds and the light did not change, try holding it longer—sometimes it takes 20 to 30 seconds. Make sure you are pressing the correct button. On some models, there is a small hole next to the power port; that is the reset button. If there is a button you can press without a tool, that is usually the pairing button, not the reset button.

If you are using the app to reset and it says "Device not found" or "Cannot reach device," your Chromecast is not connected to Wi-Fi. Switch to the physical button method. If the app resets the device but it does not restart, unplug the Chromecast for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. It should restart and show the setup screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset delete my Google account from my phone or computer?

No. A factory reset only affects the Chromecast device itself. Your Google account on your phone, computer, or any other device remains unchanged. Only the Chromecast loses the connection to your account.

Can I reset my Chromecast if I forgot my Wi-Fi password?

Yes. Use the physical reset button on the device. The button method does not require Wi-Fi or internet. After the reset, you can set up the device again and enter your Wi-Fi password at that time.

Do I need to unplug my Chromecast before I reset it?

No. For the button reset, leave it plugged in and powered on. For the app reset, it also needs to be plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. You only unplug it if the reset does not complete and you need to restart it manually.

How long does a factory reset take?

The physical button reset takes about 30 to 45 seconds total—10 to 15 seconds of holding, then another 15 to 30 seconds for the device to finish clearing and restart. The app reset is usually faster, around one to two minutes from the time you tap "Reset" to when the device restarts.

After I reset, will my Chromecast automatically reconnect to my Wi-Fi?

No. After a reset, your Chromecast forgets your Wi-Fi network and password. You will need to set it up again using the Google Home app and enter your Wi-Fi password during setup.