Chromecast updates itself automatically most of the time
Your Chromecast device checks for firmware updates automatically whenever it is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi. In most cases, you do not need to do anything — the update downloads and installs in the background, usually at night when you are not using the device. The update process takes a few minutes and your Chromecast will restart on its own when it is finished.
If your Chromecast is several months old or has been unplugged for a while, it may have pending updates waiting to install. You can check which version of firmware your device is running and manually trigger an update through the Google Home app on your phone.
Key Takeaways
- Chromecast downloads and installs firmware updates automatically when plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, usually without any action from you.
- You can check your current firmware version and manually start an update through the Google Home app by selecting your device and opening Settings.
- Manual updates take about five to ten minutes and your Chromecast will restart automatically when the update is complete.
- If an update fails or gets stuck, unplugging the device for 30 seconds and plugging it back in usually fixes the problem.
Check your firmware version in the Google Home app
Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet — the same app you used to set up your Chromecast. Tap the device icon for your Chromecast (it shows as a circle with a play button or a TV icon depending on which Chromecast model you have). If you have multiple Chromecast devices, make sure you are selecting the right one.
Once you have selected your device, tap the settings icon in the top right corner — it looks like a gear or three vertical dots depending on your app version. Scroll down until you see "Device information" or "About." Tap that option and you will see the current firmware version listed. The version number looks like this: 1.50.123456. Write this number down or take a screenshot so you can compare it later.
Manually start a firmware update
In the same Settings menu where you found the firmware version, look for an option called "System update" or "Check for updates." Tap it and the app will check whether a newer version is available for your device. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds.
If an update is available, you will see a button that says "Update" or "Install." Tap it to start the process. Your Chromecast will begin downloading the new firmware when ready. Do not unplug the device or disconnect it from Wi-Fi while the update is running — this can corrupt the firmware and leave your Chromecast unable to start.
The update typically takes five to ten minutes. Your Chromecast screen may go blank or show a loading animation. When the update is finished, your device will restart automatically and return to normal operation. You can check the firmware version again in Settings to confirm the update was successful.
What to do if an update gets stuck or fails
If your Chromecast seems frozen during an update or the update appears to have failed, the first step is to unplug the device from power for 30 seconds. Count to 30 slowly, then plug it back in. This forces a restart and often clears whatever caused the problem.
After you plug it back in, wait two to three minutes for the device to fully start up, then check the firmware version again in the Google Home app. If the version number has changed, the update completed successfully even though it looked stuck. If the version number is the same as before, try the manual update process again from the Settings menu.
If the update fails a second time, make sure your Wi-Fi connection is strong and stable. Move your Chromecast closer to your router if possible, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Then try the update one more time. If it continues to fail after that, your device may have a hardware problem and you may need to contact Google support.
Why your Chromecast might not be updating automatically
Automatic updates require three things: power, Wi-Fi connection, and time. If your Chromecast is plugged into a power strip that you turn off at night, it cannot read updates while the power is off. If your Wi-Fi network is unreliable or your Chromecast keeps disconnecting, updates may not complete. If you use your Chromecast constantly throughout the day and evening, the automatic update may be waiting for a quiet period to install.
The easiest solution is to leave your Chromecast plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi at all times. If you need to turn it off, use the power button on your TV remote or in the Google Home app rather than unplugging it. This keeps the device ready to update whenever a new version becomes available.
Firmware versions and what they include
Google releases firmware updates for Chromecast regularly throughout the year. Most updates include security fixes, bug fixes, and performance improvements. You will not usually see a visible change in how your Chromecast works after an update — the improvements happen behind the scenes. Occasionally a major update adds new features or changes the interface, but this is less common.
You do not need to understand what each firmware version does. The important thing is to keep your device updated so it stays find and works reliably. If you are curious about what changed in a specific update, you can search for the version number on Google's Chromecast support page, though detailed release notes are not always available to the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does Chromecast get firmware updates?
Google releases updates several times per year, though the exact schedule varies. Some months may have multiple updates while others have none. Your device will check for updates automatically whenever it is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.
Can I use my Chromecast while an update is installing?
No. While an update is running, your Chromecast will not respond to casting commands or remote controls. The device is unavailable until the update finishes and it restarts, which usually takes five to ten minutes. Plan updates for a time when you are not using the device.
What happens if I unplug my Chromecast during an update?
Unplugging during an update can corrupt the firmware and leave your device unable to start. If this happens, plug it back in and wait a few minutes. In most cases the device will recover automatically. If it does not, try unplugging it again for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and wait.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for a firmware update?
No preparation is needed. Make sure your Chromecast is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, then let the update run. You do not need to close apps, restart your phone, or change any settings. Just leave the device alone until the update finishes.
Why does my Chromecast keep asking me to update?
If you see repeated update prompts, the update may have failed to install completely. Try the manual update process again through the Google Home app. If the prompts continue after a second attempt, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try updating once more.