The fastest way to reboot your Chromecast

Unplug the Chromecast from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait another 30 seconds for it to restart fully. This solves most problems — freezing, connection drops, apps that won't load, or a device that stops responding to your phone or remote.

If your Chromecast is built into a TV (sometimes called Chromecast built-in), you can also restart it through the TV's settings menu instead of unplugging. The result is the same, but unplugging works faster and requires no menu navigation.

A full restart clears the device's temporary memory and resets its connection to your Wi-Fi network. It does not erase your Google account, saved networks, or any settings you have configured.

Key Takeaways

  • Unplugging your Chromecast for 30 seconds and plugging it back in fixes most performance problems without losing any settings.
  • If your Chromecast is built into your TV, you can restart it through the TV's settings menu under System or Device Preferences instead of unplugging.
  • A restart clears temporary files and resets the Wi-Fi connection but keeps your Google account and network passwords intact.
  • If the device still does not work after a restart, try forgetting the Wi-Fi network on the Chromecast and reconnecting with your password.
  • Factory reset is a last resort that erases all settings and requires you to set up the device again from scratch.

Restarting a Chromecast plugged into a TV or monitor

Locate the power cable at the back of your TV or monitor where the Chromecast is connected. Pull the cable straight out of the outlet or power strip. Count to 30 while it sits unplugged — this gives the device time to fully power down and clear its memory.

Plug the cable back in and wait another 30 seconds. You will see a light on the Chromecast (usually white or blue) turn on, and the device will begin its startup sequence. During this time, do not try to cast anything to it. Once the light stops blinking and stays steady, the restart is complete and you can cast normally.

Restarting through the TV settings menu (Chromecast built-in)

If your TV has Chromecast built in, you can restart without unplugging. Pick up your TV remote and press the Home or Menu button. Navigate to Settings, then look for System, Device Preferences, or About (the exact name varies by TV brand).

Find the option labeled Restart, Reboot, or Power Cycle. Select it and confirm. The TV screen will go black for a few seconds, then return to the home screen. This restart works the same way as unplugging — it clears temporary memory and resets the connection — but you stay in control through the remote.

What to do if restarting does not fix the problem

If your Chromecast still will not cast or connect after a restart, try forgetting the Wi-Fi network and reconnecting. On your phone or tablet, open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon (gear), then tap Wi-Fi. Choose Forget This Network, then reconnect by entering your Wi-Fi password again.

If the device still does not work, check that your phone and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Some networks separate devices into guest networks or 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands, which can prevent casting even when both devices show they are connected to Wi-Fi.

Restart your Wi-Fi router as well by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Sometimes the problem is not the Chromecast but the connection between your router and the device.

Factory reset as a last resort

If nothing else works, you can factory reset the Chromecast, which erases all settings and returns it to the state it was in when new. On a standalone Chromecast, hold down the reset button (a small recessed button on the device itself) for 10 to 15 seconds until the light blinks orange. Release the button and wait for the device to restart.

On a Chromecast built into a TV, go to Settings, then System or Device Preferences, find Reset or Factory Reset, and confirm. The TV will restart and you will need to set up the Chromecast again from the beginning — reconnect to Wi-Fi, sign in to your Google account, and name the device.

A factory reset should be your last step because it removes all your saved networks and settings. Try restarting and reconnecting to Wi-Fi first.

When to contact the manufacturer

If your Chromecast will not turn on at all, even after unplugging and plugging back in, the power cable or the device itself may be faulty. Try a different power cable if you have one available — sometimes the cable fails while the Chromecast is fine.

If a different cable does not work, or if the device powers on but will not complete its startup sequence after multiple restart attempts, contact Google support or the TV manufacturer (if the Chromecast is built in). Provide them with the model number and a description of what happens when you try to restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will restarting my Chromecast erase my Google account or saved networks?

No. A restart clears only temporary files and memory. Your Google account, saved Wi-Fi networks, and all settings remain in place. You will not need to set up the device again.

How long does a Chromecast restart take?

About one minute from the moment you unplug it. Wait 30 seconds while it is unplugged, then 30 seconds after you plug it back in. The light will stop blinking when the restart is complete.

Can I restart my Chromecast from my phone?

Not directly through a restart command. You can open the Google Home app, select your device, tap settings, and look for a Restart option — some Chromecast models offer this. If not, unplugging is faster and more reliable.

What is the difference between a restart and a factory reset?

A restart clears temporary memory and resets the connection but keeps all your settings and accounts. A factory reset erases everything and returns the device to its original state, requiring you to set it up again from scratch.

Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting after I restart it?

The problem is usually your Wi-Fi network, not the Chromecast. Restart your router as well by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If disconnections continue, try forgetting the network on the Chromecast and reconnecting with your password, or move the device closer to your router.