A factory reset clears everything from your Chromecast and returns it to the state it was in when you first unboxed it

A factory reset wipes all your settings, saved networks, and paired devices from the Chromecast. You would do this if you are selling or giving away the device, if it is not responding to commands, or if you want to set it up fresh under a different Google account. The process takes about five minutes and requires only the Chromecast itself and a power source.

There are two ways to reset: using the Google Home app on your phone, or using the physical reset button on the device. The app method is faster if your Chromecast is still responding. The button method works even if the device is frozen or will not connect.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases all settings and paired devices, returning the Chromecast to its original state.
  • The Google Home app reset works if your Chromecast is still responding to your phone or tablet.
  • The physical reset button on the back of the device works even if the Chromecast is frozen or unresponsive.
  • After a reset, you will need to set up the device again with your Google account and home network.
  • A reset does not delete anything from your Google account—only the Chromecast's local settings are erased.

Resetting through the Google Home app

Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet and make sure you are signed into the same Google account you used to set up the Chromecast. Tap and hold the Chromecast device tile until a menu appears at the bottom of the screen. Tap the settings icon (a gear) in the lower right corner of that menu.

Scroll down to the bottom of the settings page and tap Reset. A confirmation message will appear asking if you want to reset the device. Tap Reset again. The Chromecast will restart and return to its factory state. This usually takes one to two minutes.

If you cannot see the device in the Google Home app, or if tapping it does not open a menu, the device may not be responding. In that case, use the physical reset button instead.

Using the physical reset button on the device

Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your Chromecast, depending on which model you own. On the standard Chromecast, it is a small recessed button near the power cable. On Chromecast with Google TV, it is also on the back. You will need a straightened paperclip or a similar thin object to press it, since the button is recessed to prevent accidental presses.

With the Chromecast plugged in and powered on, press and hold the reset button for about 10 to 15 seconds. The LED light on the device will change color—usually from white to orange or red—and then the device will restart. Once the light returns to white and stops blinking, the reset is complete. This process takes about two to three minutes total.

If the device is powered off, plug it in first. The reset button only works when the device has power, even if it is not actively connected to your network.

What happens after the reset

Once the reset is finished, the Chromecast will appear as a new, unconfigured device. If you are keeping it, you will need to set it up again using the Google Home app. Open the app, tap the plus icon to add a device, and follow the on-screen steps to connect it to your home network and your Google account.

If you are giving the device to someone else, do not set it up again. The new owner can unbox it and set it up under their own Google account. A reset does not affect your Google account or any of your other devices—it only clears the Chromecast itself.

When a reset does not solve the problem

If your Chromecast still will not respond after a factory reset and setup, the issue may be with your home network rather than the device. Try moving the Chromecast closer to your router, or restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If your router is more than 30 feet away or separated by multiple walls, the signal may be too weak.

If the device still does not work after resetting and moving it closer to the router, there may be a hardware problem. Check the Google Chromecast support page or contact Google support for troubleshooting steps specific to your model.

Resetting a Chromecast with Google TV

Chromecast with Google TV has a slightly different reset process because it has a remote control. You can reset it through the settings menu on the TV screen instead of using the Google Home app. Press the back button on the remote until you reach the home screen, then navigate to Settings > System > About > Reset. Select Reset again to confirm.

Alternatively, you can use the physical reset button on the back of the device, which works the same way as on the standard Chromecast. Hold it for 10 to 15 seconds until the LED changes color and the device restarts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset delete my Google account data?

No. A factory reset only clears the Chromecast's local settings and paired devices. Your Google account, email, photos, and other data remain untouched on Google's servers. You can sign back into your account on any device at any time.

Can I reset a Chromecast that is not connected to WiFi?

Yes. The physical reset button works whether or not the device is connected to your network. Just make sure the Chromecast is plugged in and has power. The app-based reset requires a network connection, so use the button method if your device is offline.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset itself takes one to three minutes, depending on which method you use. After the reset is complete, you will need another five to ten minutes to set up the device again if you are keeping it.

What if I forgot which Google account I used to set up the Chromecast?

A factory reset will clear the account information from the device, so you can set it up again under a different account. Use either the Google Home app or the physical reset button, then set it up fresh with the correct account.

Do I need to unplug the Chromecast before resetting it?

No. You can reset it while it is plugged in and powered on. In fact, the device needs power to complete the reset process. Only unplug it after the reset is finished and the LED light has returned to normal.