Reset your Chromecast by holding the reset button for 25 seconds, or through the Google Home app

A factory reset wipes your Chromecast back to its original state, removing all saved networks, accounts, and settings. You have two ways to do it: press and hold the physical reset button on the device itself, or use the Google Home app on your phone. The physical button is faster if you have the device in front of you. The app method works from anywhere and is easier if you cannot reach the button or your Chromecast is mounted high on a wall.

Reset your Chromecast when you are selling or giving it away, troubleshooting connection problems that other steps have not fixed, or preparing it for a new owner. After a reset, you will need to set it up again from the start — connect it to power, open Google Home, and walk through the pairing process as though it were brand new.

Key Takeaways

  • The physical reset button is located on the back or bottom of your Chromecast and must be held for 25 seconds until the light blinks orange.
  • If you use the Google Home app, open the device settings, tap the three-dot menu, and select "Factory reset" — no button pressing required.
  • A factory reset removes all saved Wi-Fi networks, Google accounts, and paired devices from your Chromecast.
  • After reset, your Chromecast will restart and display a setup code; you then pair it again through Google Home as a new device.
  • If your Chromecast is unresponsive or will not connect to Wi-Fi, a factory reset often solves the problem.

Reset using the physical button on your device

Locate the small reset button on your Chromecast. On most models, it is on the back of the device or on the bottom near the power cable. The button is recessed, so you will need a straightened paperclip, a ballpoint pen, or a similar thin object to press it — your fingernail alone usually will not reach it.

Plug your Chromecast into power and wait for the light to turn solid white, which means it is ready. Press and hold the reset button with your thin object for 25 seconds without releasing. The light will turn orange after about 15 seconds; keep holding. After 25 seconds, release the button. The light will blink orange and the device will restart. This takes about one to two minutes. When the light turns white again and you see a setup code on your TV screen, the reset is complete.

If the light does not change or the device does not restart, try again. Make sure you are holding the button long enough — 25 seconds is longer than most people expect. If it still does not work, unplug the device, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try the reset button again.

Reset through 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 — it will show the device name and a picture of the device type.

Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner of the device card. Scroll down and tap "Factory reset." A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure. Tap "Factory reset" again to confirm. Your Chromecast will restart and go through the reset process. The light will blink orange, and after one to two minutes it will turn white again and display a setup code on your TV.

If you do not see your Chromecast in the Google Home app, it may already be disconnected or offline. In that case, use the physical reset button instead. If the app method starts but does not complete, unplug the device and try the physical button.

What happens after you reset

Once the reset is done, your Chromecast is blank. It no longer remembers any Wi-Fi networks, Google accounts, or paired devices. The TV will display a setup code — a four-digit number that appears on screen. This code is temporary and changes each time you restart the device.

To use your Chromecast again, open Google Home on your phone, tap the plus icon to add a device, select "Set up device," and choose "New device." Follow the on-screen steps to connect to your Wi-Fi and link your Google account. The setup takes about five minutes. Once complete, you can cast to your Chromecast as normal.

When a reset solves common problems

A factory reset often fixes Chromecast issues that other troubleshooting steps have not resolved. If your Chromecast will not connect to Wi-Fi, keeps dropping the connection, or does not appear in the Google Home app even though it is plugged in and powered on, a reset can clear out corrupted settings that are causing the problem.

A reset also helps if your Chromecast is slow to respond to cast commands, freezes during playback, or shows an error message you cannot clear. Before you reset, try unplugging the device for 30 seconds and plugging it back in — this soft restart solves many issues without erasing your settings. If that does not work, then a factory reset is the next step.

Do not reset if your Chromecast is working normally. A reset is only necessary when you are troubleshooting a problem, preparing the device for a new owner, or moving it to a different network and your usual connection steps have not worked.

Preparing your Chromecast before you sell or give it away

If you are selling your Chromecast or giving it to someone else, a factory reset is essential. It removes your Google account, any saved networks, and any personal information from the device. Without a reset, the new owner would have access to your account and could cast from your phone or see your casting history.

Perform the factory reset using either method described above. Once the reset is complete and the setup code appears on the TV screen, the device is ready to hand over. The new owner will see the setup code and can pair the device to their own Google account and Wi-Fi network.

If you are mailing the device, you do not need to leave it plugged in. The reset persists even after the device is powered off. Just make sure the reset completed successfully — you saw the orange blinking light and the setup code appeared — before you pack it up.

Troubleshooting a reset that does not work

If you held the reset button for 25 seconds and nothing happened, the button may not be making contact. Try using a different thin object — sometimes a paperclip works better than a pen. Press firmly and make sure you are holding it for the full 25 seconds. Count out loud or use a timer so you do not release too early.

If the app reset does not work, your phone may not be on the same network as the Chromecast. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it is connected to the same network name as your Chromecast. If your Chromecast is offline or not showing in Google Home, you will need to use the physical button instead.

If the device still will not reset after multiple attempts, unplug it from power for one full minute, then plug it back in. Wait for the light to turn solid white. Try the reset button again, holding it for a full 30 seconds this time. If it still does not work, the device may have a hardware problem and may need to be replaced.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset button press takes 25 seconds. After you release it, the device restarts and the light blinks orange for one to two minutes. Once the light turns white and the setup code appears on your TV, the reset is complete. Total time is usually three to four minutes from start to finish.

Will a reset fix my Chromecast if it is not casting?

A reset can fix casting problems caused by corrupted settings or a stuck connection. Before you reset, try unplugging the device for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If that does not work and your phone can see the Chromecast in Google Home, a factory reset is worth trying. If your Chromecast does not appear in Google Home at all, a reset may help, but the problem could also be a network issue on your router.

Do I lose anything when I reset my Chromecast?

Yes. A factory reset removes all saved Wi-Fi networks, your Google account, and any settings you changed. It does not affect anything on your phone or other devices — only the Chromecast itself. Your casting history and preferences are stored in your Google account, not on the device, so you will not lose those.

Can I reset my Chromecast if it is not connected to Wi-Fi?

Yes. The physical reset button works whether or not your Chromecast is connected to any network. Just make sure the device is plugged in and powered on. The app method requires your phone to be on the same network, so if your Chromecast is offline, use the physical button instead.

What is the setup code that appears after a reset?

The setup code is a four-digit number that appears on your TV screen after the reset completes. It is used to pair your Chromecast to your Google account. You enter this code in the Google Home app when you set up the device. The code is temporary and changes each time you restart the Chromecast.