Chromecast updates automatically, but you can check and force an update manually

Chromecast devices update themselves over Wi-Fi when plugged in and idle, usually overnight. You do not need to do anything for most updates to arrive. However, if you want to check whether an update is available right now, or if you suspect your device is stuck on an old version, you can force a manual check from the Google Home app on your phone or tablet.

The process takes about five minutes and requires your Chromecast to be powered on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. Updates themselves can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on file size and your internet speed. During an update, your Chromecast will not cast video or audio — the device will restart automatically when the update is complete.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, tap the device card for your Chromecast, then tap the settings gear icon and select "Device info" to see the current software version.
  • Tap "System update" in the Device info screen to check for updates and install them when ready if available.
  • Keep your Chromecast plugged in during the entire update process; unplugging it mid-update can damage the device.
  • Most Chromecast models update automatically when idle and plugged in, so manual checks are only necessary if you suspect a problem or want to update right away.

Step-by-step: checking for updates in the Google Home app

Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. If you do not have it installed, read it from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). Sign in with the same Google account you used to set up your Chromecast.

On the home screen, find the card showing your Chromecast device. Tap and hold the card, or tap the settings gear icon in the top right corner of the card. A menu will appear with several options. Select "Device info" — this is usually near the bottom of the menu.

In the Device info screen, you will see the current software version listed. Below that, you will see a "System update" option. Tap it. The app will check whether an update is available. If one is found, a button to install it will appear. Tap "Update" or "Install" to begin. If no update is available, the app will tell you that your device is up to date.

What happens during the update

Once you tap the install button, your Chromecast will begin downloading the update file. A progress bar will appear in the Google Home app showing how much of the read is complete. This can take anywhere from one to ten minutes depending on your internet speed and the size of the update.

After the read finishes, the Chromecast will restart and install the update. During this time, the device will be unresponsive — you cannot cast to it, and it may briefly disconnect from Wi-Fi. This is normal. Do not unplug the device or close the Google Home app. The entire process usually takes five to thirty minutes.

When the update is complete, your Chromecast will restart again and reconnect to Wi-Fi automatically. The Google Home app will confirm that the update was successful. You can then cast to the device normally.

Troubleshooting a stuck or failed update

If the update appears to be taking longer than thirty minutes, or if the Google Home app shows an error message, try unplugging your Chromecast for thirty seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to reconnect to Wi-Fi (the light on the device will stop blinking), then open the Google Home app and check for updates again.

If the same error appears repeatedly, make sure your Wi-Fi connection is stable by testing it on your phone — try loading a web page or streaming a video. If your internet is working but the Chromecast update keeps failing, try moving your Chromecast closer to your Wi-Fi router temporarily, or restart your router by unplugging it for thirty seconds.

If you still cannot update after these steps, try removing the device from the Google Home app entirely and setting it up again from scratch. This is rare, but occasionally a corrupted setup prevents updates from installing. To remove it, open the Google Home app, tap and hold the Chromecast card, scroll down, and tap "Remove device."

Automatic updates and why they happen at night

Google pushes updates to Chromecast devices automatically when they are plugged in and not actively in use. The company does this to may support all devices stay current with security patches and new features without interrupting your viewing. For this reason, you may notice your Chromecast restarting on its own late at night or early in the morning.

If you want to prevent automatic updates from happening at a specific time — for example, if you use your Chromecast late at night — you can disable automatic updates in the Device info screen. Tap the settings gear, select "Device info," then toggle off "Automatic system updates." However, this means you will need to check for and install updates manually yourself.

Checking your Chromecast model and compatibility

Different Chromecast models receive updates at different times. The original Chromecast, Chromecast with Google TV, Chromecast Audio, and Chromecast Ultra all have separate update schedules. Older models like the first-generation Chromecast may eventually stop receiving updates, though Google typically supports devices for several years.

To see which model you own, open the Google Home app, tap the device card, tap the settings gear, and select "Device info." The model name will be listed at the top. If you own a very old Chromecast that no longer receives updates, the "System update" option may not appear at all, or it will always show "Up to date" even if the device is years old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Chromecast while it is updating?

No. During an update, your Chromecast will not respond to casting requests from your phone, tablet, or computer. The device will be completely unavailable until the update finishes and it restarts. Plan updates for times when you are not actively using the device.

What if I unplug my Chromecast during an update?

Unplugging during an update can corrupt the device's software and leave it unable to start up. If this happens, plug it back in and wait. In most cases, the Chromecast will attempt to recover automatically. If it does not, you may need to factory reset it by holding the reset button on the device for ten seconds while it is powered on.

How often does Chromecast release updates?

Google releases updates for Chromecast irregularly — sometimes monthly, sometimes every few months. There is no fixed schedule. Security patches may arrive more frequently than feature updates. You will not receive a notification when an update is available; the device straightforward installs it automatically when idle.

Do I need to be home for my Chromecast to update automatically?

No. As long as your Chromecast is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, it will update automatically whether you are home or away. You do not need to do anything. The update will happen on Google's schedule, typically when the device has been idle for a while.

Why does my Chromecast keep restarting at night?

Your device is likely installing an automatic update. This is normal and happens when Google releases a new version. If the restarts are happening every night, check the Device info screen to see if automatic updates are enabled. You can disable them if you prefer to update manually during the day.