Chromecast updates automatically, but you can check the status and force an update if needed
Your Chromecast receives updates over Wi-Fi without you having to do anything. Google pushes updates to devices in the background, usually overnight when your Chromecast is idle and plugged in. However, if you want to check whether an update is available right now or push one through manually, you can do that through the Google Home app on your phone or tablet.
The process takes a few minutes and requires your Chromecast to stay plugged in and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone. You do not need a computer or any special tools.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Google Home app, tap and hold your Chromecast device, then go to Settings to see the current software version and check for updates.
- If an update is available, tap "System" and then "About" to find the update option and let it run without interrupting the device.
- Updates usually complete in under five minutes, but your Chromecast will restart during the process and you will not be able to cast during that time.
- If an update fails or stalls, unplug your Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try again through the Google Home app.
- Automatic updates happen in the background when your device is plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, so manual checking is optional unless you want the latest features right away.
How to check for updates in the Google Home app
Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Make sure you are signed into the same Google account you used to set up your Chromecast. Tap and hold the Chromecast device you want to update — the one you named when you first set it up.
A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen. Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner of that menu. Scroll down and tap "System." Then tap "About." The screen will show your current software version and a button to check for updates. Tap "Check for system update." If an update is available, a button labeled "Update" will appear. Tap it to start the process.
Do not unplug your Chromecast or close the Google Home app while the update is running. The device will restart on its own when the update is complete, which usually takes two to five minutes.
What happens during a Chromecast update
When you tap the update button, your Chromecast will read the new software and install it automatically. The device will restart once or twice during this process. The screen connected to your Chromecast may go blank or show a loading animation. This is normal.
You will not be able to cast to your device while the update is in progress. If someone in your household tries to cast during an update, they will see an error message saying the device is unavailable. Once the update finishes and your Chromecast restarts, casting will work normally again.
After the update completes, go back to Settings > System > About to confirm the new version number is showing. The version number will be different from what you saw before the update.
Troubleshooting a stuck or failed update
If the update seems to be taking longer than ten minutes or the screen stays frozen on a loading screen, unplug your Chromecast from the power outlet. Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Let it restart fully — this usually takes about a minute. Once it is back online, open the Google Home app and try checking for the update again.
If the update fails a second time, make sure your Wi-Fi connection is stable by testing it on your phone. Move your Chromecast closer to your router if the signal is weak. Then try the update one more time through the Google Home app. If it continues to fail, your device may need a factory reset, which will erase all your settings and require you to set it up again from scratch.
Automatic updates in the background
You do not have to manually check for updates. Google automatically sends updates to Chromecast devices when they are plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi, usually during off-peak hours like late evening or early morning. This happens without any action on your part.
If you want to know when your device last updated, go to Settings > System > About in the Google Home app. The date shown next to the version number tells you when that version was installed. If the date is recent, your device has already received a recent update automatically.
Updating older Chromecast models
The steps above work for all current Chromecast models, including Chromecast with Google TV and the standard Chromecast. Older models like the Chromecast Audio (discontinued in 2019) no longer receive updates because Google stopped supporting them.
If you have a very old Chromecast and the Google Home app does not show an update option, your device has likely reached the end of its support window. You can still use it to cast, but it will not receive new features or security patches. Google's support page lists which models are still receiving updates.
What updates include
Chromecast updates typically include security patches, bug fixes, and sometimes new features. You will not see a detailed changelog in the Google Home app, but Google publishes update notes on their support website if you want to know what changed.
Updates are usually small and do not require extra storage space on your device. Your Chromecast has enough built-in memory to handle updates without affecting casting performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cast while my Chromecast is updating?
No. Your Chromecast will be unavailable for casting during the update process. The device will restart and be offline for a few minutes. Once the restart completes, casting will work normally again.
Do I have to update my Chromecast?
Updates happen automatically in the background, so you do not have to do anything. Checking manually through the Google Home app is optional and only needed if you want the latest features right away instead of waiting for the automatic update.
What if the update button does not appear?
Your Chromecast may already be on the latest version. Go back to Settings > System > About and check the version number against Google's current release. If your version matches what Google lists as current, no update is available. If the button still does not appear after waiting a minute, close the Google Home app completely and reopen it.
Will updating erase my settings or cast history?
No. Updates do not erase your settings, saved networks, or any other data. Your Chromecast will work exactly as it did before the update, just with the new software version installed.
How often does Chromecast get updated?
Google releases updates on a regular schedule, but the exact timing varies. Some months have multiple updates, while others may have none. Your device will notify you through the Google Home app when updates are available.