The reset button location depends on your Chromecast model

The reset button on a Chromecast is a small pinhole on the device itself, but where it sits changes based on which generation you own. On the original Chromecast (HDMI stick), the reset button is on the side of the device near the power cable. On Chromecast with Google TV, it's on the back of the device, also near where the power cable connects. On the Chromecast Audio (if you still have one), the reset button is on the bottom.

You'll need a straightened paperclip, a pushpin, or a similar thin object to press it—the button is recessed so you can't press it with your finger. The button itself is tiny, about the size of a ballpoint pen tip, and usually unmarked or labeled with a small dot or line.

Key Takeaways

  • The reset button location varies by model: side for original Chromecast, back for Chromecast with Google TV, and bottom for Chromecast Audio.
  • You need a thin tool like a straightened paperclip to press the recessed button, as it cannot be pressed by hand.
  • A factory reset erases all settings and paired devices, returning the Chromecast to its original state.
  • Hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds until the light on the device changes color or blinks, signaling the reset has started.
  • After a reset, you must set up the Chromecast again from scratch using the Google Home app or the Chromecast app.

How to perform a factory reset

Once you've located the reset button, press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds. While you're holding it, watch the light on the device—it will change color or begin blinking, which signals that the reset process has started. Don't release the button until you see this light change.

The device will restart on its own after you release the button. This takes about one to two minutes. During this time, the light may flash or change colors again. Let the device complete the restart fully before you do anything else.

What a factory reset actually does

A factory reset wipes all settings from your Chromecast and removes it from your Google account. Any paired devices—phones, tablets, or computers that were casting to it—will no longer recognize it. Your Wi-Fi password and any custom names you gave the device are also erased.

This is useful if you're selling or giving away the device, if it's not responding to commands, or if you've forgotten the Wi-Fi network it's connected to and can't cast to it anymore. It's also the first troubleshooting step when a Chromecast is stuck or behaving oddly.

Setting up your Chromecast after a reset

After the reset completes and the device restarts, you'll need to set it up again. read the Google Home app on your phone or tablet (or use the Chromecast app if you have an older model). Open the app and follow the on-screen prompts to add a new device.

The app will ask you to select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. It will also ask you to sign in with your Google account and give the Chromecast a name. Once setup finishes, the device will be ready to cast to again.

Resetting without using the physical button

If you can't find the reset button or it's not working, you can reset some Chromecast models through the settings menu instead. On Chromecast with Google TV, go to Settings > System > About > Reset. On older Chromecast models, open the Chromecast app, tap the device, go to Settings, and look for a Reset or Factory Reset option.

This method takes longer than the physical button—sometimes several minutes—but it works when the button is inaccessible or broken. The result is the same: the device returns to factory settings and you must set it up again.

Common mistakes when resetting

The most common error is not holding the button long enough. Many people press it for just a few seconds and assume nothing happened because the light didn't change when ready. Hold it for the full 10 to 15 seconds even if you don't see a change right away.

Another mistake is unplugging the device while it's resetting. Once you've pressed the button and the light changes, let the device sit plugged in and powered on until the restart finishes. Pulling the power cable interrupts the process and can leave the device in an unusable state.

Some people also reset the device when they meant to just restart it. A restart (unplugging for 30 seconds and plugging back in) solves many temporary problems without erasing your settings. Only do a factory reset if a restart didn't work or if you intentionally want to erase everything.

Troubleshooting if the reset doesn't work

If you've held the button for 15 seconds and the light hasn't changed, try a different thin tool. Sometimes the button requires more pressure than expected, and a pushpin or sewing needle works better than a paperclip. Make sure you're pressing straight in, not at an angle.

If the light still doesn't change after several attempts, the button itself may be stuck or broken. In that case, use the software reset method through the app instead. If the device won't turn on at all or the app can't find it, try unplugging it for a full minute, then plugging it back in and waiting for the light to appear before attempting a reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting my Chromecast delete videos or photos from my phone?

No. A factory reset only erases settings stored on the Chromecast device itself. Your phone, tablet, or computer is not affected. Any photos or videos you've cast to the device are not saved on it—they stream from your device to the Chromecast and then disappear.

How long does a factory reset take?

The reset button press itself takes 10 to 15 seconds. The device then restarts, which usually takes one to two minutes. After that, you're ready to set it up again. The entire process from button press to a usable device is typically three to five minutes.

Can I reset my Chromecast if I don't know the Wi-Fi password?

Yes. A factory reset doesn't require Wi-Fi or a password. You can reset it anytime. However, after the reset, you'll need the Wi-Fi password to set it up again and connect it to the internet.

What if I reset the Chromecast by accident?

There's no undo button. Once reset, the device is back to factory settings and all your configuration is gone. You'll need to set it up again using the Google Home app. The good news is that setup takes only a few minutes if you remember your Wi-Fi password and Google account details.

Does resetting fix casting problems?

Often, yes. If your Chromecast won't respond to cast commands or keeps disconnecting, a reset can solve the problem. However, try a straightforward restart first—unplug it for 30 seconds and plug it back in. That fixes most temporary issues without erasing your settings.