FIX: Chromecast not connecting to Wi-Fi [Full Guide]

Reading time icon 4 min. read


Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links. Tooltip Icon

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team Read more

Key notes

  • If Chromecast is not connecting to Wi-Fi there are a few easy ways of solving this issue and we will explore the steps in this article.
  • Using an extender cable to ensure connectivity is one quick and feasible way of solving the problem once and for all.
  • Another recommended solution will be to reboot your Wi-Fi and then try reconnecting again.
  • Lastly, performing a factory reset will allow you to once again connect your Chromecast device to Wi-Fi without any problems.

With Chromecast users can watch internet streamed video content a lot easier, all is needed is for the platform app to be supported by Google cast technology.

As many users have reported, it can happen sometimes, for the Chromecast device to not being able to connect to Wi-Fi, and there are a few reasons for this.

Most of the time, it can have something to do with a faulty internet connection, the distance where the Chromecast is located, and even Wi-Fi issues.

We will guide you in this article through the exact steps you need to make in order to ensure that Chromecast will start connecting to Wi-Fi once again.

How can I fix Chromecast not connecting to Wi-Fi?

1. Use the extender cable

In general, Chromecast can work without having to use the extender but since you are having trouble connecting it to the Wi-Fi we would recommend you try this first.

It can happen that the signal is not really good, therefore we would suggest that you connect your digital media player to the back of the TV.

Luckily you do not need to purchase an extender cable considering that Chromecast already comes with one, and you can use it.

2. Change the Dual band frequency

Next, if you have already tried the first recommend step and Chromecast still cannot connect with Wi-Fi, then we would suggest you check the dual-band frequency of your router and make the adjustments needed.

Make sure that you have your digital media player device on 2.5 GHz or 5 GHz and see if anything changes and if you are able to connect now.

If you have a TP-link router, here’s how you do it:

  1. Open your router’s control panel.
  2. Choose Advanced, and then click on Wireless Settings.
  3. Click the 2.4GHz option from the top of the window, and change the values in the Channel and Channel Width drop-downs.
  4. Click Save.
  5. Open the 5GHz option from the top of the window and perform the same steps as before.
  6. Activate the Save button to save your settings.

3. Restart your router

Although it may seem like a simple solution, most often it comes with amazing results, and it’s also an easy step to perform.

In order to reboot your router all you need to do is turn it on and off, but make sure to wait for 10 seconds before putting the router back on.

This should reset any faulty settings and once the router is on again try to connect Chromecast and see if it works this time.

4. Perform a hard reset

Our next recommendation, if none of the above steps worked, will be to perform a hard reset that will format the device, restoring it to the factory settings.

This action will delete all data and will revert the settings along with user preferences, offering a clean start so to speak.

You can format your device in the Google Home app from the Settings menu or through the reset button by pressing it gently for 25 seconds.

After the 25 seconds you should see a sharp LED light turned into a blinking red one. Once you release the button, the Led light will become flash white and the device will start to reboot.

Once the process is finished you can perform once again the same initial settings and try to connect your device to Wi-Fi.

This is about all. As you can see solving the connectivity Chromecast issues with your Wi-Fi router is easy to solve by following the steps indicated in this article.

If you have additional recommendations or suggestions, don’t hesitate to let us know in the dedicated section below.

More about the topics: Chromecast