Chromecast Not Finding Devices? 10 Quick Fixes

Quick Fix

Ensure your phone/computer and Chromecast are on the same WiFi network. Then restart both your Chromecast (unplug for 30 seconds) and the device you’re casting from. Most discovery issues are caused by network separation or temporary glitches.

Understanding Chromecast Discovery Problems

When your Chromecast doesn’t appear as an available device, the casting device (phone, tablet, or computer) can’t communicate with it over your local network. This is almost always a network configuration issue rather than a hardware problem.

Common causes include devices being on different networks (like 2.4GHz vs 5GHz), router settings blocking device discovery, or the Google Home app needing a refresh. Guest networks and some mesh WiFi systems can also prevent Chromecast from being discovered.

The good news is that these issues are straightforward to diagnose and fix once you understand how Chromecast discovery works.

Method 1: Verify Same WiFi Network

1. On your phone, check which WiFi network you’re connected to
2. Open the Google Home app
3. Tap your Chromecast device
4. Tap the gear icon to see its WiFi network
5. Ensure both devices are on the exact same network
6. If different, reconnect one device to match the other
7. Note: 2.4GHz and 5GHz are often different networks

Method 2: Restart Chromecast

1. Unplug your Chromecast from power
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Plug it back in
4. Wait for the home screen to fully load (1-2 minutes)
5. Try casting again from your device
6. Also restart your casting device (phone/computer)

Method 3: Restart Your Router

1. Unplug your WiFi router from power
2. Wait 30 seconds
3. Plug it back in
4. Wait for all lights to stabilize (2-3 minutes)
5. Reconnect your devices to WiFi
6. Open Google Home and check for Chromecast
7. Router restarts often fix discovery issues

Method 4: Update Google Home App

1. Open the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android)
2. Search for Google Home
3. If an update is available, tap Update
4. After updating, force close the app
5. Reopen Google Home
6. Check if your Chromecast now appears
7. Also update any casting apps (YouTube, Netflix, etc.)

Method 5: Enable MDNS on Router

1. Chromecast uses mDNS (multicast DNS) for discovery
2. Log into your router’s admin panel
3. Look for settings like “Multicast,” “IGMP Snooping,” or “mDNS”
4. Enable multicast/mDNS if it’s disabled
5. Some routers have “AP Isolation” – disable this
6. Save settings and restart the router
7. Try discovering Chromecast again

Method 6: Disable Guest Network

1. Guest networks typically isolate devices from each other
2. Ensure your phone is NOT on a guest network
3. Connect to your main WiFi network
4. Chromecast should also be on the main network
5. If you set up Chromecast on guest network, factory reset it
6. Reconnect Chromecast to your main network

Method 7: Check Firewall and Security Software

1. On computers, firewall software can block Chromecast
2. Temporarily disable your firewall
3. Try casting – if it works, add exceptions for Chrome/casting apps
4. On phones, VPN apps can interfere with local network access
5. Disable VPN and try again
6. Some security suites block mDNS – check their settings

Method 8: Factory Reset Chromecast

1. While Chromecast is plugged in, locate the button on the device
2. Press and hold the button for about 25 seconds
3. The LED will blink orange, then turn white
4. Chromecast will restart and show setup screen
5. Open Google Home app on your phone
6. Tap + > Set up device > New device
7. Follow prompts to set up Chromecast again

Preventing Future Discovery Issues

• Keep all devices on the same WiFi band when possible
• Avoid using guest networks for smart home devices
• Keep your Google Home app and Chromecast firmware updated
• Use a reliable router with good multicast support
• Assign a static IP to your Chromecast in router settings for stability

FAQ

Why can’t I see Chromecast but my family member can?

You’re likely on different networks. Check if you’re on 5GHz while they’re on 2.4GHz (or vice versa). Some phones auto-switch bands. Make sure everyone is on the same exact WiFi network name.

Why does Chromecast disappear after a few hours?

This often indicates router issues with maintaining device connections. Try disabling any power-saving features for WiFi in your router settings, or enable “Keep WiFi on during sleep” on mobile devices.

Can I cast without WiFi?

Chromecast requires WiFi for setup and streaming content. However, some phones can establish a direct connection using “Guest Mode” – but this still requires the Chromecast to be set up on a network first.

Why does my computer not find Chromecast but my phone does?

Computer firewalls often block the multicast traffic needed for discovery. Check Windows Firewall settings and ensure Chrome has network access. Also try using Chrome browser instead of other browsers.

Does Chromecast work with mesh WiFi systems?

Yes, but some mesh systems separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz or have client isolation enabled. Check your mesh system’s app for these settings. Chromecast Gen 1 and 2 only support 2.4GHz.

My Chromecast shows in Google Home but not in apps. Why?

The app may need permission to access local network devices. On iOS, check Settings > Privacy > Local Network and enable it for the casting app. Also try force closing and reopening the app.