9 Ways To Fix The Chromecast Stuck On Connecting Issue

I invited my friends over for a watch party.

However, instead of watching our chosen horror movie…

We’re looking at something far scarier:

The word “Connecting…” for the nth time.

So I set out to fix my Chromecast’s connection issue.

Want to know what I found?

Keep reading to discover:

• 9 uncomplicated ways to fix your Chromecast’s connection issue.
• How to fix your Chromecast’s connection issue by resetting your device.
• Which router settings affect the network connection of your Chromecast.
• The reason why VPNs can stop your Chromecast from connecting to a network.
• And so much more…

Why is Chromecast stuck on connecting?

Chromecast is stuck on connecting because of issues with your router. These are usually the frequency band or the connection limit. An outdated Chromecast or Google Home app can also cause this issue. VPNs are also known to stop your Chromecast from connecting to the Wi-Fi.

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How to fix the Chromecast stuck on connecting issue? 9 ways

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#1: Power cycle the Chromecast and your router

Ever had a malfunctioning device?

I have. And my first course of action is always to restart it.

At first, I thought restarting your device to fix it was an old wives’ tale.

But, you know what? Restarting actually works. You just have to do it right. This is how:

1. Turn off your device.
2. Remove it from the power source.
3. Wait for at least 30 seconds.
4. Plug it back in and power it on.

This restart method is called a power cycle.

What separates this from a normal restart is the 30 seconds of waiting…

Those seconds allow your device to remove all charges on it fully.

Which can then allow the stuck processes, glitches, or errors on it to restart as well.

#2: Disable your VPN

Are you setting up your Chromecast using the Google Home app on your smartphone?

If so, here’s one more question:

Do you use a VPN?

I only ask because that could contribute to your connecting problem.

Since setting up your Chromecast involves connecting to the internet…

Your Chromecast device will actively check your location for network verification.

The problem is a VPN will try to mask your current location.

VPN apps do this by re-routing your ping to a different country altogether.

So, for you to solve your connecting issue…

Disable your VPN.

#3: Update your Google Home app

Still can’t set up your Chromecast?

Maybe the problem isn’t your Chromecast device…

But the Google Home app on your phone.

To be exact, you may have an outdated Google Home app.

You’ll have to update the app to fix this. And this is how you can do just that:

For Android:

1. Open your app drawer.
2. Go to the Google Play Store.
3. On the search bar, type and enter “Google Home.”
4. Select the Google Home app.
5. Tap Update.

For iOS:

1. Open the App Store.
2. Press your profile picture at the top of your screen.
3. Scroll down until you see Google Home.
4. Press the Update button next to the app.

You may also be interested in: 3 Steps To Install Chromecast On A Samsung TV

#4: Remove the connection limit on your Wi-Fi

Count how many devices in your home are using Wi-Fi.

Why?

Because it might be one device too many.

You see, most routers have a connection limit.

This is because your ISP doesn’t want you to stretch your bandwidth too thin.

And a stretched bandwidth can result to slow internet and loose network connections.

If this is your issue, one fix for this is to ask someone in your home to disconnect the Wi-Fi…

However, that’s only a temporary solution.

The long-term fix involves changing your router settings.

How? Simply follow these 2 steps:

Step 1: Access your router’s interface

The interface means a website where you can change your router’s settings.

To access this, you’ll need your modem’s IP address. You can find this by grabbing a laptop and then:

1. Open the Command Prompt app.
2. Type and enter “ipconfig/all.”

The number next to the default gateway is your IP address.

3. Copy your IP address to your clipboard.
4. Open any web browser.
5. Paste the IP address to your browser’s address bar.

Step 2: Sign in to your account

You should now be directed to a page asking for your username and password.

By default, this should be:

• Username: “admin.”
• Password: “password.”

If that didn’t work, contact your ISP.

Step 3: Change router settings

Finally, you just need to change your router settings.

You can do that by following these directions:

1. Select the Wi-Fi tab on the left side of the interface.
2. Press Wi-Fi Options.
3. Click Max Wi-Fi.
4. Pick the maximum amount of devices you want to connect to your network.

Now, check if that worked.

If that didn’t, don’t log out of your interface yet.

Instead, try the next solution…

#5: Change your router’s frequency band

Here’s what you need to know about frequency bands…

There are 2 bands used by Wi-Fi signals nowadays:

• 2.4 GHz.
• 5.0 GHz.

5.0 GHz is the faster of the 2…

However, 2.4 GHz is more reliable and can connect easier to devices.

So, if your Chromecast is having trouble connecting to the network…

Try switching to 2.4 GHz for the time being.

How? Well, remember what I said about not logging out of the interface just yet?

You’ll need to access the interface to edit your frequency settings with these 6 easy steps:

1. Head to Advanced Settings.
2. Press Wireless. 
3. Go to Wireless Signal.
4. Disable Channel Optimization.
5. Switch 2.4 GHz to On.
6. Switch 5.0 GHz to Off.

#6: Move your Chromecast closer to the router

Time to get your tape measure out…

Because we’re measuring things today.

Well, just 2 things.

The first is your Chromecast’s distance from the phone you’re using to set it up.

How far should it be, you ask?

According to Google, it should be within 15 to 20 ft.

Next, you must consider your Chromecast’s distance from your router.

Experts say that a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi should reach up to 300 ft (92 m) outdoors and 150 ft (46 m) indoors.

However, that doesn’t consider objects that can block your Wi-Fi signals. Some of these are:

• Walls.
• Water.
• Mirrors.
• Tile floors.
• Radio signals.
• Furniture pieces.
• Other people’s Wi-Fi.

So, just to be extra sure, move your Chromecast as close to the router as possible. 

#7: Use a wired connection

Wi-Fi problems happen more than you think.

But there’s a solution to get rid of all these issues altogether.

And that’s a wired connection.

Ethernet cables will ensure that your network connection is:

• More secure.
• Always connected.
• Better when it comes to latency.
• Less stressful on the bandwidth.

Here’s the catch:

You can’t connect an ethernet cable directly to your Chromecast.

Instead, Google sells a separate ethernet adapter for your device.

Once you have that, the only other thing you need is an ethernet cable.

Now, don’t just use any ethernet cable. Instead, buy one that could maximize the internet you’re paying for.

Use this list to find which ethernet cable is best for you and your needs:

• Cat 3: 10 Mbps.
• Cat 5: 10-100 Mbps.
• Cat 5e: 1000 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
• Cat 6 and 6a: 10 Gbps.
• Cat 7 and 7a: 100 Gbps.
• Cat 8: 40 Gbps.

#8: Update your Chromecast device

Now that we’ve gone through potential problems with your router and smartphone…

Let’s talk about the Chromecast itself.

After all, software issues in the device itself could be causing the connection problem.

One solution you can try is updating the Chromecast device.

But, you might be wondering:

“What does an outdated Chromecast have to do with connection issues?”

You see, manufacturers are aware of a widespread issue with their products.

And they use updates to patch out these issues. To do this fix, simply follow these instructions:

1. Switch to your Chromecast input on the TV.
2. Go to the Settings menu.
3. Head to the System section.
4. Press About.
5. Select System Update.

If you’re a visual learner, don’t worry. I’ve got you.

You can check out this video to see someone update their Chromecast:

#9: Factory reset your Chromecast

Did updating your Chromecast work?

If not, it’s time to press the doomsday button…

And, by that, I mean it’s time to factory reset your Chromecast.

This reset will get rid of all data on your Chromecast.

However, it’ll also remove all malware and glitches lingering on your device.

Want to push through with the factory reset? Then do the following:

Chromecast with Google TV

With the remote

1. Switch to your Chromecast input.
2. Press your profile picture on the upper right side of the screen.
3. Go to the Settings menu.
4. Head to System.
5. Under About, select Factory Reset.

From the device itself

1. Plug your Chromecast into the TV and a power source.
2. Long press the button at the back of your Chromecast.
3. Once the yellow blinking turns solid white, let go of the button.

Chromecast 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, and Ultra

With the remote

1. Power your Chromecast on.
2. Grab your phone and open the Google Home app.
3. Hold the tile corresponding to your TV.
4. Once a dropdown menu appears, press Settings.
5. Go to More.
6. Select Factory Reset.

From the device itself

1. Plug your Chromecast into the TV and a power source.
2. Long press the button at the side of your Chromecast.
3. Once the orange blinking turns solid white, let go of the button.

Chromecast 1st Gen

1. Plug your Chromecast into the TV and a power source.
2. Long press the Power button of your Chromecast.
3. Once the red flashing turns solid white, let go of the button.

BONUS: Get in touch with Google 

Chromecast may be small, but it’s still a complex device.

Sometimes, there could be something wrong with it, and there’s nothing you can do.

Do you know who does?

Google. And this is where you can contact them for all your support needs.

How long does it take Chromecast to connect?

Chromecast should only take a couple of seconds to connect to the Wi-Fi.

However, if you’re still setting up your Chromecast…

The whole process can take up to 10 minutes.