Chromecast not showing up when you try to cast
Your phone and Chromecast are on different WiFi networks or can't see each other. Make sure both are on the same WiFi, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then try again. This fixes it almost every time.
Your phone and Chromecast talk to each other over WiFi. If they're on different networks or the WiFi connection is broken, they can't find each other. The quickest fix is to check they're both on the same WiFi and restart the Chromecast. If that doesn't work, forgetting and re-adding the connection solves it.
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Skip — I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Being on a guest WiFi network or 5GHz band while the Chromecast is on the regular 2.4GHz band. They need to be on the same exact network
- Not restarting the Chromecast fully. Turning it off from the phone app isn't the same as unplugging it
- Trying to cast before the Chromecast has finished restarting. The light needs to be steady white or blue before it's ready
Signs you need professional help
- Your Chromecast appears in the list but casting fails or disconnects immediately during playback You've restarted both devices and checked the WiFi but the Chromecast still doesn't show up The light on your Chromecast stays red or keeps blinking
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