How to Factory Reset Any Chromecast

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Learn to hard reset any generation of Google Chromecast

Co-authored by Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: June 28, 2024 Fact Checked

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Using the Reset Button

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Using the Mobile App

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Resetting a Chromecast with Google TV

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Why factory reset?

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Rebooting

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Video

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Q&A

The easiest way to fix pretty much any problem with your Chromecast is to simply reset it to factory defaults. You'll need to set it up again afterwards, which only takes a few moments. We’ll show you how to factory reset every Chromecast model, as well as show you reasons why you might need to, plus how to soft reboot it to fix minor issues without losing your data.

Quick Steps

Make sure the Chromecast is plugged into your TV and powered on.
Find the reset button next to the USB port on the Chromecast.
Press and hold the reset button until the light changes color and begins to blink.

Section 1 of 5:

Using the Reset Button (All Chromecasts)

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Press and hold the reset button on your Chromecast. The button is located next to the Micro USB port at the end of the Chromecast dongle.^{[1]
X
Research source} Find the Chromecast itself plugged into an HDMI port, usually on the side or back of your TV.
- Make sure to leave the Chromecast plugged in so it can reset. The Chromecast cannot be reset when it is unplugged.
The light on the Chromecast will begin blinking (a yellow, orange, or red color, depending on your model).^{[2]
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Research source} Your TV screen will likely display the Chromecast logo and the message "Resetting to factory defaults."

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After it has been reset, you will need to run through the setup process again before you can use it.

Section 2 of 5:

Using the Google Home App (1st, 2nd, 3rd Gen & Ultra Models)

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Download and open the Google Home app. Get it from the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play store (for Android devices).
- Note that you may be unable to reset a Chromecast from some iOS devices. In this case, reboot the Chromecast manually, with the reset button.
- Some users report difficulty or instability using the Home app. If you experience trouble, reset the Chromecast with the reset button, instead.
This is located in the bottom navigation bar.
On the Devices screen, you’ll see a list of your available Google Home devices, including your Chromecast. Tap and hold on the tile that displays your Chromecast’s name until it takes you to the next screen.^{[3]
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Tap the “Factory reset” option, then tap it again on the next screen. After confirming, your Chromecast will reset with the factory settings.^{[4]
X
Research source} You will need to run the setup process for it again.

Section 3 of 5:

Resetting a Chromecast with Google TV (Newer Models)

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Turn on your Google TV and use the Voice Remote to select your profile icon.
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This will permanently reset your device.^{[6]
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Your screen will prompt you to hold down these buttons to resync your remote to the TV. Afterward, you’ll need to set up your device again.

Section 4 of 5:

Reasons to Factory Reset a Chromecast

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Fixing slow or glitching software. Chromecasts sometimes encounter errors, glitches, or general sluggishness that may be resolved with a quick factory reset, which clears their internal storage and gives you a clean slate.
- This also helps to rid your device of any malicious software.
Your Chromecast stores your personal data, so if you ever wish to sell it, give it away, or even trash it, it’s highly recommended that you factory reset it to wipe your personal data off the device so that others can’t access it.
Your Chromecast and the device you're casting from must be on the same internet connection. If your internet ever changes providers or passwords, or encounters connectivity issues, sometimes resetting your Chromecast is the easiest solution.

Section 5 of 5:

Ways to Reboot a Chromecast

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Reboot the Chromecast from the Google Home app. Open the Google Home app on your phone, then select “Devices.” Tap and hold on your Chromecast’s tile, then tap “Settings” in the top right corner (the gear icon). Select “More settings,” then “reboot.”
- Rebooting a Chromecast is a sort of soft reset that can remedy smaller problems, like glitches or slow software, without erasing all your data.
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Unplug the Chromecast and plug it back in. Another way to soft reboot a Chromecast is simply to unplug the USB power cable, wait about 10 seconds, then plug it back in.
- Unplugging the HDMI cable will not reboot the Chromecast since this only controls the video output.

Community Q&A

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Question

What do I do if Chromecast isn't showing up on my TV, even though it's been set up?

Travis Bryant

Community Answer

I had the same issue. It was previously working and just stopped showing up on my TV one day. I held the button on the Chromecast device down while the TV was on and device plugged in until the screen said "Be Right Back...Resetting..." Then I just had to set it up again and it worked fine.

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Question

I can't see the chromecast on my android phone, and cannot connect. What can I do?

Community Answer

Try to turn it off and on again to reset it.

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