How to Reset Google Chromecast: Before we dive into the how-tos of resetting Google Chromecast which is a step-by-step complete guide, first we need to know, in fact, what this Google Chromecast is? After covering the fundamentals, it is going to be easier to understand the details.
Google Chromecast is essentially a smart streaming device that wirelessly connects your small-sized smartphones, tablets, computers, or laptops with a Big TV Screen. If your TV screen has an HDMI port which nearly every TV screen nowadays has, you can turn it into a Smart Device that can connect to all kinds of apps you have on your smartphone or computer and conveniently enjoy them in HD (High-Definition) Resolutions.
In fact, Google Chromecast is a small but powerful streaming device that breathes new life into an older TV, and charge no subscription or any other fee to use a Chromecast except the initial purchase price that all you pay. The only other fee you are still going to pay is for streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to access them.
Besides, the Google Chromecast is a nifty invention, but every so often, it needs to be reset. And why is it so?
Because most of the time, the device operates pretty seamlessly, but like all technology, it’s not perfect, and Chromecast can possibly freeze or lag at some point as well. It means, if your Chromecast isn’t working properly and you’re trying to solve tech issues or even if you’re moving to a new home and trying to connect the device to a new wireless router in your home, resetting your Chromecast to its factory default settings might be the way to go.
Now we have covered all the essentials, so it’s perfect time to learn How to Reset Google Chromecast step by step.
How to Reset Google Chromecast – Learn Step by Step
Resetting your Chromecast back to its default factory settings is not only super quick and easy, but it refreshes the device as you are using it again as though it was fresh out of the box. When it comes to Resetting your Chromecast there are primarily two ways to perform this process. And here is how it is done.
1 Firstly, it involves going into the Chromecast app.
2 Secondly, it involves a hard reset of the Chromecast dongle itself.
The process is slightly different from the 1st Generation to the 2nd and 3rd Generation models. Let’s break it down.
Resetting Chromecast (1st Generation)
Resetting the Chromecast (Gen 1) dongle is easy, but it requires a bit of patience unless you decide to reset it using the Android or IOS app.
Option #1: Reset Chromecast Gen. 1 Via The App
1 Open up the Google Home app on your Android or iOS device.
2 Find the specific Chromecast device you want to reset.
3 Go to the Settings gear, located in the top right-hand corner.
4 Go to the More option, which looks like three dots stacked on top of each other.
5 Choose Factory Reset.
6 Confirm that you want to reset your device.
Option #2: Reset Chromecast Gen. 1 Via The Dongle
1 With the Chromecast plugged into the TV, hold down the side button on the dongle for 25 seconds or more, waiting for the white LED to start blinking red.
2 Once the LED steadily turns white, let go, and the Chromecast will reboot to complete the reset process.
Resetting Chromecast (2nd and 3rd Generation)
The factory reset options on Generation 2 and Generation 3 Chromecast dongles are very similar to resetting Generation 1 Chromecast devices. However, you do not need to hold the reset button down for 25 seconds, and the LED colors are different. When using Android or iOS to reset Chromecast, it is almost identical for all versions because it is based on the app, although your OS version may look different.
Option #1: Reset Chromecast Gen. 2, Gen. 3, and Gen. 3 Ultra Via The App
1 Open up the Google Home app on your Android or iOS device.
2 Find the specific Chromecast device you want to reset.
3 Go to the Settings gear, located in the top right-hand corner.
4 Go to the More option, which looks like three dots stacked on top of each other.
5 Choose Factory Reset.
6 Confirm that you want to reset your device.
Option #2: Reset Chromecast Generation 2, 3, and 3 Ultra Via The Dongle
1 With the Chromecast plugged into the TV, hold down the button on the side, waiting for the LED to start blinking orange.
2 Once the LED steadily turns white, release the button, and the Chromecast will reboot to complete the reset process.
Now What To Do if ‘Factory Reset’ Doesn’t Appear
If you’ve followed the steps above, you may have noticed that a few menu options are missing compared to the ones in the screenshots above. Don’t worry though, there’s an easy fix. If ‘Factory Reset’ is missing in the menu it’s because your smartphone isn’t communicating with the streaming device. There are two reasons for this.
1 First, make sure that your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device. If you aren’t on the same Wi-Fi network you’ll be missing the option to reset your device along with other options.
2 Second, make sure that the television that your Chromecast is plugged into is on as well. Turn the TV on and go to the input that activates the Chromecast device. Then, open the Home app and follow the instructions above. The ‘Factory Reset’ option should appear.
