This article is specifically for those who want to perform a factory reset Chromecast.
Before we proceed, please let us know if your Chromecast isn’t working properly, keeps freezing, or if you’re considering selling it. So wait, try resetting your Chromecast. Who knows, it might fix your problem, and you’ll want to use it again.
Doing so erases all your personal data and settings from your device and restores it to its original state.
Factory resetting a Chromecast isn’t a difficult task. This guide will walk you through the easiest and simplest steps to factory reset and Google Chromecast (all generations) – whether it’s the second-generation, third-generation, or the latest Chromecast with Google TV (4K).
Before we get started, let’s talk a little about Chromecast.
A Little About Chromecast
Chromecast is one of the best and most reliable streaming media players that streams all your favorite content directly to your television via the internet.
It is a small device created by Google. It turns your ordinary TV into a Smart TV. In simple words, it allows you to play videos, music, and other online content from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer directly on your TV.
Here are some key points about Chromecast
What is Chromecast, and how does it work?
- Device: This is a small dongle that resembles a pen drive and plugs directly into your TV’s HDMI port, and connects to a USB for power.
- Function: It lets you stream or cast videos, movies, music, and photos directly from your mobile phone, tablet, or computer to your big TV screen.
- Operation: It operates over wi-fi. Your phone and Chromecast must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network to cast content from your favorite apps (like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Twitch TV, NBA, YouTube TV) to your TV.
Key Models and Features:
- Older Models (2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, Ultra): Older models don’t have a remote. Your smartphone acts as a remote.
- Chromecast with Google TV (HD/4K): This is the newest and most popular model. It comes with a remote and runs on a full operating system (Google TV). This means you can run apps directly from the Chromecast menu, without needing your phone every time.
Why Use Chromecast?
- Easy Streaming: It’s a very easy and affordable way to watch online content on your TV.
- Screen Mirroring: You can mirror your phone or laptop’s entire screen to your TV.
- Remote Control: Using your phone, you can control the volume, pause the video, and skip to the next video.
In short, Chromecast is a great device for bringing your entertainment from the small screen of your phone to the big screen in your living room.
Why do we need to reset Chromecast?
If, for some reason, your Google Chromecast device is experiencing an error, and you are considering resetting it, read this entire article carefully.
We need to reset Chromecast for the following main reasons:
Why is a Chromecast reset necessary?
- Troubleshooting:
- When Chromecast is slow, freezes, or apps are crashing frequently.
- It helps the device run smoothly by eliminating minor software bugs and internal issues.
- Connection Issues:
- If your Chromecast can’t consistently connect to Wi-Fi, or the remote isn’t working properly.
- Resetting clears all network settings, making it easier to establish a new and stable connection.
- Privacy and data security:
- Resetting is essential before selling or giving away the device.
- This permanently erases your Google Account information, saved passwords, streaming history, and other personal data.
- Completely New Setup:
- When you move house or set up a new, complex wi-fi network, resetting is the best way to clear old connection data.
- This returns the device to its original factory settings.
Note: With this action, your data will be deleted and can’t be undone again.
How to Factory Reset Google Chromecast: The Easy Way
If your Chromecast device is experiencing a problem that you don’t understand or that won’t fix without a reset, factory reset your Chromecast device to its default factory settings.
There are two main ways to reset your Chromecast, depending on the model you have.
Method 1: For Chromecast with Google TV and newer models (using the remote)
For those with a Chromecast with Google TV (4K or HD) that comes with a remote, this is the easiest way to reset:
- Go to Settings: First, go to the Google TV home screen on your TV.
- Profile Icon: Go to your profile picture in the upper right corner of the screen and select the Settings option.
- System: Scroll down in the Settings menu, and select System.
- Reset Options: Go to About, then scroll down and select the Factory data reset or Restart & Reset option.
- Confirm: Confirm to begin the reset process. Your Chromecast will reboot and complete the reset process. This may take a few minutes.
Method 2: For Older Chromecast models (using device buttons)
For those with older models without a remote, such as the Chromecast (2nd/3rd Gen) or Chromecast Ultra, you’ll need to use the physical buttons on the device:
- Connect power: Make sure your Chromecast is still connected to the TV and connected to power.
- Find the button: Find the small physical button on the side or back of the device.
- Hold down the button: Hold down this small button for at least 25 seconds, or until the TV screen goes blank and boots back up.
- Reset: When you press the button, the LED light on the Chromecast will blink slowly, and then start blinking rapidly. When the light starts blinking rapidly, release the button.
- Confirmation: After releasing the button, the Chromecast will automatically reset and reboot, returning to factory settings.
You can factory reset Chromecat by carefully following the steps one by one, depending on your device’s model availability.
How to Factory Reset Google Chromecast from Android?
You should follow all the steps one by one, very carefully. There are two ways to reset your Chromecast device from Android. One is from the Google Home App, and the Second is from the Chromecast Device.
Factory Reset Chromecast [generation 1] from the Google Home App:
- First, open the Google Home App on your Smartphone or Tablet
- Select your Chromecast Device
- Click the Settings option
- At the top right side, click more
- Then click Factory Reset and again Factory Reset
Factory Reset from Chromecast Device:
- Chromecast Plug into the TV, Press and hold the button for at least 25 seconds, or until the Solid LED turns red.
- LED lights flashed white, a blank screen appears on your TV, and release the button. The device will initiate a reboot.
Factory Reset Chromecast, 2nd generation, and Ultra
- Open the Google Home App
- Select your Chromecast device and click Settings
- At the top right side, click More then Factory Reset
- Again, select Factory Reset
Factory Reset from Chromecast Device:
Chromecast Plug into the TV,
- Press and hold the button for a few seconds, and the LED will start flashing orange
- Once the LED turns white, release the button, and the device will start the reboot
How to reset Google Chromecast from iPhone & iPad?
Here are also two ways to factory reset your Google Chromecast from an iPhone & iPad. One is from the Google Home App, and the Second is from the Chromecast device.
Factory Reset Chromecast [generation 1] From the Google Home App:
- First, open the Google Home App on your iPhone or iPad
- Select your Google Chromecast device
- At the top right side, click the Settings option
- Then click Remove device
- After that, you need to click Factory Reset
- Select Confirm to reset your device
Factory Reset from the Chromecast Device:
- While Chromecast is connected to the TV, Press and hold the device button for at least 25 seconds, or until the Solid LED turns red.
- After that, your LED flashes white, and a blank screen appears on your TV. Release the button. The device will initiate a reboot.
Factory Reset Chromecast, 2nd generation, and Ultra
From the Google Home App:
- Open your Google Home App on your iPhone or iPad
- Select your Chromecast device option
- Go to the top right corner and click the Settings option
- Then click Remove Device
- After that, you need to select Factory Reset
- Select Confirm to reset your device
Factory Reset from the Chromecast Device
- While the Chromecast is connected to the TV, press and hold the button for a few seconds, and the LED will start flashing orange
- Once the LED turns white, release the button, and the device will start the reboot.
Conclusion:
As you read above, the process of factory resetting Chromecast is extremely simple. It takes just a few minutes to get your device back to normal and without any issues. You can also improve your streaming experience with these simple methods, using the Google TV remote or the buttons on older models, depending on your model.
Now that your Chromecast has been reset, you can set it up again and start enjoying your favorite movies and shows!
