How to Reset a Chromecast: Restore to Factory Settings (2024)

Co-authored byLuke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: June 28, 2024Fact Checked

Quick Steps

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1. 1

   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] 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.
2. 2

   Hold the reset button for 25 seconds. The light on the Chromecast will begin blinking (a yellow, orange, or red color, depending on your model).^[2] Your TV screen will likely display the Chromecast logo and the message "Resetting to factory defaults."

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3. 3

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

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1. 1

   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.
2. 2

   Tap the Devices button. This is located in the bottom navigation bar.

3. 3

   Tap and hold on your Chromecast’s tile. 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]

4. 4

   Tap

   “Settings.”

5. 5

   Tap “More” ⋮.

6. See Also

   How to Reset Your Chromecast: Factory Restore Google's TV DongleHow To Factory Reset Or Reboot Your Google Chromecast (All Generations) - SlashGearHow to Reset a ChromecastHow to Factory Reset Google Chromecast: A Step-by-Step Guide - Solve Your Tech

   6

   Tap Factory reset twice. Tap the “Factory reset” option, then tap it again on the next screen. After confirming, your Chromecast will reset with the factory settings.^[4] You will need to run the setup process for it again.

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1. 1

   Select your profile icon in the top right of your TV. Turn on your Google TV and use the Voice Remote to select your profile icon.

2. 2

   Select the “Settings” icon with the gear.^[5]

3. 3

   Select System.

4. 4

   Select the “About” option, with the circled “i.”

5. 5

   Select Factory reset.

6. 6

   Select “Erase everything.” This will permanently reset your device.^[6]

7. 7

   Hold

   “Back” and

   “Home” on your remote. 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.

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1. 1

   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.
2. 2

   Getting rid of a device and protecting your information. 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.

3. 3

   Resolving internet connection issues. 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.

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1. 1

   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.
2. 2

   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.

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See Also
Common Google Chromecast issues and how to fix them | Digital Trends

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