Can't establish a Wi-Fi connection to Chromecast or Google TV Streamer

Your streaming device best works within 20 feet or as close as possible to the mobile device used for setup, and equally close to the Wi-Fi router. If the devices aren't in close proximity, move them closer together.

For Chromecast (1st gen): Use the included HDMI extender with the streaming device to get it closer to the Wi-Fi router and improve Wi-Fi performance. To use the HDMI extender, do the following:

1. Unplug the streaming device from the HDMI port and the power outlet.
2. Plug the HDMI extender into the streaming device or into an available HDMI port on the TV.
3. Reconnect the streaming device to the outlet.

Note: Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer don't have an HDMI extender.

If other devices are also unable to connect to the Wi-Fi network, the issue likely lies with the router, not the streaming device. Check if the signal strength is strong or if the router needs a pending firmware update. If the issue persists, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or router manufacturer.

If your router has a hidden Wi-Fi network name (SSID), the name of the network won’t show during setup. If the network name is hidden, you can try entering it manually.

For Chromecast (1st Gen, 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, Audio, and Ultra):

During the ‘Choose Wi-Fi network’ step in setup, select Other.

For Chromecast with Google TV and Google TV Streamer:

Navigate to the Google TV settings and do the following:

1. In All Settings , select Network and Internet.
2. Scroll down and select Add a new network.
3. Using the D-pad on the remote, enter other available Wi-Fi networks to Chromecast. Alternatively, you can press and hold the Google Assistant button (for Chromecast with Google TV remote) or the Microphone button (for Google TV Streamer remote) to input information.

If you’re unsure of your SSID and password, contact your ISP.

Check if your router supports dual-band frequencies since it might broadcast two networks with similar names but have 2, 2.4 G, or 2.4 GHz as part of the 2.4 GHz band name, and 5, 5 G, or 5 GHz as part of the 5 GHz band name. For example, if your Wi-Fi network name is 'Home', you might find 'Home2' and 'Home5' in the list of available networks.

Note: Chromecast (1st gen) is only compatible with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks, so it won't list 5 GHz networks during setup.

Your Wi-Fi network configuration may prevent devices from communicating with Google streaming devices. In order to resolve this issue, you'll need to disable Access Point (AP) isolation, also known as "Client Isolation" or "Guest Mode," on your router. Refer to your router documentation to learn how to disable AP isolation.

If you don't have access to your router settings, or if you're attempting to connect through a guest, hotel or public network with AP or client isolation, you'll be unable to set up your streaming device.

If you're attempting to connect through a Wi-Fi extender, check your extender settings. You'll need to disable AP isolation on your Wi-Fi extender before setting up the streaming device to work with your Wi-Fi network.

Google streaming devices don’t support networks requiring connection through a captive portal, which is typical of hotels, schools, dormitories, or business. You won't be able to connect to these types of networks.

1. Go to your iOS device's Settings app.
2. Select Bluetooth and make sure it’s enabled.
3. Go back to Settings.
4. Tap Privacy and security Local network.
5. Turn on Local network for Google Home .

Important: You will lose your Wi-Fi connection while the reboot process is ongoing.

1. Disconnect your Wi-Fi router from the outlet and leave it unplugged for 2 minutes.
2. Make sure that the router's LED lights are off when the router is unplugged as some routers have backup battery packs. You also need to disconnect the battery packs to ensure the router completely turns off.
3. After 2 minutes, plug the Wi-Fi router to an outlet. Once all router LED lights are back on and the network name shows on the list of available Wi-Fi networks on your mobile device, try to connect again.

iOS

1. Open Recent apps:
   • On an iOS device without a Home button: Swipe up from the bottom of the home screen and pause slightly in the middle of the screen.
   • On an iOS device with a Home button: Double-click the Home button to show the most recently used apps.
2. Swipe left or right to find the Google Home app and on the app's preview, swipe up to close it.

Android

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen, hold, then let go. If you’re on Android Go with 3-button navigation, tap Recent apps.
2. Swipe left or right to find the Google Home app and swipe up to close the app.

Turn off your mobile device, then wait for about a minute before you turn it back on.

From the power source

1. Unplug the power cable from your streaming device.
2. Leave it unplugged for one minute.
3. Insert the cable back into your streaming device.

Note: When you unplug your streaming device from the TV’s HDMI port, it doesn’t reboot the device. It must be disconnected from the power source in order to reboot.

A different device might have fewer issues connecting to the Wi-Fi network.

Refer to these articles to set up streaming device:

• Set up Google TV Streamer (4K) and Voice Remote
• Set up Chromecast with Google TV and Voice Remote
• Set up your Chromecast device (3rd gen or older)
• Set up your Chromecast Audio