How to Factory Reset Your Chromecast: Complete Guide for All Models (2025)

When your Chromecast won’t connect, won’t cast, or behaves erratically, a factory reset returns it to factory defaults and typically solves the problem. This guide walks you through the process for every Chromecast generation and shows what to expect at each stage.

What Is a Factory Reset on Your Chromecast?

A factory reset completely erases your Chromecast and returns it to its original manufacturer settings. This process permanently removes WiFi connections, paired devices, Google account associations, and all personal configurations—essentially giving your device a complete fresh start.

Think of a factory reset as the “nuclear option” for troubleshooting. It clears everything that might be causing connection problems, casting failures, or performance issues. After reset, your Chromecast will be in the exact same state as when it came out of the box, requiring you to set it up again from scratch.

Current as of: Google Chromecast all generations through Chromecast with Google TV (2025)

Why Use This Feature?

• Solves most connection problems: Factory reset clears corrupted WiFi settings, forgotten network credentials, and connection conflicts that prevent your Chromecast from joining your network.
• Fixes casting failures: When your phone or computer can’t find or connect to your Chromecast, a reset often resolves the communication breakdown between devices.
• Restores performance: Over time, cached data and conflicting settings can slow down your Chromecast or cause it to behave erratically. A reset eliminates this accumulated baggage.
• Essential before selling or gifting: Factory reset ensures your personal data, account associations, and WiFi credentials are completely removed before handing your device to someone else.

Things to Consider Before You Reset

• You’ll lose all setup: Your Chromecast will no longer be connected to your WiFi, linked to your Google account, or configured with any of your preferences. You’ll need to set it up again using the Google Home app (version 3.40 or later, current as of September 2025).
• WiFi band requirements vary by model: Original Chromecast (1st Gen) only supports 2.4GHz networks. Chromecast 2nd Gen and newer models (including 2nd/3rd Gen, Ultra, and Chromecast with Google TV) support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. If you have a 5GHz-only network, 1st Gen devices won’t reconnect.
• LED indicator colors differ by model: During reset, you’ll see different LED colors depending on your Chromecast generation. 1st Gen flashes red then white; 2nd/3rd Gen and Ultra blink orange then turn solid white; Chromecast with Google TV blinks yellow then turns solid white.

How to Factory Reset Your Chromecast—Step by Step

Before you begin: Plug your Chromecast into power and let it fully boot for 30 seconds. Have your WiFi network name and password ready for reconnection.

Step 1: Locate the reset button

Find the small, recessed circular reset button on your Chromecast device. The location varies by model:

• 1st Gen: Back of the device
• 2nd Gen, 3rd Gen, Ultra: Side of the device near the power cable
• Chromecast with Google TV: Back of the device, beneath the LED light

You’ll need a paperclip or ballpoint pen tip to reach it—the button sits recessed to prevent accidental resets. Keep your Chromecast plugged in and powered on throughout this process.

Step 2: Press and hold the reset button until the LED flashes

Press and hold the reset button with your paperclip or pen tip. Hold times vary by model:

• 1st Gen Chromecast: Hold for 25+ seconds or until you see the LED flash red
• 2nd/3rd Gen, Ultra, Chromecast with Google TV: Hold for 10-12 seconds

While you hold the button, watch the LED light. It will change color (red for 1st Gen, orange for 2nd/3rd Gen and Ultra, yellow for Google TV), then turn solid white as the reset completes. Do not release the button until you see this LED change. The device will restart automatically.

Step 3: Wait for your Chromecast to fully restart

After the LED turns solid white, wait 2-3 minutes without interrupting the power or moving the device. During this time, your Chromecast is erasing all settings and returning to factory defaults. The LED light should stabilize to its normal white/operating color once the restart is complete.

Step 4: Set up your Chromecast again

Once the restart is complete, open the Google Home app (version 3.40 or later) on your phone or tablet. Tap the ’+’ button or ‘Add’ button in the top-left corner to begin adding a new device.

Select ‘Set up device’ and choose ‘Set up new device’. The app will search for your reset Chromecast. When it appears in the list, tap it to begin the setup wizard.

Follow the setup wizard to:

1. Select your WiFi network from the list
2. Enter your WiFi password
3. Sign in with your Google account
4. Give your Chromecast a name (e.g., “Living Room”, “Kitchen”, “Bedroom”)
5. Confirm your location and home settings

The setup wizard typically takes 2-5 minutes. Once complete, your Chromecast will be back online, connected to your WiFi, and linked to your Google account.

Troubleshooting: What If the Reset Doesn’t Solve Your Problem?

If your Chromecast still won’t connect after factory reset, try these steps:

1. Verify your WiFi band compatibility

• If you have an older 1st Gen Chromecast, check that you’re connecting to your 2.4GHz network, not 5GHz only. First-generation Chromecast doesn’t support 5GHz.
• Newer models (2nd Gen and later) support both bands, but during initial setup, try connecting to 2.4GHz first—it often works more reliably.

2. Restart your router

• Unplug your router’s power cable for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait 2-3 minutes for it to fully restart.
• This clears the router’s memory and can resolve connection conflicts that prevent your Chromecast from joining the network.

3. Move your Chromecast closer to your router

• During initial setup, place your Chromecast within 6-10 feet of your WiFi router to ensure a strong signal and successful connection.
• Once setup is complete, you can move it to your preferred location.

4. Update the Google Home app

• Open your device’s app store (Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS) and search for “Google Home.”
• If an update is available, install it. Current version is 3.40 (September 2025) with improved setup reliability.

5. Check your Google account permissions

• If you’re setting up on a shared WiFi network, ensure you’re signed into Google Home with an account that has permission to add devices to your home.

If issues persist after these steps: Your Chromecast may have a hardware defect. Contact Google Support with your device serial number (found on the back of the device or in the original packaging), or consider replacing the device if it’s still within the warranty period. Most Chromecast devices come with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Sources: Google Support LED status indicators, Google Support WiFi troubleshooting, 9to5Google setup guides

A factory reset returns your Chromecast to its original state and solves most connection and casting problems in just a few minutes. After reset, you’ll need to reconnect to WiFi and your Google account using the Google Home app, but your device will be back to working like new. If problems persist after reset and troubleshooting, hardware failure is likely and replacement is the next step.