Wondering why the Chromecast flashing white color? This guide contains all the answers!
The Chromecast dongle communicates with the user via the indicator lights that appear on the LED of the device.
Based on the color and pattern of blinking, you’re able to rule out some of the possible problems with the device and plan your troubleshooting ahead accordingly…
The flashing light on Chromecast can be caused by a power problem with the device or failed network or TV connectivity.
The solution involves conducting a power cycle on the entire streaming setup equipment and verifying the workability of all involved devices.
Let’s unwrap this problem further!
Chromecast Flashing White Light Black Screen – Explained!
It is important to identify the causes of the flashing white light on your Chromecast device before attempting any of the upcoming solutions.
Understanding the proper meaning of the Chromecast’s light codes and indications will make troubleshooting much more organized.
Flashing White Light Vs. Solid White Light
There’s a big difference in the blinking pattern of the white light observed on the Chromecast device.
To understand whether the Chromecast has encountered a fatal error or the white light is simply indicating that the Chromecast is ready to go, let’s learn more about all patterns!
| Chromecast LED Indicator Lights | |
| Solid White | Your Chromecast is paired with the network and ready to cast content from the source device. |
| Flashing White | The Chromecast is unpaired from the network and needs to be re-configured. |
| Pulsing Red | Your Chromecast is currently receiving an update and cannot be used for casting. |
| Pulsing Red | There’s an HDMI or power problem with the Chromecast dongle and it’s currently unfunctional. |
| Solid Red | There is an error with the Chromecast device preventing the casting process. |
Generally, the flashing white light indicates a network problem on any generation Chromecast.
If the pulsing white indicator is accompanied by a black screen, the problem could be related to either a hardware or a software issue with the streaming device!
Let’s continue with the troubleshooting straight away!
7 Ways to Fix When Chromecast White Light Flashing!
1. Power Cycle the Entire Equipment
If the flashing white light is indeed accompanied by a black screen and you’re unable to interact with the Chromecast, you should power cycle all of the streaming equipment.
This includes the Chromecast itself, any external devices, and the TV you’re viewing the Chromecast through.
How to Power Cycle Chromecast Device?
- Power off your TV and unplug the Chromecast.
- Wait for 1 minute while the Chromecast is unplugged.
- Tip: Connect the Chromecast to another HDMI input.
- Turn on the TV and navigate to the TV Source Menu.
- Choose the new HDMI source of the Chromecast and test.
How to Power Cycle a Streaming TV?
- Press the power button on the TV remote.
- Disconnect the power adapter cable of the TV.
- Hold the remote’s power button for 15 seconds.
- Re-attach the power cable of the TV to power.
- Turn on the TV and test the Chromecast device.
How to Power Cycle External Devices?
- Check if the device has a power button and if it does, press it.
- Wait until the Chromecast source device has powered off entirely.
- Unplug the device from the electrical outlet for 15 seconds.
- Reconnect the power adapter of the device back into the wall.
- Turn on the external device and test your TV and Chromecast.
Tip: Inspect all physical cables installed in the TV/Chromecast setup and identify any issues!
2. Reconnect the Chromecast to WiFi
Luckily, it is possible to connect Chromecast to Wi-Fi without viewing the broadcast of the device at all.
For this purpose, you will only need the Google Home app installed on a phone or tablet and a stable Wi-Fi connection established prior to troubleshooting.
Follow these prompts to connect your Chromecast to any Wi-Fi network:
- Open the Google Home app on your mobile device.
- Navigate to “Devices” and tap on your Chromecast.
- Press on “Wi-Fi Network” and select a WiFi SSID.
- Then, insert the correct password to connect to WiFi.
Note: Ensure that the network router is online before reconnecting the Chromecast!
Tip: Use your Mobile Hotspot!
If the Chromecast keeps failing to connect with the home Wi-Fi network, turn on your phone’s hotspot at Settings > Mobile Data > Hotspot and open the Google Home app.
Now, instead of selecting your home network, tap on the name of your hotspot and enter the password.
Notice: If the Chromecast connects to your phone’s hotspot, there’s an issue with your internet!
3. Install External Chromecast Power!
Upon ordering the Chromecast package, you will only be provided with a USB cable that can either be connected directly to the TV or externally, to a power outlet.
The white flashing light and potentially the black screen may be caused by the power insufficiency of the Chromecast.
Chromecast USB Power vs. Adapter Power!
Yes, it could. However, as the power consumption of the Chromecast rises by any means or if there are other devices connected to the TV, the power might not be enough.
So the only way to exclude this possibility is to connect the Chromecast dongle to a standalone power outlet.
Follow these steps to set up the external power supply of the Chromecast:
- Unplug the USB cable of the Chromecast from the TV.
- Acquire a USB-compatible power adapter connector.
- Plug the USB cable of the Chromecast into the adapter.
- Connect the adapter directly to an electrical outlet.
- Turn on the Chromecast and check if the problem is still there.
Note: Chromecast will show an error message if the power flow is insufficient or inadequate!
4. Check the Chromecasting Source!
It is possible that the problem is on the casting device’s end.
If the white light activates only whenever there’s a connection attempt from another device, there’s likely a problem with the casting platform or the WiFi connection.
Important: The Chromecast must be on the same network as the connecting device!
- Check the Wi-Fi Connection!
On the connecting device, access the Wi-Fi settings and double-check that it is connected to the home network.
If the device failed to connect, select your home Wi-Fi from the “Discoverable Networks” tab and insert the password before hitting “Connect”.
- Reboot the Connecting Device
From the power settings of the connecting device, select the “Reboot” option and wait for the device to shut down, and then start up again. After that, launch the casting platform and attempt to connect with your Chromecast.
- Cast from a Different Platform
Open another casting-compatible streaming platform on the connecting device and press the “Cast” button.
Select Chromecast from the devices list and wait for the connection to be established to verify whether the issue is with the platform or Chromecast.
Note: Test only by using verified casting platforms on your Chromecast source device!
5. Connect to a Different TV/Monitor
One of the reasons for the flashing white light on the Chromecast is a failed connection with the TV/monitor.
To test this out, you must connect the Chromecast to another TV or monitor compatible with HDMI and determine if the Chromecast stream will now be visible.
If possible, test the Chromecast on every possible HDMI input on the current TV, before connecting it to an alternative display.
If Chromecast flashing white after being connected to an alternative TV, then the problem was most likely with the old TV or monitor.
Note: In case the white light appears on any HDMI port or monitor, continue reading!
6. Factory Reset the Chromecast!
The factory reset process will erase all content and settings on the Chromecast and fix any issues with misconfigured options or functionality features.
If you have tried everything so far, this is our ultimate solution to fixing the persistent white light on your Chromecast dongle!
Note: The Chromecast must be connected to power to perform a factory reset!
Follow these instructions to perform a factory reset on the Chromecast:
- Plug the Chromecast dongle into a television.
- Find and press the Reset button on the back.
- Hold for 10 seconds and release the button.
- Wait for the Chromecast to be factory reset.
Info: The factory reset may take up to 3 minutes to complete, so be patient!
Quick Recap:
Hence, the best course of action, when Chromecast flashes white, is to power cycle all of the streaming equipment and switch the Chromecast to another input.
If the issue is still there, install an external power supply to the Chromecast and connect it to a different TV!
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