Chromecast Says Could Not Communicate – Proven Solutions

Wondering why Chromecast says could not communicate? Let’s unwrap every detail!

It is very frustrating when you are ready to stream content when suddenly the “Chromecast could not communicate” error appears out of nowhere.

Do not worry, this guide will help you decipher the problem as well as easily and quickly resolve this Chromecast error for good…

The “Could not communicate with your Chromecast” error usually appears when there is a problem connecting your casting device to your Chromecast.

Simply restart all of your devices, including the network router, and then disable and enable WiFi on your device.

In case simple troubleshooting doesn’t help, let’s continue to unwrap!

Why Does It Say Could Not Communicate With Your Chromecast?

When the Chromecast encounters network issues while streaming content, even when properly configured in the app, the Chromecast communication error occurs.

It could happen due to network issues, device compatibility problems, or configuration errors.

Here are the factors that cause the Chromecast communication error:

• Power supply issues such as outages, or loose connections.
• Wi-Fi connection issues between Chromecast and the source.
• The router is set to dual-band or to only 5 GHz WiFi frequency.
• An outdated software version of Chromecast or casting app.
• Network interference from VPNs, proxies, or other WiFi settings.
• The distance between the Chromecast and the source is too great.
• Software faults or issues with the Google Home app on your phone.
• Network congestion or high internet traffic affects your WiFi.

Let’s head over next to start troubleshooting!

How to Fix When Chromecast Says Could Not Communicate?

Important Note: If you are using this Chromecast (1st gen), then the Google support for these devices has ended and these devices are no longer receiving updates. 

Furthermore, you may notice many degradations in Chromecast’s performance and functionality over time.

1. Check Your Mobile WiFi Network

The first thing you should do is check your mobile casting device’s WiFi connection to ensure that it is connected to the same network as Chromecast.

In case your device disconnected from the WiFi during the casting session, you’ll definitely see the “Could Not Communicate” error!

How to Check Your Casting Mobile Network?

1. Go to the Settings app on your mobile device.
2. Locate and tap on the “Wi-Fi” option.
3. Check the WiFi name(SSID) of your device.
4. Tap on the name of your mobile WiFi.
5. Locate and click on the “Forget” button.
6. Then click on the WiFi toggle to turn it off.
7. Restart your mobile device to clear glitches.
8. Go back to your device’s WiFi menu settings.
9. Click on the Chromecast’s WiFi SSID to join.
10. Enter the correct password for the WiFi.

When you’re ready, return to Google Home and try casting your content by clicking the Cast button in the app.

Also, make sure your home WiFi is turned on and functions on all devices!

2. Check the Chromecast Power Supply

If you plug your Chromecast into your TV’s USB port, it may have difficulty establishing a network connection due to signal or electrical interference between devices.

The simplest solution is to plug your Chromecast toggle directly into the provided power adapter.

Simply unplug the Chromecast from the TV’s USB and connect one end of the power cable to the Chromecast, and the other to the power adapter.

Then the power adapter should go into a direct connection with the wall outlet (no power extenders, smart plugs, or other extenders).

When Chromecast is Receiver Power?

The primary indication of a working Chromecast dongle is the white LED on the side of your that should be blinking.

When everything is sorted, then try to stream cast on your TV and check whether you still encounter the “could not communicate” error.

3. Power Cycle the Entire Setup!

Restarting all devices, including your Chromecast, casting device, and WiFi router, is one of the most helpful solutions to resolve communication errors.

This method will not erase any of the content on your devices or reset any settings, the power cycle only refreshes all services!

Follow the following steps to restart your devices!

How to Power Cycle the WiFi Router?

First, turn off your network router with the Power button, typically located on the back.

Then, simply, plug the router from the socket, then wait for 5 minutes and plug the router back in.

How to Power Cycle the Chromecast?

Hold Chromecast Voice Remote, go to your profile on TV > Settings > System > Restart, and then Restart. 

In addition, unplug the Chromecast from the power outlet as well to discharge.

How to Power Cycle Source Device?

Assuming that you’re using a smartphone or a tablet, press and hold the Power Button then select the “Power OFF’ or “Shutdown” option.

This will restart the source device as well as the installed Google Home app.

4. Enable Both Bluetooth and WiFi

In order to connect your Chromecast to the WiFi, the first time, the device creates and hosts a one-time WiFi connection for you to pair.

However, as weird as it may sound, on Chromecast models with Bluetooth, not enabling Bluetooth sometimes leads to communication errors.

Note: This is why it’s strongly recommended to enable both - WiFi and Bluetooth!

• To enable Bluetooth: Go to Settings > “Bluetooth” > tap on Toggle to switch it on!
• To enable the Wi-Fi: Go to Settings > “Wi-Fi“ > tap on the WiFi Toggle to switch it on!
• To stop the mobile data: – Open Settings > Cellular > tap on the toggle to turn off!

Info: Not disabling the mobile data, might make your source device “bounce” from WiFi to 4G, which ultimately prevents the casting session.

Using Proxy or VPN Connection?

In case you’ve installed a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a proxy connection on your casting device (mobile, laptop, or tablet), try temporarily disabling it.

VPNs and proxies can frequently disrupt communication between your casting device and Chromecast.

5. Move Chromecast Closer to the Router

If your Chromecast is receiving a weak Wi-Fi signal, one of the best approaches to undertake is moving your Chromecast and casting the device closer to your Wi-Fi router.

This will not only verify the reliability of your WiFi but also optimize the signal strength.

• Set up the Chromecast, casting device, and WiFi router within 15 to 20 feet! 

Info: Reducing the distance between devices can help to improve communication and minimize potential interference.  

6. Check the WiFi Router Bandwidth

The Chromecast (1st generation) is not compatible with 5 GHz frequency WiFi. In contrast, the 2nd generation can discover and connect to both router threads, but there is a difference.

The 2.4 GHz frequency travels further, it’s not easily interfered with, and it’s the better option for casting.

• Dual-band routers can share both WiFi frequencies simultaneously!

This is why we recommend switching from the 5 GHz WiFi to the 2.4 GHz thread of your router by switching the connection on both the Chromecast and your source device.

In case the error continues to appear, share a hotspot from your mobile and use the cellular network to cast.

Note: If your Chromecast shows the “communication” error even on a different network, then continue with the next step!

7. Update or Reinstall Google Home!

If you are using an outdated version of the Google Home app, you will encounter many errors including the communication fault due to incompatibility.

The solution would be to either update the Google Home app or even better – perform a clean reinstallation.

Here is how to install the recent version of Google Home:

1. Open the Google Play Store or App Store.
2. Search for “Google Home” from the search bar.
3. Press the “Update” button to install the latest firmware.
4. If there is no update available, uninstall the app.
5. Next, simply re-download the app cleanly.
6. Sign into your account and cast to check for errors.

If you continue to receive the “Chromecast could not communicate” error, try using a different source device to perform the casting.

This technique will help you to identify whether the problem is with your devices or with the network.

8. Factory Reset the Chromecast

As a last resort, you should perform a factory reset on your Chromecast.

The reset on your device will permanently delete all configured settings but will allow you to start over without any bugs or issues so it’s worth the attempt.

Follow the following way to factory reset your Chromecast:

Reset Chromecast with Google TV:

• Go to your TV screen > go to profile > Settings > System > About > Factory Reset.

Reset 2nd, 3rd gen, and Ultra Chromecast

• Open the Google Home app > click on Chromecast device’s tile > Settings > More > Factory reset.

Then, configure your Chromecast on both the TV and the casting app, but make sure to connect Chromecast, TV, and mobile to the same WiFi network.

If you continue to experience the same error on your Chromecast, you may want to reach out to Google Support for more assistance.

Quick Recap:

Whenever your Chromecast says could not communicate, disable and enable the WiFi and Bluetooth on your mobile and use the same WiFi for all devices involved.

Also, test by using the 2.4 GHz thread of the network or ultimately, factory reset the Chromecast. Visit our blog for more such easy and quick fix guides!

Read Next: Chromecast Black Screen When Casting? – Here’s How to Fix