Is the iHeartRadio Chromecast not working? In that case, there can be many different factors blocking the connection.
Sometimes it is only software-related, but you must alter security settings other times.
To fix issues with iHeartRadio and Chromecast, you must first check the connection and see if you have the necessary device/and/or app. Further, it might be necessary to turn off the VPN, check for firewall restrictions, update the devices’ firmware, or reset everything.
In the guide below, we will talk about all of them and help you fix them in a few minutes.
iHeartradio Chromecast Not Working – Reasons
Is your Chromecast iHeartRadio not working? It is common for issues to arise when you try to connect apps to Chromecast but don’t watch for some essential configurations.
Not that it is always your fault, as sometimes things are out of your control.
Before jumping to conclusions, let’s check the most probable causes:
✅ Bad or Wrong Network
If your connection is not stable or the phone is not connected to the same network as the TV, you will certainly face trouble.
✅ Firmware/Software
It is highly likely that one of the firmware or software involved is outdated or needs reinstallation.
✅ VPN
Chromecast requires that all VPNs are off for it to work.
✅ Firewall
Depending if your router has firewall settings, it can block Chromecast requests.
Fix The iHeartradio Chromecast Troubles
Chromecast is usually simple. Thus, you probably didn’t think you would have trouble setting it up or firing a Chromecast-compatible app.
However, there is no need to worry, as the solutions are mostly simple, and we will help you diagnose and fix the issue.
1. Check The Network
The first thing you must always do when setting up Chromecast ensures that your phone and the device it is casting to are on the same network.
That might seem obvious, but it is not! That’s because routers, nowadays, generally use two networks:
- 5GHz – Short range but faster delivery of data;
- 2.4GHz – Wider range but slower delivery of data.
So if your phone can only connect to 2.4GHz, you must connect the other device to that network.
It is easy to see two networks on a computer, for example, because all of them can pick up 5GHz frequency.
Reset If Necessary
Perhaps the connection is trying to establish but never finishes, or you get an error message. Then reset the router:
- Turn it off;
- Wait a minute (this is important!);
- Turn it on again.
2. Ensure You Have The Google Home App
Depending on your current Chromecast setup, you will need the Google Home app so the iHeartRadio can cast correctly into the desired device.
Some users forget about that and get frustrated by the app not working.
Here is what you must do:
- Go to the App Store (iOS or Android);
- Download the Google Home app;
- Open the app and tap “Set Up”;
- Connect to the Wi-Fi;
- The app will discover your Chromecast-compatible devices.
Having the Google Home app set up like that will help the iHeartRadio determine which device will receive the Chromecast stream.
3. Have The Latest iHeartRadio Version
Issues when Chromecasting might stem from the fact that your phone is not downloading updates for the apps.
Even when you download an app freshly, it might not download the latest version immediately.
So here is how to update the app:
- Open the App Store;
- Find the iHeartRadio page;
- If an update is available, it will show up;
- Click on “Install update.”
4. Update The TV Firmware
If you are trying to cast into a TV, the TV’s firmware may be outdated, thus facing compatibility issues.
That can happen whether Chromecast is native or on the Chromecast dongle.
So do the following:
- Find the TV’s settings;
- Look for “Software info”;
- Choose “Check for updates”;
- If an update shows up, choose to install it!
5. Ensure No VPN Is On
Even though VPN is very convenient so you can have more privacy online, it messes with services such as Chromecast.
If you have an active VPN on your phone, you will have to:
- Open it;
- Turn it off;
- Restart the iHeartRadio and try to cast again;
- Turn the VPN back on when you stop Chromecasting.
Change Settings On The Router
It is also possible that the VPN is installed directly on the network through the router’s settings.
If that is the case, you must do the following:
- Enter your router’s IP on the browser;
- Enter your credentials;
- Find the VPN options;
- Disable the VPN for now.
Note: If Chromecast becomes a frequent source of entertainment, you might have to stop using VPN altogether. Or you will have to find a VPN service that doesn't block Chromecast.
6. Update The Chromecast Dongle
Whether you have a regular Chromecast or a Chromecast Audio dongle, chances are your device is outdated.
According to Google, Chromecast devices update automatically. However, they might fail to do so.
Here is how you can check:
- Open the Google Home app on your phone;
- Locate your Chromecast device;
- Tap its gear icon;
- Scroll down and check the firmware version;
- Compare it to the latest firmware version on the Google Chromecast site;
Force An Update
If the version displayed on the Google site is newer, it means your Chromecast didn’t auto-update.
Then you must do this:
- Go back to the device settings (where you saw the firmware version);
- Tap the three horizontal dots;
- Choose “Reboot”;
Note: When it reboots, it will restart and try to download the new firmware version.
Later you can check if it was successful on the device settings.
7. Reset The Chromecast Device
Chromecast devices might simply fail to cast correctly because of a hardware malfunction. When that happens, you can simply reset them.
Usually, that will refresh the hardware and software, making it ready to receive your phone’s signal.
- Find the button on your Chromecast;
- Press the button down;
- Let go of the button after 30 seconds;
- Wait for it to reset completely.
Note: It might be necessary to connect the Chromecast device to the phone/app again.
8. Override Firewall Restrictions
As we’ve already said, VPNs can block Chromecast. Similarly, firewalls will do that too.
Perhaps you are using Chromecast via your Windows PC, or your Windows PC is highly responsible for your house’s network security.
Then you will have to find the settings and allow them for Chromecast to be transmitted.
Here is how:
- Search for “Control Panel” on the Windows search bar and enter it;
- Locate “System and Security”>” Windows Firewall”;
- Go to “Advanced settings”;
- Right-click on “Inbound Rules”;
- Click to add a “New Rule”;
- Select the type of port;
- Click “Next”;
Get The Correct Data
The ports used by Chromecast are usually UDP 1900, TCP 8008, and TCP/UDP 5353.
You will need that info for the following steps:
- Decide the type of protocol (TCP or UDP) and the port number;
- Click on “Next” again;
- Confirm “Allow the connection”;
- Click on “Next”;
- Inform the correct network type and “Next”;
- Name the rule in a way you will remember (probably “Chromecast”);
- Choose “Finish” and exit.
Note: Although the port numbers we informed you of are the most common, your device may require you to check its documentation to make sure. If the ones we provided don't work, then do that.
What We Learned
Is the iHeartRadio Chromecast not working? That is probably the result of forgetting some important configuration that does not allow the app to establish the correct connection with the Google servers.
The guide above helps you look at every tiny detail so you can set everything neatly.
Read Next: FuboTV Chromecast Not Working?
- SimpliSafe Doorbell Not Flashing White? (Quick Fix Guide) - April 30, 2024
- SimpliSafe Keypad Out Of Range? (Proven Ways to Fix) - April 30, 2024
- Kasa Plug Change WiFi – (5 Easy-to-Follow Steps!) - April 30, 2024