Jellyfin Chromecast Not Working? – Complete Fix Guide

Wondering why your Jellyfin Chromecast not working? Well, in this guide we will explore all about setting up Jellyfin with your Chromecast and streaming content locally, from the Jellyfin media server.

In case something won’t work out, we’ve got the best-working solutions as well!

When Jellyfin is not pairing up with Chromecast, verify that your mobile device and the streaming device are on the same network and WiFi thread.

Check if the Jellyfin app or your Chrome browser is updated to the latest version and factory reset Chromecast!

Why Is Chromecast Not Working On Jellyfin?

Jellyfin can both be cast from the mobile app, available for iOS/Android, or the web client, by launching the service on your browser.

When Jellyfin cannot detect Chromecast in your local network, the issue is likely to be a temporal bug or misconfiguration in the network settings.

Here are the probable causes when Jellyfin can’t find Chromecast:

1. There’s an active issue with the Jellyfin media server
2. The Chromecast has encountered a temporal issue
3. The Chromecast/phone is not on the same WiFi 
4. There’s an issue with your network router/modem
5. The browser/Jellyfin are with an outdated firmware

Setting Up the Jellyfin Media Server:

Without a Jellyfin media server already set up on your PC or laptop, you will be unable to cast neither from your mobile device, nor the desktop device.

Simply download the media server from Jellyfin’s Free Media System and follow the instructions to set up your local server!

Note: Once the server is set up, add media to cast from your mobile device to Chromecast!

8 Solutions When Chromecast Not Working On Jellyfin!

Tip: To resolve your issue faster, follow our solutions in chronological order!

1. Use an Identical WiFi Network!

In order to cast Jellyfin from your mobile device to Chromecast, both your smartphone and the Chrome device must be on the same WiFi network.

The whole idea of Jellyfin’s media server is to allow local media to be viewed on all devices, connected to the same WiFi network!

How to Switch WiFi Networks on Chromecast?

1. Launch the Google Home application on your iOS/Android device.
2. Touch and hold the Chromecast device’s tile on the device page.
3. Go to “Device Information” and press the “Wi-Fi” icon next.
4. Press on “Forget this Network” and wait for Chromecast to unpair.
5. Connect your Chromecast to a new WiFi network from the home page.

How to Switch WiFi Network On Mobile Device?

1. Get into the Settings of your mobile device.
2. Go to the “Wireless Connection” or “WiFi” tab.
3. Select the same WiFi as the Chromecast.
4. Insert the WiFi credentials and press “Connect”.
5. Launch the Jellyfin app and attempt to cast.

Alert: If you’re using a dual-band router, make sure both your Chromecast and mobile device are connected to the 5GHz WiFi for better performance in casting!

2. Reboot your Chromecast

If your Chromecast has encountered a temporal functionality flaw, the best solution to the problem is to reboot the streaming device.

A simple reconnect of the physical Chromecast device from the back of your TV should help clear out any bugs and other issues with casting!

Here’s how to reboot and discharge your Chromecast device:

1. Unplug the Chromecast device from the back of your TV.
2. Wait for at least 60 seconds to pass by while the Chromecast is out.
3. Connect the Chromecast to the same or different HDMI input.
4. Optional: correct the selected input source on your TV to Chromecast.

Note: The only way to properly reboot and discharge your Chromecast is to keep the device unplugged for at least 60 seconds.

3. Update the Jellyfin Application

If the Jellyfin application is running on an outdated software version, this could cause a connectivity problem with Chromecast.

The latest firmware version of Jellyfin is required to detect and cast to a Chromecast device, connected to your local WiFi network.

How to Update Jellyfin on iOS?

1. Launch the App Store on your iPhone/iPad.
2. Press your profile icon, situated at the top of the page.
3. Scroll to see pending Jellyfin app updates.
4. Press “Update” next to the Jellyfin app and wait.

How to Update Jellyfin on Android?

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Select the profile icon of your Google account at the top right.
3. Go to “Manage Installed Applications” and locate Jellyfin.
4. Hit the “Update” button next to the app to start the process.

Alert: Your mobile device must be connected to the internet (WiFi or cellular) in order to perform application updates through the App Store or Google Play!

4. Clear the Cache of your Browser (Chrome)

When Jellyfin Chromecast not working when trying to cast content from a browser on the device where the media server is installed, clearing the cache data!

As the browser is used continuously, excess data files (cache) pile up, which causes the onset of performance issues.

Here’s how to clear the cache of your Chrome browser easily:

1. Open the Chrome browser on your PC or laptop.
2. At the top-right of the browser, click “More”.
3. Press “More Tools” > “Clear Browsing Data”.
4. Choose the time range at the top > “All Time”.
5. Go to “Cookies and other site data” next.
6. Check all of the boxes and press “Clear Data”.

Tip: Clear the cache of Chrome at least every two weeks to maintain the fast performance of the browser long-term!

5. Check if your Server Info is Correct

Inputting incorrect server info on the mobile version of Jellyfin may prevent your mobile device from connecting with your Chromecast.

Once the Jellyfin media server has been set up on your PC/laptop, it’s necessary to input the correct Host and Port settings to connect.

• Launch the Jellyfin app on your mobile device and compare the “Host” and “Port” fields in the “Settings” field with the ones in your media server!

Note: If the info does not match, correct the displayed host and port settings in the Jellyfin app with the ones in the Jellyfin media server, installed on your PC or laptop!

6. Reinstall the Jellyfin Application

Reinstalling the Jellyfin application may help with functionality issues with the platform and connectivity throttles when attempting to connect with your Chromecast.

If the application has piled up too much app cache or the software files are corrupted, it’s best to reinstall it!

• This solution will only work for Jellyfin on iOS and Android!

Here’s how to remove and re-add the Jellyfin app on your device:

1. Head into the Settings of your mobile device.
2. Go to the “Applications” pane and find Jellyfin.
3. Highlight the app and choose “Uninstall”.
4. Go to the App Store/Google Play on your device.
5. Use the search field to locate the Jellyfin app.
6. Download the platform and wait for it to install.

Note: Launch Jellyfin on your mobile device once it has been reinstalled and re-enter the media server’s host and port data required.

7. Troubleshoot your Network Equipment

If the WiFi goes out, the Chromecast will not be visible through Jellyfin on your browser or phone.

There are a couple of simple steps to troubleshoot your network equipment (router/modem) to solve temporal connectivity issues, causing a conflict with Jellyfin casting.

How to Troubleshoot Network Equipment (3 Working Methods)

✅ Hard reset the router/modem, by unplugging the device’s power cord from the electrical outlet and waiting for at least 60 seconds to pass.

✅ Lower the WiFi security, by accessing the web GUI of your router and going to Network > Security > Adjust > Medium.

✅ Disconnect the service cable (coaxial cable) from the back of your router/modem and plug it back in after waiting for about 30 seconds.

Note: If you’re experiencing WiFi issues on other devices connected to your network, contact your ISP for further assistance!

8. Factory Reset your Chromecast

If the issue is with your Chromecast, the best way to approach the problem is factory reset the streaming device.

It is possible that a misconfigured setting of the Chromecast prevents the device from showing up in the connection list of Jellyfin and establishing the casting.

Here’s how to factory reset your Chromecast in easy steps:

1. Locate the button on the top panel of your Chromecast.
2. Press and hold that button for 10 seconds and wait.
3. Release when the Chromecast blinks in yellow color.
4. Wait until the Chromecast resets and test your setup.

Note: In case nothing helps, seek professional assistance!

Quick Recap:

Hence, the best solution when Jellyfin Chromecast not working, is to reconnect the Chromecast from the back of your TV and update the Jellyfin app’s version. If the problem persists, check if the Jellyfin server info is correct and reset Chromecast!

For more helpful Jellyfin content, follow our tech blog!

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