TCL TV Chromecast Not Working? – (Here’s How to Fix)

Is your TCL TV Chromecast not working? That is weird and needs to be fixed!

Chromecast on the TCL TV is a native function if you have an Android TV. So if it is not working, something is wrong, but it is swift to fix. 

If TCL TV Chromecast is not working power cycling and checking all the network settings. After that, check some software settings and apps on the TV or phone to allow Chromecast to function properly.

Curious how to do all of that? Keep reading!

TCL TV Chromecast Not Working – 8 Working Solutions!

Solution #1: Solve The Network

So you have a TCL TV – but Chromecast is not working. First, you must remember that some network settings must be in place before Chromecast can work.

Since you are trying to make two devices communicate, they must be in the same network.

• Go to the TV and your other device and ensure they use the same Wi-Fi address. Perhaps one uses the 2.4GHz broadband, while the other uses the 5GHz one. Both need to use the same.
• You might want to restart the router and the devices involved if correct. 
• Moreover, check whether your broadband is enough to transmit data via Chromecast.

Ensure The Channel Is Free

One more thing you should pay attention to is the channel your router is using.

Sometimes neighbors will use the same channel on their routers, causing a crowded environment, which leads to interference and the failure of certain features.

Do this:

1. Install NetSpot software into your MacBook or Windows PC.
2. Open the software.
3. Scan the area to learn about the channels being used.
4. Take note of which channels are most used nearby.

Switch To Another Channel

You will be able to see if your router is using the same channel as any neighboring routers.

If so, you will want to switch to a less used or unused channel:

1. Open your web browser.
2. Type your router’s IP.
3. Find the “Wireless settings.”
4. Click on “Channels” for the frequency (5GHz or 2.4GHz) that is getting interference.
5. Select a channel that is less used by your neighbors or not used at all.

Solution #2: Power Cycle The TV

A few times, we can assume that the issue is caused by a momentous glitch that can be solved by a quick trick: power cycling the device.

A power cycle or restart will refresh and initialize the system without triggering the glitch.

Let’s do it:

1. Press the remote’s “Settings” button.
2. Navigate to “More Settings.”
3. Click on “Device Preferences.”
4. Select “About.”
5. Choose “Restart.”
6. When prompted, confirm it.

The TV should take a few seconds to restart. When it does, try using the Chromecast function again.

Solution #3: Check The VPN

VPNs have become famous because they allow many conveniences. However, their very nature is also responsible for blocking some functions, such as Chromecast.

Because they cover some of the network info of your devices, Chromecast might not detect or not allow your device. 

• If the VPN app is installed only on your PC or phone, you might need to deactivate it while using Chromecast.
• Alternatively, if you have a more advanced VPN client, you could investigate its options and create an exception for Chromecast. That way, Chromecast can access your network info.
• If your VPN app is installed on the router, it shouldn’t block Chromecast. Rather, it protects the entire network instead of a single device. Thus, Chromecast is only a function trying to operate within that protected environment. (This is valid for services such as SurfShark, for example).

Solution #4: Check The Android Webview

Android System Webview is a piece of software on your TCL TV that helps create the Chromecast bridge between the TV and your Android phone.

However, it is possible that there is a glitch with it, or it is simply outdated. In any of those situations, you will need to reinstall it. 

Uninstall The App

First, you need to uninstall the old version of the app:

1. Find the TCL Smart TV settings.
2. Go to “All apps.”
3. Click on “Show system apps.”
4. Find “Android System Webview..”
5. Click on it and select “Uninstall.”

Install The New Version

That way, the old version of the app will be disabled.

Next, do this:

1. Head to the Google Play Store.
2. Look for “Android System Webview.”
3. Click on “Update” or “Install.”

Once the process finishes, your TV can run Chromecast without issues. If issues persist, check the other features tackled in the next solutions!

Solution #5: Fix The Built-in Chromecast

Still, TCL TV built-in Chromecast is not working? The reason that explains it is the same as the previous solution.

That function might be glitched or outdated. You will need to follow the same process:

Uninstall The App

First, you need to uninstall the old version of the app:

1. Find the TCL Smart TV settings.
2. Go to “All apps.”
3. Click on “Show system apps.”
4. Find “Chromecast Built-In.”
5. Click on it and select “Uninstall.”

Install The New Version

That way, the old version of the app will be disabled.

Next, do this:

1. Head to the Google Play Store.
2. Look for “Chromecast Built-In.”
3. Click on “Update” or “Install.”

We hope that Chromecast starts working on your TV after that.

Solution #6: Clear The Data

Okay, suppose that you have already updated the Chromecast Built-In application. However, there may be leftover data that is compromising its functionality.

We need to clear that data to make way for the app to build new, functional info.

Here is how:

1. Find the TCL Smart TV settings.
2. Go to “All apps.”
3. Click on “Show system apps.”
4. Find “Chromecast Built-In.”
5. Navigate its options and choose “Clear Data.”

After its data is cleared, the glitch should be gone.

Solution #7: Enable USB Debugging

Are you still here? If you are trying to cast using a USB cable from your computer to the TV, a very important function may not be enabled.

USB debugging is necessary to share the screen between two devices using USB ports (even if through Chromecast).

So here is what you will do:

1. Grab your phone and open its Settings.
2. Locate “About” at the bottom of the screen.
3. Find the build number and tap it seven times.
4. Ensure that the Developer option is enabled.
5. Go to the developer option when you see it.
6. Find “USB Debugging.”
7. Enable it.
8. Restart the phone.

After that, connect your phone to the TV and try casting again. It should go through right now.

Solution #8: Update The TV’s Firmware

After updating all the necessary settings and apps on your TV, there is only one thing that could get in the way: the TV’s very firmware.

If Chromecast still refuses to work, let’s try to update the TV and make it work:

1. Go to the TCL TV’s Home menu.
2. Navigate to the Settings.
3. Scroll and find “More Settings.”
4. Now go to “Device Preferences.”
5. Locate “About.”
6. Choose “System update.”
7. Select “Network update.”

If an update is available on the servers, it will be downloaded and installed shortly.

After that, you can restart the TV and try Chromecast again. The functionality ought to work now.

Solution #9: Reset The TV

If Chromecast still isn’t working and you don’t mind trying a more radical approach, you can factory reset the TV.

However, remember that it entails erasing all of the apps, content, and account details you have stored on the TV over the use time.

1. Go to the TCL TV’s Home menu.
2. Navigate to the Settings.
3. Scroll and find “More Settings.”
4. Now go to “Device Preferences.”
5. Select “Reset.”
6. Choose “Factory data reset.”
7. Confirm on “Erase everything.”
8. It might be necessary to enter the TV’s security PIN code.

The PIN code is probably specified in the user guide. However, it could be different if you have changed it recently.

Quick Recap

TCL TV Chromecast not working is simply a result of bad settings. Those could be on the network or TV.

So the guide above has plenty of instructions to help you figure out and fix whatever is defective.

Do you need more help with Chromecast? Don’t forget to check our in-depth articles!