Can't find Chromecast or Google TV Streamer in the Google Home app

If your mobile device canâ€™t find your Chromecast or Google TV Streamer during setup, try the following solutions.

Initial checklist

Your mobile device can connect directly to the same network from your current location.
You're near your Wi-Fi router.
You have a strong Wi-Fi connection where youâ€™re trying to set up your Google streaming device.
If you want to set up your streaming device on a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection, your mobile device must support 5 GHz.
Your Wi-Fi network broadcasts its name (SSID) to be visible by everyone.
1. If it's broadcasting, it will be listed in your available networks on the device being used to complete setup.
2. If it's not listed, move to the troubleshooting section below for hidden networks.

Hidden network troubleshooting

If you've checked off all of the steps above and the Wi-Fi is still not listed, try one of the steps below and then check if it's listed. If you still can't find it, check your internet connection.

Step 1. Confirm if the network name (SSID) is hidden

Check if the network is listed on other devices which arenâ€™t currently connected to the network.

If not, then the SSID is broadcasting but hidden, and you'll need to enter the SSID and password manually in the Google Home app during setup.

From the Wi-Fi setup screen, tap the arrow located to the right of the network name field.
Scroll all the way down and tap Other.
Add the Wi-Fi Information for the wireless network.
1. Enter Wi-Fi network name.
2. Enter security information from one of the following choices. If you don't have this information, you need to log into your router or contact your ISP to find the security settings.
  1. None
  2. WEP
  3. WPA
  4. WPA2
3. Enter password.
4. Tap Set Network.

Step 2. Reboot router

Power the router off and then power it back on.

Note: Most routers just require that you unplug the power source and then plug it back in several seconds later to reboot.

Step 3. Reboot your streaming device

Unplug the power cable from the streaming device.
Leave it unplugged for one minute.
Plug the power cable back in.

Step 4. Force close, then reopen the Google Home app

Completely close the Google Home app and then reopen it.

Step 5. When all devices have completed rebooting and you're able to access the internet, try to set up your Chromecast or your Google TV Streamer

Tap Network Name to expand the drop down list of available network names and select your Wi-Fi name.

Check your internet connection

Make sure that the streaming device is within 15-20 feet (4-6 meters) of the device used for setup.
Verify the color of the LED light. If this didn't resolve the issue, continue to next step.
- The streaming device should be powered on with a white flashing LED light.
- The LED light color should change when power cycled.
- Go to Chromecast and Google TV Streamer LED light for more information about the LED light status.
Check if the TV says "Set me up." If this didn't resolve the issue, continue to next step.
Check if other networks are visible and in range, including your home Wi-Fi. If this didn't resolve the issue, continue to next step.
Check if your device is connected to the Internet. If this didn't resolve the issue, continue to next step.
[Android devices only] If you are using an Android device powered by Android Marshmallow, make sure â€œUse locationâ€ is turned on.â€‹
[iPhone/iPad only] If you are using an iPhone or iPad, make sure Bluetooth is turned ON.

General troubleshooting steps

Turn Wi-Fi off and on from the setup device, then reopen the Google Home app.
Uninstall, then reinstall the Google Home app.
Turn on Local Network Access for iOS devices
1. Go to your iOS device's Settings.
2. Tap Bluetooth turn Bluetooth on.
3. Scroll down, then tap Google Home .
4. Turn Local Network on.
Use a different device (phone or tablet) for setup.
Connect manually to your streaming device's service set identifier (SSID).
1. Open your phoneâ€™s Settings app
2. Tap Wi-Fi connect to the Chromecast SSID.
3. Open Google Home .
4. Set up your device again.
Disable Access Point (AP) isolation.

Perform a factory reset

If you still canâ€™t find your streaming device in the Google Home app, do a factory reset.

Was this helpful?

How can we improve it?