Before we get going: There are many factors that contribute to the quality of the Chromecast experience. The biggest one is going to be the overall speed and quality of the internet connection. However, router configuration, wifi signal strength, and the type of mobile device used as well as its settings.
With so much that plays into it, issues can pop up during casting every now and again. The following guide covers the most common issues and resolutions encountered while Chromecasting.
Let’s start with setting up a Chromecast for the first time:
Click here or below to access the most recent guide for setting up a chromecast directly from Google. There are a few different ways to configure Chromecast devices, and those can change from time to time when Google introduces a new product or update.
If your Chromecast has been set up, but you can’t see the cast icon
Most modern routers can have multiple networks at the same time. Something like ‘Acme-Net 2.4’ and ‘Acme-Net 5.0’. If there are multiple networks active, your mobile device and Chromecast can be connected to the same router but different networks.
- To see which network your mobile device is connected to:
- Select 'Settings' on your Android device, or long press the 'Wi-Fi' icon in the systems tray
- Locate and select 'Wi-Fi', or 'Connections'
- Double check that Wi-Fi is in the ON position, make note of the network you're connected to before proceeding to the next step
- To see which network the Chromecast is connected to:
- Turn on your TV and switch to the input for the Chromecast
- If you do not see the Chromecast home-screen, double check that it is plugged in to the proper HDMI port, and powered properly
- If your Chromecast is successfully connected to a network, you should see the name of the network in the lower-left corner of the home-screen. Ex: 'Acme-Net 2.4'
- If your Chromecast is not connected to a network, or the network listed is different from the one your mobile phone, or tablet is connected to, change/update your Chromecast connection by following the instructions listed here.
- Turn on your TV and switch to the input for the Chromecast
My device and Chromecast are on the same network, but I still can't see the cast icon:
- Turning the Chromecast, mobile device, and router off and on again at the same time can actually resolve many casting related issues. First try turning off your Chromecast by unplugging it, and while it's unplugged power off your mobile device and home router. Keep everything off for about 1 minute.
- Turn your router and/or cable modem back on, and wait for the connection to fully reestablish, about 2 minutes.
- Turn on your Chromecast
- Turn on your mobile device
- Once all devices have fully powered on, check again to see if the casting icon has appeared
If you continue to experience issues displaying the casting icon please see Googles troubleshooting guide here, and if necessary contact their support team for additional troubleshooting steps.
When I cast the video never plays, or the quality is poor:
We recommend checking your in-home wi-fi connections to make sure that your devices have a reliable connection. Video streaming can be taxing to a network, so a weak or unstable connection can cause many different issues. Also, signal strength can vary from room to room. It might be great in the kitchen, but drop sharply in quality within a few feet.
If you’ve set up the Chromecast properly, made sure your device are on the same network, and double checked your wi-fi signal strength there are a few more things to try. Luckily, the last things to check are all on your mobile device.
Close the app, and clear the cache
- Navigate to 'Settings' on your Android device
- Locate and select 'Apps' or 'App Manager'
- You may see 'App Manager' after selecting 'Apps'
- Find 'Boomerang' in the apps list
- Tap 'Force Stop'
- Navigate to 'Storage'
- Tap 'Clear Data', and 'Clear Cache'
- Open the Boomerang App, and log in again
Try power cycling your device after clearing the cache:
- Press the power button on your Android device until you are presented with the options to 'Power off' or 'Restart your device'. This usually takes a few seconds
- Select 'Power off' and wait about 30 seconds after the device has completely shut off
- Press and hold the power button again to turn the device turns on
- Reopen the Boomerang app, and login
Reinstalling the Boomerang App: If you continue to experience issues with the Boomerang app, try uninstalling and reinstalling the application. This typically fixes most issues across any application.
Note: Be sure to delete any downloaded videos before uninstalling the Boomerang App.
- Navigate to 'Settings' on your device
- Locate and select 'Apps' or 'App Manager'
- You may see "App Manager" after selecting 'Apps'
- Find and select 'Boomerang'
- Tap 'Uninstall'
- Access Google Play from your device or desktop computer
- If you're using your desktop computer, make sure you are logged into the same Google account that is tied to your device, this will allow you to install the application to your mobile device from your desktop computer
- Search for Boomerang Cartoons. It's the app with the picture of Bugs and Scooby hanging out
- Tap 'Install'
- Reopen the Boomerang app, and login
Check to see if your device is running the latest version of Android:
- Navigate to "Settings" on your device
- Locate and select "System Updates"
- If you don't see "System Updates" listed, check to see if "Device" or "About" is an option, if so select it to access "System Updates".
- Select "Check for updates"
- If any updates are found, consider installing them
- While rare, older devices may be unable to power new features contained within the update, and you may notice slower overall performance, and/or shorter batter life.
- Reopen the Boomerang app, and login
You made it! That’s all the basic stuff that can impact the Chromecast experience (Like we said, there are many factors). Hopefully one of those fixed the issue for you, however if you’re still not satisfied with Chromecasting the Boomerang App, please let us know here. And answer the questions below in your email.
Answering the questions below will help us resolve your issue as fast as possible:
- Do you receive any errors or alerts while trying to cast? If so, what is the error or alert exactly as it appears on your screen?
- What is the make and model of your mobile phone or tablet?
- Which version of Android are you running?
- Which Chromecast model are you attempting to cast to?
- Are you using a VPN to access the internet?