How to Reset Your Chromecast: Factory Restore Google’s TV Dongle

Using Google Chromecast is great, but every so often, it needs to be reset. If the device is frozen, or if you’re moving to a new home and want to restore it to factory settings, you need to perform a factory data reset (FDR) on the device.

In this article, you’ll see various ways to factory reset your Chromecast device based on the model and what to do if your Chromecast fails to reset. Lets’ get started!

How to Factory Reset Chromecast Gen 1, 2, 3, and 3 Ultra

There are two ways to reset your Google Chromecast. The first involves going into the Chromecast app while the other involves a hard reset on the device. The device process is slightly different from the 1st Generation to the 2nd and 3rd Generation models. As for using the Google Home app, the process is the same for Android, and iPhone. Let’s break it down.

How to Reset Chromecast (1st Generation)

Resetting the Chromecast (Gen. 1) dongle is easy, but it requires a bit of patience unless you decide to reset it using the Android or IOS app.

Reset Chromecast Gen. 1, 2, 3, and 3 Ultra using the Google Home App (Android/iOS)

1. Launch the “Google Home app” on your Android or iPhone device.
   
2. Find the specific Chromecast device you want to reset.
   
   
3. Tap on the “gear icon” (Settings) located in the top right-hand corner.
   
4. Tap on the “vertical ellipsis” (three vertical dots) to access the options.
   
5. Choose “Factory reset.”
   
6. Confirm that you want to reset your device by tapping “Factory Reset” once more.

How to Reset Chromecast (1st Generation) using the Dongle

1. With the Chromecast Gen 1 plugged into the TV, hold down the side button on the dongle for 25 seconds or more, waiting for the steadily lit LED to start blinking red.
   
2. Once the LED blinks white, let go, and the Chromecast will reboot to complete the reset process.

How to Reset Chromecast (Gen 2, 3, and 3 Ultra) using the Dongle

The factory reset options on Generation 2 and Generation 3 Chromecast dongles are very similar to resetting Generation 1. However, you don’t need to hold the reset button down for 25 seconds, and the LED colors are different.

1. With the Chromecast plugged into the TV, hold down the button on the side, waiting for the LED to start blinking orange.
   
2. Once the LED steadily turns white, release the button, and the Chromecast will reboot to complete the reset process.

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As you can see, resetting Google Chromecast is simple, regardless of how you do it. Just remember that a reset erases ALL data, so your customizations and third-party apps will be gone forever. If you need more usage tips, check out our guide on how to use Google Chromecast.

Chromecast Factory Reset FAQs

Do I have to factory reset my Chromecast?

The most common reason to factory reset a Chromecast is because you’re having trouble operating the device or you have connection issues and can’t update your Wi-Fi. Another reason may be that you need to connect to a new Wi-Fi but the old one isn’t available. Lastly, you will have to do a factory reset on your Chromecast if you intend to sell it or let another user have it.

However, there are some basic troubleshooting steps that you can take to avoid a factory reset when having problems. For example, if you are having connection issues, you can forget the current network and add it back.

Fortunately, the Chromecast has a straightforward setup process. Even if you do have to perform a factory reset, it isn’t as much of a hassle as some other tech devices.

How do I factory reset Chromecast with Google TV?

Chromecast with Google TV is a bit different than the regular Chromecast devices, mainly because it has Google TV OS, just like what you see on select TVs. Therefore, the factory reset option doesn’t show in Google Home—the option is built into Google OS.

1. Simply access the “Settings,” then go to “System -> About -> Factory Reset.”

How do I fix the factory reset not appearing in Google Home for my Chromecast?

If “Factory Reset” is missing in the menu on your Home app, it’s because you are using a Chromecast with Google TV model or your smartphone isn’t communicating with the regular Chromecast device. There are two reasons for a lack of communication.

1. To start, ensure that your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast device. If you aren’t on the same Wi-Fi network you’ll be missing the option to reset your device along with other options. This also includes the same band, such as 2.4GHz or 5GHz.

2. Next, ensure that the television that your Chromecast is plugged into is on as well. Turn the TV on and go to the input that activates the Chromecast device.

3. Then, open the Home app and follow the factory reset procedures. The “Factory Reset” option should appear.

Basically, the Chromecast knows when the TV is on. If you turn it off, Chromecast pauses playback and may go into sleep mode. Therefore, it could also detach from the wireless local area network (WLAN.)