The Chromecast icon does not appear. And now? Fortunately, it is not too complicated a task to get that icon back into view. With a few simple steps, the problem can be solved and you can continue watching a film or series.
It can be an annoying situation. You want to check a new episode of your favorite series, open an app like Netflix or Disney+ to turn on the stream and that's it: the Chromecast icon does not appear. That means you can't start casting.
The cast button
You can recognize the Chromecast icon by the box with three lines on the left. Those lines are at the bottom left. The icon is reminiscent of a television screen with WiFi stripes. So if you don't know what you're looking for, you now have a better idea.
Fortunately, the casting itself is very simple. When both a smartphone, tablet or PC (in other words: the source device) is on the same network as the Chromecast, you press the button and select the Chromecast that is in the TV. Casting then proceeds all by itself.
Unfortunately, the button is not in the same place everywhere. In many cases, it is placed at the top right. That is in the case of video streaming services. If you want to cast from a music streaming service, such as Spotify, the button is a bit better hidden. The Chromecast icon does not appear? Maybe it's just well hidden.
Chromecast icon does not appear
But what if you don't see that button at all and really can't find it anywhere? That is annoying, but fortunately not too big a problem. One of the main causes of this problem is that both devices are not on the same network, so the feature is not available at all.
Is that the case? Then make sure that the source device is on the same WiFi network as the Chromecast, or vice versa of course. It can help to quickly change the Wi-Fi settings of the Chromecast, otherwise you have to change the settings of your smartphone, tablet or computer. check pc.
✔ Operate with remote control + app
✔ Very affordable
✔ Good value for money
Chromecast with Google TV (HD)
✔ HDR 10 +
✔ Android TV
✔ Remote control
✔ Wi-Fi ac (2.4 and 5GHz)
Chromecast with Google TV
If this does not solve the problem and you are sure that both devices are on the same network, there may be something else going on. What you can do is unplug the router for a while. Wait a few seconds and then plug it back in. Give the devices a few moments to reconnect and then just try again.
Another solution may be to restart the apps in question, which you use on your smartphone or tablet, for example. Close them completely and then restart them. If that is not the solution either, you may have to restart your Chromecast.
Reboot and reset
You can do this via the Google Home app by following the steps below.
- Open the Google Home application on your smartphone or tablet
- Now tap on the Chromecast you want to reset; in our case that is the Chromecast Ultra
- Tap the gear icon at the top right
- Now tap on the three dots (that menu is called More)
- Now tap Restart.
Another faster method is to simply download the Chromecast from the HDMI port and remove the plug from the socket.
A more rigorous solution is the Restore Chromecast to factory settings. In principle, this can't hurt, because you reset everything completely at that moment. You set up the Chromecast as if it were a new device connecting to the network for the first time.
- Open the Google Home application on your smartphone or tablet
- Now tap on the Chromecast you want to reset; in our case that is the Chromecast Ultra
- Tap the gear icon at the top right
- Now tap on the three dots (that menu is called More)
- Select the Factory data reset option
- Now press the blue Reset to factory settings button at the bottom right
Keep in mind that the Chromecast and the smartphone, which contains the Google Home app, must be connected to the same network for this to happen. There are also other options regarding a full reset; that's how you can do that too a physical button arrange for.
The Google Home is downloadable for both Android (via the Google Play Store) as iOS (via the App Store). It is also possible that you encounter other problems with your Chromecast, which makes communication difficult. That's how you solve those problems.
Read also
- Change Chromecast Wifi: Easy Guide (3 minutes)
- Install Chromecast: with this guide you always succeed
- Chromecast stutters: 5 tips to fix it
- Can't communicate with Chromecast: Here's how to fix it
- Chromecast not working? That's how you solve it
- Linking Chromecast: this is how you easily connect
- Chromecast icon not showing up: here are the solutions
