How to Update Chromecast 3rd Generation & Earlier

Google Chromecast is one of the cheapest streaming devices available in the market. Available in different versions, they let you stream media from the PC or smartphones. Just like other devices, it is necessary to update the Chromecast regularly. If you’re one of the many users who bought the Chromecast dongle and trying to update it, you are in the right place.

Updating the Chromecast is not straightforward. But, we will show you the step-by-step instructions to make the process an easier one.

NOTE: While updating, your Chromecast will not be available for Cast. The following methods will apply to all type of Chromecast devices.

Check Chromecast Firmware Version

First of all, you must check whether your Chromecast has received any updates or not. For that, you have to find the current firmware version of your Chromecast. You can find that easily by installing the Google Home app on your Android or iOS device.

(1) Connect your Android/iOS and Chromecast device to the same Wi-Fi network.

(2) Launch the Google Home app and select your Chromecast device.

(3) Tap the Settings icon located at the top left corner of the screen.

(4) Scroll down to the bottom and you will find the firmware version under the Information section.

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(5) Note down the firmware version.

(6) Now, visit Google’s Chromecast support website on your web browser.

(7) On that page, you will have the latest firmware version for all the Chromecast devices. Compare it with your device firmware version. If your device has any updates, you can update it by following the below-mentioned methods.

How to Update Google Chromecast Firmware Automatically?

(1) With your Chromecast and Android/iOS device connected to the same Wi-Fi network, launch the Google Home app.

(2) Select your Chromecast device and tap the Settings icon.

(3) Tap the three-dot menu icon located at the top left corner of the screen.

(4) Select the Reboot menu.

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(5) By selecting the Reboot menu, your Chromecast device will be restarted automatically.

(6) During this process, the latest firmware for your Chromecast will be downloaded and installed automatically. The update process will show on the Chromecast connected TV screen.

(7) After the update, you can use the Chromecast device as normal.

Related Guide: Step by Step Procedure to Update Google TV Firmware

How to Force Update Chromecast Firmware?

To update Chromecast firmware manually, you have to find the IP address of your Chromecast. With that IP address, you can use Windows, Mac, or Linux devices to update the Chromecast firmware.

NOTE: If you’re using a VPN on desktop/laptop, disable it. Otherwise, you will receive an error while updating the Chromecast.

Find the IP address

(1) Launch the Google Home app on Android or iOS device.

(2) Select your Chromecast device and tap the Settings icon.

(3) Under the information section, you will have the IP address for your Chromecast. Note down it.

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Update Chromecast using Windows

(1) Connect your Windows and Chromecast device to the same Wi-Fi network.

(2) With the help of search bar, search and launch the Windows Powershell.

(3) Enter the following address without any error. Instead of [IP ADDRESS], type the IP address that you noted earlier.

Invoke-WebRequest -Method Post -ContentType “application / json” -Body ‘{“params”: “ota foreground”}’ -Uri “http: // [IP ADDRESS]: 8008 / setup / reboot” -Verbose -UserAgent ” curl “

(4) Press the Enter key to update the Chromecast firmware. The updating process will take some time to finish. Till then, don’t close the Windows Powershell.

Update Chromecast using Mac or Linux

(1) Ensure that your Mac/Linux device and Chromecast dongle are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

(2) Launch the terminal app and type the following command

curl -X POST -H “Content-Type: application/json” -d ‘{“params”: “ota foreground”}’ http://[IP ADDRESS]8008/setup/reboot -v

*replace [IP ADDRESS] with the IP address that you noted earlier

(3) Press enter and wait for Chromecast to update.

(4) Wait until you receive the “Process completed” message on the terminal screen. Till then, don’t close the app.

NOTE: If you want to update more than one Chromecast, you have to repeat the above methods for each dongle.

Things to Expect While Updating

Here are the things that you can expect while updating the Chromecast:

• The status of the update process can be viewed on the TV where Chromecast is connected.
• The LED on the Chromecast will blink at the time of the update.
• The update will take up to 10 minutes to complete. If it takes much longer than expected, use the LED status to check if the device is updating or not.
• If needed, reboot the Chromecast by unplugging it from the power source. Wait for one minute and plug it back in to update the device automatically.

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