Contents
Key Highlights
- Update Chromecast: Connect Chromecast and smartphone to the same network → open the Google Home app → Chromecast → Settings icon → Reboot.
- You can also force update Chromecast using Terminal on Mac and Powershell on Windows.
Not able to cast streaming apps to Chromecast-connected TV? An outdated Chromecast could be the reason for it. You can instantly update your Chromecast device with the Google Home app. Updating the Chromecast firmware is essential to remove minor bugs on the device and provide security updates. It also increases the performance of the device to some extent. You can also force update it by using code on a Windows or Mac PC.
Note – While updating, your Chromecast will not be available for Cast. The following methods apply to all the versions of Chromecast.
Things to Consider While Updating 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, look at 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 a minute and plug it back in to update the device automatically.
Check Chromecast Firmware/ Software Version
First of all, you must check whether your Chromecast has received any updates or not. Therefore, you must 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 device 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.
(5) Note down the firmware version.
(6) Now, visit Google’s Chromecast support website on any web browser.
| Device | Firmware Version | Software update includes |
| Chromecast (1st gen) | 1.36.159268 | Bug fixes and improvements |
| Chromecast (2nd gen) | 1.56.275994 | Bug fixes and improvements |
| Chromecast (3rd gen) | 1.56.291998 | Bug fixes and improvements |
| Chromecast Ultra | 1.56.281627 | Bug fixes and improvements |
| Chromecast Audio | 1.56.281627 | Bug fixes and improvements |
| Cast for Android TV | 1.56.292394 | Bug fixes and improvements |
| Chromecast with Google TV (4K) | Build number: STTE.220920.016.H1 | Android security patch level has been updated to October 2022. Other bug fixes and performance improvements |
| Chromecast with Google TV (HD) | Build number: STTE.220920.012.H1 | Increased security and privacy. Android security patch level has been updated to October 2022. Other bug fixes and performance improvements |
(7) On that page, you will have the latest firmware version for all the Chromecast devices. Compare it with your device’s 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
Make sure that your Chromecast and Android/ iOS device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This method works for the update of every generation of Chromecast along with Chromecast Audio and Chromecast Ultra.
(1) Launch the Google Home app on your Android/ iOS device.
(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.
(5) Selecting the Reboot menu will restart your Chromecast device automatically.
(6) The reboot process will automatically download and install the latest firmware on your device. The update process will show on the Chromecast-connected TV screen.
(7) After the update, you can use the Chromecast device to cast the content from the supported apps.
How to Force Update Chromecast Firmware
To update Chromecast firmware manually, you must get 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 a desktop/laptop, disable the VPN. Otherwise, you will receive an error while updating the Chromecast.
Find the IP Address of Chromecast
(1) Launch the Google Home app on Android or iPhone.
(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 it down.
Update Chromecast using Windows
(1) Connect your Windows PC and Chromecast device to the same Wi-Fi network.
(2) Launch the Windows Powershell.
(3) Enter the following address without any error. Instead of [IP ADDRESS], type the IP address 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 on Mac/Linux and type the following command. Replace [IP ADDRESS] with the IP address you noted earlier.
curl -X POST -H “Content-Type: application/json” -d ‘{“params”: “ota foreground”}’ http://[IP ADDRESS]8008/setup/reboot -v
(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.
Troubleshooting Chromecast Not Updating Issue
If you had any issues while updating the Chromecast device, fix them by
- Restart your Chromecast device when Chromecast is not updating.
- Ensure that you’re using the latest version of the Google Home app on your smartphone.
- Also, make sure that there is no issue with the internet connection.
- If you’re using Windows or Mac to update the streaming device, restart your Computer and then try again.
- If the error repeats, reset your Chromecast with the button provided on the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
While writing this article, the latest firmware for Chromecast 3rd generation is 1.56.291998.
To change the name on the Chromecast device: Open the Google Home app→Select Chromecast →Choose the Settings icon →Select Device Information →Select the Device name option and enter the new name for your Chromecast.
Factory resetting the Chromecast is the only possible way to connect your Chromecast to a new Wi-Fi network. Usually, changing Chromecast Settings refers to the Wi-Fi connection and changing them to a new connection.
