Chromecast not found - what to do?

If Google’s Chromecast is not found, this can have many causes. Here you can get helpful tips to quickly fix the problem again.

Chromecast not found - solution for Mac

If the Chromecast Stick is not found on Mac, there is often a problem with the firewall.

1. First open the "System Preferences" on the Mac and go to "Security"> "Firewall".
2. If the firewall is activated, open the "Firewall options".
3. Check here whether the option "Block all incoming connections" is activated. If this is the case, deactivate this setting and save the change. Then restart the Mac.
4. Note: If the item "Automatically allow signed software to receive incoming connections" is activated, no entry from Google Chrome is displayed in the application list.
5. However, if this option is not active and there is still no entry, you must add Google Chrome to the application list.
6. To do this, click on the "+" symbol, then navigate to "/ Programs" to Chrome and select the program there.
7. Save any changes and then restart your Mac. If you have any further problems, our general information below will help you.

Chromecast not found - solution for Windows

However, if you're using Chromecast on Windows, your network is probably set up incorrectly. How to change the configuration:

1. Make sure that the network you are using is not set as a "public network". You can check this in the "Network and Sharing Center" in the Control Panel.
2. Your network is displayed in the section "Show active networks". It usually bears the name of the WLAN access point. If the addition "Public network" is displayed under the name, it is incorrectly configured.
3. To fix the problem, click on the network. Then select the item "Home network" and save the changes.
4. Finally, restart your PC and try to search for the Chromecast now. If this is still not found, we will give you further tips below.
5. If the solution above doesn't work, you may be able to fix the problem by setting it in Chrome’s “experimental” options. We explain this bugfix here.

Chromecast not found - general information

• Make sure the WiFi router is not too far from the Chromecast.
• Likewise, there should be no bulky objects between the Chromecast and the router, otherwise the WLAN connection can be weakened.
• You can check for a software update in the Chromecast app for Android or iOS.
• Here you also have the option to set up the Chromecast Stick again. This may solve the problem.
• Also make sure that the stick is powered. To do this, you can connect the USB cable directly to the TV or plug it into the socket with the appropriate plug.

Chromecast is not found - How to set up the stick

In this video, we’ll show you the basic steps you need to follow to set up your Chromecast.

This guide is based on Chrome 40 on Windows 7 and Mac OS X as well as the Chromecast app 1.10 on Android 4.4.2 and Chromecast app 1.3.0 on iOS 7. In another practical tip you will find the 10 best apps for the Google Chromecast.