How to Fix Vizio Chromecast Not Working
Vizio TVs are a great choice for an affordable TV, but even with that affordability, they don't compromise much in terms of features. One key feature Vizio TVs have is the ability to Chromecast and screen mirror content from other devices.
But sometimes, you'll notice Vizio Chromecast not working for any number of reasons. So today, we're breaking down the most common problems and great fixes to try.
1Why Won't My Vizio Chromecast Work?
There are a variety of reasons why your Vizio TV might not be able to use Chromecast. Some of these issues may relate to:
- Your internet connection
- Faulty software
- Outdated OS
- Unavailability of Chromecast on your Vizio TV model
- Misconfigured settings
The few causes listed above don't encompass every issue that could cause Vizio TV not to work with Chromecast, but it's a solid majority of the problem for most users.
2How to Fix Vizio Chromecast Not Working
We've highlighted a list of known problems that can cause problems when connecting my Vizio Chromecast. We'd recommend checking each fix and trying a few to determine what the root cause of the problem is.
- Way 1. Check Vizio TV Model and Device Model
- Way 2. Verify the Internet Connection
- Way 3. Verify the Chromecast App
- Way 4. Turn Off VPN
- Way 5. Set Up Chromecast Correctly
- Way 6. Power Cycle Both Devices
- Way 7. Restart Wi-Fi Router
- Way 8. Turn On DHCP on TV Settings
- Way 9. Turn Off Power Saving Mode on Phone/PC
- Way 10. Update Vizio Firmware
- Way 11. Contact Vizio Support
1. Check Vizio TV Model and Device Model
The first thing you should do is to check whether your Vizio TV model supports Chromecast connections. Chromecast is typically only available on newly released models in the last couple of years.
Vizio SmartCast TVs come with both AirPlay and Chromecast functionality, while older Vizio models like VIA & VIA+ TVs do not support Chromecast.
A quick way to check is by referencing your TV's model number. Find your TV's manual or check behind the TV for the model number. Then, go to this Vizio User Manual page to manually search for your TV model and its specifications.
2. Verify the Internet Connection
Another simple, but major reason Vizio TVs can't connect to Chromecast is the internet connection. For your TV and cast device to successfully connect, both need to be on the same Wi-Fi network.
It's best to connect both your phone/tablet to the same Wi-Fi band in case your TV can't detect devices on a different band, even if connected to the same network.
3. Verify the Chromecast App
If you are casting your device to Vizio TV using the casting feature in specific apps, you also need to check whether the app you want to cast from is Chromecast compatible. There's a great selection of Chromecast-supported apps including Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, YouTube TV, Disney+, Prime Video, and more.
If the app you're using doesn't support native Chromecast connectivity, you'll need to find another solution to screen share to your Vizio TV. Here's a site where you can check which apps support Chromecast.
4. Turn off VPN
If your casting device has a VPN installed, ensure it's turned off before trying to Chromecast to your TV. With a VPN, your device is connected to a virtual network.
This interferes with your usual Wi-Fi connection, which makes your TV unable to detect your device via Chromecast. Check if your casting device is connected to any VPNs, and disable it if they are.
5. Set Up Chromecast Correctly
If you've verified that your Vizio TV has Chromecast, we'll show you how to setup Vizio Chromecast properly using the Google Home app.
The first thing you need to do is download the Google Home app on Android or iOS.
Make sure both your TV and device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Before casting to your TV, you'll need to add your TV to your device list:
- Step 1.Open Google Home and log in to the same Google account logged in on your Google Home account.
- Step 2.2.Tap on the 'Devices' tab.
- Step 3.Tap on the 'Add' button.
- Step 4.Select 'New Device'.
- Step 5.Select your 'Home' and tap on 'Next'.
- Step 6.6.Wait for the app to scan for nearby devices and your TV.
- Step 7.Select your Vizio Chromecast TV to connect.
Now the Google Home app has successfully linked your phone and TV, you can connect and cast content:
- Step 8.Open the Google Home app on your device.
- Step 9.Select the 'Devices' tab.
- Step 10.Tap & hold your TV's tile for a pop-up menu.
- Step 11.Select the 'Cast' button.
6. Power Cycle Both Devices
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective; turn it on and off again. In this case, we recommend power cycling your devices for the best effect. Power cycling is when you turn off and unplug your devices for 5 - 30 seconds.
This helps your devices start afresh and can fix any problems or bugs that could cause problems with Chromecast connections.
Turn off your Vizio TV and unplug the cord. Leave the cord unplugged for about 10 - 30 seconds. You can also shut down your smartphone/tablet for 30 seconds before turning it back on.
7. Restart Wi-Fi Router
Alternatively, the problem could also be with your internet connection. In this case, we'd recommend power cycling your router/modem. Turn off your router/modem and unplug them for about 10 - 30 seconds.
Unplug any Ethernet cables connecting the two as well.
After 30 seconds or so, plug everything back in and turn it back on.
8. Turn On DHCP on TV Settings
DHCP is one of the settings on your Vizio TV to fix the network connection problems, which is a network protocol that communicates your device with your router. Here's what you need to do:
- Step 1.Click on the 'Settings' (Gear button) on your Vizio TV remote.
- Step 2.Select the 'Network' setting and press OK.
- Step 3.Select 'Advanced' or 'Manual' (depending on TV model).
- Step 4.In the IP Settings page, toggle the DHCP option to 'On'.
9. Turn Off Power Saving Mode on Phone/PC
In power saving mode, the device limits certain processes to save battery, which may be causing problems with Chromecast.
Here's how to disable the power saving mode on your Windows PC:
Step 1. Open the Quick Settings panel by selecting the Wi-Fi/Audio/Battery icons in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar.
Step 2. Select 'Battery Saver'.
Step 3. Make sure it's toggled off.
You can also disable the setting on iPhone/iPad:
Step 1. Open 'Settings'.
Step 2. Scroll down and select 'Battery.
Step 3. Disable the 'Low Power Mode' toggle.
If you are using an Android, then go to Settings > Battery > turn off 'Power Saving Mode' on Android.
10. Update Vizio Firmware
Another major reason your TV might not work with Chromecast is because of outdated software. This applies to both your Vizio TV and smart device (phone, tablet, PC). It's a good idea to check whether there are any pending updates on both devices.
To check and update your Vizio TV firmware, follow the steps below:
Step 1. Press the 'Menu' button (Gear button) on your Vizio TV remote.
Step 2. Select 'Admin & Privacy'.
Step 3. Select 'Check for Updates'.
Step 4. If an update is available, it will automatically download and install the new firmware.
Step 5. Wait for the TV to restart once the update is complete.
11. Contact Vizio Support
If you've tried the above fixes and still can't get Chromecast to work, your last option is to reach out to Vizio Support and see if they can pinpoint the problem. You can refer to the Vizio Support page for more help.
3Alternative to Mirror your Smartphone to Vizio TV - AirDroid Cast
Even with all these fixes to try, sometimes, you just can't get things to work. So, here's an alternative solution on how to connect Android/iPhone to Vizio Chromecast, without using Chromecast: AirDroid Cast!
AirDroid Cast is an incredibly versatile screen-sharing solution that allows you to do far more than Chromecast. Not only do you have access to a variety of exclusive screencasting features, but you're also not limited by platform and Wi-Fi connections.
How to Mirror Phone to Vizio TV with AirDroid Cast
- Step 1.Download and install AirDroid Cast on your smartphone. You can either download the app by heading to the app store in your device or clicking the button below:
- Step 2.Open the web browser on your Vizio TV. Navigate to webcast.airdroid.com. You will see a QR code and a Cast Code.
- Step 3.Launch the AirDroid Cast app in your smartphone, and enter the Cast Code on your smartphone.
- Step 4.Accept the request on your TV and it's done. Then your phone screen will be cast to your smart TV.
4Other Common Vizio Chromecast Issues & Fixes
Here are a few more known Vizio Chromecast issues and some quick fixes to try:
1Vizio Chromecast Keeps Disconnecting
If you can connect to Chromecast on your Vizio TV but notice frequent disconnects or crashes, that might be a problem with your internet connection. In this case, the Wi-Fi router may be too far from the TV to have a stable connection.
We'd recommend investing in a Wi-Fi extender to ensure your TV has a strong enough connection to the internet. If possible, a direct connection via an ethernet cable is your best bet.
Otherwise, try moving the router closer while ensuring nothing is blocking the antennas.
2Vizio Chromecast Not Showing Up
If you can't see Chromecast show up at all, you first need to double-check if your Vizio TV model supports Chromecast in the first place. You can check your TV's model number to see if it's a SmartCast model.
If it does support Chromecast, there are reports of users fixing this issue once they did a power cycle of their TV, casting device, and Wi-Fi router as well as enabling DHCP.
3Vizio Chromecast Not Connecting
If you're having trouble connecting Chromecast to your Vizio TV, you need to make sure your device's firmware is up to date. There have been cases where users can find their TVs to connect to, but once they initiate the connection, it times out or fails to connect.
In this case, we'd recommend checking to make sure both your TV and casting device's firmware are up to date. Outdated OS versions can cause connection issues as the devices aren't up-to-date with the manufacturer's versions.
5Wrapping Up
We've reached the end of our guide to fix Vizio Chromecast not working, and we hope you've found a solution that works. But if for whatever reason your TV still can't use Chromecast, try out our alternative solution, AirDroid Cast!
AirDroid Cast is a versatile screen-sharing tool that can change the way you consume content. You don't need to sit there trying to fix Chromecast when AirDroid Cast can handle all your screen mirroring needs, for both work and play!
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