How to factory reset Google Chromecast

The Chromecast with Google TV HD in hand
(Image credit: Henry T. Casey for Tom's Guide)

So, you are trying to find out how to reset a Google Chromecast? We get it, Sometimes, even the best devices hit irreparable snags. But before you hurl your Chromecast into the nearest bin (or send it back for a replacement), you may want to try restoring the device to factory settings and redoing the setup process from scratch. The process takes only a few minutes, and you can do it even if your computer doesn't recognize your Chromecast.

We've got instructions for both the modern Chromecast with Google TV 4K and Chromecast with Google TV HD and the older Google Chromecast (3rd Generation) and Google Chromecast Ultra.

To start, your Chromecast should be hooked up to your TV and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer. 

How to factory reset Google Chromecast (modern Google TV models)

How to factory reset Google Chromecast: modern Google TV models

1. Select the profile icon in the top right corner.

The profile icon in the top right corner is highlighted in the process for how to factory restore a chromecast

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey / Tom's Guide)

2. Select Settings.

The Settings option is highlighted in the process for how to factory restore a chromecast

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey / Tom's Guide)

3. Select System.

The System option is highlighted in the process for how to factory restore a chromecast

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey / Tom's Guide)

4. Select About.

The About option is highlighted in the process for how to factory restore a chromecast

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey / Tom's Guide)

5. Select Factory reset.

The Factory Reset option is highlighted in the process for how to factory restore a chromecast

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey / Tom's Guide)

6. Select Factory reset.

The factory reset option is again highlighted in the process for how to factory restore a chromecast

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey / Tom's Guide)

7. Select Erase everything.

The Erase Everything option is highlighted in the process for how to factory restore a chromecast

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey / Tom's Guide)

8. Upon completion of factory reset, hold Back and Home on the remote to continue.

Instructions to hold HOME AND BACK buttons are highlighted the process for how to factory restore a chromecast

(Image credit: Henry T. Casey / Tom's Guide)

How to factory reset Google Chromecast: older models

1. Open the Home app on your smartphone. This is the app that controls your Chromecast.

Credit: Marshall Honorof/Tom's Guide

(Image credit: Marshall Honorof/Tom's Guide)

Credit: Marshall Honorof/Tom's Guide

(Image credit: Marshall Honorof/Tom's Guide)


3. Select Factory reset from the menu. Once again, tap the vertical ellipses in the upper-right, and you'll see the option.

Credit: Tom's Guide

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)


4. Confirm your choice. Once you select OK, the Chromecast will reset, and you can try setting it up again from scratch. Hopefully, that will solve any problems you've been having.

Credit: Marshall Honorof/Tom's Guide

(Image credit: Marshall Honorof/Tom's Guide)

For Older Chromecasts

1. Open the Chromecast app on your computer. The location of the Chromecast app can vary, but if you installed the program recently, it's probably on your desktop. If not, check the Start menu, Applications or the directory where you installed it (depending on whether you are using Windows, Mac, ChromeOS or Linux).

2. Click Settings. If you have multiple Chromecasts on your network, be sure to select the one you want to format, and leave the other ones alone.

3. Click on Factory Reset. Don't click on this unless you're absolutely certain you want to go through the Chromecast's initial setup process again.

4. Click on Reset. The Chromecast will now reset to factory settings, and you'll be able to restart the setup process. If problems persist, contact Google, as your machine may be defective. If this process worked, you're done. If not, read on for one final step.

5. Press and hold the black button, if all else fails.If you can't get your computer to connect to the Chromecast, you can still factory reset the device manually. Right below the microUSB port, there is a small black button. While the Chromecast is hooked up to the TV, press and hold the button for 25 seconds. When the light next to it begins blinking, you can let go. After a minute or two, the device will be reset, and you can try the initial setup process again.

Marshall Honorof

Marshall Honorof is a senior editor for Tom's Guide, overseeing the site's coverage of gaming hardware and software. He comes from a science writing background, having studied paleomammalogy, biological anthropology, and the history of science and technology. After hours, you can find him practicing taekwondo or doing deep dives on classic sci-fi. 

With contributions from