It can be frustrating and a high-demanding task to take a decision to reset your Chromecast. Yes, that means you first need to do a backup to external storage such as a flash drive or microSD. Whatever reason you’ve got to reset your Chromecast you’d learn everything in this guide as we will walk you through how to reset a Chromecast and restore the device to the default.
The Google Chromecast is a handy casting device that enables you to stream the media of your choice. However, you may need to reset a Chromecast because of a bug or other related malfunction issues.
We observed that different generations of Chromecast require different ways to reset them, such as using the voice remote, the reset button on the Chromecast device, or via the Google Home app. Nonetheless, we advise you back up all data that may be on the Chromecast and unplug any Chromecast Hubs that may be connected to it.
Some Chromecast users believe that resetting their Chromecast is the only way to permanently fix several common difficulties while troubleshooting.
If you are in the category of these people, this post will walk you through how to reset a Chromecast on all generations and also how to set up your Chromecast even after a reset.
Do all Chromecast have a Reset Button?
You will find the reset button on the side of a Chromecast model if you are using a second or third-generation Chromecast or a Chromecast Ultra.
The reset button is a little black button on the micro USB connector. The reset button of a first-generation Chromecast can be found on the back of the device.
How to Reset a Chromecast
Make sure your Chromecast is safely connected to an HDMI port on your TV before you start. Also, the device needs to be linked to your Wi-Fi network and have a reliable power supply. Follow the steps below to perform a factory reset if your Chromecast won’t still work perfectly:
Using Voice Remote (for all Generations)
Here’s how to reset a Chromecast using voice remote for all generations, follow the steps below:
- On your TV screen, turn on the Chromecast with Google TV and choose Profile >> Settings.
- Go to System >> About >> Factory reset after that.
- Wait for a few minutes as the reset will take some time.
- That’s it!
Follow the steps below to reset Chromecast via the reset button for all generations:
- Connect the Chromecast to your TV’s HDMI port.
- Press and hold the small Chromecast button locate at the back of the device until the solid yellow light disappears.
- The LED light on Chromecast will begin to blink orange, which implies that the reset process has started.
- Once the light is completely white, release the reset button.
- Now, the Chromecast has been reset.
- You will have to set up Chromecast from the beginning.
Note that for first-generation Chromecast, you will find the reset button on the back of your streaming device and all previously saved data settings such as the name of your Chromecast, your Wi-Fi settings, etc. will be lost.
Using Google Home App (for all generations)
To reset your Chromecast for all generations using the Google Home App, follow the steps below:
- Open and update the Google Home App.
- Tap your device Tile after finding it in the list of devices.
- Click on Settings >> More (Three Dots) >> Factory Reset >> Factory Reset after that.
- It will take some minutes before it resets.
- Click on OK, and a small window will be displayed asking if you are certain you want to reset your device.
- Go ahead and tap on OK if you are very certain.
Since the Google Home app is where your Chromecast device is being controlled, it should be noted that you can only perform a factory reset using this method if your device can still be connected to Wi-Fi. If not, you can try the initial method mentioned. This is how to reset a Chromecast for all generations. 
For 1st Generation
It is very easy to reset first-generation Google Chromecast by following these two different methods, which are using Google Home App and using Chromecast itself. Before you proceed, ensure you are connected to the same WiFi network:
Using Google Home App
- Ensure Google Home App has been updated.
- Open Google Home App and click on Chromecast devices.
- Click on Settings at the top right corner.
- Now, click on More or the three-dot icon >> Factory reset >> Factory reset.
- That’s it.
You have successfully reset your first-generation Chromecast.
Using the Chromecast device itself
- Switch on the TV where Chromecast is connected.
- Press the button located on the rear side for a few seconds until a solid LED light begins to flash.
- Note that the TV will go blank and Chromecast will reboot
- That’s all!
Your Chromecast has been reset!
For 2nd Generation Chromecast (Chromecast Ultra)
The steps to factory reset the more recent Chromecasts have barely changed. Carefully follow the instructions below and take note that the methods listed below will only work if your Chromecasts are on the same WiFi network as you. Follow the steps below:
Using the Home App
- The first thing to do is to update and open the Google Home app.
- At the top right corner of the Chromecast device, select Settings.
- Click on More >> Factory reset >> Factory reset.
- Wait for a few seconds.
- That’s it!
- Switch on the Chromecast connected to the TV.
- Press down the Chromecast button for a short while.
- The orange light will beep continuously in the meantime.
- Keep pressing the button until the white light comes up.
- Now, release the button to reset your Chromecast.
- That’s it!
Now, this is how to reset a Chromecast that is the second generation.
For 3rd Generation Chromecast
The 2nd and 3rd Generation Chromecasts only underwent minor changes. Follow the instructions below to reset the Chromecast 3rd generation. There are two different steps that you can follow, which are using the Home App or using the reset button on the Chromecast itself:
- After turning the device on, press the reset button down for a short while until the white light appears.
- It will restart once you release the button after a little period.
- Data and settings for Chromecast can be deleted, now it’s at factory
- conditions.
This is how to reset a Chromecast if it’s a 3rd-generation.
Use Google Home App
If you are connected to the same network where the device is set up, resetting via the Home App is the simplest method. Follow the steps below:
- Launch the Google Home app.
- Go to the Chromecast 3rd Generation device and tap on the tile.
- After opening More, click on the Settings icon (the three Horizontal Dots).
- Click on the Factory Reset button to delete all data and restore the device to its factory settings making the device new again.
How do I set up Chromecast again?
In case you are wondering how you will set up your just rebooted Chromecast, well, all you need to do is follow the steps below irrespective of what generation you have:
- Connect your Chromecast.
- Download and install the Google Home app on your Chromecast-supported Android device.
- Launch the Google Home app.
- At the top left of the Google Home app home screen, click on Add >> Set up device >> New device.
- Follow the subsequent steps.
- Now, the Setup is successful.
That’s it! However, in case the setup steps didn’t work out, you can try the troubleshooting setup step below:
Troubleshoot setup
If the setup didn’t work, follow the steps below:
- Reboot your Chromecast.
- Disconnect your router, and plug it back in.
- Connect manually to your Chromecast’s service set identifier (SSID).
- Open your phone’s Settings app >> click on Wi-Fi and connect to the Chromecast SSID.
- Open the Google Home app and try to set up your device all over again.
- Factory reset your Chromecast.
- If it still doesn’t work, then you might need to contact support.
Why can’t I reset my Chromecast?
If your Chromecast won’t reset you can try the following troubleshooting tips below:
- Use the included wall adapter.
- Restart your router before trying to restart your Chromecast once more.
- Even using a wall power adaptor, rebooting the router, and pressing the reset button repeatedly, it is impossible to do a factory reset on the Chromecast as the same cycle of white or orange light continues persistently while pressing the reset button.
The first, second, ultra, third, and Chromecast with Google TV have all been successfully reset. This is just a simple way how to reset a Chromecast.
If you reset using the Google Home app, you might encounter some problems, so be sure to read all the instructions carefully.
Feel free to drop your comments if you encounter any issues in the comments section below.