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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteTo set up a Chromecast (3rd gen or older), connect it to your TV and power, then use the Google Home app on a mobile device. A Google TV Streamer (4K) has a separate setup flow: connect it to the TV and power, then use Google Home or follow the instructions on the TV. Identify your device first so you follow the right steps.
1. Identify your device and gather what you need
Chromecast (3rd gen or older) plugs into an HDMI port and is set up with Google Home on a mobile device. Google TV Streamer (4K) is a separate device, not a Chromecast model; it has an on-screen setup flow and a remote.
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| Device | What you need | Setup method |
|---|---|---|
| Chromecast (3rd gen or older) | Chromecast, Google Account, HDMI display, supported mobile device, and a secure Wi-Fi network with its password. Google’s Android setup instructions specify Android 9.0 or later and 5 GHz capability; requirements can differ on other platforms. | Google Home on a mobile device. Google’s instructions do not support setup on a computer. |
| Google TV Streamer (4K) | Streamer and remote, HDMI display, power, Google Account, and secure Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Phone-assisted setup requires the latest Google Home app; for a 5 GHz network, the phone or tablet must support 5 GHz. Google specifies an Ultra High Speed HDMI 2.1 certified cable, sold separately. | Google Home on a phone or tablet, or the TV and remote. |
See Google’s Chromecast setup instructions for Android for its platform-specific requirements, and its Google TV Streamer setup guide for the Streamer requirements and steps.
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2. Connect the device to your display and power
Chromecast (3rd gen or older)
- Plug the Chromecast into an HDMI port on the TV.
- Connect it to power, then switch the TV to that HDMI input.
Google TV Streamer (4K)
- Connect the Streamer to an HDMI input and switch the TV to that input.
- Connect the power adapter. If you want a wired connection, connect Ethernet.
- Allow the remote to pair. If prompted on screen, hold Back and Home until the remote light pulses; then choose a language and region.
3. Complete setup in Google Home or on the TV
Set up Chromecast (3rd gen or older) with Google Home
- Connect your mobile device to the Wi-Fi network you want Chromecast to use.
- Open Google Home and choose Add, then Device, or follow the setup prompt if it appears.
- Follow the app’s instructions to complete setup. This Google setup flow uses a mobile device, not a computer.
Set up Google TV Streamer (4K)
For phone-assisted setup, open Google Home, add a device, select your home, and scan the on-screen QR code or enter the setup code. Accept the terms, select a room, sign in, and finish the in-app steps. If you cannot complete setup with the app, Google also documents completing it with the TV and remote. Follow the on-screen instructions; the two devices do not use identical setup flows.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
4. Fix discovery or Wi-Fi problems
Google Home cannot find the device
Start with the device powered on, close to the setup phone and router. Then work through Google’s discovery checks before resetting anything:
- Confirm the phone is connected to the intended Wi-Fi network. If using 5 GHz, check that the phone supports it.
- Make sure the network name is visible. For a hidden network, Google’s guidance describes entering the network details manually.
- Restart the router and streaming device, then force-close and reopen Google Home.
- Check that Google Home has the permissions it needs to discover nearby devices. If discovery still fails, toggle Wi-Fi off and on, reinstall the app, or try another phone or tablet.
- As later steps, connect the phone manually to the Chromecast SSID or disable access point isolation on the router if it is preventing devices from communicating.
Google’s troubleshooting guide for devices Google Home cannot find covers these checks. Its Chromecast setup troubleshooting instructions also recommend rebooting the Chromecast and router and trying a manual connection to the Chromecast SSID. Treat a factory reset as a later option because it erases the device’s setup.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Connect to a new Wi-Fi network
A streaming device remembers one Wi-Fi network at a time. The steps depend on the device:
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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- Chromecast (3rd gen or older): In Google Home, forget the old network, then connect the device to the new one.
- Google TV Streamer (4K): Use the TV’s network settings to forget the old network, then connect to the new one.
Google’s Wi-Fi change instructions also cover Chromecast with Google TV, which uses the TV’s network settings rather than the older Chromecast app flow.
Rank #3
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When Ethernet or an adapter may help
Google says an Ethernet adapter can provide a wired connection and notes that Chromecast and Chromecast with Google TV do not have built-in Ethernet ports. Check exact model compatibility before using an adapter. Google TV Streamer (4K) can also use Ethernet, as noted in its setup instructions. Google’s Ethernet adapter information explains the option.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy nextlevel streaming at an affordable price with the onn Google TV 4K Pro Streaming Devicewith Gemini This powerhouse streaming device delivers uncompromising performance and stunning visualstransforming your TV into a premium entertainment hub
- Immerse yourself in vivid colorssharp contrastand cinematic quality with stunning 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Vision
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- Powerful performance with 3GB of RAMis 50% more than the 4K Plus modelfor super smooth app performancefast navigationand seamless multitasking
- Enjoy incredibly smoothbufferfree streaming and gaming with blazingfast WiFi 6 Connectivity or use the optional Ethernet Port for the feastestreliable connectivity
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- One place for all your favorite streaming apps. TiVo Stream 4K includes Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock plus many more, so you can get to your shows fast.
- TiVo Stream 4K is one of Time Magazine’s “2020 Best Inventions, Special Mention” and PCMag hails it as “an excellent media streamer for TV lovers.” Operating Temperature 0˚C - 40˚C
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