Chromecast won't stay connected to my Wifi

[Eils264]

Hello,

I'm having serious issues with my chromecast staying connected.  It connects & streams a video for about 5 mins and then drops the signal completely.  The Chromecast is plugged into my tv which is right next to my router & therefore I would hope close enough to have a good signal.  I NEVER had this problem on my SKY broadband.  I'm currently in the start of my broadband package & want to know whether this is fixable or if I should just go back to what works. 

Advice please...

Thanks

[BandOfBrothers · Accepted solution]

Hi

I have the first generation chromecast. 

With this I've come across that one possible issue can be that a TV's USB connection is at issue and so can work better if powered by the wall plug option. 

It can happen with certain options such as NetFlix and not on others like YouTube. 

Is your wifi signal strong enough. Try a SpeedTest via the Ookla SpeedTest. 

You could try changing wireless channel and or split the frequencies in the router to 2.4gzh and 5ghz and then try switching between them which can help. 

Via a Google search there are lots of troubleshooting tips. 

One is > howtogeek.com - how-to-troubleshoot-common-google-chromecast-issues.

 I don't know how long your Vodafone Broadband has been activated but it can take 10 days to settle and in the extreme 30 days. 

[Nabs]

Hi @Eils264 

If the Chromecast worked with your previous Sky setup then there is clearly an issue with the Vodafone config.

My first guess would be a bad choice of Wifi channel. Though the Vodafone router is supposedly smart enough to work out the best channel to use it would be worth checking for yourself. Download the Wifi Analyzer app from the Play Store. Hold your phone as close to the Chromecast as you can and check if there are any other networks overlapping yours. If there is it could be a cause of interference. 

Having said that you are able to stream for a few minutes before getting disconnected which would suggest the channel is fine. Are you able to stream content on other WiFi devices without any issues?

[BandOfBrothers]

Or the chromecast has gone faulty. 

Perhaps test it on a person you know tv and their broadband. 

[thesoupdragon]

If overlapping channels is the issue as @Nabs suggested the best action would be to change channel.
These "smart" routers will pick the best/strongest channel upon rebooting. So it's always best to power off for 30seconds then power back on... Hopefully a stronger channel will be selected.

I have no experience with the Vodafone router so can't say if you can manually select channel or not?

Another thing to consider, if your router is too close to the TV it can actually have a detrimental affect on WiFi signal. Try placing the router on the opposite side of the room to the TV.

[Eils264]

Thanks for the advice.  I've only recently moved over to Vodafone broadband.  I have the first generation device, which was working fine on Sky so don't' think this is the issue.  I've also moved my Router away from my TV but currently this has not made any difference.  

I tested it streaming something else after posting last night.  It won't stream Youtube at all, and Flixster for about 5 mins before disconnecting.  The chromecast device streamed something else off my mac for a couple of hours & Amazon Video casts fine too.  So it looks like the issue is videos off Flixster or Youtube.  

I don't have/can't find the extender but will try this once I get one.   

Thanks for the help.