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Can't Chromecast

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Why can't I Chromecast?

If you're trying to Chromecast VidAngel to a basic Chromecast dongle or smart TV with Chromecast built-in, but you're running into trouble, here are solutions to the most common issues: 

 

Can't Chromecast with ads

We are still in the process of building the ability to Chromecast with advertisements. This means content from Prime with Ads, Amazon Paramount+ Essential, Amazon AMC+ with ads, Netflix Standard with ads, and Peacock Premium will not work with Chromecast.

 

What can you do?

If you upgrade your subscriptions to ad-free versions (e.g., Netflix Standard or Premium, Peacock Premium Plus, Prime ad-free), or if you rent/buy on Amazon video, you should be able to watch with Chromecast! If you upgrade Amazon Paramount+/AMC+ to ad-free, you should be able to Chromecast *some content.

WARNING: Even if you upgrade to Amazon Paramount+ Premium and AMC+ ad-free, all Paramount+ Originals and many AMC+ shows, contain pre-roll ads for their own content. If it contains a pre-roll ad, this means it cannot be Chromecasted!

 

Other options

If you’re open to trying a different device, VidAngel works seamlessly with the ad-based plans of these streaming services on the following devices:

  • Apple TV
  • Google or Android TV
  • Fire TV or Firestick
  • Android mobile
  • Apple mobile
  • Computer on our website 

To see how to use VidAngel on these devices, go here: DEVICE SET UP

 

Devices are not on the same Wi-Fi network

Your mobile device and the TV device to which you're Chromecasting will need to be on the same Wi-Fi network so they can "see" each other. Dual-band routers offer a 2.4G and a 5G signal, so make sure both devices are on the same one. If you're having trouble, try selecting the lower 2.4G signal.

Click here to find out how to check if your Chromecasting device and mobile device are on the same internet network.

 

Devices are too old

Device table_chromecast_gdoc.png

MOBILE

To work with the VidAngel apps, your mobile device should be at least Android 8 or iOS 16, but check for the latest software updates on your device.

You'll also want to make sure you have the most updated version of the VidAngel app on your mobile device. You can check that here: iOS and Android

 

CHROMECAST

All Chromecast dongles and TVs with Chromecast built-in should work with VidAngel; however, it's always a good idea to make sure your Chromecast device is updated. Most Chromecasts should do this automatically, but if needed you can contact Google support for instructions.

 

Other things to try

Reboot your devices

MOBILE

Force/hard close the VidAngel mobile app (sometimes said as "kill the app") and then restart your mobile device.

For APPLE:
On an iPhone X or later, or an iPad with iOS 12 or later, or iPadOS: 

  1. From the Home Screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle of the screen.
  2. Swipe right or left to find the VidAngel app.
  3. Swipe up on the app's preview to close the app. 
     

On iPhone SE, iPhone 8 and earlier, and iPod touch:

  1. Double-click the Home button to show your most recently used apps. 
  2. Swipe right or left to find the VidAngel app. 
  3. Swipe up on the app's preview to close the app.

 

For ANDROID:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Apps.
  3. Select the VidAngel app.
  4. Tap on the Stop or Force Stop button.

 

CHROMECAST

Rebooting your Chromecast is best done through the Google Home mobile app mobile_google_home_app.png.

In the Google Home app in the top-right corner, tap Settings mobile_google_home_app_settings.png > More settings mobile_google_home_app_more.png> Reboot. If that doesn't work for your device, please contact Google Support for instructions.

If you have a TV with Chromecast built-in, then simply turn it off and on again. 

 

Improve the Connection

Use an Ethernet cable

If your TV device is connected to your internet through a wireless router, it may help to connect directly with an Ethernet cable instead. If that's not a possibility, try moving your internet router closer to TV.

 

Free up your bandwidth

Do you have enough bandwidth? If you need more support in this area:

  • Do not use any other internet applications (including streaming movies) on any other devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network (including computers, cell phones, or tablets).
  • Do not use any other apps on the mobile device while casting your movie.

 

Extender Cable

If you're using a Chromecast dongle, another option is to use the HDMI extender cable that came with your Chromecast. We recommend this option for the following reasons:

  •  
    1. The extension moves the Chromecast away from the body of the TV or receiver it’s plugged into. Doing so often improves reception and allows Wi-Fi signals to better reach the tiny antenna in the dongle.
    2. HDMI port spacing can be a bit crowded on a lot of television sets, making it difficult to fully plug in a dongle.
    3. Using the cable can protect your Chromecast dongle from the heat given off by many TV screens.

 

Trying to AirPlay?

AirPlay is a different casting process. This is a casting process only for Apple devices. If you're having trouble with AirPlay, please check out: Can't AirPlay

 

Still having trouble?

Check out our in-depth troubleshooting: In-Depth Troubleshooting 

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