Google’s Chromecast is a great streaming device and has done a lot to bridge the gap for many people. However, it’s often plagued by overheating. This problem is a massive downside for an otherwise fantastic device, but thankfully, there are solutions.
Your Chromecast is overheating because you are using it for long periods or have poor ventilation around the device. Excessive gaming and dust can also be culprits. To solve this problem, keep the Chromecast away from heating vents, dust it regularly, and take breaks during long streaming sessions.
Like many other devices, your Chromecast will naturally warm up with use. However, if it’s constantly getting too hot, then there might be a problem you need to address. This article will tackle each possibility in detail and give you pointers on how to fix them.
Why Your Chromecast Is Overheating
If your Chromecast keeps disconnecting or rebooting and warming up, it’s likely overheating or at least starting to.
Electronics naturally run hot with use, but Google’s Chromecast is notorious for overheating. Still, this isn’t always a hardware issue; many users simply don’t manage their Chromecasts as well as they should.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your Chromecast might be overheating and some solutions to each problem.
Using Your Chromecast for Extended Periods
Using a Chromecast for hours with no breaks is usually the most common cause of overheating. The Chromecast is quite versatile, offering a plethora of options to users, with the newer models even allowing 4K streaming.
However, with time and increased functionality, Google has maintained its relatively small form factor, and while this is great for discretion, it also means there aren’t as many avenues for cooling.
As a result, the Chromecast can get quite hot when you’ve been using it for a while, especially if you’re taking advantage of its advanced features.
Solution
The most straightforward solution when your Chromecast starts to overheat from extended use, is to take breaks. While this isn’t particularly ideal, it’ll usually solve the problem.
If you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, you can opt for an external heat sink or fan to actively cool down your Chromecast when in use. With enough cooling, you should be able to use your Chromecast for long periods without worrying about overheating.
Exposure to High Temperatures
Your Chromecast could be overheating because of a rise in ambient temperature. Chromecasts perform best when the surrounding temperatures are within the recommended range.
The ambient temperature should be 32° to 95°F (0° to 35°C), while the storage temperatures should be anywhere -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C).
Some areas where the ambient temperature is likely to cause your Chromecast to overheat are heating vents or your car’s dashboard. Placing your Chromecast near the vents of other electronic appliances, including your laptop and TV, will also cause it to overheat.
Solutions
- Avoid using your Chromecast near the heating vents of electronic appliances.
- Ensure the room’s temperature is within the recommended range.
- Keep the Chromecast away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid using the Chromecast in rooms where ambient temperatures are hard to control, like the kitchen and garage.
- Ensure the room is well-ventilated.
Dust and Dirt Accumulation
Dust building up on your Chromecast is often also a reason for overheating. Dirt naturally builds up over time, especially if you leave you don’t move your Chromecast often. With time, it can worm its way into the device, damaging its internals and causing overheating, among other problems.
Solution
- Regularly wipe the Chromecast with a dry, clean cloth.
- When not in use, store the Chromecast where it will not be exposed to dust.
- If dust has already made its way into the Chromecast, use a fan or a can of pressurized air to clean it out.
Damaged Cables
Ensure that the USB and HDMI cables you use on your Chromecast are in good shape. If they are frayed or damaged, they can cause overheating. More importantly, faulty cables can cause some serious damage to your Chromecast and even your TV.
Solution
- Check the cables regularly for signs of fraying.
- Replace damaged cables as soon as you notice any damage.
- Ensure you only use the supplied cable and accessories for your Chromecast.
Excessive Gaming
The average gamer spends approximately 8 hours and 27 minutes weekly on Stadia, with some spending up to 6 concurrent hours gaming. This will strain the Chromecast, causing it to overheat.
Gaming exerts more pressure on Chromecast than any other activity, as it’s quite demanding. Aside from overheating, extended gaming sessions can cause connectivity issues and frame and quality drops.
Solution
- Avoid gaming for extended sessions if you can. A half-hour break every 3-4 hours can go a long way to managing overheating.
- If you regularly game for long sessions, consider adding an external heatsink or cooling fan to your Chromecast.
- Keep your air conditioner running when you play. Note that this can drive your electricity bills up quite a bit, so an external heat sink or fan could be a better option if you need to do this consistently.
The SGTKJSJS Raspberry Pi 4b Heatsink (available on Amazon.com) has a set of 6 aluminum heat sinks. It also has a sturdy thermal conductive adhesive tape backing that helps reduce chip hot spots and increase heat dissipation.
Liquid Damage
Whether you are using your Chromecast on your laptop or TV, you should avoid having fluids close to it. If your coffee of water accidentally pours on the Chromecast, the liquid may find its way into the device, causing it to short-circuit and overheat.
Using your Chromecast in humid areas can also cause similar issues. While it likely won’t short-circuit, it will typically be much warmer.
Solutions
- Immediately unplug the Chromecast as soon as liquids pour on it and clean it with a dry cloth. Allow the device to dry completely before turning it back on.
- Avoid using heat from other appliances, like a hair drier, to dry your Chromecast.
- Always use your Chromecast in a dry environment.
Is Your Chromecast Overheating? Conclusion
Google acknowledges that Chromecasts get warm when in use and uses thermal pads to provide some protection from this. However, this isn’t always sufficient to protect it completely, especially during intensive use.
Chromecasts have a one-year warranty, so if you have issues with overheating in a new Chromecast and you can’t find a solution, reach out to Google for a repair or replacement.