Whether you’re watching a scary movie, a romantic comedy, or an action-packed thriller, you want one thing to remain constant: the volume.
If you’re using your Chromecast and experiencing issues with your volume, don’t worry—it’s not just you.
Many users have reported the same issue before.
Chromecast volume keeps changing due to outdated software, overlapping devices volume settings, HDMI cable problems, buggy extensions and browsers, and streaming bandwidth issues. Occasional glitches and other audio issues will likely occur on your Chromecast, just like with any other device.
In this blog post, I’ll reveal some common causes of fluctuating volume in your Chromecast and what you can do about it.
Why Chromecast Volume Randomly Changes
The Chromecast is a cool little device that adds a lot of value to your home entertainment setup.
You can use your Chromecast to stream content from your laptop, tablet, or mobile phone directly to your TV.
If you’ve been using a Chromecast to stream content from your phone, tablet, or computer for any length of time, then you may have noticed something about the device’s volume.
It sometimes tends to fluctuate without explanation.
You may have also noticed that this behavior extends beyond just the sound coming from your Chromecast device.
Here are a few possible causes.
1. Inconsistent Device Volumes
While casting from different devices (phone, tablet, or laptop), your Chromecast may prefer its default volume settings over your TV’s.
In that case, whatever you cast will play at the Chromecast’s volume.
Sometimes, these changes happen when you’re deep into your movie.
The solution?
Increase the Chromecast’s volume from your Google Home app.
This forces your Chromecast and TV volume to sync, eradicating the issue. It’s that simple.
2. Outdated Chromecast Software
Google is always adding new features to its products, but that doesn’t mean old ones will go away soon.
In fact, many people still use some older versions of Google Chromecast software.
With old software came several issues.
Older versions of Chromecast could not “remember” your last volume settings.
Whenever you turned off the device, your volume settings would disappear.
Rebooting your Chromecast would restore it to the default 100% volume.
The solution? Update your Chromecast.
Chromecast automatically updates its firmware after rebooting. If yours doesn’t:
- Install the Google Home app (available in Android and iOS versions).
- Turn on your Chromecast and connect it to the same Wi-Fi network as your mobile phone.
- Launch the Google Home app on your phone.
- Select your Chromecast.
- Open settings.
- Tap the three dots on the top right corner for more settings.
- Select reboot.
As your Chromecast reboots, it automatically updates if it detects new firmware.
3. Auto Volume Enabled
Auto volume is a feature that automatically adjusts your TV volume, no matter what you’re watching.
Most TVs that have it do so to keep the volume constant at all times.
If you’re using your TV speakers as the default output, the auto volume feature may attempt to keep your volume constant.
This gives you the impression that your Chromecast volume is fluctuating.
The solution? Turn off auto volume.
Auto volume is typically enabled by default on most TVs that have it, but you can check to see if yours has this feature enabled or not.
If you don’t like auto volume or it’s too loud for your tastes, you can disable the feature or adjust its settings so it isn’t as disruptive.
4. Faulty HDMI Cables and Ports
Your Chromecast connects to the TV via an HDMI cable.
A bad HDMI cable could cause Chromecast audio and visual issues, and a faulty HDMI port can also stop it from working correctly.
If your HDMI has some broken pins, it may cause your audio to cut out randomly.
In the worst-case scenario, there may be no sound from your Chromecast at all.
Thankfully, there’s an easy way around the problem.
The solution? Troubleshoot and replace your Chromecast HDMI.
But not so fast! First, you have to rule out a couple of issues.
- Try a different port. If the new port works, your previous HDMI port could be faulty.
- Try a different HDMI cable. If this works, your old cable could be faulty.
You can replace the HDMI cable or get a new HDMI port installed on your TV by a professional.
5. Buggy and Outdated Browser
Random volume fluctuations may also be attributed to a buggy, outdated browser.
If you have tried everything above and the volume fluctuations still happen, you may rule out faulty HDMI cables and bad volume settings.
The solution? Upgrade to the latest Google Chrome version and see if that resolves the issue.
- Open the Play Store on your phone.
- Click your profile icon at the top right corner.
- Select Manage Apps and Device.
- Select the Updates Available.
- Update all or select Chrome from the list.
Once the update is complete, restart Google Chrome.
This should flush out any bugs that may have been causing audio issues on your Chromecast.
Other Solutions to Chromecast Audio Problems
Everyone’s setup is different, and unfortunately, there isn’t a universal solution for all users who experience audio issues with their Chromecast.
To that end, if you continue experiencing issues, perhaps these additional solutions can help fix the problem:
- Reinstall Chromecast. Ensure that your Chromecast is securely plugged-in to avoid audio distortion. Detach every wire from your Chromecast to the TV to the speakers. This includes any HDMI cables and speaker wires. Reconnect each wire and push the jacks all the way in for a secure connection.
- Switch between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bandwidths. Your preferred bandwidth has some effect on the transfer speeds and range overage. Switching between these two bands may help fix audio/video sync issues and eliminate choppy audio from your Chromecast.
- Chromecast factory reset. If nothing else seems to work, resetting your Chromecast to its default may eliminate any bugs affecting your audio.
Why Does Your Chromecast Volume Keep Changing? Final Thoughts
Chromecast volume changes may result from the device itself or the TV, or any other devices within the same setup.
To fix some of the issues, you can work your way from the device settings to the hardware parts and, finally, the software.