If you use Chromecast to stream Netflix on your TV, it can be annoying when the app unexpectedly disconnects.
It’s even more frustrating if it happens while you’re in the middle of watching a movie or binging your favorite TV show.
So, why does Netflix keep disconnecting from Chromecast, and how can you fix it?
Netflix could be disconnecting from Chromecast due to battery-saving features, Wi-Fi issues, or your device being overused or old. Easy fixes for this problem include restarting your Netflix app and Chromecast device, turning off battery optimization, resetting your Wi-Fi, or doing a factory reset.
In this article, I’ll talk about the different reasons why Netflix disconnects from Chromecast, the fixes you can try to solve the problem, and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Why Netflix Disconnects From Chromecast
There are several factors that cause Netflix to disconnect from Chromecast.
Whether it’s a problem with your Wi-Fi connection, your casting device, or the Chromecast device itself, there’s no need to worry—troubleshooting this issue is pretty straightforward.
But before we talk about fixing it, let’s first look at why this happens.
The Casting Device Has Battery Optimization Turned On
One reason that could cause Netflix to disconnect from Chromecast is that your casting device has battery optimization turned on.
Some Android phones have battery-saving features wherein apps that run in the background are automatically closed when they’re draining the phone’s battery.
Since Netflix runs in the background when you turn your phone screen off, it can get disconnected through these features.
The Casting Device Is Far Away
Another possible reason for the disconnection is that your casting device is placed too far away from your Chromecast device.
According to Google, the devices should be within 15 feet (4 meters) of each other for optimal performance.
If you’re frequently experiencing interruptions and disconnections, check to make sure your devices are close enough together.
Wi-Fi Connection Problems
Your Wi-Fi could also be causing the disconnection.
The signal strength of your Wi-Fi could be weak, the router could be placed too far away, or there could be obstacles within the area that interfere with the signal.
It’s also important to note that your casting device should be in the same network as your Chromecast device to work correctly.
Chromecast Overuse
If you tend to overuse your Chromecast device, this could also affect your casting connectivity.
Using the device for hours on end may cause it to overheat and malfunction, thus refusing to connect to anything.
If you’re looking for the cause of your disconnection issues, be aware of whether you use your Chromecast device for extended periods of time.
Age of Chromecast Device
How old is your Chromecast device?
If you’ve had it for a few years now, its age likely explains why you’re experiencing connectivity issues.
As your Chromecast gets older and with normal wear and tear, it’s more likely to experience connectivity issues.
6 Fixes for Netflix Disconnecting From Chromecast
If you’re dealing with connectivity issues between Netflix and Chromecast, try the following fixes in order.
1. Restart Netflix
Before attempting anything else, restarting the app involved—in this case, Netflix—should always be the first thing you do.
Force quit and restart the app to see if this solves the problem.
You may also want to restart your casting device and ensure it’s placed near your Chromecast device.
2. Restart Chromecast
If you’ve restarted Netflix and you’re still experiencing issues, it’s time to take a look at the Chromecast device.
First and foremost, try restarting your Chromecast device.
You can do this either from the Google Home app on your casting device or by cutting off the device’s direct power supply.
3. Update Your Apps
Make sure that your apps are all updated to their latest versions.
Check the Netflix app, the Google Home app, or your Chrome browser (if you’re using a computer), and update them as needed.
You may also want to update your casting device to ensure that it’s running the latest operating system, as well as your Chromecast device’s firmware.
4. Check Battery Optimization Settings
If you’re using an Android phone, check if battery optimization is on.
As I’ve mentioned, this feature automatically closes apps running in the background to conserve battery.
You can disable this in the settings by going to your phone’s Battery Saver menu and adding Netflix to the list of Unmonitored Apps.
Now, Netflix will keep running even when your phone is sleeping.
You can also try this method with other apps that keep disconnecting from Chromecast.
5. Reset Your Wi-Fi
If you think that the issue stems from your Wi-Fi having connectivity issues, you may want to reset your router and modem.
Unplug both devices, wait at least 30 seconds, then plug them back in.
Make sure that you place the router near your casting device and Chromecast device.
You should also ensure that all of these devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
It’s important to note that specific models of Chromecast only support a certain bandwidth, so double-check your Wi-Fi settings.
6. Do a Factory Reset
If you’ve tried everything above to no avail, try doing a factory reset on your Chromecast device.
You can do this by pressing the button on the side of the Chromecast device for about 25 seconds until the light starts flashing.
It’s also possible to do this from the Google Home app by finding “Factory Reset” in the menu.
Please note that by doing this, you’re erasing all of your device’s previous settings and reverting them to the default settings.
Only do this as a last resort, especially if you don’t want to set up your Chromecast from scratch again.
How To Prevent Netflix From Disconnecting From Chromecast
Now that you know how to fix the problem, here are some things you can do to prevent Netflix from disconnecting from Chromecast again:
- Use the cables that come with Chromecast. Problems are more likely to arise if you use third-party cables to connect Chromecast to your TV.
- Place your devices near each other. This applies to your casting device, the Chromecast device, and the Wi-Fi router.
- Make sure that your casting device and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network. Chromecast won’t work if the casting device is on a different network.
Netflix Keeps Disconnecting From Chromecast: The Bottom Line
Netflix randomly disconnecting from Chromecast while you’re streaming content can really be bothersome, but it’s a problem that one can easily solve.
Try restarting your apps, devices, and the Wi-Fi router.
If that doesn’t work, check if your apps and devices are up to date and whether your phone’s battery optimization is on.
If all else fails, complete a factory reset.
If the issue persists even after trying the fixes I’ve suggested above, consider having your Chromecast repaired if it’s still under warranty.
If not, it might be time to replace it entirely with a new one.