How to Update Chromecast

This article explains how to prompt an automatic update of the Chromecast firmware using the iOS and Android Google Home app. It also includes information on forcing an update on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. These instructions apply to all generations of Chromecast and Chromecast Audio.

How to Update Your Chromecast Firmware Automatically

Google automatically pushes out new Chromecast firmware, so in most instances you should have the latest available version. However, such rollouts are often staggered, so the latest firmware version may take time to install. Here's what you can do to try and prompt an automatic update.

1. Go to Google’s Chromecast support page to check the latest firmware version available for your Chromecast device.

2. If you haven’t already, download the Google Home iOS app or the Google Home Android app.

3. Ensure your Chromecast is powered on and ready to receive a Cast signal.

4. Make sure your smartphone and your Chromecast are both connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

   To quickly check both your smartphone and Chromecast are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, open a cast-enabled app such as YouTube and tap the Cast icon. Your Chromecast device should appear. If it's not showing, you may need to reconnect your Chromecast to the network.

5. Open the smartphone app and locate your Chromecast device, then tap the device icon to get an overview of it.

6. Tap the gear icon to open device settings.

7. Scroll to the bottom of the page to reveal the Cast firmware version. This is the current firmware your device is running.

   

8. Compare your device’s firmware with the latest available version on Google’s Chromecast support page (step 1). If the firmware version on the Chromecast support page is newer (a greater number) than the build you have on your device, you can try to encourage an automatic update via the Google Home app.

   If both versions are the same, you have the latest available firmware and don't need to do anything else.

9. To try and encourage an automatic update, make sure you’re still in the Device settings page (step 5).

10. Tap the three horizontal dots icon.

11. A pop-up window will launch with additional options. Tap Reboot to reset your Chromecast device.

    

12. Your Chromecast dongle will shut itself down and automatically restart. During this process, it will try to download and install the latest available firmware.

13. If the firmware is available, the installation process will show on your connected TV.

    Unfortunately, there is no audible indicator for a Chromecast Audio dongle

14. Once the update is complete, you'll be able to use your Chromecast as normal.

15. To check your Chromecast is now running the latest firmware, repeat steps 3 through 5.

    As noted, Google rolls out firmware updates in stages. If the update hasn't yet landed for your device, wait a few days and try the process again.

16. That's it! Your Chromecast should now be automatically updated.

How to Force a Chromecast Firmware Update

If new Chromecast firmware is available, but your device hasn't updated, you can try to force your Chromecast to download it. 

Force a Chromecast Update on Mac and Linux

1. Check Google’s Chromecast support page to see the latest available firmware version for your Chromecast device.

2. Ensure your Chromecast is powered on and ready to receive a Cast signal.

3. Be sure you have an iOS or Android device with the Google Home app installed, and make sure it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast dongle.

4. Launch the Google Home app, then locate and tap the Chromecast you want to update to get a device overview.

5. Tap the gear icon to open device settings.

6. Scroll to the bottom of the device settings page to see the Chromecast firmware details and IP address.

7. Check your Chromecast firmware against the latest available version on the Chromecast support page (step 1). If newer firmware is available, you can now try to force a Chromecast update.

   Take note of your Chromecast device's IP address (step 6).

8. To try and force an update via a Mac or Linux PC, power on your machine and ensure it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast dongle.

9. Launch the Terminal app (macOS, Linux) and type the following command, replacing [IP ADDRESS] with your Chromcast's IP address:

    curl -X POST -H “Content-Type: application/json” -d ‘{“params”: “ota foreground”}’ http://[IP ADDRESS]8008/setup/reboot -v
   

10. Press Enter.

11. Terminal will now check to see if new firmware is available for your specific Chromecast device. If it is, Terminal will instruct the Chromecast to download and install the new firmware.

    This process can take some time, so leave Terminal running and do not disconnect your Chromecast.

12. Once finished, you will see “Process Completed” at the bottom of the Terminal window. Your Chromecast should now be running the latest firmware.

Force a Chromecast Update on Windows

1. To force a firmware update via Windows PC, turn it on and make sure it’s connected to the same network as your Chromecast.

2. Search for "Windows Powershell" and select Windows PowerShell to launch it.

3. Type in the following command, replacing [IP ADDRESS] with your Chromecast’s IP address:

    Invoke-WebRequest -Method Post -ContentType “application / json” -Body ‘{“params”: “ota foreground”}’ -Uri “http: // [IP ADDRESS]: 8008 / setup / reboot” -Verbose -UserAgent ” curl “
   

4. Press Enter.

5. Windows PowerShell will now instruct your Chromecast to try and retrieve and install the latest firmware.

   This process can take some time, so be sure to leave Windows PowerShell running and your Chromecast connected.

6. Once complete, you can cross reference your Chromecast's firmware against the Chromecast support page. If the update was successful, both versions will be the same.

   This process may take a couple of attempts to work. If your firmware hasn't updated the first time, feel free to try again. Alternatively, leave the dongle connected for a few days to see if it will automatically update.

7. That's it! Your Chromecast should now be running the latest firmware.