Have you ever encountered the frustrating issue of being unable to open certain videos on Chromecast? It’s possible that you may have given up after multiple attempts, but there are several measures you can take to address this problem and enhance your experience with the device.
While Chromecast technology offers excellent performance, it is not without its flaws. It’s highly likely that you have encountered compatibility issues or errors that prevent you from playing the content you desire. We have compiled a range of solutions to assist you, varying in terms of implementation method and difficulty level. Some solutions are straightforward, while others may require a bit more effort. However, you’ll soon realize that finding a resolution is not as challenging as it may seem.
Convert the file
Let’s start with the basics. Ensure that the content you’re attempting to play is in a compatible format for Chromecast. If the file is in an unsupported format, you can easily convert it. Some common video formats that may not work on Chromecast include AVI, MOV, FLV, MKV, and VOB.
To avoid any playback issues, simply convert the videos to a compatible file extension like MP4. While there are other supported formats, converting to MP4 is often a straightforward process.
Use chrome browser
In most cases, using Chromecast to stream content from popular platforms is simple and straightforward. These platforms often provide a dedicated button to send the content directly to your Chromecast-enabled device. However, you may encounter situations where certain streaming platforms or websites don’t offer this option. In such cases, the Chrome browser becomes your ally.
To stream content from these platforms or websites, you can rely on the Chrome browser. Simply click on the three vertical dots button located in the upper right corner, then select “Cast”. Choose the device you want to send the content to, and if your Chromecast isn’t automatically selected, make sure to choose it. Remember that both your device and the Chromecast need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for this to work seamlessly.
If you encounter a situation where the standard Chromecast streaming system doesn’t work and you receive an error message stating “Chromecast available for specific video sites,” there’s no need to worry. You can easily resolve this issue by activating a developer tool within the Google flags feature. Just follow these steps:
1. Open the Chrome browser and type the following in the address bar: chrome://flags
2. In the search bar within the flags settings, enter the phrase “Connect to cast devices on all IP addresses.”
3. In the dropdown menu that appears on the right, select “Enabled.”
4. Close the browser and reopen it for the changes to take effect.
By enabling this developer tool, you should be able to overcome the restriction and enjoy Chromecast streaming on any website or platform without any further issues.
Remove extensions
In the unlikely event that none of the previous solutions work, there is still a way to resolve the issue. We suggest accessing the Chrome extension manager and performing a thorough cleanup. Often, we accumulate numerous extensions that we no longer use, which can lead to errors in the user experience. To do this, follow these simple steps:
1. In the Chrome browser, go to the address bar and type “chrome://extensions.”
2. Press Enter to access the extensions manager.
3. Review the list of installed extensions and identify any that are unnecessary or no longer needed.
4. To remove an extension, click on the “Remove” button associated with it.
By eliminating unnecessary extensions, you can improve the overall performance and stability of your Chrome browser, which may help resolve any issues you’re experiencing with Chromecast.
Update or factory reset
To wrap up, don’t forget to utilize the two essential procedures for Chromecast that you may eventually need to use. Firstly, ensure that you update your device. It’s possible that there is a new firmware available that you haven’t installed, leading to performance issues.
To update your Chromecast, follow these steps:
1. Connect your mobile device with the Google Home app and ensure both your mobile and Chromecast are connected to the same network.
2. Open the Google Home app on your smartphone and select “Device settings”.
3. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and choose “Restart” from the menu.
4. This will trigger a reboot of your Chromecast, and it will update with any pending firmware.
If updating doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to perform a factory reset. Here’s how:
1. Connect your Chromecast to the television and keep it plugged into a power source.
2. Press and hold the reset button on the device until the orange light changes to white. Release the button.
3. Disconnect the Chromecast from the power source.
4. Wait for approximately two minutes, then reconnect the Chromecast to power.
A factory reset will restore your device to its initial state and should eliminate any problems you were experiencing while opening files. Be patient and try each of these solutions until you find the one that resolves your issue. If all else fails, you can explore alternative options to Chromecast.