How to Fix Chromecast Lagging Issue [10 Ways]

Chromecast Lagging
Chromecast Lagging

Lagging is a common problem faced by many Chromecast users. Due to several factors, you may experience not working or shuttering issues while casting videos from apps like YouTube, Netflix, and more. It is crucial to solve these issues, or it may cause some severe problems in the future. This article will help you with some tips to avoid that lagging issue and enjoy a seamless casting experience while using the Chromecast device. So let’s jump into the article for the solution.

Different Ways to Troubleshoot Chromecast Lagging Issue

  • Stream/Play media from your device’s local files
  • Use Chromecast Supported apps
  • Clear the background apps while streaming
  • Lower the streaming Quality
  • Use High bandwidth WiFi Connection
  • Switch wired Connections
  • Restart your Chromecast device
  • Update your Chromecast device.
  • Update your casting device ( PC/ Phone)

Stream/Play Local Media Files

Instead of streaming video online, it is better to play the locally stored files for better and shutter-free streaming. To play video from your local file, you can use several media players that support Chromecast like VLC Media player, Chrome browser, and many more. While streaming video online, it may cause shuttering due to poor network connection or other network issues. But streaming the downloaded or local files from your device will not create those problems.

Use Chromecast Supported apps

Always, it is better to use apps with built-in Chromecast support. Because they are optimized and made better for casting to the Chromecast.

Clear the Background Apps

While streaming, it is better to clear all the background apps running on your device. Apart from that, it is better to stop all downloads that are running in the background. Even on a PC, stop all the unwanted programs that are running on your PC before casting.

close background apps

Lower the Video streaming Quality

Lowering the video streaming quality will help you solve the issue. While using apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney +, YouTube, and more, you can reduce the video quality when your Chromecast device is not compatible to receive high-quality videos. When it comes to the Chrome browser, you can reduce the video quality by choosing options >> Tab projection quality >> select lower video quality.

Chromecast Lagging - reduce quality

Use High bandwidth Wi-Fi Connection

For better casting or streaming experience, it is better to use a stable and high bandwidth WiFi Connection. Speaking of bandwidth, it should be a minimum of 5GHz to experience seamless streaming.

Switch to Wired Connections

Instead of using wireless internet, you can switch to an Ethernet adapter for Chromecast. As it is comparatively faster and to help the Chromecast not load problems.

Ethernet connection for Chromecast lagging

Restart your Google Chromecast device

You can reboot your Chromecast device to stop the Chromecast freezing or lagging problems in the device. To do that,

1. Power off your Chromecast device and remove the plug.

2. Wait for 15 seconds.

3. Plug the Chromecast back and restart your Chromecast.

Update your Chromecast Device

Most devices offer updates frequently for a better experience, new interface, and more features. Make sure to update the latest version of the device (if available). You can do this using the Google Home app from your phone.

1. Launch the Google Home app on your smartphone.

google home

2. Connect your Chromecast device and smartphone with the same internet connection.

3. Click on the Devices tab and select the menu option next to your Chromecast device.

4. Go to the Device settings and scroll down to find device information.

5. If the version is the same as listed on the support page, then the version is up to date.

6. If not restart your Chromecast to auto-update the latest version.

Update your Casting device ( PC/ Phone)

Sometimes the minor glitch or lagging problem may occur due to a lack of updates in the casting device and the application. To sort this out, update the latest version available for your Phone/ PC. Also, make sure to update the app or the chrome browser.

Bonus: Improve Chromecast using Chrome Extension

You can also improve your Chromecast streaming by altering the bitrate.

  • Right-click on the Cast extension and select Inspect elements.
  • Find the code stating style=”display: none;”
  • Remove display: none; and close the inspect element.
Delete - Chromecast Lagging

In the Google cast extension options tab, you can alter the minimum and maximum bitrate of video and audio, buffer, network settings, etc. Alter the bitrate only if you know about exact values.

Google cast extension options - Chromecast Lagging

Thus, by following the above-mentioned methods you can fix the lagging issues in your Chromecast by yourself. Sometimes using a VPN can also be the reason that Chromecast keeps buffering. So, use it only when it is necessary.

FAQs

Does Chromecast reduce quality?

Chromecast doesn’t reduce the video quality. It depends on the Wi-Fi signal that you are using.

Why is Chromecast lagging?

Chromecast device lagging or stuttering issues are common and you can fix them by yourself using the methods mentioned above.