Chromecast Lines on Screen (Causes and How to Fix)

As an owner of a Chromecast device, I’ve been frustrated with the mysterious lines that have been appearing on my screen. After doing some research and testing, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about this issue and the solutions available. In this blog post, I’ll be exploring the causes of Chromecast lines on the screen, and offer some tips on how to fix them. Whether you’re experiencing this issue for the first time, or have been dealing with it for a while, I hope this information helps you get your Chromecast back to normal.

Lines on the screen when using Chromecast can be because of improper cable connection, a fried graphics card, or an outdated TV. Cable connections are relatively easy to fix, while a faulty graphics card and an old TV may need more long-term solutions.

In this article, we’ll tell you more about what causes Chromecast lines on your screen and how to possibly fix them.

Causes of Chromecast Lines on Screen

Here are some reasons why there are lines on your screen when using Chromecast.

Improper Cable Connection

One of the simplest reasons Chromecast generates lines on your screen is because of improper cable connection. When cable connections from your Chromecast to your TV don’t connect properly, it can introduce annoying lines on the screen.

USB ports are also bound to collect lint and other small debris. This accumulation leads to a poor electrical connection between your cable and the device.

Fried Graphics Card

In other instances, the lines on your Chromecast device’s screen don’t come from Chromecast at all. It could be from a fried graphics card inside your TV.

Graphics cards are responsible for the TV’s video outputs. Without them, you’ll probably only see a blank screen with no images. When they get fried, they can mess with the video playback.

Outdated TV

A smart TV typically lasts for five to seven years, so it won’t be a surprise if your old smart TV still works today. However, it can have its drawbacks when it comes to compatibility with modern technology like Chromecast.

Chromecast releases regular updates to improve your streaming experience. When you update the software without upgrading your smart TV, it can interfere with your TV’s playback capabilities.

How to Fix Chromecast Lines on Screen

Before changing your device or graphics card, try these simple solutions to eliminate software issues.

Factory Reset

Regardless of what type of Chromecast you have, you can still factory reset it. Bear in mind that performing a factory reset deletes all files and restores the device’s default settings.

You can choose to factory reset Chromecast through the Google Home application or straight from the Chromecast device. Alternatively, you can do it on your Google TV if you have one.

Google Home Application

With the Google Home app, you’ll need to install this application beforehand. It’ll allow you to have a smooth resetting process. Here’s what you need to do once you have the app:

1. From the Google Home app, select your device’s tile.
2. On the top right, locate and click on Settings.
3. Then, proceed to more settings.
4. At this point, you’ll see Factory Reset. Click on the button to perform a factory reset.

Chromecast

Doing the factory reset from your Chromecast is the most straightforward method. To do this, follow these steps:

1. On the back of the Chromecast device, find the button.
2. Press the button and hold it for around 25 seconds. Depending on your Chromecast version, it’ll blink yellow, orange, or red.
3. Keep the button on hold until the light blinks white.
4. Finally, let go of the button and wait for Chromecast to restart.

Google TV

When you factory reset using Google TV, you’ll need the Chromecast Voice Remote for control.

1. On the TV screen, click on your profile in the upper right corner.
2. Then, go to Settings.
3. Next, choose System.
4. Lastly, click on About and then Factory Reset.

Reboot Chromecast

Sometimes, a simple reboot can fix internal issues on Chromecast. Similar to the Factory Reset method, you can perform the reboot in three ways. It could be from the Google Home app, Google TV, or directly from the power source.

Read more: Chromecast is pixelated

Google Home App

An easy way to reboot Chromecast without touching your TV is through the Google Home application.

1. The first step is to ensure that your Chromecast and the TV have the same account.
2. Then, open your Google Home app and look for your device.
3. From there, select and hold your device’s tile. At this point, there should be a new window that has more options.
4. Click on settings, then More Settings.
5. Finally, choose Reboot.

Google TV

Having a Google TV can be convenient when rebooting Chromecast. Simply have your Chromecast Voice Remote ready.

1. Using the remote, go to your profile.
2. Then, select Settings.
3. Look for Systems and press Restart.
4. From here, there’s another Restart option. Click on that Restart to reboot.

Power Source

For the last method, you’ll simply unplug Chromecast from the socket. Here’s a step-by-step process to do it correctly.

1. Find your Chromecast’s plug.
2. Remove Chromecast’s power cable from the socket.
3. Rest the cable for about a minute. It can even be longer.
4. Finally, insert the cable into the socket and wait for the device to turn on.

Clear the cache of your Chromecast on Google TV

Go to your profile icon and select Settings, then System, then Storage, then Internal shared, storage then Cached data. Select “Clear cached data for all apps,” then click Ok.

Conclusion

Read more: Chromecast purple screen

Although Chromecast is modern technology, it’s not immune to software glitches. It can produce bothersome lines on the screen, especially when there’s a problem with cable connections.

Now that you know why there are Chromecast lines on screen, it’s better to perform software solutions first before checking any issues with your hardware.