As an owner of a Chromecast device, I know the frustration of dealing with the dreaded purple screen. Recently, I encountered this issue myself and had to do some research and testing to figure out what the cause was and how to fix it. Now, I’m here to share my experience and the other solutions I discovered to help others who might be facing the same issue. In this blog post, we’ll explore the possible causes of the Chromecast purple screen, as well as how to fix it.
The common causes of the purple screen with Chromecast include HDMI issues, overheating, TV compatibility, and hardware acceleration. Fret not for these are pretty common Chromecast issues that can be fixed with just a few simple troubleshooting steps.
| Causes of Purple Screen | Solution | Tips & Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI Issues | Check for dirt build-up, damage, and try a different HDMI cable and port | Make sure Chromecast is firmly connected to the TV’s HDMI port |
| TV Compatibility | Double-check device compatibility | Ensure your TV and mobile meet Chromecast’s minimum requirements |
| Overheating | Unplug Chromecast and let it cool down, then set it up away from direct sunlight and curtains | Avoid prolonged use or exposure to high temperatures |
| Hardware Acceleration | Turn off hardware acceleration in Google Chrome settings | Relaunch Chrome after turning off the setting |
| Cache Issues | Clear cache on Chromecast with Google TV | Follow the steps to clear cached data for all apps |
| Insufficient Power | Power Chromecast from a mains socket | Use the USB to mains adapter that comes with Chromecast |
| Chromecast Needs Reboot | Restart Chromecast using Google Home App or unplug it for at least 60 seconds | Rebooting can help resolve minor issues |
| Factory Reset (Last Resort) | Perform a factory reset on the Chromecast | This will erase all data and require setting up Chromecast from scratch |
Table of Contents
Check Your HDMI
Any picturesque display falls victim to the hands of a loose HDMI connection. Whether it’s your TV’s ports or the HDMI connection itself, it’s best to take a quick look as it could be what’s causing the display issues on your TV.
To start, unplug your Chromecast from your TV, turn both devices off, then check if there’s any dirt build-up or damage to your Chromecast’s HDMI cable, as well as your TV’s HDMI ports. You can also try using a different device and HDMI cable to connect to your TV, just to check if the HDMI ports are functioning properly.
Once that’s done, plug your Chromecast firmly back in and turn it back on together with your TV. If the culprit is the HDMI connection, then this should do the trick.
If all of your HDMI ports seem to be working fine and it’s still displaying a purple screen, there’s a chance that your Chromecast’s HDMI cable is damaged. In this case, it’s best to either reach out to Google support or have it checked by a professional technician.
Is It Compatible With Your Devices?
One of the possible reasons why you’re encountering display issues might be rooted in your Chromecast’s compatibility with your TV and mobile. Let’s take a look at the minimum requirements to get you smooth sailing with your Chromecast.
Mobile OS (Operating System)
In order to use the Google Home app on your phone or tablet to set up your Chromecast, you’ll need the following OS:
- Android phone with an Android OS of at least 8.0 or higher.
- Android tablet with an Android OS of at least 8.0 or higher.
- iPhone or iPad with an iOS of at least 14.0 or higher.
Hardware and Broadband Requirements
For optimal performance and compatibility with your TV, Chromecast requires a High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) of at least 1.3 or higher. For 4K or Ultra High-definition (UHD) content:
- HDCP 2.2
- 4K-capable TV
- Internet speed connection of at least 20 Mbps or higher
- HDR-capable TV
If you’re encountering display issues like the purple screen on your Chromecast, then you might want to double-check your device’s compatibility. You can also refer to Google’s Requirements for Chromecast devices page for more details.
Overheating
As Chromecast is a very compact device, it may also be susceptible to overheating which could cause various performance issues.
Overheating can occur if used for prolonged hours, the device is directly exposed to heat or high temperature, and if the device is dangling against curtains or cloths of the like.
To fix this, simply unplug your Chromecast and let it cool down for a while. Before plugging it back in, make sure the device is set up neatly and away from direct sunlight, as well as curtains.
Hardware Acceleration
If you’re trying to cast using Google Chrome, then it’s possible that your hardware acceleration setting is turned on. While for the most part, this can work wonders for your laptop, it can also cause some glitches with Chrome.
To turn this off:
- Click the three dots on the top right of your Google Chrome.
- Head to Settings.
- Expand the Advanced drop-down section.
- Find the “Use hardware acceleration when available” setting, then toggle the switch to Off.
- Click Relaunch to apply the changes.
Note: Make sure to save anything you’re working on before relaunching Chrome.
Clear the cache
It would also help to try clearing the cache of your Chromecast.
To clear the cache on Chromecast with Google TV, you need to follow these simple steps:
- 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
Power the Chromecast from the socket
It might be the case that your Chromecast is not receiving enough power. If you are currently powering your Chromecast from the USB socket in your TV, try powering it from the mains instead using the USB to mains adapter that comes with the Chromecast.
Reboot the Chromecast
Often, an easy solution is to simply restart your Chromecast device.
- To do this, open the Google Home App, Touch and hold the device’s title, tap settings, more settings then reboot.
- Alternatively, you can simply unplug the Chromecast for at least 60 seconds which will reboot the Chromecast.
Last Resort
Read more: Chromecast lines on screen
If all else fails, it might be time to consider performing a factory reset. Do take note that this will erase all of your data and you’ll have to set up your Chromecast from scratch.
To do this, locate the button on the side or back of your Chromecast device, depending on which model you’re using.
Press and hold the button until the LED light turns white before releasing. Make sure that your Chromecast is still connected to your TV and power outlet while doing this.
Conclusion
Read more: Chromecast green screen
More often than not, the purple screen issue can be resolved with the simplest and most basic troubleshooting steps. However daunting the issue may seem, it’s important to not overlook the basics.
Taking care of your devices can also go a long way, whether in terms of your device’s functionality or your general safety. Remember that technology is supposed to make our lives easier rather than more difficult.
