Why is my 'Google Chromecast with Google TV' buffering so much?

by thegarbageape

I bought the 'Google Chromecast with Google TV' in August from Best Buy. It's been great! I've loved it! But the past few weeks it won't stop LAGGING. I've tried restarting, clearing the cache, switching the HDMI port, looking for updates, etc. I haven't done a factory reset because I don't want to reset all my apps... but if it's definitely going to fix it I will.

It's not the wi-fi because I have no problems on my phone or laptop. But if I try to play anything through the Chromecast or Google TV it buffers nonstop. I use my building's wifi and I only see one network available - no 2.4 vs 5, but I saw some posts say that was their problem, could it be mine? If so, how do I fix it if I don't see both networks? It worked fine from August to end of January.

I've looked through other posts, but most seem to have different problems (like their screen glitches, or they have a 'realme', etc).

Bradfinger

It's the Wi-Fi, sorry.

J-W-L

Are you noticing this with all apps or mainly YouTube, for example? Also are you using Bluetooth headphones with the Chromecast?

I have fast wifi and can literally watch it flatline on the Chromecast the second I connect my Bluetooth Sony headphones. Depending on whatever update it is on particular apps/os the Chromecast can either cope with the interference or not.

I've noticed some issues during the time frame you mentioned as well.

Also my portable JBL assistant enabled smart speaker super interferes with the Chromecast if I'm charging it right next to it or nearby. The Chromecast is unusable in such cases.

Most of these issues could be worked out more easily if the Chromecast was just choose 5 gigahertz signal instead of the 2.4 which it stays on constantly. Hope you find your answer.

Deadpool-fan-466
  • Download an internet speed test app (like Analiti) & test the internet speed, WiFi signal etc.
  • Connecting to a modem is not necessary for Ethernet connection if your router has extra LAN port(s)
  • "They have a 'Realme'" refers to the Realme Google TV Stick , launched last September in India
t1000i

Buy usb hub type c with ethernet so you can straight pip to the internet box but buy good wire not cheap and Sould not buffer mine is a machine never buffers runs everything no problem

trk6640

I'd recommend downloading an app to test your wifi signal and get the details about what you're working with before you go buying more stuff.

The signal could just be too weak and your other devices get by because they have a better antenna than the tiny built-in Chromecast antenna. The issue could also be the placement in relation to where the signal is coming from.

EvilDaleCooper

It has issues with 2.4 wifi

MrShakezilla

just for the heck of it try changing the dns to open dns servers. their phone and laptop also did not buffer with the default dns set the same as the gcwgt while the gcwgt was buffering all the time. its worth a quick shot. otherwise yeah the wifi is def meh in them. its prob the wifi built in but someone i know did this and rebooted it and it buffers a LOT less now. they even changed them back to default of their isp and it buffers like crazy again. as far as not seeing both networks available IF you actually have both 2.4 and 5g in your location then thats the way the router is setup to only show them as one connection. this happens a lot with routers from the isp.

huasamaco

ccwgtv wifi sucks. use ethernet

t1000i

You need to be close to the box somewhat so you can have a wire from the usb hub to the modem