Despite the several brazen attempts by the tech giant, Google to automatically upgrade their Chromecast streaming device, many of these devices still do not get these updates downloaded Over The Air (OTA), hence they must be updated manually. In this article, we will see about ‘How To Update Chromecast Firmware Manually?’.
How To Update Chromecast Firmware Manually?
There is only one way to update the Google Chromecast device manually and it is by plugging it into your computer device and following some very simple steps. This process can be done on all computer operating systems including Mac, Windows and even Linux.
How To Update Chromecast Firmware Using a Mac or Linux Operating System?
Firstly, knowledge of the current version of your dongle’s software is essential. You will not want to update your device if you are already on the latest version, would you? I recommend checking the Google official website for this information as it is regularly updated.
1. Make sure your Chromecast is well charged and powered on, if not, plug it into the power source before you commence the manual update process.
2. Make sure your mobile device (iOS or Android) has the Google Home app installed and is connected to the same Wi-Fi network that your Chromecast dongle is connected to. In essence, ensure both of them are on the same network.
3. Tap the Google Home app on your phone to launch. In the list of devices, find and tap the Chromecast device you want to update.
4. Identify the Settings tab and tap it.
5. The settings interface contains even more information about your device. Scroll down to the last item to see the Chromecast firmware details including the IP address. It looks something like this 192.168.1.1.
NOTE: Kindly copy out the IP address as you will be needing it later to complete the process of manually updating your Chromecast firmware.
6. Connect your computer (Mac or Linux) to the same Wi-Fi network that your Chromecast dongle is connected to.
7. Launch the Terminal app on your computer device and enter the following lines of code, replacing [IP ADDRESS] with the one you noted down (step 5).
curl -X POST -H “Content-Type: application/json” -d ‘{“params”: “ota foreground”}’ http://[IP ADDRESS]8008/setup/reboot –v
For instance, if your IP address is 192.168.1.1., you will type 192.168.1.1. instead of [IP ADDRESS]
8. Then press ENTER
NOTE: I recommend you copy this code to a text editor, edit the code by replacing the IP ADDRESS then copy the edited code to the Terminal app. This is to prevent typo errors.
9. The Terminal app will connect to your device manufacturer’s website, i.e. Google and check if there is an update available for your specific device. If there is, it will download and install it straight to your device.
NOTE: This process takes a while, exercise patience. Also, do not disconnect your device as this can disrupt the process. Ensure you are on a good and reliable internet network connection; Google recommends at least a 2.4 GHz network.
10. Once the process is done, you will see a “Process Completed” message displayed at the bottom screen of the Terminal app. If you are casting on a TV at this time, a progress bar will be shown notifying you of the progress of the process.
How To Update Chromecast Firmware Using a Windows Operating System?
1. Make sure your Windows device is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Chromecast dongle.
2. Search for “Windows Powershell” by after tapping your Windows key on your keyboard then select it to launch the app.
3. Copy the following code and paste it into a text editor.
Invoke-WebRequest -Method Post -ContentType “application / json” -Body ‘{“params”: “ota foreground”}’ -Uri “http: //[IP ADDRESS]: 8008 / setup / reboot” -Verbose -UserAgent ” curl “
After editing the code by replacing the [IP ADDRESS] with device’s own, copy the edited code and paste it into the Powershell app on Windows. This will prevent typo errors.
Illustratively, if your IP address is 192.168.1.1., then instead of [IP ADDRESS] you will have 192.168.1.1.
4. The Windows Powershell app will check online for the latest update for your device, and download and install it on your device.
NOTE: The process may take a while and multiple attempts may be required before it is completed successfully.
Conclusion
You can manually update your Chromecast firmware to the latest update no matter the computer device you have at hand, be it a Mac, Linux or Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I do to make updates faster?
Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is strong. Google recommends at least 2.4 GHz.
2. What should I do if the update attempt fails severally?
Reset the device to factory settings, then retry the update on a stable network connection.
3. Can I use other network connections apart from Wi-Fi?
Yes, Ethernet connections are also reliable. A phone hotspot could work but it is not recommended.
