How to Turn off Chromecast on Android

Steven CarrLast Updated: April 12, 2023

4 minutes read

Chromecast is an affordable and convenient way to enjoy your favorite content on your TV, even if the TV isn’t smart. Unfortunately, because it plugs into your TV, it’s always on. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about its power usage, but you might want to avoid accidentally casting content that you wish to remain private. Luckily, you can take a few steps to control your Chromecast experience whether you’re using a Chromecast device or a built-in Chromecast.

While Chromecast can’t be turned off, you can use a few methods to disable accidental casting. These include using a Separate Subnet, Deleting Chromecast from Google Home, forcing your browser to always ask which casting device you want to use before casting, using a different browser, or using Guest Wi-Fi without Chromecast Guest Mode.

While you cannot easily turn off your Chromecast, there are several workarounds if you simply want more control over what casts on your TV and when.

Table of Contents

Stop Casting on Chromecast

Chromecast lets you easily stop a cast. Some apps might have a button to stop casting directly on them. Otherwise, launch Google Home on your phone, and select Chromecast. Then, choose “Stop Casting.”

If casting from Google Chrome on your computer, select the three dots next to your profile icon to open the menu. Next, choose “Cast” and select your Chromecast from the current casting list to end the cast.

How to Turn off Chromecast on Android

Most apps require two button touches to cast: one to cast and the other to select the casting device. However, some apps may cast with a single button, and it’s all too easy for your finger to slip. Try out these methods to see which works best for you.

Remove Chromecast from Google Home

As stated above, there’s no way to turn off your Chromecast, but you can remove it from your device and re-download it when needed. Here’s how:

Go to your Google Home App
Select the Chromecast icon
Tap the gear icon to open the Settings menu
Select “remove Device” from the list

Chromecast should now be deleted from your Google Home app. To reuse Chromecast on Google Home, you will need to set it up on your device once again.

Change Chrome Settings

If you’re casting from Chrome and not Google Home, you can force your browser to always ask which casting device you want to use. This extra step prevents accidental casting.

Enter the following into your Chrome address bar to bring up the specific option in your settings.

chrome://flags/#global-media-controls-cast-start-stop

Select the drop-down menu next to this option and choose “Enable.” Relaunch Chrome as prompted to allow the change to finish.

Try A Different Browser

If you only watch sensitive or private content in a browser other than Chrome, you won’t be able to cast on your Chromecast accidentally. Firefox for mobile is one option.

Use Guest Wi-Fi without Chromecast Guest Mode

Using your mobile connection to stream isn’t always an option. However, you can still stream using your wireless network on your phone without the risk of accidentally casting to your Chromecast by turning on a guest Wi-Fi network.

Note this is different from enabling Guest Mode on your Chromecast. Guest Mode can make it easier to accidentally cast because your phone and Chromecast don’t need to be on the same wireless network when Guest Mode is turned on to cast.

Consult your router manual for instructions to turn on guest Wi-Fi, then log on to the guest network on your phone or computer whenever you want to avoid accidental casting.

Leave your Chromecast connected to the main wireless network. However, you’ll need to disable Guest Mode on the Chromecast itself because it allows casting from nearby devices regardless of wireless network.

Open Google Home on your device.
Find your Chromecast and touch to select it.
Scroll down and tap Guest Mode.
Touch the toggle to turn Guest Mode off.

Use a Separate Subnet

You can separate your traffic from others on the network with a subnetwork. To achieve this, you’ll need a travel router or a home router that lets you create subnetworks. Using a guest network, as described above, is actually one way to do this, but some routers offer advanced subnet options other than guest mode. Consult your router manual to see if this is an option. Remember to disable Guest Mode on your Chromecast if you use this method.

Buy a Second Chromecast

Some households avoid the issue of accidentally casting private content or interrupting someone else’s content by using multiple Chromecasts. Luckily, these devices are affordable, so this is a good option for many. When everyone has their Chromecast, you’ll have to choose which device you cast on every time, eliminating the risk of accidental casting.

Use a Smart Plug

You can buy smart plugs and plug devices such as your Chromecast into them instead of directly into the outlet. The plug connects to an app on your phone with Wi-Fi or has a physical button that you can use to turn off the power. You can even control some smart plugs with your voice from Alex or Google Home! Of course, without power, your Chromecast will also turn off.

Disable Wi-Fi

If you disable Wi-Fi on your phone and use your network connection to stream content, you won’t be able to stream to your Chromecast. Just make sure to enable Wi-Fi when you want to cast again or avoid using all your mobile data.

Limit Chromecast Casting from Others

If your issue is that your content is interrupted by others on the same network accidentally casting on it, there’s a fix, too.

Open Google Home on your phone.
Touch the Chromecast device for which you want to change settings.
Tap the gear icon to open Settings.
Scroll to “Device Settings” and touch the toggle next to “Let Others Control Your Chromecast” to disable this feature.

Once you turn this off, others won’t be able to interrupt your content or see notifications about your Chromecast.

Steven CarrLast Updated: April 12, 2023

4 minutes read

How to Turn off Chromecast on Android

Stop Casting on Chromecast