Finding the Google Chromecast MAC Address is often the first step in resolving any issues that may occur when trying to stream to your TV.  Your router may recognize the Chromecast device but not allow you to stream content to it.  This can be quite frustrating when you want to get straight to enjoying your favorite content in the comfort of a large television screen.

Luckily, most streaming problems with a Chromecast are simply the result of your Wi-Fi router having media access control (MAC) address filtering enabled.  This is easily overcome by finding the MAC address of your Chromecast and adding it to your router’s list of filtered devices.  Here’s how to find the Chromecast MAC address.

Install Google Home Mobile Application

If you haven’t already, make sure to download the Google Home mobile application.  This can be done for iOS and Android devices through the App Store and Google Play store.  This is where you will find the MAC address.

Plug Chromecast into TV and Power Source

This is part of the standard setup procedure but make sure your Chromecast is plugged into your TV’s HDMI port before beginning.  In addition, connect it to a power source through a USB connection to your TV or a wall outlet. 

Connect Chromecast to Same Wi-Fi Network as Mobile Device

If you have not set up your device yet, you can easily find the Chromecast MAC address during setup. 

  • Open the Google Home applicationOnce the application locates your Chromecast, navigate to the Connect to Wi-Fi stepTap the three dots icon on the upper right corner of your screenA few options should pop up at the bottom of the screen, select Show MAC address

Write this MAC address down, or take a screenshot of it for future reference.

If you have already set up your Chromecast, read on to locate where the MAC address is within the Google Home application.  During the setup process through the Google Home mobile application, you should have automatically been prompted to connect your Chromecast to the same Wi-Fi network that is connected to your mobile device.  If not, make sure that both of these devices are connected to the same network.

To find the network that your iOS device is connected to:

  • Open the Settings applicationSelect Wi-Fi and find the connected network

To find the network that your Android device is connected to:

  • Open your phone’s device settingsUnder Wireless & networks, select Wi-Fi and find the connected network

Make sure to take note of or screenshot the network that your device is connected to.

Open Google Home and Tap Chromecast Device

Once all the previous setup is ensured, you are ready to look for the MAC address.  It is helpful, though, to briefly understand what you are looking for.

The MAC address, simply put, is a unique identification code assigned to devices by the manufacturer.  It is a 12-character long code composed of digits (1-9) and letters (A-F).  This is necessary to distinguish your Chromecast from other devices in the entire network  Here is what they could look like:

  • 00-B0-D0-63-C2-2600:B0:D0:63:C2:2600.B0.D0.63.C2.2600B0.D063.C226

Open your Google Home application and find the connected Chromecast device.  Tap on the device icon to open up the menu.

Click the Settings Icon

Click on the settings icon at the top right corner to open up the device settings.  This is signified by a gear symbol.

Tap On Device Information

Look for Device Information and click on that to open up the device information menu on the device settings page.  Here you will find various information about your Chromecast device including the Wi-Fi network that it is connected to.  Make sure that this is the same network as the one that your phone is connected to.

Look under “Technical information”

Scroll down to the bottom of the screen until you find Technical information.  There is a lot of important information about your device listed here.  However, since you are just concerned about the MAC address, look for MAC Address and the corresponding code. 

Remember, it should be a 12-character long code comprised of digits and letters.  Write this down or take a picture for future reference.

Conclusion

Finding your Chromecast MAC address is fairly simple whether you are in the process of setting up the device or have already set it up.  Getting the MAC address is the first step in troubleshooting common streaming issues that you may run into. 

From here, you must add your Chromecast to your router’s list of filtered devices using this MAC address.  The method will vary from router to router, so be sure to check your router’s manual or look up the specific model of your router.