The Chromecast can be a somewhat mysterious dongle. It will happily cling to the back of your TV, but what do you do when you want to disable it? Do you even need to disable it in the first place? Let’s begin by answering the essential questions.
Do I need to turn off my Chromecast?
The Chromecast uses very little power and data when in standby mode. Unless you are running on a very tightly metered connection, there’s no need to turn off the device. If, however, you are on a super strict budget, disabling the dongle is easy.
How do I turn off Chromecast on my TV?
There is no off switch on the Chromecast itself, so disabling it is a matter of unplugging it from the TV or power source. That should be simple enough, although there are a few times when you shouldn’t do that, as mentioned below.
How do I turn off Chromecast remotely?
The Home app on your Android or iPhone device controls all Chromecast devices, allowing you to turn off control by others.
Why would I unplug my Chromecast?
People have many reasons for unplugging their Chromecast device. The most common two reasons: security purposes and switching TVs. Users are concerned about the dongle staying connected to their network 24/7, so they feel more secure if they unplug it from the TV or power source. Other times, a Chromecast user just wants to move the device to another room or TV.
Although those reasons are understandable, it is best to avoid them unless you are plugging the Chromecast into a new TV fairly quickly.
Why is the above suggestion important? First, removing the device makes it easy to forget about it, which means it can get lost or remain unused for long periods. Second, the device updates when in standby mode to maintain protection. Whether the Chromecast is on or off while connected, it can still receive updates.
Other reasons people unplug their Chromecast include removing the “always working” status on the TV or revoking access for certain visitors. Even when the Chromecast is not in use, it runs in the background and maintains a display, whether on or off, plus, it always shows up in the network. As for visitor access, it helps control internet usage in the home by guests and blocks the distraction too. Can you picture when that situation is important?
When shouldn’t I unplug my Chromecast?
Basically, you shouldn’t yank your Chromecast from the back of the TV or turn off the power supply when receiving an update. 
For the 2nd and 3rd Generation Chromecast models, the LED flashes orange when an update is in progress. For the 1st Generation Chromecast model, the LED flashes red when updating. If you decide to “pull the plug,” ensure that the device is not flashing. Updates are vital and can include software, firmware, and security updates alike. Whenever you turn your TV off, the Chromecast goes into low-power standby mode, allowing updates to function while using minimal power to do it.
If you are just getting started, we have a guide to help you learn how to properly set up Chromecast.
Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.
Comments are closed.