Netflix - Connect to device failed

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C948372
Contributor

‎05-20-2025 05:09 PM - last edited on ‎05-21-2025 08:26 AM by

The Virgin router comes up with an error after an hour or so when I open Netflix (v.17.32.0) and try to connect to my ChromeCast and it fails with the following error:

'Connect to device failed.  Failed to connect to selected device. Please try again later.' 

But when I reboot my router, I'm able to connect to my ChromeCast device.

The router's configuration menu is limited therefore I'm struggling to make any changes.

Do you have any suggestions?

After my Virgin router

Firmware version: 2.7
Rescue version: SG4F2000002C
User interface version: 7.3.29
Hardware version: 5566-000002-006

Support wasn't able to help.

I disable 5GHz WIFI to force all devices on 2.4 GHz

Split both network (Unchecking 'Keep a Common Network name (SSID)')

Rename 5GHz Network name (Ex: Virigin_5G)

Enable 5GHz WIFI

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VirginPlusAntgio
Moderator

‎05-22-2025 12:41 PM

Hey there @C948372 , 

Welcome to the community and thanks for your post.

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and troubleshooting steps, considering the information you've provided:

Understanding the Problem

The core issue appears to be an intermittent connection problem between your Virgin Plus router and your Chromecast, which is resolved temporarily by rebooting the router. This suggests a problem with the router's ability to maintain stable connections or allocate resources correctly over time.

Troubleshooting Steps & Suggestions

Restart the Chromecast and the Device Running Netflix: Before diving into router settings, try the simplest solutions:

  • Restart your Chromecast.
  • Restart the device you are using to run Netflix (e.g., your phone, tablet, or computer).
  • Sometimes, a simple restart of these devices can clear up minor glitches.

Check for Router Firmware Updates: Although you mentioned the router's configuration menu is limited, it's worth checking if there's a firmware update available. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. A router restart should trigger any pending updates to be auto downloaded upon startup.

Network Congestion and Channel Interference:

  • Wi-Fi Channels: Wi-Fi routers operate on different channels. Your router might be automatically selecting a channel that is congested with other Wi-Fi networks in your area.
  • Interference: Other devices can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal (microwaves, Bluetooth devices, etc.). Try to minimize interference by keeping your router away from these devices.

IP Address Conflicts: Although less common, IP address conflicts can cause connectivity problems.

  • How to Check: Access your router's configuration menu and check the DHCP settings (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). Ensure that the DHCP server is enabled and that the IP address range is appropriate for your network.
  • Static IP (Advanced): If the problem persists, you could try assigning a static IP address to your Chromecast. This ensures the Chromecast always has the same IP address. (You'll need to configure this in both the router's settings and on the Chromecast itself.)

Router Overload/Resource Allocation:

  • Number of Connected Devices: If you have a large number of devices connected to your network, your router might be struggling to manage them all.

Factory Reset (Last Resort): As a last resort, you could try a factory reset of your Virgin Plus router, Chromecast and/or the device you are using to run Netflix (e.g., your phone, tablet, or computer). This will erase all your custom settings and revert the router, Chromecast and/or the device you are using to run Netflix to its default configuration. 

Regarding the Steps You've Already Taken

  • Disabling 5GHz and Splitting Networks: Your actions to disable 5GHz and split the networks are good troubleshooting steps. They help isolate whether the problem is specific to the 5GHz band or a more general issue. By renaming the 5GHz network, you ensure your devices connect to the 2.4 GHz network, which has better range and is often more reliable for Chromecast.
  • Enabling 5GHz: Re-enabling 5GHz after troubleshooting is fine, but monitor if the issue returns. If it does, the problem might be with the 5GHz band specifically, or a conflict between the bands.

I hope these suggestions help you resolve the issue! Let the community know if you have any more questions.

 

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VirginPlusAntgio
Moderator

‎05-22-2025 12:41 PM

Hey there @C948372 , 

Welcome to the community and thanks for your post.

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and troubleshooting steps, considering the information you've provided:

Understanding the Problem

The core issue appears to be an intermittent connection problem between your Virgin Plus router and your Chromecast, which is resolved temporarily by rebooting the router. This suggests a problem with the router's ability to maintain stable connections or allocate resources correctly over time.

Troubleshooting Steps & Suggestions

Restart the Chromecast and the Device Running Netflix: Before diving into router settings, try the simplest solutions:

  • Restart your Chromecast.
  • Restart the device you are using to run Netflix (e.g., your phone, tablet, or computer).
  • Sometimes, a simple restart of these devices can clear up minor glitches.

Check for Router Firmware Updates: Although you mentioned the router's configuration menu is limited, it's worth checking if there's a firmware update available. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. A router restart should trigger any pending updates to be auto downloaded upon startup.

Network Congestion and Channel Interference:

  • Wi-Fi Channels: Wi-Fi routers operate on different channels. Your router might be automatically selecting a channel that is congested with other Wi-Fi networks in your area.
  • Interference: Other devices can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal (microwaves, Bluetooth devices, etc.). Try to minimize interference by keeping your router away from these devices.

IP Address Conflicts: Although less common, IP address conflicts can cause connectivity problems.

  • How to Check: Access your router's configuration menu and check the DHCP settings (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). Ensure that the DHCP server is enabled and that the IP address range is appropriate for your network.
  • Static IP (Advanced): If the problem persists, you could try assigning a static IP address to your Chromecast. This ensures the Chromecast always has the same IP address. (You'll need to configure this in both the router's settings and on the Chromecast itself.)

Router Overload/Resource Allocation:

  • Number of Connected Devices: If you have a large number of devices connected to your network, your router might be struggling to manage them all.

Factory Reset (Last Resort): As a last resort, you could try a factory reset of your Virgin Plus router, Chromecast and/or the device you are using to run Netflix (e.g., your phone, tablet, or computer). This will erase all your custom settings and revert the router, Chromecast and/or the device you are using to run Netflix to its default configuration. 

Regarding the Steps You've Already Taken

  • Disabling 5GHz and Splitting Networks: Your actions to disable 5GHz and split the networks are good troubleshooting steps. They help isolate whether the problem is specific to the 5GHz band or a more general issue. By renaming the 5GHz network, you ensure your devices connect to the 2.4 GHz network, which has better range and is often more reliable for Chromecast.
  • Enabling 5GHz: Re-enabling 5GHz after troubleshooting is fine, but monitor if the issue returns. If it does, the problem might be with the 5GHz band specifically, or a conflict between the bands.

I hope these suggestions help you resolve the issue! Let the community know if you have any more questions.