The Google Privacy Policy describes how we treat personal information when you use Google's products and services, including Google streaming devices and devices such as Chromecast, Google Cast, and Google TV Streamer (4K). This article provides additional information about the privacy settings available to Chromecast, Google Cast, and Google TV Streamer users.
In addition, you can read more about Google & Nest's overall commitment to privacy in the home, which covers streaming devices made by Google.
Cast usage data and crash reports
Google may collect system activity, crash reports, and usage data (details about how you use the casting functionality of your Cast device, including the apps and domains you cast). Crash reports and diagnostics data collection is optional.
If you opt in, your device collects the following information:
- Crash logs
- Diagnostics, which includes information such as:
- When the application first begins casting
- When media playback begins
- The number and type of any media playback errors or interruptions
You can control Google's collection of crash reports and usage data through a device setting, which is enabled by default.
- For Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, and Google TV Streamer devices, you can manage your privacy settings in the Google Home app.
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For Android TV devices, you can manage this setting through Google TV in the settings menu.
- For other devices that work with Google Cast, you can manage this setting in the device's utility application settings.
Information Google always collects
Certain device information is necessary to enable performance and reliability of our connected home devices and services and we always collect it, even when you choose not to share device stats and crash reports, such as:
- Device attributes. We collect basic information about your device type, including model number and build version.
- Activation date and connection status. This records the date when your device was activated, and whether or not it is connected to the internet.
- Security information. To quickly resolve any security device errors or outages, we collect information about some security interactions.
This data is handled as explained in the Google Privacy Policy and the Google Nest Privacy Help Center article.
Non-Chromecast devices that work with Cast
For devices that work with Cast, the settings referenced above only control Google's collection of information relating to your usage of Chromecast. The manufacturers of devices that work with Cast may collect other information about your usage of those devices pursuant to their privacy policies. To learn more, please reference the privacy policies of the devices you are using.
Please note that Google Fiber devices that are Google Cast-enabled will collect information, including crash reports and usage data, in accordance with Google Fiber's privacy policies.
Casting from apps and websites
When you cast content to your device that works with Google Cast, the application or website that you are using will have its own logging practices and policies with regard to user data. A unique identifier for your Chromecast device may be sent to the operator of that app or website for purposes of digital rights management ("DRM"). To learn more, please reference the privacy policies of the apps or websites you are using.
Performing a factory reset
You can perform a factory reset on your Chromecast using one of the 2 methods listed below.
Important: This action clears your data and can't be undone.
Google TV Streamer (4K)
With the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote
- At the top right of your TV screen, select your profile
All settings
.
- Select System
From the Google TV Streamer device
- While the device is plugged into the TV and powered on, press and hold the button for 10-12 seconds on the back of the device. The LED should start to blink yellow
.
- When the LED light turns solid white, release the button, and the device should then reset.
With the Chromecast Voice Remote
- At the top right of your TV screen, select your profile
- Select System
From the Chromecast device
- While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV and powered, press and hold the button on the back of the Chromecast. The LED should start to blink yellow.
- When the LED light turns solid white, release the button, and the Chromecast should then reset.
From the Google Home app
Note: This option is only available if you're on the same network your Chromecast was set up on.
- Open the Google Home app
.
- Tap and hold your device's tile.
- At the top right, tap Settings
More
From the Chromecast device
- While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV and powered, hold down the button on the side of the Chromecast.
- The LED should begin to blink orange. When the LED light turns solid white, release the button and the Chromecast should then restart.
From the Google Home app
Note: This option is only available if you're on the same network your Chromecast was set up on.
- Open the Google Home app
- Tap and hold your device's tile.
- At the top right, tap Settings
From the Chromecast device
- While the Chromecast is plugged into the TV and powered, hold down the button on the Chromecast device for at least 25 seconds or until the solid LED light flashes red.
- Once the LED light blinks white and the TV goes blank, release the button. The device should then restart.
Chromecast Audio
From the Google Home app
- Open the Google Home app
- Tap and hold your device's tile.
- At the top right, tap Settings
From the Chromecast Audio device
While the Chromecast Audio is plugged in, hold down the button on the side of the Chromecast Audio. The LED will begin blinking orange. When the LED light turns white, release the button and the Chromecast Audio will begin the reboot sequence.