How to Fix Chromecast No Volume Control

The most commonly used Chromecast control is changing volume. When casting an app via Chromecast, users can change the volume of video or music being played even when the screen is locked. It is the main volume control. However, a very common issue causes Chromecast to lose volume controls after a while. This happens in almost every app including YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, SoundCloud, Sling TV, and more.

Let’s understand how and why this really happens. The casting on Chromecast removes the need for a phone or PC after media is once cast. Therefore, even if you disconnect the phone form WiFi, Chromecast would still keep playing. However, the phone still stays connected in order to change volume, track/video, etc. These are the basic media player controls.

A lot of users report that they cannot control Chromecast volume a little while after starting casting. Instead, when the volume button is pressed, it changes ringtone volume. This means that the phone has completely lost contact with Chromecast and it does not detect any media playing. Otherwise, pressing the volume button would change the Chromecast volume first.

Frequent Queries / Problems

The main problem that we are going to tackle in this article is when the phone cannot control Chromecast volume. It happens a little while after starting video or music. Below is a brief list of related issues that can also get fixed with this solution.

• Losing volume control with Chromecast in Spotify, YT, etc. A user plays music or video from their phone. Then, they just lock the screen. However, after leaving it either idle for a while or using another app, they cannot change the volume of Chromecast from the phone.
• Chromecast audio is not controlled by phone. This happens in numerous apps like Netflix, Hulu, Sling TV, etc. Usually, when someone changes the volume on phone, they get volume indicators on TV as well. However, the changing volume only changes the phone ringtone level. There is not Chromecast indicator in the extended menu either.
• There is no volume control for Chromecast while the app is running in the background. Since casting does not require apps to stay in the foreground even if it is a video, users keep switching between apps. Therefore, they lose volume controls after keeping the main playing app in the background after a while.
• Cannot change volume when casting (Music, Video) to Chromecast. Just like the above-mentioned issues, this happens after user switches from the main app to other apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, etc.
• Apps like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify ignore Chromecast volume changes from the phone.

Apps List

The issues with Chromecast audio are not limited to a small set of apps. It can happen randomly. Below is the list of apps that have been reported with this issue. We are sure that this list is far from complete.

• YouTube
• Netflix
• Spotify
• Hulu
• Plex
• SoundCloud
• Sling TV
• HBO Now
• Showtime
• Tidal
• WatchTBS
• Twitch
• WatchESPN
• Nick
• MLS Live
• HGTV
• Google Play Movies
• Google Play Music
• Fox Now
• CBS Sports
• Deezer
• etc..

Fix for “Chromecast losing Volume Control (YT, Hulu, Netflix, Spotify etc..)”

Phones from manufacturers like Samsung, Huawei, OnePlus, HTC all face the same issue. Its main cause is the addition of aggressive battery saving utilities.

The main reason for this is the fact that all these new phones are powered by super-powerful processors and high-res screens. Devices like one plus 6, OnePlus6T, Galaxy Note 9, S9+, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Honor 8X Max are few examples. All of these devices use aggressive means to make sure that none of the apps or services consume too much battery in the background.

While this is a pretty cool and useful feature, it messes up Chromecast and its connected apps. When using it, CC requires a consistent connection with the phone. Therefore, it is active in the background, sending, and receiving data as long as the user is casting. The battery saver detects it as overuse and cuts the process. This in turns disconnects the phone and app from Chromecast.

Since CC does not require a connection to play media, it keeps playing. But the user feels that they cannot control the volume of their Chromecast. However, it is because the phone itself has cut the cord! Follow the steps below to fix this issue.

1. Head over to Settings > Battery.
2. Find the Battery Saving settings and open the Unmonitored apps menu.
3. Now scroll through the list and find the app causing this issue. We are using Hulu as an example.
4. Add it to list of unmonitored apps.
5. Verify it from the apps list that are free from Battery Saver.

That’s it! Now volume controls issues with Chromecast should be fixed for good!

Note that this method may not work the same way on all phones and tablets. All manufacturers make slight changes to their menus in Settings. Therefore, you may have to look around to find these settings. However, the main working concept is the same.

Feel free to leave your feedback and queries in the comments section below.