Why do I have the google chrome cast icon popping up every 1 minute?

[Android Central Question]

I noticed recently that at the top of my phone, the google chrome cast icon pops up consecutively every 1 minute or so. Does that mean my phone is being cast or mirrored every time this icon pops up? I have not personally set up any google chrome cast icon myself so I'm wondering if someone I know has done that without my knowledge.

 

[Pets12jin]

If you're on WiFi it might mean that someone is casting something in the network and they set it up to allow any phone in the network to control media playback.

Some apps show that icon, too, when playing media on the phone.

That happened to me when I was watching YouTube videos
...does that mean it was being casted somewhere else?

 

[B. Diddy]

That happened to me when I was watching YouTube videos
...does that mean it was being casted somewhere else?

Welcome to Android Central! No, it's not being cast somewhere else. Were you casting the video yourself? Or is anyone else on your wi-fi network also using Chromecast for something?

 

[Cvallone1]

I have this same issue. If it is spyware, can anyone recommend a good strategy for removing it?

Thanks

 

[B. Diddy]

I have this same issue. If it is spyware, can anyone recommend a good strategy for removing it?

Thanks

Welcome to Android Central! Did you read through this thread?

Since this thread is fairly old, it would help if you tell us your details, and show us a screenshot as well. http://forums.androidcentral.com/ge...ide-how-post-screenshots-android-central.html

 

[Cvallone1]

Thanks! Yes i did read through the thread.

I have a Motorola G7. My issue is that sometimes when listening to audio (say streaming a podcast from Chrome), i will adjust the volume and see the casting icon in the little mixer that appears on the right side of the screen.

Its an intermittent thing--ill notice the icon, then maybe an hour later it will be gone, then maybe i wont see it for a week or so, then it comes back. It happens regardless of whether bluetooth and screencast are enabled. It happens on WiFi, but also when using mobile data.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[B. Diddy]

I assume you aren't actively casting as far you know. Do you own any Chromecasts or Chromecast-ready TVs? Do you share your wi-fi with anyone else besides your household?

 

[Cvallone1]

Sorry for the delay--i didnt see your reply!

No Im not casting, or at least I'm not trying to (screen cast is disabled in my notification bar). I dont own a Chromecast/Chromecast-ready TV. Nor do I share my Wifi with any other households. Also, the problem has happened at times when im not even connected to Wifi--like when Im driving in my car.

 

[B. Diddy]

It is pretty strange. The next time you see that happen, swipe down the notification panel and see if there are any notifications related to Chromecast.

 

[Cvallone1]

Ok. I dont remember seeing any notifications relating to Chromecast, but I can certainly check next time and snap a screen shot if i see anything

 

[Cvallone1]

So the issue happened again, and i did notice that the casting icon is displayed in the upper right hand corner of the Chrome "tab" ("window"?, not sure what to call it) when i swipe down the notification bar. You can see it in the screen shot here

 

[B. Diddy]

And that is something you're listening to, right? You recognize it? I ask because with Chromecast, if someone else is casting something on the same wi-fi network, you might actually see a related notification.

 

[Cvallone1]

Yeh, that was something i was listening to

 

[B. Diddy]

That screenshot makes it look like Chromecast isn't actually connected (since the icon is grey) -- what happens if you tap it? Does it give you an option for devices to cast to?

 

[Cvallone1]

No tapping the icon doesn't do anything

 

[B. Diddy]

What version of Android and Chrome do you have? It's a little hard for me to compare, because my Pixel 7 Pro is on Android 13 and my Samsung devices are on Android 12. When I play any media on Chrome, I get a playback notification like that, but instead of a Chromecast icon, I have a little icon that says it's playing back on the phone (as opposed to some other possible Bluetooth devices, but oddly no Chromecast option).

 

[Cvallone1]

I have Android Version 11. Yeh, usually the icon says "Phone Speaker" or "Wired Headphones" or whatever else the audio is playing on. Its only when i have the issue with the 'phantom' casting that the casting icon appears

 

[B. Diddy]

It's a bit puzzling for sure. You previously mentioned you don't share your wi-fi with anyone, but just to be sure, change the wi-fi password (assuming you have one set up already) and then see if the problem persists. If someone else is hopping onto your wi-fi network unbeknownst to you, then perhaps that person is intermittently using a Chromecast, which is why it's popping up as an option for you.

 

[Cvallone1]

Ok, i will give that a try

 

[Cvallone1]

So the issue occurred again today, but i wasn't connected to wifi. You can see in the screenshot that the phone says its casting, but wifi is turned off. So I guess that means the problem isn't someone piggybacking on my network?

I have read a couple of posts online that suggested this could mean that there is spyware on my phone. Think there's any truth to that? Any other thoughts as to what it could be?

 

[B. Diddy]

I never jump to the spyware conclusion, unless the user has been careless about sites they visit or shady apps they installed. It's more likely a glitch.

If you haven't already done so, it may be time for a factory reset.