Google TV getting stuck on one image in ambient mode

[WhinerReiner]

Hello-

I have enabled my Google Photos album to be used in Ambient mode on my Google TV with great success for a couple years now. However in recent months, it keeps getting stuck on one image from the album instead of displaying a slide show. I've gone through the menu on the TV and my Nest app on my phone, but can't find a resolution. I've restarted the TV, but that also doesn't seem to be working. Any advice on what might be happening to cause it to become stuck on one image? 

[Kbunkis]

Same happening to me, for a few weeks now

[Wallace41290]

Having same problem for the last three days

[Nhhhgg]

Same problem for the last week.

[virnab · Accepted solution]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out to our community.

I am sorry to hear that the ambient mode on your Google TV keeps getting stuck on one image from the album instead of displaying a slideshow. Thank you, WhinerReiner, for letting me know the troubleshooting steps you have taken to resolve this inconvenience without success.

To provide the best assistance, please answer the following questions:

• Are you using a Chromecast device or is it a TV with built-in Google TV?
• Is your Chromecast currently connected to a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz network?
• Have there been any recent changes to your Wi-Fi network or home environment?
• Have you experienced any power outages in your area recently?
• Are you using an Android or iPhone device to set up the Chromecast?

Thank you for your time and cooperation. I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

Virna

[JesseSilver]

Hi Virnab, I am experiencing the same issue.

I'll try answer your questions as fully as possible;

I am using a TCL TV with built-in Google TV.

There have not been any recent changes to my Wi-Fi network or home environment.

There have been multiple, brief power outages over the past week.

My TCL  Google TV ran a system update earlier this week, and it the issue seems to have started then.

[WhinerReiner]

Hi Virna,

I am using aTV with built-in Google TV. My TV is currently connected to a 5 GHz network. There have not been any recent changes to my Wi-Fi network or home environment. We had a very short power outage in September 2024. I am using an Android device to set up my TV/Google home. Specifically, a Google Pixel. 

As the others have mentioned, this issue is still not resolved, and it is very frustrating. 

[Wallace41290]

If it switch to the artwork for a few days and switch back to my pictures, it temporarily fixes it, but it always gets stuck again

[Atssquad]

I am using a xiomi TV with built in Google TV .... 

It was working for few days but after some time it stucks to one picture 

I have tried setup other ambient mode other than google photos but it does not respond to any changes

[Wallace41290]

I've got a Roku TV with a Google TV with chromast connected. Google nest wifi, not sure which band it's automatically steering it to. Pixel 6 pro phone. Still occurs about every 1-2 weeks.

[virnab]

Hi Wallace41290,

Thank you for your kind response, providing me with information that allows me to help you better. In your case, I understand that you are using a Google Chromecast device.  

Could you please let me know what the model of your Chromecast device is? And what have you done to resolve the inconvenience?

Thank you for your kind attention. I will be looking forward to your response.

Best regards,

Virna

[Wallace41290]

Like I said earlier:

If it switch to the artwork, restart the chromcastfor a few days and switch back to my pictures, it temporarily fixes it, but it always gets stuck again.

This is the device info:

Chromecast with Google TV (4K, Snow)

RMA #: RMA72944376

IMEI: #################

[virnab]

Hi Wallace41290,

Thank you for your prompt response letting me know that you are using a Chromecast with Google TV (4K) and you’ve already tried to resolve the inconvenience by switching to the artwork, restarting the Chromecast for a few days, and switching back to your pictures. This information allows me to recommend alternative steps to resolve the inconvenience.

Based on the information you've provided, I recommend manually downloading the latest firmware update. Please follow these steps:

1. Go to the home screen of your Chromecast with Google TV.
2. Select "Settings."
3. Choose "System."
4. Select "About."
5. Choose "System update."

Please make sure your ambient mode is functioning properly after updating your Chromecast firmware. If not, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Make sure your mobile device or tablet is linked to the same account as your Chromecast.
2. Open the Google Home app.
3. Tap and hold the Chromecast with Google TV title.
4. Tap Device Information. Wi-Fi: Forget this network.
5. You’ll be taken back to your home screen.
6. Follow the steps to set up your Chromecast with Google TV on a new network.

Please let me know how it goes.

Best regards,

Virna

[Wallace41290]

Tried those things, still not working.

[virnab]

Hi Wallace41290

Thank you for your kind answer. I’m sorry to know that the troubleshooting steps provided were not enough to resolve the inconvenience with the ambient mode of your Chromecast with Google TV (4K). Don’t give up! Here you have alternative troubleshooting steps that we can try to resolve the inconvenience.

Please try with the following steps:

Check the speed of the slideshow:

• At the top right corner, select Settings (the screw icon).
• Select System, then go to Ambient mode and select Settings.
• Select Google Photos
• Select your Google photo album.
• Select Slide Show Speed and check if everything is settled according to your preferences.

If you can check that there are no errors on your speed settings, please follow the next steps:

• Remove the Google Home app from your mobile device.
• Reboot your mobile device.
• Install the Google Home app.
• Get the Google Photo app up to date.
• Reboot manually your Chromecast with Google TV (4K):
• Unplug the Chromecast device from the power source.
• Disconnect the Chromecast from the HDMI port of your TV set.
• Wait for 1 or 2 minutes.
• Connect your Chromecast to the power source.
• Connect your Chromecast to the HDMI port of your TV set.
• Check the Chromecast LED light is solid white.
• Turn on your TV and check if the ambient mode is working fine.

If the inconvenience persists, it will be necessary to perform a factory reset to your Chromecast device and set it up again.

Please let me know how it goes.

Best regards,

Virna

[WhinerReiner]

I had tried the steps you suggested multiple times without success, so this morning I completed a factory reset on my Google television. It is currently working now, but who knows for how long. 

[virnab]

Hi WhinerReiner,

Thank you for keeping me updated on the results of the troubleshooting steps given to resolve the inconvenience with your Chromecast's ambient mode with Google TV (4K). I’m so happy to know that the factory reset was a useful suggestion to resolve the inconvenience.

If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us whenever you need it.

Best regards,

Virna

[virnab]

Hi there,

Thank you for responding to my questions. I appreciate the important details you provided me to better assist you. 

Based on the information you shared, I can advise you to unplug your TV from the power supply outlet, wait a minute, then plug it back in and see if your ambient mode is functioning properly. If the issue persists, please contact your TV’s manufacturer's customer service so they can provide you with the specific assistance you are needing to restore the ambient mode functionality.

Thanks for your attention. I will be looking forward to your answer.

Best regards,

Virna