Rename Your Chromecast in the Google Home App
The fastest way to change your Chromecast name is through the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Open the app, find your Chromecast device in the list, tap the settings icon (usually three dots or a gear), and select "Device settings" or "Rename device." Type the new name you want — up to 32 characters — and save. The change takes effect when ready.
If you have multiple Chromecasts in your home, naming them by room (like "Living Room TV" or "Kitchen Display") makes it much easier to cast to the right device when you're using your phone. You can change the name as many times as you want, so don't worry about getting it perfect the first time.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Google Home app, tap your Chromecast device, then tap the settings icon and select "Rename device" to change the name.
- Device names can be up to 32 characters long and update when ready across all your devices.
- Naming Chromecasts by location (bedroom, kitchen, office) makes casting easier when you have more than one device.
- You can rename your Chromecast from any phone or tablet that has the Google Home app and is signed into the same Google account.
- The old name disappears when ready — any shortcuts or routines using the old name will need to be updated if you use voice commands.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Android and iPhone
Start by opening the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Make sure you're signed into the same Google account that set up your Chromecast. Tap the device card for the Chromecast you want to rename — it will show the current name and a small image of the device type.
Look for the settings icon in the top right corner of the device card. On most phones this is three vertical dots or a gear symbol. Tap it, then look for an option that says "Device settings," "Settings," or "Rename." Tap that option. A text field will appear with your current device name highlighted. Delete the old name and type the new one. Tap "Save" or "Done" — the exact button name varies depending on your phone's operating system, but it will be obvious once the text field is active.
The new name shows up in the Google Home app within a few seconds. If you use Google Assistant voice commands, you can now say "Hey Google, cast to [new name]" and it will work when ready. If you had any routines or automations set up using the old device name, you'll need to update those manually.
What Happens When You Change the Name
Changing your Chromecast name does not affect any of your settings, apps, or casting history. Your Wi-Fi password, Google account connection, and any paired speakers or displays all stay exactly the same. The device itself works identically — only the label changes.
If other people in your home cast to your Chromecast, they will see the new name the next time they open their casting app. On Android phones, the updated name appears in the "Cast" menu within seconds. On iPhones and iPads, it may take a minute or two to refresh, but the old name will not cause any problems — casting will still work fine.
Renaming a Chromecast Without the Google Home App
If you don't have the Google Home app installed, you can still rename your Chromecast through a web browser. Go to myaccount.google.com, sign in with the same Google account that set up your Chromecast, and look for "Manage your Google Home devices" or a similar option. Find your Chromecast in the list and look for a rename or settings option. The exact steps vary depending on Google's current interface, but the principle is the same: find the device, tap settings, and change the name.
This method is slower than using the app, and some older Chromecast models may not support web-based renaming. If you run into trouble, the Google Home app is always the most reliable route.
Naming Tips for Multiple Chromecasts
If you have Chromecasts in different rooms, use location-based names like "Bedroom," "Living Room," "Kitchen," or "Office." This makes it obvious which device you're casting to when you open the casting menu on your phone. Avoid names with special characters or very long descriptions — they take up space in the casting menu and can be hard to read on small screens.
If you have multiple Chromecasts of the same type (like two Chromecast with Google TV devices), adding the room name prevents confusion. "Chromecast Living Room" is clearer than "Chromecast 2." You can also use names like "Guest Room TV" or "Patio Display" if those descriptions matter to you.
Troubleshooting: Name Won't Change or Reverts
If you change the name but it reverts to the old one after a few seconds, your Chromecast may have lost connection to your Wi-Fi. Check that the device is still connected by looking at the Google Home app — it should show a green dot or "Connected" status. If it shows offline or disconnected, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, plugging it back in, and waiting for it to reconnect to Wi-Fi.
If the name change doesn't appear in the casting menu on your phone even though it shows correctly in the Google Home app, force-close the casting app (like YouTube, Netflix, or Spotify) and reopen it. The casting menu pulls a fresh list of devices each time you open it, so closing and reopening usually fixes the delay. If you're still seeing the old name after several minutes, restart your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Chromecast name from a computer?
Yes, you can use the web version of Google Home at myaccount.google.com or home.google.com. Sign in with the same Google account, find your Chromecast in the device list, and look for settings or rename options. The mobile app is faster and more straightforward, but the web version works if you prefer using a computer.
What if I forget my Chromecast's new name?
Open the Google Home app and look at your device list — the current name is displayed there. You can also check the device itself: some Chromecast models show the name on a small screen, and you can always see it in the Google Home app under "Devices." There's no way to "lose" the name since it's stored in your Google account.
Does changing the name affect casting from my computer or laptop?
No. When you cast from a computer using Chrome browser, the new device name appears in the casting menu within a few seconds. Casting works the same way — the name is just a label. If you're casting from an older computer that hasn't refreshed the device list, restart the browser or wait a minute for it to update.
Can I use emoji or special characters in my Chromecast name?
Most emoji and special characters work fine in Chromecast names, though very long names or unusual symbols may not display correctly on all devices. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and common punctuation like hyphens or underscores if you want the name to look clean everywhere. straightforward names are easier to say if you use voice commands.
Will renaming my Chromecast disconnect it from my Wi-Fi?
No. Renaming only changes the label — your Wi-Fi connection, Google account, and all settings stay the same. Your Chromecast will remain connected to the same network and continue working exactly as before.