Change Your Chromecast to a Different WiFi Network in Four Steps

To change your Chromecast's WiFi network, you need to reset its connection and reconnect it to a new network using the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you're switching to a faster network, moving to a new home, or connecting to a guest WiFi instead of your main one.

You'll need the Google Home app (free on iOS and Android), your phone or tablet connected to the new WiFi network you want to use, and your Chromecast plugged in and turned on. The Chromecast itself doesn't have buttons or a screen—you control everything through the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, find your Chromecast device, tap the settings gear icon, and select "Forget device" to clear its old WiFi connection.
  • After forgetting the device, unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds, then plug it back in to restart it.
  • Open the Google Home app again and tap the plus icon to set up a new device, then follow the on-screen steps to connect to your new WiFi network.
  • Your phone must be connected to the new WiFi network before you start the setup process, or the Chromecast won't be able to join it.

Open Google Home and Find Your Chromecast Device

Launch the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. If you don't have it, read it free from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network your Chromecast is currently using—this lets the app see and control the device.

Look at the home screen. You'll see cards for each device in your home. Find the card for your Chromecast—it will show the device name (like "Living Room" or "Bedroom") and usually a small image of a Chromecast. Tap on that card to open the device details.

Forget the Device and Clear Its WiFi Connection

Once you've opened your Chromecast's card, look for a settings gear icon in the top right corner of the screen. Tap it. A menu will appear with several options.

Scroll down and tap "Forget device." A confirmation message will appear asking if you're sure. Tap "Forget" again to confirm. This removes the Chromecast from your Google Home app and clears its memory of the old WiFi network. The device is still physically plugged in, but it no longer remembers how to connect to your previous network.

Restart Your Chromecast by Unplugging It

Unplug your Chromecast from the power outlet. Wait 10 seconds—this gives the device time to fully shut down. Then plug it back in. You'll see a light on the device (usually white or amber) indicating it's powering up. Wait another 30 seconds for it to finish starting.

During this restart, the Chromecast enters setup mode and is ready to connect to a new network. You won't see anything on your TV yet—that's normal. The device is waiting for instructions from your phone.

Connect Your Phone to the New WiFi Network

Before you set up the Chromecast on its new network, make sure your phone or tablet is already connected to that network. Go to your phone's WiFi settings, find the network name (SSID) you want to use, and connect to it. You'll need to enter the WiFi password if it's a secured network.

This step is critical: if your phone is still on the old network when you try to set up the Chromecast, the setup will fail or the Chromecast won't be able to join the new network. Double-check your phone's WiFi settings to confirm you're connected to the correct network before moving forward.

Set Up the Chromecast on the New Network Using Google Home

Open the Google Home app again. On the home screen, tap the plus icon (usually in the top left corner) to set up a new device. The app will ask what you want to set up. Select "Set up device" and then choose "Set up a new device in your home."

The app will search for nearby devices. When it finds your Chromecast, it will show the device name and ask you to confirm. Tap "Yes" when the app asks if you see a code on your TV screen (you won't actually see one, but this confirms the app found the right device). The app will then ask you to select a WiFi network. Choose the new network from the list and enter the password if needed.

The Chromecast will connect to the new network. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. Once it's connected, the app will ask you to name the device (you can keep the old name or change it) and assign it to a room in your home. After you finish these steps, your Chromecast is ready to use on the new network.

Troubleshooting If the Setup Doesn't Work

If the Google Home app doesn't find your Chromecast during setup, unplug it again, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. Then try the setup process again. Sometimes the device needs a second restart to enter setup mode properly.

If your phone keeps disconnecting from the new WiFi network during setup, move closer to your router. Weak signal can interrupt the connection process. Also check that you entered the WiFi password correctly—even one wrong letter will prevent the Chromecast from joining the network.

If the Chromecast connects to the new network but won't play content, restart it one more time by unplugging it for 10 seconds. Sometimes a full restart after the initial setup helps it communicate properly with your home network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my saved apps and settings when I change the WiFi network?

No. Your Chromecast keeps all your apps, saved shows, and preferences. Changing the WiFi network only updates which network the device uses to connect to the internet—it doesn't erase anything stored on the device itself.

Can I change the WiFi network without unplugging the Chromecast?

You can try using the "Forget device" and setup process without unplugging, but unplugging for 10 seconds is more reliable. The restart clears the device's memory completely and puts it in a clean state for connecting to a new network.

What if I want to connect to a 5GHz WiFi network instead of 2.4GHz?

During setup, the Google Home app will show you all available networks, including both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands if your router broadcasts them separately. Select the 5GHz network from the list. Chromecast devices support both bands, though 2.4GHz has better range if you're far from your router.

Can I change the WiFi network from a computer instead of a phone?

No. The Google Home app is only available on phones and tablets. You need a mobile device to change your Chromecast's WiFi network. You can't do it from a web browser or desktop computer.

How long does it take for the Chromecast to connect to the new network?

The connection usually completes within 30 to 60 seconds after you enter the WiFi password. If it takes longer than two minutes, unplug the device and start over. A connection that takes that long usually indicates a problem that won't resolve on its own.