Change Your Chromecast to a Different WiFi Network

To change your Chromecast's WiFi network, you need to use the Google Home app on your phone or tablet and walk through the setup process again. The Chromecast itself does not have buttons or a screen to change networks directly — all changes happen through the app. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you are switching to a different network in your home, moving to a new house, or connecting to a guest network.

You will need the Google Home app (free on iOS and Android), your phone or tablet connected to the WiFi network you want the Chromecast to join, and the Chromecast plugged in and powered on. The Chromecast does not need to be on the old network for this to work, but it does need power.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, tap the Chromecast device, and select the gear icon to access settings.
  • Choose "Forget this network" to clear the old WiFi connection and start the setup process fresh.
  • Your phone must be connected to the new WiFi network before you begin the setup process.
  • The Chromecast will restart during the process, which takes two to three minutes.
  • If the Chromecast does not appear in the app, make sure it is plugged in and within range of your phone's WiFi signal.

Step-by-Step: Using the Google Home App

Start by opening the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Make sure your phone is already connected to the WiFi network you want your Chromecast to use. Tap and hold the Chromecast device tile (it will show the device name and a thumbnail image). A menu will pop up at the bottom of the screen.

Tap the gear icon in the top right corner of that menu to open device settings. Scroll down and look for "WiFi" or "Network" — the exact label depends on your Chromecast model and app version. Tap it. You will see the network your Chromecast is currently connected to. Tap "Forget this network" or "Forget" to clear that connection.

The app will now ask you to set up the device again. Tap "Set up device" or "Continue." Your phone will search for the Chromecast. This can take 30 to 60 seconds. Once the Chromecast appears, tap it to confirm you want to connect to it.

The app will then show you a list of available WiFi networks. Find and tap the network you want to use. Enter the password for that network if it is password-protected. The Chromecast will restart and connect to the new network. This restart takes about two minutes — you will see a spinning circle on the screen. Do not unplug the Chromecast during this time.

What to Do If the Chromecast Does Not Appear in the App

If the Google Home app cannot find your Chromecast after you tap "Set up device," the device is likely too far from your phone or not powered on. Check that the Chromecast is plugged into a power outlet and that the LED light on it is on (it may be white, orange, or another color depending on the model). Move your phone closer to the Chromecast — within 10 to 15 feet — and try again.

If your Chromecast still does not appear, restart it by unplugging it from power for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait 30 seconds for it to boot up, then open the Google Home app and try the setup process again. If the Chromecast has never been set up before, it may take longer to appear in the app the first time. Keep your phone within range and be patient — the search can take up to two minutes on the first attempt.

Connecting to a 5GHz vs. 2.4GHz Network

Most home WiFi routers broadcast two networks at the same time: a faster 5GHz band and a slower but longer-range 2.4GHz band. When you look at the list of available networks in the Google Home app, you may see both your router's name listed twice (for example, "MyNetwork" and "MyNetwork-5G"). Chromecast devices work on both, but 2.4GHz is more reliable if your Chromecast is far from the router or in a different room.

If you are having trouble connecting or the connection keeps dropping, try the 2.4GHz network instead. If your router combines both bands under one name (called "band steering"), the Chromecast will automatically pick the best one, and you do not need to choose. Band steering is common on newer routers and usually works well with Chromecast devices.

Troubleshooting a Failed Connection

If the Chromecast connects to the network but then loses the connection, or if you see an error message during setup, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Double-check that you typed the WiFi password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." If you are not sure of the password, check your router or your internet provider's paperwork.

Another common issue is that the Chromecast is too far from the router. WiFi signals weaken with distance and through walls. If possible, move the Chromecast closer to the router temporarily to complete the setup, then move it back to where you want it. Once it is connected, it should stay connected even if it is farther away, as long as the signal is still strong enough. If you see a message that says the network is not compatible or the connection failed, restart your router by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully restart (usually one to two minutes), then try setting up the Chromecast again.

Switching Back to the Old Network

If you change your mind and want to connect the Chromecast back to its previous network, follow the same steps: open the Google Home app, tap the device, select the gear icon, and choose "Forget this network." Then set it up again and select the old network from the list. You will need to enter the password again even if the Chromecast was previously connected to that network.

This process is identical to switching to a new network, so you can move the Chromecast between networks as often as you need. There is no limit to how many times you can change the network connection, and each change takes the same amount of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unplug my Chromecast to change the WiFi?

No. The Chromecast stays plugged in the entire time. You change the network through the Google Home app on your phone. The only time you should unplug it is if the setup fails and you need to restart the device.

Will changing the WiFi erase my shows, apps, or settings?

No. Changing the network does not erase anything. Your Chromecast will still remember your Google account, your casting history, and any apps you have installed. Only the WiFi connection itself is changed.

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

The Google Home app is designed for phones and tablets. You cannot change the Chromecast's network from a computer using the web version of Google Home. You will need to use a phone or tablet with the mobile app installed.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You can reset your WiFi password through your router's admin panel or by calling your internet provider. If you do not know how to access your router, check the router itself — the password and instructions are often printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. Once you reset the password, use the new one when setting up the Chromecast.

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

The entire process usually takes two to five minutes. The Chromecast restarts during setup, which accounts for about two minutes of that time. If it takes longer than 10 minutes, something went wrong — try restarting the Chromecast and the Google Home app and starting over.