Disconnect from the old network and reconnect to a new one

To change which WiFi network your Chromecast uses, you need to open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, find your Chromecast device, and walk through the setup process again. The device will forget the old network and connect to the new one you choose. This takes about five minutes and does not erase any of your saved shows, preferences, or casting history.

You do not need to be physically near the Chromecast while you do this, as long as your phone is connected to WiFi. The Chromecast itself will stay plugged in the whole time.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, tap and hold your Chromecast device, then tap the settings gear icon to start the process.
  • Select "Forget network" to disconnect from the old WiFi, then choose your new network and enter the password.
  • The Chromecast will restart and reconnect within one to two minutes; you will see a confirmation message in the app.
  • If the new network has the same name and password as the old one, the Chromecast may reconnect automatically without any action from you.
  • If the process stalls, unplugging the Chromecast for 30 seconds and plugging it back in usually fixes the problem.

Open the Google Home app and locate your device

On your phone or tablet, open the Google Home app. If you do not have it, read it from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). Log in with the same Google account you used to set up the Chromecast.

Look for your Chromecast device in the app. It will show the device name (often something like "Living Room" or "Bedroom") and a small icon showing whether it is currently online. Tap and hold on the device card until a menu appears at the bottom of the screen.

Open device settings and select "Forget network"

After you tap and hold the device, you will see a settings gear icon in the bottom right corner of the card. Tap it to open the full device settings page.

Scroll down until you see the section labeled "Wi-Fi" or "Network". Below that, you will find a button or link that says "Forget network" or "Change Wi-Fi". Tap it. The app will ask you to confirm—tap "Forget" again to proceed. Your Chromecast will now disconnect from the old network.

Select your new WiFi network and enter the password

After you tap "Forget," the app will scan for available WiFi networks and show you a list. Find the network you want to connect to and tap it. If your network does not appear, make sure the router is powered on and within range of the Chromecast.

The app will ask you to enter the WiFi password. Type it carefully—passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If you are not sure of the password, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or log into your router's settings page from a computer. Once you enter the password, tap "Connect".

Wait for the Chromecast to restart and reconnect

The Chromecast will restart and attempt to connect to the new network. This usually takes one to two minutes. You will see a spinning loading icon in the app while this happens. Do not unplug the device or close the app during this time.

Once the connection is successful, the app will show a confirmation message and the device card will display "Connected" with the new network name. You can now cast to the Chromecast from any device on that same WiFi network.

What to do if the connection fails

If the Chromecast does not connect after three minutes, or if you see an error message, unplug the device from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Then repeat the process starting from the Google Home app. A power reset clears temporary connection problems most of the time.

If the password was entered incorrectly, the app will usually show an error message right away. Go back to the network list, select the same network again, and re-enter the password more slowly. If you are still stuck, double-check the password by logging into your router from a computer and looking at the WiFi settings there.

Automatic reconnection if the network name and password stay the same

If you are changing routers but keeping the same network name (SSID) and password, the Chromecast may reconnect on its own without you having to do anything. This happens because the device remembers the network credentials. Check the Google Home app after a few minutes to see if the device shows as "Connected."

If it does not reconnect automatically, follow the steps above to manually reconnect. Automatic reconnection is not may provide and depends on how your router broadcasts the network information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the WiFi erase my shows or settings?

No. Your Chromecast will keep all saved preferences, linked accounts, and casting history. Changing the network only disconnects it from the old WiFi and connects it to the new one. Everything else stays the same.

What if I do not know my WiFi password?

Check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router—the password is usually printed there. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, log into your router's settings page from a computer (usually 192.168.1.1 in the browser address bar) and look for the WiFi password in the wireless settings section. You may need the router's admin password for this.

Can I change the Chromecast to a different network without the Google Home app?

No. The Google Home app is the only way to change networks on a Chromecast. You cannot do it through the Chromecast's own menu or settings. Make sure you have the app installed and are logged in with the correct Google account.

Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting from the new network?

This usually means the WiFi signal is weak, the router is too far away, or there is interference from other devices. Try moving the Chromecast closer to the router, or move the router to a more central location. If the problem continues, restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.

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

Usually one to two minutes. If it takes longer than three minutes, the connection has likely failed. Unplug the Chromecast, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try again.