Change Your Chromecast's WiFi in Three Steps

To change the WiFi network your Chromecast connects to, you need to reset its network settings and reconnect it to a different network. The fastest way is to use the Google Home app on your phone or tablet — it walks you through reconnection in about two minutes. You can also reset the device using the physical button on the back, though that takes longer because you'll need to set up the entire device again from scratch.

The method you choose depends on whether you want to keep all your Chromecast's settings (like the name and backdrop photos) or start fresh. Most people use the app method because it preserves everything except the network connection itself.

Key Takeaways

  • The Google Home app is the fastest way to change WiFi — open it, find your Chromecast, tap Settings, then Network, then "Forget this network" and reconnect to a new one.
  • You need to be on the same WiFi network as your Chromecast to change it using the app, so stay connected to the old network until the switch is complete.
  • The physical reset button on the back of the device erases all settings and requires you to set up the Chromecast as if it were brand new.
  • After you change the network, any phone or tablet that casts to this Chromecast must also be on the new WiFi network to send video or audio to it.

Using the Google Home App to Switch Networks

Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet and make sure you're still connected to the WiFi network your Chromecast is currently using. Tap the device card for your Chromecast — it shows the device name and a small image. If you have multiple Chromecasts, look for the one you want to change.

Tap the settings icon (a gear) in the top right corner of the device card. Scroll down and tap "Network." You'll see the name of the network your Chromecast is connected to. Tap "Forget this network," then confirm when the app asks if you're sure. Your Chromecast will disconnect from the old network.

The app will now show a list of available WiFi networks. Tap the network you want to connect to, enter the password if it's password-protected, and tap "Connect." The app will confirm when the connection is successful. Your Chromecast is now on the new network, and you can switch your phone or tablet to that network too.

Using the Physical Reset Button

If you can't access the Google Home app or prefer to reset the device completely, use the small button on the back of your Chromecast. The button is recessed, so you'll need a straightened paperclip or a similar thin object to press it. Hold the button down for about 15 seconds until the light on the front of the device starts blinking orange or yellow.

Release the button and wait for the light to stop blinking. Your Chromecast has now been reset to factory settings and will no longer be connected to any network. You'll need to set it up again using the Google Home app, which includes choosing a new WiFi network during the setup process. This method erases the device name, backdrop settings, and any other customizations you made.

What to Do If You Forget the New Network's Password

If you enter the wrong password or can't remember it, the Chromecast will show a connection error in the Google Home app. Go back to the Network settings, tap "Forget this network," and try again with the correct password. You can check your router's settings or ask whoever manages the WiFi network for the correct password.

If the network is hidden (not broadcast publicly), you'll need to enter the network name manually in addition to the password. The Google Home app will give you the option to type the network name if you don't see it in the list.

Reconnecting Your Casting Devices After the Switch

Once your Chromecast is on the new network, any phone, tablet, or computer that casts to it must also be connected to that same network. If your device is still on the old WiFi, it won't see the Chromecast in the casting menu. Switch your phone or tablet to the new network in your device's WiFi settings, and the Chromecast will appear again when you try to cast.

If you have a multi-network home setup where some devices stay on the old network, those devices won't be able to cast to the Chromecast until they switch to the new network too. Some routers allow you to broadcast both networks at once (called dual-band or mesh networking), which lets devices on either network see the Chromecast — check your router's manual to see if this is an option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is switching your phone to the new WiFi network before the Chromecast finishes connecting. If you do this, the Google Home app won't be able to communicate with the device to complete the setup. Stay on the old network until the app confirms the connection is successful, then switch your phone over.

Another mistake is entering the WiFi password incorrectly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword." If the connection fails, double-check that caps lock is off and that you're typing the password exactly as it was set up. You can also try copying and pasting the password from a note or password manager if you have it saved somewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my Chromecast name and settings when I change the WiFi?

No — using the Google Home app to change the network keeps your device name, backdrop photos, and all other settings intact. Only the network connection changes. If you use the physical reset button instead, you lose everything and have to set up the device from scratch.

Can I change the WiFi if I don't have the Google Home app?

You can use the physical reset button on the back of the device, but this erases all settings and requires a full setup. The Google Home app is the easier option if you have access to it. The app is free and available for both Android and iOS.

What if my Chromecast won't connect to the new network?

Check that you entered the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive. Make sure the network is within range of the Chromecast (usually 30 to 50 feet depending on walls and interference). If the network uses a 5 GHz band, try connecting to a 2.4 GHz band instead, as some older Chromecasts don't support 5 GHz. Restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

Will changing the WiFi affect casting from my phone?

Yes — your phone must be on the same WiFi network as the Chromecast to cast to it. After you change the Chromecast's network, switch your phone to that same network in your WiFi settings. Once both are on the same network, casting will work normally.

Can I change the WiFi on a Chromecast if I'm away from home?

No — you must be on the same WiFi network as the Chromecast to change its network settings using the Google Home app. If you're away, you can only reset the device using the physical button if you have remote access to it, but that requires you to be physically present to press the button.