Disconnect from the old network and set up the new one

To change your Chromecast's WiFi network, you need to reset its connection 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 the process in about three minutes and doesn't require you to factory reset the device.

You'll need the Chromecast itself, your phone or tablet with the Google Home app installed, and the password for the new WiFi network you want to use. Make sure your phone is currently connected to the new network before you start, so the app can guide the Chromecast to join it.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, tap the Chromecast device, go to Settings, and select "Forget network" to disconnect from the old WiFi.
  • After forgetting the network, the Chromecast will show a setup screen on your TV — this is normal and means it's ready to connect to a new network.
  • The Google Home app will prompt you to select the new WiFi network and enter its password during the reconnection process.
  • The entire process takes two to five minutes, and you don't need to unplug the Chromecast or restart your router.

Open the Google Home app and find your Chromecast

Launch the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. At the top right of the screen, tap the account icon (usually your profile picture or initials in a circle). Make sure you're signed in with the same Google account that set up the Chromecast originally.

On the home screen, you'll see a list of devices. Find your Chromecast in that list — it will show the device name (like "Living Room" or "Bedroom") and the current network it's connected to. Tap on the Chromecast device to open its settings page.

Forget the current WiFi network

Once you've opened the Chromecast's device page, look for the Settings icon (a gear symbol, usually in the top right corner). Tap it to open the full settings menu. Scroll down until you see "Forget network" or "WiFi settings" — the exact wording depends on your Chromecast model, but it will be in the network section.

Tap "Forget network." The app will ask you to confirm — tap "Forget" again. Your Chromecast will disconnect from the old network within 10 to 15 seconds. You may see a setup screen appear on your TV showing a code or asking you to set up a new connection. This is expected and means the device is ready for the next step.

Connect to the new WiFi network through the app

The Google Home app will now prompt you to set up the Chromecast on a new network. Make sure your phone is already connected to the new WiFi network you want to use — the app needs this to guide the Chromecast to the same network. If you're not sure your phone is on the right network, go to your phone's WiFi settings and confirm the connection before continuing.

In the Google Home app, follow the on-screen prompts. The app will show you a list of available WiFi networks. Select the new network from the list. When prompted, enter the WiFi password. The password is case-sensitive, so type it exactly as it is — including capital letters, numbers, and special characters.

After you enter the password, tap "Connect" or "Next." The Chromecast will attempt to join the new network. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. You'll see a confirmation message in the app once the connection is successful.

Verify the connection and test casting

Once the app confirms the connection, your Chromecast should now be on the new network. The device name and network information on the Chromecast's settings page in the Google Home app will update to show the new network name.

To make sure everything is working, open any app that supports casting — YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, or Google Photos are good choices. Look for the Cast icon (a rectangle with a WiFi symbol in the corner) and tap it. Your Chromecast should appear in the list of available devices. Select it and play something for a few seconds to confirm the cast works. If the content plays on your TV without interruption, the WiFi change is complete.

What to do if the Chromecast won't connect to the new network

If the app shows an error message or the Chromecast doesn't appear in the device list after you've forgotten the network, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Double-check that you typed the WiFi password correctly — spaces and capital letters matter. If you're unsure of the password, check your router's label or your internet provider's account page.

If the password is correct but the connection still fails, try moving your phone closer to the Chromecast and router. Thick walls or distance can interfere with the setup process. Wait 30 seconds, then try entering the network information again. If the Chromecast still won't connect after two attempts, unplug it from power for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and start the process over from the Google Home app.

Changing the network name without using the app

If you don't have access to the Google Home app or your phone isn't working, you can also change the network using the Chromecast's physical setup button. Look for a small button on the back or bottom of the device — it's usually recessed so you need a paperclip or pin to press it. Hold this button for 10 to 15 seconds until the light on the device starts blinking.

When the light blinks, the Chromecast has entered setup mode. A setup screen will appear on your TV showing a code. On another device (a laptop, tablet, or different phone), go to google.com/chromecast/setup in a web browser. Enter the code shown on your TV, and follow the on-screen steps to select the new WiFi network and enter its password. This method takes longer than using the Google Home app but works if the app isn't available.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You only need to unplug it if the connection fails after two attempts and you're restarting the setup process. For a normal network change, leave it plugged in the entire time — unplugging it isn't necessary and can actually slow things down.

Will changing the WiFi erase my Chromecast settings or saved shows?

No. Changing the network only disconnects and reconnects the device to WiFi. Your Google account, saved preferences, and any shows you've cast remain unchanged. The Chromecast remembers everything except the old network password.

What if I have two Chromecast devices and want to move them to different networks?

Repeat the process separately for each device. Open the Google Home app, select the first Chromecast, forget its network, and reconnect it. Then do the same for the second device. You can do this one after the other — there's no need to do them simultaneously.

Can I change the WiFi if my old network is no longer available?

Yes. If the old network is gone (the router is unplugged or the network was deleted), the Chromecast will automatically enter setup mode within a few minutes. You can then use the Google Home app or the physical setup button to connect it to a new network.

How often do I need to change the Chromecast's WiFi network?

Only when you change your home network, move to a new location, or switch internet providers. Once connected, the Chromecast stays on the same network indefinitely unless you manually change it or the network becomes unavailable.