Change Your Chromecast's WiFi in the Google Home App

Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Tap the device you want to change — it will show as "Chromecast" or by whatever name you gave it. Tap the settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi, then tap Forget to disconnect from the current network.

Your Chromecast will restart and enter setup mode. The app will prompt you to select a new network from the list of available WiFi networks in your area. Enter the password for that network. The Chromecast will connect and the app will confirm the change. This takes about two minutes from start to finish.

If you do not see your network listed, make sure your WiFi router is turned on and broadcasting its name. Networks set to hidden mode will not appear in the list — you will need to enter the network name manually when prompted.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Chromecast's WiFi through the Google Home app by tapping the device, opening settings, and selecting Wi-Fi.
  • Tapping Forget disconnects the Chromecast from its current network and puts it into setup mode so you can choose a new one.
  • You will need the password for the new WiFi network before you start the process.
  • Hidden WiFi networks do not show in the list but can be added manually by entering the network name yourself.
  • The entire process takes about two minutes and requires no factory reset or unplugging.

What Happens When You Forget the Network

When you tap Forget, the Chromecast erases the old WiFi password from its memory and disconnects when ready. The device does not lose any other settings — your casting preferences, paired accounts, and custom name all stay the same. Only the network connection is removed.

The Chromecast will then search for available networks and display them on your phone. This is the moment to choose your new network. If you wait too long without selecting one, the Chromecast will eventually time out and return to its previous network if it is still available. To avoid this, have your new network password ready before you start.

Switching to a Different Router or Band

If you are changing to a completely different WiFi router — for example, upgrading your internet service or moving to a new location — the process is identical. Forget the old network and select the new one. The Chromecast does not care which router it connects to, only that it can reach the network name and password you provide.

Some routers broadcast both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz band under the same network name. Chromecast works on both, though 2.4 GHz has longer range and 5 GHz is faster if your device is close to the router. You cannot force the Chromecast to use one band or the other — it will choose automatically based on signal strength.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If the Chromecast will not connect to your new network, first check that you entered the password correctly. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so a capital letter in the wrong place will cause the connection to fail. The app will show an error message if the password is wrong — tap back and try again.

If the password is correct but the connection still fails, restart your WiFi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While the router restarts, unplug the Chromecast as well and plug it back in after the router has fully booted. This clears temporary connection issues that sometimes prevent pairing.

If your Chromecast still cannot see your network after restarting both devices, move the Chromecast closer to the router temporarily. Walls, metal objects, and distance can weaken the signal enough to prevent initial connection. Once connected, you can move it back to its normal location.

Changing WiFi Without the Google Home App

If you do not have the Google Home app installed, you can set up a new network using a computer or another phone. read the Google Home app on any device, sign in with the same Google account, and follow the same steps. The Chromecast will appear in the app as long as it is powered on and in setup mode.

You can also use the Chromecast's built-in setup button if you have physical access to the device. Press and hold the button on the back of the Chromecast for about 10 seconds until the light blinks. This puts it into pairing mode, and you can then use any device with the Google Home app to complete the network change.

Keeping Your Chromecast Connected

After you change the network, the Chromecast will remember the new WiFi password and reconnect automatically if it loses connection and regains it. You do not need to re-enter the password unless you change your WiFi password itself — in that case, you will need to forget and reconnect using the new password.

If you travel with your Chromecast or use it in multiple locations, you can add it to different networks by repeating the forget and reconnect process. The device can only be connected to one network at a time, but switching between them takes the same two minutes each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing WiFi erase my Chromecast settings or paired accounts?

No. Changing the network only removes the WiFi password from memory. Your Google account, device name, and all casting preferences remain unchanged. You will not need to set up the Chromecast again.

What if I forgot my new WiFi password?

You will need to reset your WiFi password through your router's admin panel or by contacting your internet provider before you can connect the Chromecast. Check the router itself or your provider's website for instructions on resetting the password.

Can I connect my Chromecast to a guest network?

Yes, as long as the guest network broadcasts its name and you know the password. Follow the same steps in the Google Home app. Some guest networks have restrictions that prevent casting — if casting does not work after connecting, contact your network administrator.

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

The connection usually completes within 30 seconds of entering the password. The Google Home app will show a confirmation message when the Chromecast is online. If it takes longer than two minutes, the connection has likely failed and you should check the password.

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

No. You can change the network while the Chromecast is powered on and in use. straightforward open the Google Home app and tap Forget. The device will restart on its own and enter setup mode without needing to be unplugged.