The fastest way to switch your Chromecast to a different network

To change your Chromecast's WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, select your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon (gear symbol), choose "Wi-Fi", then select "Forget this network" and reconnect to your new network. The whole process takes about two minutes and doesn't require you to unplug anything.

You'll need the Google Home app already installed on an Android or iOS device that's connected to the same network your Chromecast currently uses — at least for the first step. If you've forgotten your current network password or can't access it, there's a factory reset option that wipes all settings and starts fresh, but that's a last resort.

Key Takeaways

  • The Google Home app is the only way to change your Chromecast's WiFi without a factory reset.
  • Your phone or tablet must be on the same network as your Chromecast to access the WiFi settings menu.
  • After you forget the old network, your Chromecast will appear as an unconfigured device and you can connect it to your new network when ready.
  • If you can't access the Google Home app method, a factory reset erases all settings and lets you set up the device on a new network from scratch.

Step-by-step: changing the network in Google Home

Open the Google Home app and make sure you're signed into the same Google account you used to set up the Chromecast. Look at the home screen — you'll see a list of your devices. Find your Chromecast by name (it might say "Living Room" or "Bedroom" or whatever you named it) and tap it once.

In the device details screen, look for the settings icon in the top right corner — it looks like a gear. Tap it. Scroll down until you see "Wi-Fi" and tap that option. You'll see the name of the network your Chromecast is currently connected to. Tap "Forget this network".

Your Chromecast will disconnect from the old network. The app will then show you a list of available networks in your area. Find your new network name in that list and tap it. Enter the password for the new network. Your Chromecast will connect within 10 to 30 seconds, and you'll see a confirmation message in the app.

What to do if your phone isn't on the same network

The Google Home app needs to communicate directly with your Chromecast to change its WiFi settings, which means your phone or tablet has to be on the same network as the device. If you've already switched your phone to a new network and your Chromecast is still on the old one, you can't use the app method.

The solution is to temporarily switch your phone back to the old network, change the Chromecast's WiFi through the app, and then switch your phone back to the new network. If the old network no longer exists or you don't have access to it, you'll need to do a factory reset instead.

Factory reset: when you can't use the app method

A factory reset erases all your Chromecast's settings and returns it to the state it was in when you first took it out of the box. You'll need to set it up again from scratch, but you'll be able to connect it to any network you want.

To factory reset, unplug your Chromecast from power. Wait 10 seconds, then plug it back in. While it's booting up (you'll see a white light), press and hold the reset button on the device itself — it's a small recessed button, usually on the back or side. Hold it for about 15 seconds until the light turns orange, then release. The device will reset and restart, which takes about a minute.

Once the light turns white again, open the Google Home app, tap the plus icon to add a device, and follow the setup steps. You'll be asked to choose a network and enter its password. This time, make sure you select your new network.

Troubleshooting: Chromecast won't connect to the new network

If your Chromecast connects briefly and then disconnects, or shows an error message, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Go back into the WiFi settings in Google Home, tap "Forget this network", and try entering the password again — passwords are case-sensitive, so check for capital letters and special characters.

If the password is correct but the Chromecast still won't stay connected, your router might not be broadcasting on the frequency your Chromecast supports. Most Chromecast models work on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, but some older models only support 2.4 GHz. Check your router's settings to see which frequencies it's using, or contact your internet provider if you're not sure how to access those settings.

If you've tried both of those steps and the device still won't connect, unplug the Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and try the WiFi change process again. Sometimes a straightforward restart clears up temporary connection problems.

What happens to your apps and settings after you change networks

Changing the WiFi network does not erase any of your apps, saved shows, or account information. Your Chromecast stays signed into your Google account and remembers everything you've set up — the only thing that changes is which network it uses to reach the internet.

If you use Chromecast to cast from your phone, make sure your phone is on the same network as the Chromecast after the change. Casting works best when both devices are on the same WiFi network, though some phones can cast across networks if you're signed into the same Google account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can change the network through the Google Home app without unplugging anything. The device stays powered on the whole time. You only need to unplug it if you're doing a factory reset.

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

The Google Home app is available on Android and iOS phones and tablets, but not on Windows or Mac computers. You'll need to use a phone or tablet to change the network. If you don't have access to either, a factory reset is your only option.

Will changing the WiFi affect my casting ability?

No. Once your Chromecast is connected to the new network, casting will work the same way it did before — as long as your phone or other casting device is also on that network. Your Google account information stays the same.

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

Usually 10 to 30 seconds. If it takes longer than a minute, the password might be wrong or the network might not be available. Check the app to see if an error message appears.

What if I forget the name of my Chromecast?

Open the Google Home app and look at your device list — the Chromecast will be there with whatever name you gave it during setup. If you want to rename it, tap the device, tap the settings icon, and look for "Device name" in the menu.