How to reconnect your Chromecast to a different WiFi network

You can change your Chromecast's WiFi network through the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. The process takes about five minutes and doesn't require you to reset the device — you straightforward tell it to forget the old network and connect to the new one. If you're switching networks, moving to a new home, or your WiFi password changed, this is the fastest way to get your Chromecast back online.

The Chromecast itself doesn't have buttons or a screen for WiFi setup, so you'll always use the Google Home app to make the change. The app communicates with your Chromecast over your current network, finds it by name, and lets you swap networks without losing any of your settings or cast history.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app on your phone, find your Chromecast in the device list, and tap the settings gear icon to access network options.
  • Select "Forget network" to disconnect from your current WiFi, then choose the new network from the list and enter the password.
  • Your Chromecast must be powered on and connected to WiFi before you can change networks — if it's offline, you'll need to factory reset it first.
  • The change takes effect when ready once you enter the new password; you don't need to restart the device or the app.

Step-by-step: changing networks in the Google Home app

Start by opening the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Make sure you're signed into the same Google account that set up your Chromecast. Tap the "Devices" tab at the bottom right, then look for your Chromecast in the list — it will show its name (like "Living Room" or "Bedroom") and its current connection status.

Tap and hold on your Chromecast's name until a menu appears. Tap the settings gear icon in the top right corner of the card. Scroll down to the "Device information" section and tap "WiFi." You'll see the network your Chromecast is currently connected to. Tap "Forget network" to disconnect from it.

After you tap "Forget network," your Chromecast will disconnect and the app will show a list of available WiFi networks in your area. Find the network you want to connect to and tap it. Enter the WiFi password and tap "Connect." The app will confirm the connection within a few seconds, and your Chromecast will be ready to use on the new network.

What to do if your Chromecast is already offline

If your Chromecast is not connected to any WiFi network, the Google Home app won't be able to reach it, and you won't see it in your device list. In this case, you'll need to set it up again from scratch using the initial setup process rather than changing networks.

Unplug your Chromecast for 10 seconds, then plug it back in. While it's starting up, hold down the reset button on the back or bottom of the device (depending on your model) for about 15 seconds until the light blinks. This factory resets the Chromecast. Once the light stops blinking, open the Google Home app, tap the "+" icon to add a device, and follow the setup wizard to connect it to your new network.

Troubleshooting: Chromecast won't connect to the new network

If you've entered the password correctly but your Chromecast won't connect, the most common cause is that the password was typed wrong. Go back into the WiFi settings, tap "Forget network" again, and re-enter the password slowly, paying attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. WiFi passwords are case-sensitive.

If the password is correct, check that your Chromecast is within range of your router. Chromecast devices work best when they're in the same room as the router or within 30 feet with a clear line of sight. If it's too far away or blocked by walls, move it closer and try again. You can also check whether your router is broadcasting on the 2.4 GHz band — older Chromecast models only work on 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz, even if your router supports both.

Changing networks on different Chromecast models

The steps above work for all Chromecast models, including Chromecast with Google TV, Chromecast Audio, and the original Chromecast dongle. The Google Home app is the same across all of them, and the WiFi settings are in the same place. The only difference is that Chromecast with Google TV has a remote, but you still use the app to change networks — the remote doesn't have WiFi settings.

If you're using an older Chromecast that was set up before the Google Home app existed, you may have set it up with the Chromecast app instead. You can still use the Google Home app to change networks — just make sure you're signed into the same Google account, and the device will appear in your list.

Why your Chromecast might disconnect from WiFi

Sometimes a Chromecast will disconnect on its own even though you didn't change anything. This usually happens when your router restarts, your WiFi password changes, or your Chromecast moves out of range. If it disconnects regularly, check that your router's WiFi is stable — restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If the problem continues, move your Chromecast closer to the router or check whether other devices are having trouble connecting too.

If your WiFi network itself is down, your Chromecast will show as offline in the Google Home app until the network comes back. You won't be able to change networks or cast anything until your WiFi is working again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my cast history or settings when I change networks?

No. Changing networks doesn't erase anything on your Chromecast. Your cast history, paired devices, and all settings stay the same. The only thing that changes is which WiFi network the device is connected to.

Can I change networks if my phone isn't on the same WiFi as the Chromecast?

No. Your phone needs to be connected to the same WiFi network as your Chromecast to change its settings. Once the Chromecast is on the new network, your phone can be on a different network and still cast to it.

What if I forgot my new WiFi password?

You'll need to recover or reset your WiFi password through your router's admin panel or your internet provider's website before you can connect your Chromecast. Check the back or bottom of your router for the admin URL or app name, then log in with your router's username and password to change the WiFi password.

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

Usually 10 to 30 seconds after you enter the password. The Google Home app will show a confirmation message once the connection is successful. If it takes longer than a minute, the password is likely incorrect or the network is out of range.

Can I change networks without using the Google Home app?

No. The Google Home app is the only way to change networks on a Chromecast that's already connected to WiFi. If your Chromecast is offline, you'll need to factory reset it and set it up again from scratch.