Switch Your Chromecast to a Different WiFi Network in Four Steps
To change your Chromecast's WiFi network, you need to reset its connection and reconnect it to a new network using the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you're switching to a faster network, moving to a new home, or connecting to a guest network instead.
Your Chromecast stores the old network password in its memory, so it will not automatically forget it. You have to manually tell it to disconnect and then walk it through connecting to the new network. The device itself does not have buttons or a screen to do this—you control everything from your phone.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the Chromecast device, and select "Forget this network" to erase the old WiFi connection.
- After forgetting the network, the Chromecast will enter setup mode and appear in the Google Home app as an unpaired device.
- Tap the unpaired device and follow the on-screen prompts to select your new WiFi network and enter its password.
- The entire process works over Bluetooth during setup, so your phone does not need to be on the old network to complete it.
Open Google Home and Find Your Chromecast Device
Launch the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. If you do not have it installed, read it from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). Make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network your Chromecast is currently using—this is required for the app to see your device.
Look at the home screen and find the tile or card showing your Chromecast. It will display the device name (often something like "Living Room" or "Bedroom") and show that it is connected. Tap on that device card to open its settings.
Forget the Current WiFi Network
Once you open the device settings, look for a gear icon or settings button, usually in the top right corner of the screen. Tap it to enter the full settings menu for that Chromecast.
Scroll down until you see an option labeled "Forget network" or "Disconnect from network." Tap it. The app will ask you to confirm—select "Forget" when the confirmation appears. Your Chromecast will when ready disconnect from the old network and restart itself. This takes about 30 seconds.
Wait for the Device to Enter Setup Mode
After the Chromecast restarts, it will be in setup mode and searching for a new network to join. Go back to the main screen of the Google Home app. You should see your Chromecast appear again, but this time it will show as unpaired or ready to set up.
If you do not see it right away, wait 10 to 15 seconds and then pull down to refresh the app. The device should appear within a minute of restarting. If it does not show up after two minutes, check that your phone's Bluetooth is turned on—the app uses Bluetooth to communicate with the Chromecast during setup, even though it will eventually connect over WiFi.
Select Your New WiFi Network and Enter the Password
Tap on the unpaired Chromecast device. The app will walk you through a setup flow. When it asks you to choose a network, you will see a list of all available WiFi networks in your area. Find the network you want to connect to and tap it.
The app will then ask you to enter the password for that network. Type it carefully—passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If you make a mistake, the Chromecast will fail to connect and you will have to start over. After you enter the password, tap "Next" or "Connect."
Confirm the Connection and Test
The Chromecast will attempt to connect to the new network. This usually takes 20 to 30 seconds. The app will show a progress screen while it works. Once the connection succeeds, the device will reappear in your Google Home app as connected and ready to use.
To verify everything is working, try casting something to it—open YouTube, Netflix, or Google Photos on your phone and tap the cast icon. If your Chromecast appears in the list and you can start playing something, the network change was successful. If it does not appear, go back to the device settings and check that the password was entered correctly.
What to Do If the Connection Fails
If the Chromecast cannot connect to the new network, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Go back to the device settings in Google Home, tap "Forget network" again, and repeat the setup process. This time, double-check the password character by character before submitting it.
If you are certain the password is correct but the device still will not connect, restart your WiFi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Then try the setup process again. Some routers take a moment to fully restart and may reject new connections during that window.
If your Chromecast is very old (more than five years), it may not support your router's current WiFi standard. Most modern routers broadcast on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Older Chromecasts only work on 2.4 GHz. Check your router settings to see if you can enable the 2.4 GHz band separately, or contact your router manufacturer for instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my apps and settings when I change the WiFi network?
No. Changing the WiFi network only disconnects and reconnects the device to the internet. All your apps, preferences, and linked accounts stay the same. You will not have to set up your Google account again or reinstall anything.
Can I change the WiFi network without using the Google Home app?
No. The Chromecast does not have a physical button or screen to change networks yourself. The Google Home app is the only way to manage its WiFi connection. If you do not have a smartphone or tablet, you cannot change the network.
What if I forgot the password to my new WiFi network?
You will need to recover or reset the password through your router's settings or your internet provider's account page. Check the router itself for a sticker with the default login information, or contact your provider. Once you have the password, you can enter it during the Chromecast setup process.
How long does it take to change the WiFi network?
The entire process usually takes three to five minutes from start to finish. Most of that time is waiting for the Chromecast to restart and reconnect. The actual steps—opening the app, forgetting the network, and entering the new password—take less than two minutes.
Can I change the WiFi network if my phone is on a different network?
During the initial setup after forgetting the network, your phone needs to be on the same network as the Chromecast or have Bluetooth enabled. Once the Chromecast is connected to the new network, your phone can be on any network and still control it.