How to change your Chromecast's WiFi connection

To change your Chromecast to a different WiFi network, you need to reset its connection settings and set it up again on the new network. The fastest way is to use the Google Home app on your phone — it walks you through reconnecting in about two minutes. If you don't have the app, you can also reset the Chromecast using the physical button on the device itself, though you'll still need the app to complete the setup.

The process is the same whether you're moving to a new router, switching from a guest network to your main network, or changing your WiFi password. Your Chromecast doesn't store the old network information permanently — once you connect it to a new network, it forgets the old one.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the Google Home app to change networks: open the app, find your Chromecast, tap the settings gear, select "Forget network," and set it up again on your new WiFi.
  • If you don't have the Google Home app, press and hold the reset button on the back of your Chromecast for 10 to 15 seconds until the light blinks, then set it up using the app on any phone.
  • Your Chromecast must be plugged in and powered on before you start the process.
  • The new WiFi network must be 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz — Chromecast does not work on 6 GHz networks or networks that require a login page (like hotel WiFi).
  • After you reconnect, your casting apps will work when ready, but any saved preferences or shortcuts may need to be set up again.

Using the Google Home app to switch networks

Open the Google Home app on your phone and look for your Chromecast in the list of devices. Tap and hold the Chromecast tile until a menu appears, then tap the settings gear icon in the top right corner. Scroll down and select "Forget network" — this erases the old WiFi information from the device.

Once you've tapped "Forget network," the Chromecast will restart. The Google Home app will then prompt you to set it up again. Select your new WiFi network from the list, enter the password, and wait for the Chromecast to connect. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. When the setup is complete, you'll see a confirmation screen in the app.

If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the Google Home app, make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network as the Chromecast. If the Chromecast is already disconnected from WiFi, you'll need to reset it using the physical button instead.

Resetting the Chromecast with the physical button

If you can't use the Google Home app — for example, if your Chromecast is already disconnected from WiFi — you can reset it using the button on the device. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your Chromecast, depending on the model. You may need a paperclip or the tip of a pen to press it, as it sits recessed in the casing.

Press and hold the reset button for 10 to 15 seconds. The LED light on the Chromecast will turn solid white, then blink orange and white. Once it starts blinking, release the button and wait for the device to restart. This takes about one minute.

After the reset is complete, open the Google Home app on your phone. The app will detect the Chromecast and walk you through setup. Select your new WiFi network, enter the password, and wait for the connection to complete. The Chromecast will restart once more when it's done.

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

If the Chromecast connects briefly and then disconnects, the most common cause is a weak WiFi signal. Move the Chromecast closer to your router, or move the router closer to where the Chromecast is mounted. Walls, metal objects, and microwaves can block the signal, especially on the 5 GHz band.

If the Chromecast won't find your network at all, check that you're entering the password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive. Also confirm that your router is broadcasting the network name (SSID). Some routers have a setting to hide the network name; if yours does, you may need to select "Add network manually" in the Google Home app and type the network name by hand.

If you're trying to connect to a 5 GHz network and the Chromecast keeps dropping the connection, try switching to the 2.4 GHz band instead. Older Chromecast models work more reliably on 2.4 GHz, even though newer models support both bands. You can check your router's settings to see if you can separate the bands or create a 2.4 GHz network name.

Networks that Chromecast cannot connect to

Chromecast does not work on 6 GHz networks, which are the newest WiFi standard. If your router broadcasts a 6 GHz network, you'll need to use the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band instead. Most routers allow you to disable the 6 GHz band or create a separate 2.4 GHz network name in the settings.

Chromecast also cannot connect to networks that require you to open a web browser and log in — such as hotel WiFi, airport WiFi, or corporate networks with a login page. If you're in a location with this type of network, you can sometimes create a personal hotspot on your phone and connect the Chromecast to that instead.

What happens to your apps and settings after you switch networks

Your casting apps — like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify — will work when ready on the new network without any changes. The apps are tied to your Google account, not to the WiFi network, so they'll be ready to use as soon as the Chromecast is online.

However, any custom shortcuts or routines you set up in the Google Home app may need to be reconfigured. For example, if you created a voice command to cast a specific show, you may need to set that up again. Your device name and room assignment will stay the same, so the Chromecast will still appear in the same place in the Google Home app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unplug my Chromecast before changing the WiFi?

No, you don't need to unplug it. Just make sure it's powered on and plugged in before you start. The reset process happens through the app or the physical button while the device is running.

Will changing networks erase my Google account from the Chromecast?

No. Your Google account stays linked to the Chromecast. Only the WiFi network information is erased. When you reconnect to a new network, your account will still be there.

Can I connect my Chromecast to a hidden WiFi network?

Yes. In the Google Home app, when you don't see your network in the list, select "Add network manually" and type the network name and password by hand. Make sure you spell the network name exactly as it appears in your router settings.

How long does it take to switch a Chromecast to a new network?

The whole process usually takes two to five minutes from start to finish. Most of that time is waiting for the Chromecast to restart and connect to the new network.

What if I forgot my new WiFi password?

You'll need to find or reset your WiFi password through your router's settings before you can connect the Chromecast. Check the router itself for a sticker with the default password, or log into your router's admin page on a computer or phone to change the password.