Change Your Chromecast's WiFi Network in Settings

To change which wireless network your Chromecast connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, select your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon (gear symbol), scroll down to "Device information," then tap "Wi-Fi." Choose "Forget network" and follow the prompts to connect to a different network. The whole process takes about two minutes.

You will need the password for the new network. Chromecast works with standard 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks — it does not support 6 GHz WiFi 6E networks yet, even if your router offers them. If your new network uses a different frequency band than the old one, Chromecast may take a moment to reconnect after you switch.

If you do not have the Google Home app installed, read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app works on phones running iOS 12 or later, or Android 6.0 or later. You must be on the same WiFi network as your Chromecast to change its settings — if you have already disconnected it, you will need to set it up from scratch using the physical reset button.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, select your Chromecast, go to settings, find "Device information," then tap "Wi-Fi" to change networks.
  • You must know the password for the new network before you start the process.
  • Chromecast supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks but not 6 GHz WiFi 6E.
  • You have to be connected to the same network as your Chromecast to change its WiFi settings.
  • If you have already disconnected from the old network and cannot reconnect, use the physical reset button on the device and set it up again.

Why You Might Need to Change Networks

You may need to switch Chromecast to a different network if you change internet providers, upgrade your router, split your WiFi into separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, or move to a new location. Some people also switch when their original network becomes unstable or when they want to move the Chromecast to a guest network for security reasons.

If your Chromecast keeps dropping connection on your current network, changing to a different band (2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz, or vice versa) sometimes solves the problem. Chromecast performs better on 5 GHz in most homes because that band has less interference from microwaves and cordless phones, but it has shorter range. If your Chromecast is far from the router, 2.4 GHz may work more reliably.

Step-by-Step: Using the Google Home App

Start by opening the Google Home app and making sure you are signed into the same Google account you used to set up the Chromecast. Tap the device card for your Chromecast — it will show the device name and a thumbnail image. If you have multiple Chromecasts, make sure you are selecting the right one.

Tap the settings icon in the top right corner of the device card. It looks like a gear. Scroll down the settings menu until you see "Device information" and tap it. Then look for "Wi-Fi" in that section and tap it. You will see the name of the network your Chromecast is currently connected to.

Tap "Forget network." Chromecast will disconnect from the old network. A list of available networks will appear. Find the network you want to connect to, tap it, enter the password, and tap "Connect." Wait for the confirmation message — it usually appears within 30 seconds. Your Chromecast is now on the new network.

What to Do If You Cannot See the New Network

If the network you want does not appear in the list, check that the router is powered on and broadcasting its name (SSID). Some routers have a setting to hide the network name — if yours does, you will need to enter the network name manually instead of selecting it from the list. Look for an option like "Other network" or "Add network" at the bottom of the available networks list.

If your router broadcasts separate names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, make sure you are selecting the one your Chromecast supports. Chromecast works on both, but some models perform better on one band than the other. Check your router's settings or the sticker on the back of the router to see which band each network name uses.

If the network still does not appear after waiting a minute, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Restart your phone as well. Then open Google Home again and try the process once more.

Resetting Chromecast If You Cannot Connect

If you have already disconnected your Chromecast from the old network and cannot reconnect to change it through the app, you will need to reset the device. Locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your Chromecast — it is usually recessed so you need a paperclip or similar tool to press it. Hold the button for about 10 seconds until the light on the device turns orange, then release it.

The Chromecast will restart and return to factory settings. Once it finishes restarting, set it up again using the Google Home app. During setup, you will be asked to select a WiFi network and enter the password. Choose the new network you want to use. The setup process takes about five minutes from start to finish.

Connecting to a Guest Network or Separate Band

If your router has a guest network, you can connect your Chromecast to it the same way you would connect to any other network. Guest networks are useful if you want to keep your Chromecast traffic separate from your main devices. The process is identical — just select the guest network name from the available networks list and enter its password.

Some routers let you name your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands differently so you can choose which one to use. If your router does this, you will see both names in the available networks list. You can switch between them by forgetting one network and connecting to the other. This is helpful if you want to test which band gives you better performance in your home.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems After Switching

After you change networks, your Chromecast may take a minute or two to fully reconnect and show up in the Google Home app. If it does not appear after five minutes, open the app and try refreshing by swiping down on the home screen. If the device still does not show up, restart your phone and try again.

If your Chromecast connects but then keeps disconnecting, the problem may be with the new network rather than the device. Check that other devices on the same network have stable connections. If they do not, restart your router. If other devices work fine but Chromecast keeps dropping, try switching to the other WiFi band (2.4 GHz to 5 GHz or vice versa) and see if that improves stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Chromecast's network without the Google Home app?

No. The Google Home app is the only way to change which network your Chromecast uses after it has been set up. If you do not have the app, you will need to reset the device and set it up again from the beginning.

What if I forgot the password to my new network?

You will need to find the password before you can connect. Check your router — many routers have the WiFi password printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. If you set up the network yourself, check your email for a confirmation message from your internet provider. If you still cannot find it, you can reset the router to factory settings, but that will erase all your WiFi settings.

Will changing networks affect my Chromecast apps or saved content?

No. Changing networks does not erase any apps, settings, or saved content on your Chromecast. Everything stays the same — only the network connection changes. Your Chromecast will still have access to all the same apps and services once it connects to the new network.

Can I use Chromecast on a 6 GHz WiFi 6E network?

Not yet. Chromecast currently works only on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts a 6 GHz network, you will need to connect your Chromecast to either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band instead. Check your router's settings to see if you can enable one of those bands separately.

How long does it take to change networks?

The entire process usually takes two to five minutes. Forgetting the old network and connecting to the new one takes about two minutes. Your Chromecast may take an additional minute or two to fully reconnect and appear in the Google Home app.