Change your WiFi network from the Google Home app

The fastest way to change your Chromecast's WiFi is through the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Open the app, find your Chromecast device in the list, tap the settings icon (three dots or a gear), scroll down to "Wi-Fi", and select "Forget network". Your Chromecast will restart and show a setup code on your TV screen. Use that code in the Google Home app to reconnect to your new WiFi network.

This method works whether you're switching to a different network entirely, moving to a new router, or changing your WiFi password. The whole process takes about two minutes once you have the Google Home app open.

Key Takeaways

  • The Google Home app is the standard way to change your Chromecast's WiFi — open it, find your device, tap settings, and select "Forget network".
  • Your Chromecast will display a setup code on your TV screen after forgetting the old network; use that code in the Google Home app to reconnect.
  • You need your phone or tablet to complete the WiFi change — there is no button on the Chromecast itself to do this.
  • If the Google Home app does not find your Chromecast, make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network the device is trying to connect to.

What happens when you forget the network

When you tap "Forget network" in the Google Home app, your Chromecast erases the old WiFi credentials and returns to setup mode. The device will display a four-digit code on your TV screen. This code is temporary and changes each time you restart the setup process.

At this point, your Chromecast is not connected to any network. You have about 10 minutes to reconnect it before the setup code expires. If it expires, unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds and plug it back in to generate a new code.

Reconnecting to a new network in the Google Home app

After your Chromecast shows the setup code, open the Google Home app on your phone and tap the plus icon to add a device. Select "Set up device" and choose "Set up a new device in your home". The app will search for nearby devices and find your Chromecast by the setup code displayed on your TV.

When the app finds your device, it will ask you to confirm the code matches what you see on the screen. Tap "Yes" to continue. The app will then show you a list of available WiFi networks. Select your new network and enter the password. Your Chromecast will connect and restart — this usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.

Troubleshooting when the app cannot find your device

If the Google Home app does not detect your Chromecast during setup, the most common reason is that your phone is on a different WiFi network than the one your Chromecast is trying to use. Your phone must be on the same network to complete the setup. Switch your phone's WiFi to match the network you want your Chromecast to join, then try again.

If you are setting up a 5 GHz network, make sure your phone supports it — older phones may only connect to 2.4 GHz. Your Chromecast works on both, but your phone must be on the same band to find it during setup. After setup is complete, your Chromecast can stay on either band.

If the app still cannot find your device after 10 minutes, unplug the Chromecast, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. The setup code will reset, and you can try again.

Changing your WiFi password without forgetting the network

If you only changed your WiFi password but kept the same network name, you do not need to forget the network. Instead, open the Google Home app, find your Chromecast, tap settings, scroll to "Wi-Fi", and select "Forget network" only if the device stops working. If it continues to work after your password change, no action is needed.

Some routers update all connected devices automatically when you change the password. If your Chromecast loses connection, then you will need to forget the network and reconnect using the new password through the setup process described above.

When to use a guest network instead

If you have a guest WiFi network separate from your main network, you can connect your Chromecast to either one. Guest networks are useful if you want to keep your Chromecast traffic separate from your personal devices, or if you share your home with people who should not have access to your main network.

The setup process is identical — just select the guest network name when the app shows you the list of available networks, and enter the guest password instead. Your Chromecast will work the same way on either network.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The Google Home app is the only way to change your Chromecast's network. There are no buttons on the device itself to do this, and you cannot change it through your TV remote or router settings.

What if I forgot my new WiFi password?

You will need to reset your router or log into your router's settings to view or change the password. Once you have the correct password, use the Google Home app to forget the old network and reconnect with the new password.

Does my Chromecast stay connected if I move it to a different room?

Yes, as long as your WiFi signal reaches that room. You do not need to change any settings. If the signal is too weak in the new location, your Chromecast may disconnect — move it closer to the router or consider a WiFi extender.

How long does it take to reconnect after changing networks?

The reconnection usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. Your Chromecast will restart and show a loading screen on your TV. Once it finishes, you can cast to it normally.

Can I connect my Chromecast to WiFi 6 or WiFi 7?

Yes. Chromecast devices work with WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 networks. The setup process is the same — just select the network name and enter the password when the Google Home app shows the list of available networks.