Changing Your WiFi Network on Chromecast

To change your Chromecast's WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, tap the device, select Settings, then Network, and choose "Change WiFi Network." Your Chromecast will restart and display a setup code on your TV screen. Enter that code into the app, then select your new WiFi network and enter the password. The device reconnects within a minute or two.

You need the Google Home app installed on a phone or tablet that is already connected to the WiFi network you want to switch to — Chromecast cannot jump to a new network on its own. If you do not have the app, read it from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, tap your Chromecast device, go to Settings, then Network, and select "Change WiFi Network."
  • Your phone or tablet must already be connected to the new WiFi network you want to use.
  • Chromecast will display a setup code on your TV screen that you enter into the app to confirm the change.
  • The entire process takes two to three minutes, and your device will restart once the new network is saved.
  • If you forget your WiFi password, you will need to reset Chromecast and set it up from scratch.

Step-by-Step: Changing Your Network

Start by opening the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Make sure your phone is already connected to the WiFi network you want Chromecast to use — the app cannot change networks if your phone is not on that network first.

Tap and hold the Chromecast device tile. If you have multiple Chromecast devices, select the one you want to change. Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner. Select Network from the menu. You will see your current WiFi network listed. Tap "Change WiFi Network."

Your Chromecast will restart and show a four-digit setup code on your TV screen. This code appears to confirm you are changing the right device. Enter this code into the app when prompted. The app will then show you a list of available WiFi networks. Select your new network from the list.

Enter your WiFi password. Make sure you type it exactly as it is — passwords are case-sensitive, and a single wrong character will cause the connection to fail. Tap Connect. Your Chromecast will restart and attempt to join the new network. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds.

What to Do If the Connection Fails

If Chromecast cannot connect to your new network, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Go back to the Google Home app, select the device again, and repeat the process. Double-check that you are typing the password correctly — look for capital letters, numbers, or special characters you may have missed.

If your WiFi network uses a 5 GHz band only, Chromecast may not connect. Most Chromecast models work best on 2.4 GHz networks. Check your router settings to see if you can enable a 2.4 GHz band, or ask your internet provider whether your router supports both bands. Some routers broadcast both simultaneously under the same network name.

If the setup code does not appear on your TV screen, your Chromecast may not have restarted properly. Unplug it from power for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and try again. If the code still does not show, your device may need a factory reset — see the section below.

Resetting Chromecast When You Cannot Change Networks

If you cannot change the network through the Google Home app — for example, if you have forgotten your old WiFi password and cannot reconnect — you will need to reset Chromecast to factory settings. This erases all saved networks and settings.

Locate the reset button on your Chromecast device. On most models, it is a small recessed button on the back or bottom. Use a straightened paperclip or a similar thin object to press and hold the button for 15 seconds while the device is plugged in. The LED light will blink orange, then turn white. Release the button and wait for the device to restart.

Once Chromecast restarts, it will display a setup code on your TV. Open Google Home on your phone, tap the plus icon to add a device, and follow the setup process as if you were setting up Chromecast for the first time. You will be asked to select your WiFi network and enter the password.

Switching Between Multiple WiFi Networks

If you have more than one WiFi network in your home — for example, a main network and a guest network — you can switch Chromecast between them using the same process. Open Google Home, select the device, go to Settings, then Network, and choose "Change WiFi Network." Your phone must be on the network you want to switch to.

Some people use Chromecast on a guest network to keep it separate from their main devices. Others move it between networks when traveling or when their primary network is down. The process is the same each time: your phone connects first, then you use the app to tell Chromecast which network to join.

Why Your Chromecast Might Disconnect From WiFi

Chromecast sometimes drops its connection to WiFi even though you did not change anything. This usually happens because your router restarted, your WiFi password was changed, or your device moved out of range. The first step is to check whether your phone can still reach the network — if your phone cannot connect, your router may be down.

If your phone is connected but Chromecast is not, open Google Home and check the device status. If it shows "Offline," your Chromecast lost power or is too far from the router. Move it closer to the router or check that it is plugged in. If it is plugged in and nearby, unplug it for 10 seconds and plug it back in to restart it.

If your WiFi password was recently changed, Chromecast will not reconnect automatically. You will need to change the network in Google Home using the steps above and enter the new password.

Chromecast and 5 GHz vs. 2.4 GHz Networks

Most Chromecast models connect to 2.4 GHz WiFi networks. Some newer models support 5 GHz as well, but they perform better on 2.4 GHz because the signal travels farther and through walls more easily. If your router broadcasts only a 5 GHz network, Chromecast may not see it in the available networks list.

Check your router's settings to see what bands it supports. Many modern routers can broadcast both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz at the same time, often under the same network name. If your router supports this, enable the 2.4 GHz band and Chromecast should appear in the network list. If your router supports only 5 GHz, you may need to contact your internet provider about upgrading or changing your router settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unplug Chromecast to change the WiFi network?

No. You can change the network while Chromecast is plugged in and powered on. The device will restart automatically during the process. You only need to unplug it if the connection fails and you want to restart it manually.

What if I do not have the Google Home app on my phone?

read the Google Home app from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS). You cannot change Chromecast's network without it. Once installed, sign in with the same Google account you used to set up Chromecast.

Can I change the WiFi network from my computer instead of my phone?

No. The Google Home app is only available on phones and tablets. You must use a mobile device to change Chromecast's network. If you do not have a phone or tablet, you will need to borrow one or reset Chromecast and set it up again.

Will changing the WiFi network erase my saved apps or settings?

No. Changing the network keeps all your apps, accounts, and preferences. Only a factory reset erases everything. Changing the network straightforward tells Chromecast to connect to a different WiFi router.

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

Usually 30 to 60 seconds. If it takes longer than two minutes, the password may be wrong or the network may be out of range. Check the device status in Google Home to see if it shows as connected or offline.