Change Your WiFi Network in the Google Home App

To change which WiFi network your Chromecast connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Tap the device you want to change, then tap the settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner. Scroll down and select Wi-Fi, then choose Forget this network. Your Chromecast will disconnect from the current network.

After you forget the network, the Chromecast will enter setup mode and broadcast its own temporary WiFi signal. Go back to your phone's WiFi settings and look for a network named something like "Chromecast Setup" or "Chromecast-xxxx". Connect to it, then return to the Google Home app. The app will walk you through selecting your home WiFi network and entering the password. This process takes about two to three minutes.

If you do not see the setup network appear within 30 seconds, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait another 30 seconds before checking your phone's WiFi list again.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, find your Chromecast, tap settings, and select Wi-Fi to see the forget option.
  • After forgetting the network, your Chromecast broadcasts a temporary setup signal that appears in your phone's WiFi list.
  • Connect your phone to the Chromecast's temporary network, then use the Google Home app to select your home WiFi and enter the password.
  • If the setup network does not appear, unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds and plug it back in.

What Happens If You Cannot Find the Settings Icon

On some versions of the Google Home app, the settings icon is a three-dot menu instead of a gear. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the device card, then look for Device settings or Settings. From there, scroll to find the Wi-Fi option.

If you are using an older version of the Google Home app, you may need to update it from your phone's app store before the Wi-Fi option appears. After updating, close the app completely and open it again.

Changing WiFi Without Forgetting the Old Network

If you want to switch to a different network but keep the Chromecast connected to the old one as a backup, you cannot do that — Chromecast only connects to one WiFi network at a time. You must forget the current network before connecting to a new one.

However, if you are moving to a new router with the same network name and password as your old one, your Chromecast may reconnect automatically without any action from you. Wait a few minutes after the new router is set up. If the Chromecast does not reconnect on its own, use the steps above to forget and reconnect manually.

Troubleshooting When the Chromecast Will Not Connect to the New Network

If you enter the correct password but the Chromecast fails to connect, the most common cause is that your WiFi network is using a frequency band your Chromecast does not support. Most Chromecast models work on 2.4 GHz networks, but some newer models also support 5 GHz. Check your router's settings to see which bands are active.

If your router broadcasts only a 5 GHz signal, you will need to either enable the 2.4 GHz band on your router or purchase a Chromecast model that supports 5 GHz. If both bands are on, try forgetting the network again and reconnecting — sometimes the Chromecast picks the wrong band on the first attempt.

Another common issue is that your phone and Chromecast are too far apart during setup. Stay within 10 feet of the Chromecast while it is in setup mode. If your phone keeps losing the temporary setup network, move closer to the Chromecast itself.

Changing WiFi on a Chromecast That Is Already Set Up Elsewhere

If you are setting up a Chromecast that was previously used in another home or on another network, you may need to factory reset it first. Unplug the Chromecast, then hold down the reset button (usually on the back or bottom) while plugging it back in. Keep holding for about 15 seconds until the light starts blinking. Release the button and wait for the device to restart — this takes about one minute.

After the factory reset, the Chromecast will broadcast its setup network again. Follow the standard setup steps in the Google Home app to connect it to your WiFi. Factory reset erases all settings and removes the device from any previous Google accounts, so you will need to set it up as if it were brand new.

Using a Guest Network Instead of Your Main WiFi

If your router has a guest network option, you can connect your Chromecast to the guest network instead of your main one. The setup process is identical — just select the guest network name when the Google Home app asks you to choose a WiFi network, then enter the guest network password.

Guest networks are useful if you want to keep your Chromecast on a separate network from your computers and phones, or if you want visitors to cast to it without giving them your main WiFi password. Just make sure your router's guest network is set to allow devices to communicate with each other — some routers isolate guest devices by default, which prevents casting from working.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can change the WiFi through the Google Home app without unplugging anything. The Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and enter setup mode automatically after you tap "Forget this network". You only need to unplug it if the setup network does not appear after 30 seconds.

Will changing WiFi erase my saved shows or settings?

No. Changing the WiFi network does not erase anything on your Chromecast. Your apps, saved content, and preferences stay the same. Only the WiFi connection itself changes.

What if I forget the password to my new WiFi network?

You will need to find the password before you can complete the setup. Check your router's label (usually on the bottom or back), log into your router's admin page from a computer, or contact your internet provider. The Google Home app cannot proceed without the correct password.

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

No. The Google Home app is only available on phones and tablets, not on computers. You must use a mobile device to change your Chromecast's WiFi network.

How long does it take for the Chromecast to reconnect after I change the WiFi?

The entire process usually takes two to three minutes from the moment you tap "Forget this network" to when the Chromecast is fully connected to the new network and ready to use. If it takes longer than five minutes, unplug the Chromecast and start over.