Change your Chromecast's network from the Google Home app

The fastest way to move your Chromecast to a new Wi-Fi network 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 this network". Your Chromecast will disconnect from the current network. Then go back to the same settings menu, tap "Wi-Fi" again, and choose your new network from the list. Enter the password if the network is password-protected, and wait for the connection to complete — usually 30 seconds to two minutes.

This method works whether you are switching to a completely different network (moving to a new home, changing internet providers) or connecting to a guest network in the same location. The Chromecast will remember your choice and reconnect to that network automatically if it loses power and turns back on.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, find your Chromecast, tap settings, then "Wi-Fi", then "Forget this network" to disconnect from the old one.
  • After forgetting the network, go back to the same Wi-Fi menu and select your new network from the available list.
  • You will need the password for the new network if it is password-protected.
  • The Chromecast will automatically reconnect to the new network after a power cycle if the connection drops.
  • If the Google Home app does not show your Chromecast, make sure your phone is on the same network the device is currently using.

What to do if your Chromecast does not appear in the Google Home app

If you open the Google Home app and your Chromecast is not listed, the most common reason is that your phone is connected to a different network than the Chromecast. Chromecast devices only show up in the app when your phone is on the same Wi-Fi network. Switch your phone to the same network your Chromecast is currently using, wait 10 to 15 seconds, and refresh the app by pulling down from the top of the screen.

If your Chromecast still does not appear after switching networks, restart the device by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. While it restarts, make sure your phone is still on the same network. Once the Chromecast finishes booting (the light on the device will stop blinking), refresh the Google Home app again. If it still does not show up, your Chromecast may have lost its network connection entirely — in that case, follow the factory reset steps below.

Factory reset your Chromecast if you cannot connect to the app

A factory reset erases all settings and returns your Chromecast to its original state. To reset, locate the small reset button on the back or bottom of your device (the exact location depends on your model). Use a paperclip or the tip of a ballpoint pen to press and hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds while the device is plugged in. The light will turn orange, then flash, then turn white — this means the reset is in progress. Wait two to three minutes for the device to finish restarting.

After the reset completes, your Chromecast will appear as a new device in the Google Home app. Open the app, tap the plus icon to add a device, select "Set up device", choose "New device", and follow the on-screen steps to connect it to your desired network. You will be asked to select your network and enter the password. Once setup finishes, your Chromecast will be ready to use on the new network.

Switching networks on older Chromecast models without the Google Home app

If you have an older Chromecast (first or second generation) and do not have the Google Home app, you can still change networks using the Chromecast setup app, which is available separately in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. read and open the app, tap "Set up device", and follow the same steps as above. The process is identical — you will select your new network and enter the password.

Alternatively, if you have a computer, you can change the network through a web browser. Open a browser on a computer that is connected to the same network as your Chromecast, go to chromecast.com/setup, and follow the prompts. This method is less common but works if you do not have a smartphone or tablet available.

Why your Chromecast might disconnect from the network

Chromecast devices sometimes lose their connection to Wi-Fi even after you have successfully connected them. The most common causes are distance from the router, interference from other devices, or a network that requires a login page (like a hotel or coffee shop network). If your Chromecast keeps disconnecting, move it closer to your router or remove obstacles between them. If you are using a 5 GHz network, try switching to the 2.4 GHz band instead — Chromecast devices are more stable on 2.4 GHz, especially at a distance from the router.

If your network requires you to log in through a web page (a captive portal), your Chromecast cannot use it. These networks are common in hotels, airports, and public spaces. In these cases, you will need to use a personal hotspot from your phone instead, or ask the venue if they have a guest network that does not require a login page.

Moving your Chromecast to a guest network or a second router

If you have a guest network or a second router in your home, you can move your Chromecast to it using the same steps as switching to any other network. Open the Google Home app, go to your Chromecast settings, tap "Wi-Fi", select "Forget this network", then choose your guest network or second router from the available list. This is useful if you want to isolate your Chromecast from your main network for security reasons, or if you want to keep it on a network that has different speed or stability settings.

Keep in mind that once your Chromecast is on a different network than your phone, you will not be able to control it from the Google Home app unless your phone is also on that same network. If you need to control your Chromecast from your phone at all times, both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to set up my Chromecast again after changing networks?

No. Changing networks through the Google Home app keeps all your settings and preferences intact. Your Chromecast will remember your Google account, your saved apps, and your preferences. You only need to set it up again if you perform a factory reset.

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

Yes, but it is more difficult. You can use the older Chromecast setup app (available in the app store) or access the device through a web browser on a computer connected to the same network. The Google Home app is the easiest method and is recommended.

What if I forgot the password to my new network?

You will need to recover or reset your router to proceed. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for password recovery steps. Most routers have a reset button on the back, but resetting will erase all your network settings, so recovery is usually the better option.

Will my Chromecast work on a 5 GHz network?

Yes, but Chromecast devices are more stable on 2.4 GHz networks, especially if your device is far from the router. If you experience frequent disconnections on 5 GHz, switch to 2.4 GHz or use a dual-band router that broadcasts both frequencies at once.

Can I use my Chromecast on a network that requires a login page?

No. Networks with login pages (captive portals) are common in hotels and public spaces, and Chromecast cannot connect to them. Use a personal hotspot from your phone instead, or ask if the venue has a guest network without a login requirement.