Change your Chromecast's network from the Google Home app

The fastest way to move your Chromecast to a different WiFi 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 vertical dots), scroll down to "Wi-Fi", and select "Forget this network". Your Chromecast will restart and show a setup code on your TV screen. Use the Google Home app to scan that code, then choose your new WiFi network and enter the password.

This method works whether you're switching to a different router, changing from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz on the same router, or moving to a guest network. 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 network—open it, find your device, tap settings, and select "Forget this network".
  • Your Chromecast will display a setup code on your TV after you forget the old network; use the Google Home app to scan it and connect to the new one.
  • You need the WiFi password for the new network before you start, so have it ready.
  • If the Google Home app doesn't see your Chromecast after forgetting the network, restart both the device and your phone's WiFi.

What happens when you forget a network

When you tap "Forget this network" in the Google Home app, your Chromecast erases the WiFi credentials it was using and returns to setup mode. It will no longer try to connect to the old network. The device stays powered on and displays a colorful setup code on your TV screen—this is normal and expected.

At this point your Chromecast is not connected to the internet. It can only be reached by the Google Home app on a phone or tablet that is on the same WiFi network as the Chromecast itself (or on a mobile data connection). This is why the setup code appears—it lets your phone find and communicate with the device directly.

Step-by-step: using the Google Home app

Open the Google Home app and make sure you are signed into the same Google account you used to set up the Chromecast. Tap the device card for your Chromecast. In the top right corner, tap the settings icon (three vertical dots stacked). Scroll down until you see "Wi-Fi" and tap it. Select "Forget this network".

Your TV screen will now show a four-digit setup code. In the Google Home app, tap "Set up device" and choose "Set up a new device" or "Set up device" depending on your app version. Select your home and location. When prompted, tap "I have a code" and scan the code on your TV with your phone's camera, or enter the code manually.

The app will then show you a list of available WiFi networks. Select the network you want to use and enter its password. Tap "Connect". Your Chromecast will join the new network and restart. Once it finishes restarting, it will appear in your Google Home app again and be ready to use.

Switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands

If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks (often labeled with "2.4G" and "5G" or "5GHz" in the network name), you can move your Chromecast between them using the same forget-and-reconnect process. Some Chromecast models work better on 5 GHz if you are close to the router, while others perform better on 2.4 GHz if you need the signal to travel through walls.

When you see the list of available networks during setup, look for the band you want. If your router uses the same name for both bands, they will appear as separate entries in the list. Choose the one you prefer, enter the password, and let the device connect. You can always switch back later using the same steps if the connection is not stable.

Troubleshooting when the app cannot find your device

If the Google Home app does not detect your Chromecast after you forget the network, first check that your phone is connected to WiFi—the app needs to be on the same network as the Chromecast to find it during setup. If you are on a different network, switch your phone to the new network temporarily, or use mobile data and make sure your phone's Bluetooth is on.

If the setup code is still showing on your TV but the app cannot scan it, try entering the code manually instead of using the camera. Restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in, then try the setup process again. If the device still does not appear, restart your phone's WiFi by turning airplane mode on for five seconds, then off again.

Moving your Chromecast to a guest network

Guest networks are separate from your main home network and often have different names and passwords. Your Chromecast can connect to a guest network just like any other WiFi network—use the forget-and-reconnect process and select the guest network name when prompted. Enter the guest network password and proceed normally.

Keep in mind that if your guest network has restrictions (such as blocking local device discovery), some Chromecast features may not work properly. If you notice that you cannot cast to the device or it disappears from the Google Home app, try moving it back to your main home network instead.

What to do if you cannot remember the WiFi password

If you do not know the password for the new network you want to use, you will need to find it before starting the setup process. On most routers, you can log into the router's settings page through a web browser to view or reset the WiFi password. The router's IP address and login instructions are usually printed on a sticker on the back of the device.

If the router belongs to someone else or you cannot access it, ask the network owner for the password. Without the correct password, your Chromecast cannot join the network. You do not need to change the password itself—just use the existing one during setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my apps and settings when I change networks?

No. Changing the WiFi network does not erase your apps, watch history, or any settings. Your Chromecast will reconnect to your Google account once it joins the new network and will have everything exactly as you left it.

Can I change the network without using the Google Home app?

The Google Home app is the standard method and works on all Chromecast models. Some older Chromecast devices have a physical reset button, but pressing it erases all settings, not just the network—you would have to set up the entire device again from scratch. The app method is faster and safer.

Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting from the new network?

Weak signal, interference, or router settings can cause disconnections. Try moving the Chromecast closer to the router, switching to the 5 GHz band if available, or restarting both the Chromecast and router. If the problem continues, check whether your router has a setting that blocks devices from connecting—some routers require you to whitelist new devices.

What if I set up the Chromecast on the wrong network by mistake?

Just use the forget-and-reconnect process again. Open the Google Home app, tap the device settings, select "Wi-Fi", and choose "Forget this network". Then set it up on the correct network. You can repeat this as many times as needed.

Can I use the Chromecast on multiple networks?

A Chromecast can only be connected to one WiFi network at a time. If you want to use it on a different network, you have to forget the current one and connect to the new one. You cannot have it automatically switch between networks.