Change Your WiFi Network on Chromecast in Four Steps

To change the WiFi network your Chromecast uses, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, tap the device, select Settings, then tap WiFi. Choose your new network from the list and enter the password. The Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one within a few seconds. You do not need to unplug the device or reset it.

The process works the same way whether you are switching to a different network in your home, connecting to a guest network, or moving the Chromecast to a different room. The device remembers your choice and will reconnect automatically if it loses signal and finds the network again.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, find your Chromecast, tap Settings, then WiFi to see available networks.
  • Select your new network and type the password — the Chromecast switches over in seconds.
  • If your new network does not appear in the list, move closer to the router or check that the network is broadcasting its name.
  • You can change networks as often as you need without resetting the device or losing your settings.

What You Need Before You Start

Have your phone or tablet with the Google Home app installed within reach of the Chromecast. The app must be signed into the same Google account that set up the device. If you are switching to a new WiFi network, know the network name and password ahead of time — you will need to type it in during the process.

The Chromecast itself stays plugged into power the entire time. You do not need to restart it, unplug it, or do anything to the device itself. All the work happens through the app on your phone.

Step-by-Step: Changing Your Network

Step 1: Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. If you have multiple Chromecast devices, you will see them all listed on the home screen.

Step 2: Tap and hold the Chromecast you want to change. A menu will appear with options including Settings, Rename, and Remove.

Step 3: Tap Settings. A new screen opens showing device information, volume controls, and other options.

Step 4: Scroll down and tap WiFi. The app will show a list of available networks. Tap the network you want to join, enter the password, and tap Connect. The Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and join the new one. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds.

What to Do If Your Network Does Not Appear

If you do not see your WiFi network in the list, the Chromecast may be too far from the router. Move the device closer and refresh the network list by tapping the refresh icon at the top of the screen. Try again after a few seconds.

If the network still does not show up, check that the network is broadcasting its name. Some routers have an option to hide the network name (called SSID). If yours is hidden, you can usually type the name manually in the Google Home app instead of selecting it from the list. Look for an option to enter the network name by hand, then type it and the password.

If you are trying to connect to a 5 GHz network and the Chromecast only shows 2.4 GHz networks, your device may only support the older standard. Older Chromecast models work only on 2.4 GHz. Check the model number on the device or in the Google Home app under Settings to confirm which frequencies it supports.

Changing Networks on a Chromecast You Just Unboxed

If the Chromecast is brand new and has never been set up, the process is slightly different. During the first setup, the Google Home app will guide you through selecting a WiFi network as part of the initial steps. You will not need to go into Settings — the network choice happens automatically as part of setup.

If you set up the Chromecast on one network and want to move it to a different network before you ever use it, follow the same four steps above. The device does not care which network you choose first.

Switching Between Networks You Already Know

If you have multiple WiFi networks in your home — for example, a main network and a guest network — you can switch the Chromecast between them as often as you want. Each time you change networks, the device forgets the old one and connects to the new one. If you want to switch back later, just repeat the steps and choose the original network again.

Some people keep a Chromecast on a guest network so visitors can cast to it without accessing the main home network. You can change it back to your main network whenever you want using the same method.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems After Switching

If the Chromecast connects to the new network but then loses the connection, the password may be wrong. Go back into Settings and WiFi, select the network again, and re-enter the password carefully. Make sure Caps Lock is off unless your password actually uses capital letters.

If the Chromecast connects but other devices on the network cannot find it or cast to it, wait a minute or two for the device to fully settle on the new network. Sometimes it takes a few seconds longer than expected. If it still does not work, restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in.

If you changed networks because your old router died or you got a new one, and the Chromecast will not connect to the new router even though you entered the password correctly, the new router may be using a different security standard. Most modern routers work fine, but very old Chromecast models sometimes struggle with newer security settings. Check the device model in the Google Home app and look up its supported security types online if this happens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my settings or apps when I change WiFi networks?

No. Changing the network does not reset the Chromecast or erase anything. Your settings, paired devices, and any apps you installed stay exactly as they were. Only the WiFi connection changes.

Can I use Chromecast on a 5 GHz network?

It depends on the model. Newer Chromecast devices support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Older models only work on 2.4 GHz. Check your device model in the Google Home app under Settings to see which frequencies it supports. If your router broadcasts both, you can usually choose either one.

What if I forget the password to my new network?

You will need to find the password before you can connect. On most routers, you can log into the router's settings page through a web browser on your computer to see or reset the WiFi password. Check the router's manual or the sticker on the back for the admin login details.

Can I change the Chromecast's network from a different phone or tablet?

Yes, as long as the phone or tablet is signed into the same Google account that set up the Chromecast. The Google Home app will show all devices linked to that account, and you can change the network from any of them.

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

Usually 10 to 30 seconds. If it takes longer than a minute, the password may be wrong or the network may be too far away. Check the password and try again, or move the Chromecast closer to the router.