Change Your Chromecast's WiFi in the Google Home App

To change which WiFi network your Chromecast connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, find your Chromecast device in the list, tap the settings icon (gear), and select "Wi-Fi" from the menu. Tap "Forget this network," then follow the prompts to connect to a different WiFi network. Your Chromecast will restart and reconnect within a minute or two.

You will need to know the password for the new WiFi network before you start. If you are switching to a network in a different location—a new apartment, a vacation home, or a friend's house—make sure you have that network's password available. The process works the same way whether you are switching between home networks or connecting to WiFi in a new place.

If the Google Home app does not show your Chromecast in the device list, make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network that your Chromecast is currently on. The app needs to see your device on the network before you can change its settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, tap your Chromecast's settings icon, select "Wi-Fi," and choose "Forget this network" to start the change process.
  • You must know the password for the new WiFi network before you begin, and your phone should be on the same network as your Chromecast.
  • After you select a new network and enter its password, your Chromecast will restart and reconnect within one to two minutes.
  • If your Chromecast does not appear in the Google Home app, restart both your Chromecast and your phone, then try again.

What Happens When You Forget the Network

When you tap "Forget this network," your Chromecast erases the stored password and connection details for that WiFi. This does not delete any of your apps, saved shows, or account information—only the WiFi connection is removed. Your Chromecast will then look for available networks in range.

After you forget the network, the Google Home app will show you a list of available WiFi networks. Select the one you want to connect to, type in its password, and tap "Connect." Your Chromecast will attempt to join that network. If the password is incorrect, the app will tell you and let you try again.

Restarting Your Chromecast if the Change Does Not Work

If your Chromecast does not appear in the Google Home app after you forget the network, or if it seems stuck during the connection process, restart the device. Unplug your Chromecast from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for the light on the device to stop blinking, which usually takes about one minute.

While your Chromecast is restarting, also restart your phone. Close the Google Home app completely, turn your phone off and back on, then reopen the app. This clears any temporary connection problems between your phone and the Chromecast. Once both devices have restarted, try changing the WiFi network again.

Connecting to a 5GHz or 2.4GHz Network

Most modern WiFi routers broadcast two networks at the same time: a faster 5GHz band and a longer-range 2.4GHz band. When you look at the list of available networks in the Google Home app, you may see both options listed separately, or you may see only one if your router combines them into a single name.

Chromecast devices work on both bands, but 2.4GHz generally has better range if your Chromecast is far from the router. If you are having trouble connecting or the connection keeps dropping, try the 2.4GHz network instead. The network names often end with "-5G" or "-2.4G" to show which band they are, though some routers label them differently.

Troubleshooting a Failed Connection

If you enter the correct password but your Chromecast still will not connect, the problem is usually one of three things: the password was typed incorrectly, your router is not broadcasting the network name, or there is temporary interference. Double-check the password character by character—passwords are case-sensitive, and spaces or special characters are straightforward to miss.

If the password is correct, restart your WiFi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Wait for all the lights to stabilize before trying to connect your Chromecast again. If you are still having trouble after restarting both devices, move your Chromecast closer to the router temporarily to rule out a range problem, then try connecting again.

Switching Networks Without Losing Your Account

Your Google account and all your apps stay linked to your Chromecast even when you change the WiFi network. You do not need to sign in again or reconfigure anything. The only thing that changes is the network connection itself. All your saved shows, preferences, and linked accounts will be there when your Chromecast reconnects.

This means you can move your Chromecast to a different room, a different building, or even a different city, and it will still work exactly the same way once it connects to the new WiFi. Your streaming apps will remember where you left off, and any devices on the new network will be able to cast to it just as before.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can change the WiFi network through the Google Home app without unplugging anything. Unplugging is only necessary if the app is not responding or your Chromecast seems stuck during the connection process.

Will changing the WiFi erase my apps and saved shows?

No. Changing the WiFi network does not affect your apps, saved shows, or account information. Only the WiFi connection details are removed and replaced with the new network information.

What if I do not know the password for the new WiFi network?

You will need to find out the password before you can complete the change. If it is your own router, check the sticker on the back or log into your router's settings. If it is someone else's network, ask them for the password. The Google Home app will not let you proceed without it.

Can I change the WiFi from a different phone than the one I set up the Chromecast with?

Yes. Any phone or tablet with the Google Home app installed can change your Chromecast's WiFi, as long as that phone is connected to the same network the Chromecast is currently on. You do not need to use the original device.

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

Usually one to two minutes. Your Chromecast will restart automatically after you enter the new network password. The light on the device will blink while it is connecting, then stop blinking once the connection is established.