Change Your WiFi Network in the Google Home App

To change the WiFi network your Chromecast uses, 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 its current network.

After you forget the network, the Chromecast will enter setup mode. The app will prompt you to select a new WiFi network from the list of available networks in your area. Enter the password for the new network, and the Chromecast will connect. This process usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes.

If the app does not show your network in the list, make sure your router is turned on and broadcasting its name. Networks that hide their name (do not broadcast the SSID) can still be connected to — the app will give you an option to enter the network name manually.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast, tap settings, and choose Wi-Fi to see the option to forget your current network.
  • After forgetting the network, the app will walk you through selecting and connecting to a new WiFi network with its password.
  • If your Chromecast does not appear in the app, make sure it is plugged in and powered on, and that your phone is on the same network you are trying to connect it to.
  • Hidden WiFi networks can be connected to by entering the network name manually when the app prompts you.

What to Do If Your Chromecast Will Not Connect to the New Network

If the Chromecast connects but then drops the connection, or if it will not connect at all, restart both the Chromecast and your router. Unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Try connecting again once both devices are fully powered up.

If the problem continues, check that your router supports the same WiFi standard as your Chromecast. Most Chromecasts work on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Some older routers broadcast only one or the other. If your router has separate network names for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (for example, "MyNetwork" and "MyNetwork-5G"), try connecting to the 2.4 GHz version first — it has better range and is more stable for streaming devices.

Changing Networks Without the Google Home App

If you do not have the Google Home app installed, you can set up your Chromecast using a web browser instead. Visit chromecast.com/setup on a computer connected to the same network as your Chromecast. The browser will detect your device and walk you through the same steps: selecting a network, entering the password, and confirming the connection.

This method works if your phone is lost or if you prefer to use a computer. The setup process is identical — you will still need to know the password for the new WiFi network you want to connect to.

Moving Your Chromecast to a Different Room or Network

If you are moving your Chromecast to a different location in your home, you may need to connect it to a different WiFi network — for example, if your home has a separate guest network or if the signal is stronger on a different band. The process is the same: forget the old network and connect to the new one through the Google Home app.

Before you move the device, unplug it from power. Once you have placed it in the new location and plugged it back in, wait for it to boot fully (usually 30 to 60 seconds), then open the Google Home app and change the network. This prevents connection errors that can happen if the device tries to reconnect to the old network while you are moving it.

Troubleshooting When the Google Home App Does Not Show Your Chromecast

If the Google Home app does not detect your Chromecast at all, make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network as the Chromecast. The app can only find devices on your local network. Check that the Chromecast is plugged in and powered on — the LED light on the device should be lit (white or orange, depending on the model).

If the light is off, try a different power outlet or USB cable. If the light is on but the app still does not see the device, restart the Google Home app by closing it completely and opening it again. If that does not work, restart your phone and try once more. In rare cases, you may need to factory reset the Chromecast by holding the reset button (usually on the back or bottom of the device) for 15 seconds while it is powered on.

Connecting to a 5 GHz Network for Better Speed

If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, you can connect your Chromecast to the 5 GHz band for faster streaming, especially if you are casting video or music. The 5 GHz network has higher speed but shorter range, so it works best if your Chromecast is close to the router.

To connect to 5 GHz, follow the same steps in the Google Home app: forget the current network and select the 5 GHz version when the app shows available networks. The network name usually includes "5G" or "5GHz" in it. If you do not see a separate 5 GHz network listed, your router may have WiFi 6 or a newer standard that combines both bands under one name — in that case, the router will automatically choose the best band for your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can change the network while the Chromecast is plugged in and powered on. Just open the Google Home app, select the device, go to settings, and choose Wi-Fi. The device will stay powered on during the process.

What happens to my saved shows and preferences when I change the WiFi network?

Your saved shows, preferences, and account information stay on the Chromecast. Changing the WiFi network does not erase any data — it only disconnects the device from the old network and connects it to the new one.

Can I connect my Chromecast to a guest WiFi network?

Yes. Guest networks work the same way as regular networks. Select the guest network name in the Google Home app and enter its password. Some guest networks have restrictions that may affect casting, so if you have trouble, check your router settings or ask the network owner about any device limits.

Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting from the new WiFi network?

This usually means the signal is weak or the router is too far away. Try moving the Chromecast closer to the router, or switch to the 2.4 GHz network if you were using 5 GHz. You can also restart both the Chromecast and router to clear any connection issues.

Can I change the WiFi network from my TV remote?

No. You must use the Google Home app or the chromecast.com/setup website on a computer. The TV remote does not have access to network settings.