Change Your WiFi Network in the Google Home App

To change which WiFi network your Chromecast connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Tap the device you want to change, then tap the settings icon (gear) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi, then select Forget to disconnect from the current network. The app will then walk you through connecting to a different network — you'll see a list of available networks, enter the password, and wait for the connection to complete.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your Chromecast will restart once it connects to the new network, and you'll see a confirmation message in the app. If the new network has the same name and password as your old one, Chromecast may reconnect automatically without you doing anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, select your Chromecast, tap settings, then tap Wi-Fi and choose Forget to disconnect from the old network.
  • The app will show you available networks — select the one you want and enter its password.
  • Your Chromecast restarts after connecting, which takes one to three minutes.
  • If you cannot see your network in the list, move your Chromecast closer to the router or check that the router is broadcasting its name.
  • You can change networks as many times as you need; there is no limit to how often you switch.

What Happens If You Cannot See Your Network

If your WiFi network does not appear in the list during setup, the most common reason is that your router is too far away or there is a wall or metal object blocking the signal. Move your Chromecast to within 15 feet of the router and try again. If it still does not show up, check that your router is actually broadcasting — some routers have a button that turns the WiFi broadcast on and off, and it may have been switched off by accident.

Another reason your network might not appear is that your router is set to hide its name. If that is the case, you can still connect by tapping Add network at the bottom of the network list and typing the name (SSID) and password by hand. This works the same way as selecting it from the list.

Reconnecting to a Network You Have Used Before

If you are switching back to a network your Chromecast has connected to in the past, the process is even faster. Open Google Home, select your Chromecast, tap settings, then tap Wi-Fi. You will see a list of networks you have used before at the top. Tap the one you want to reconnect to, enter the password if prompted, and wait for the connection to complete.

Chromecast remembers the last 10 networks it has connected to, so if you move between two homes or offices regularly, you can switch back and forth without having to set up the network from scratch each time.

Changing WiFi on a Chromecast Without the Google Home App

If you do not have the Google Home app installed, you can also change networks using a computer. Go to myaccount.google.com/device-activity and sign in with the Google account linked to your Chromecast. Find your device in the list, click on it, and look for the Wi-Fi settings. The steps are the same as in the app — forget the old network and connect to the new one.

This method works if your phone is not nearby or if you prefer to use a computer. The connection process takes the same amount of time, and your Chromecast will restart once it connects.

Troubleshooting a Failed Connection

If your Chromecast connects to the network but then loses the connection, or if it gets stuck on the connecting screen, restart both your Chromecast and your router. Unplug your Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully start up. At the same time, unplug your router for 30 seconds as well. Once both devices are back on, try connecting again through the Google Home app.

If the connection still fails, check that your router is using a 2.4 GHz band — some newer routers broadcast on 5 GHz only, and older Chromecast models cannot connect to 5 GHz networks. You can usually change this in your router settings by logging into the router's admin page, though the exact steps vary by brand. If you are unsure how to do this, contact your internet provider or router manufacturer for help.

Switching Between Multiple Networks on the Same Chromecast

You can change your Chromecast's network as many times as you want. There is no limit, and each time you switch, the device straightforward forgets the old network and connects to the new one. This is useful if you have a Chromecast in a room that gets used by guests, or if you move the device between different locations.

Keep in mind that when you change networks, any casting that is currently happening will stop. If someone is watching something on your TV through Chromecast, they will see a message that the connection was lost. Wait until casting is finished before you switch networks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can change the network while the Chromecast is plugged in and powered on. The device will restart automatically once the new connection is complete, but you do not need to unplug it yourself.

What if I forgot the password to my new WiFi network?

You can find your WiFi password by logging into your router's settings page on a computer or phone. The router's IP address is usually printed on the back of the device. If you cannot find it, contact your internet provider — they can tell you how to reset the password or help you find it.

Can I connect my Chromecast to a 5 GHz WiFi network?

Newer Chromecast models (Chromecast with Google TV and later) support 5 GHz, but older models only work on 2.4 GHz. Check your device's specifications to see which bands it supports. If your router broadcasts both bands, you can usually set up a separate 2.4 GHz network just for older devices.

Will changing the WiFi erase my apps or settings?

No. Changing the network does not affect your apps, casting history, or any other settings on your Chromecast. Everything stays the same — only the WiFi connection changes.

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

The connection usually takes one to three minutes from the moment you enter the password. You will see a spinning circle in the Google Home app while it connects, and a confirmation message once it is done.