Change Your Chromecast 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, then tap the device you want to change. Go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right), scroll down to Wi-Fi, and tap Forget. Your Chromecast will disconnect from the current network.

After you tap Forget, the app will prompt you to set up the device again. Follow the on-screen steps to select your new WiFi network and enter the password. The setup process takes about two minutes. Your Chromecast will restart once it connects to the new network.

If you are changing to a network with the same name and password as your old one, you may not need to do anything — your Chromecast might reconnect automatically. But if you are switching to a different network entirely, the Forget step ensures a clean connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, select your Chromecast, tap Settings, then tap Forget under Wi-Fi to disconnect from the current network.
  • After forgetting the network, the app will walk you through selecting a new WiFi network and entering its password.
  • Your Chromecast will restart and reconnect within a few minutes of completing setup.
  • If your Chromecast cannot find your WiFi network, move it closer to the router or check that the network name is broadcast (not hidden).
  • You can change WiFi settings only through the Google Home app — there is no settings menu on the Chromecast device itself.

What Happens When You Forget a Network

When you tap Forget, your Chromecast erases the saved password and network name from its memory. This is useful if you changed your WiFi password, moved to a new home, or want to connect to a guest network instead. The device will no longer try to reconnect to that network on its own.

Forgetting a network does not erase any of your apps, preferences, or casting history. It only removes the WiFi connection details. Once you set up a new network, everything else stays the same.

Troubleshooting When Your Chromecast Cannot Find Your Network

If your Chromecast does not see your WiFi network in the list during setup, first check that the network is actually broadcasting. Some routers have an option to hide the network name — if yours is hidden, you will need to type the network name manually instead of selecting it from the list.

Move your Chromecast closer to the router. Walls, metal objects, and distance can weaken the signal enough that the device cannot detect the network. If you are more than 30 feet away or separated by multiple walls, try repositioning the Chromecast or the router.

Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for it to fully boot up (usually one to two minutes) before trying to connect your Chromecast again. Also restart the Google Home app by closing it completely and reopening it.

Connecting to a 5GHz or 2.4GHz Network

Most modern routers broadcast two separate networks: one at 5GHz (faster, shorter range) and one at 2.4GHz (slower, longer range). Your Chromecast can connect to either one, but 2.4GHz is more reliable for devices farther from the router.

If your router broadcasts both bands under the same network name, your Chromecast will choose automatically. If your router lists them separately (for example, "NetworkName-5G" and "NetworkName-2.4G"), select the 2.4GHz version if you are having connection trouble. The 5GHz network works well if your Chromecast is close to the router and you want faster streaming.

Switching to a Guest Network

If you want to connect your Chromecast to a guest WiFi network instead of your main one, the process is the same: open Google Home, select the device, go to Settings, tap Forget, and then select the guest network during setup. Enter the guest network password when prompted.

Guest networks are useful if you want to keep your Chromecast on a separate network from your computers and phones, or if you are setting it up in a rental property or shared space. The Chromecast will work exactly the same way on a guest network as it does on your main network.

What to Do If You Forgot Your WiFi Password

If you do not remember your WiFi password, you will need to reset it on your router before you can reconnect your Chromecast. Log into your router's settings page (usually by typing your router's IP address into a web browser) or use your router manufacturer's app to change the password.

Once you have set a new password on the router, use the Google Home app to forget the old network on your Chromecast, then set it up again with the new password. If you do not know how to access your router settings, check the manual that came with it or contact your internet service provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change WiFi settings directly on the Chromecast device?

No. Chromecast devices do not have a settings menu on the device itself. You must use the Google Home app on your phone or tablet to change any WiFi settings. This is by design — the app is the only way to manage the device.

Will changing WiFi networks erase my apps and settings?

No. Changing the WiFi network only disconnects and reconnects the device to the internet. All your apps, preferences, and casting history remain exactly as they were. Nothing is erased or reset.

How long does it take for Chromecast to reconnect after I change networks?

Usually two to five minutes. The device will restart, search for the new network, connect, and then finish loading. You will see a spinning circle on your TV screen during this time. If it takes longer than ten minutes, restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

What if the Google Home app will not let me change the WiFi settings?

Make sure you are signed into the Google Home app with the same Google account that set up the Chromecast. If you are using a different account, you will not have permission to change settings. Also check that your phone is connected to the same WiFi network as your Chromecast — the app needs this connection to communicate with the device.

Can I connect my Chromecast to WiFi without the Google Home app?

No. The Google Home app is the only way to set up or change WiFi on a Chromecast. There is no alternative method or manual setup option. You will need the app on a phone or tablet to complete the process.