Change Your Chromecast's WiFi in the Google Home App

Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Tap the device you want to change — it will show as a card with the Chromecast name and a settings icon (three dots or a gear). Tap that icon, then select Settings. Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi, then Forget to remove the current network.

Your Chromecast will restart and enter setup mode. You'll see a setup code appear on your TV screen. The app will ask you to confirm the code, then show you available networks. Select your new network, enter the password, and wait for the connection to complete. This usually takes under a minute.

If your Chromecast doesn't restart automatically, unplug it for 10 seconds and plug it back in. The setup code will appear again on your TV, and you can continue from there.

Key Takeaways

  • You change Chromecast WiFi through the Google Home app by tapping the device, opening Settings, and selecting Wi-Fi.
  • The Chromecast must forget the old network before it can connect to a new one.
  • A setup code appears on your TV screen during the process — the app will ask you to confirm it matches.
  • If the device doesn't restart on its own, unplug it for 10 seconds to trigger setup mode.
  • The entire process takes two to three minutes once you have your new network password ready.

What Happens If You Don't See Your Network

If your new network doesn't appear in the list, make sure your router is turned on and broadcasting the network name. Move your Chromecast closer to the router temporarily — it may not detect distant networks during setup. Wait 30 seconds and refresh the list in the app by closing and reopening Settings.

If you use a 5 GHz network, some older Chromecast models only support 2.4 GHz. Check your router settings to see which band your network uses. You may need to enable a 2.4 GHz band on your router, or connect to a different network that supports it.

Reconnecting After a Network Change

Once your Chromecast connects to the new network, test it by casting something from your phone. Open YouTube, Netflix, or another app that supports casting, and tap the cast icon. Your Chromecast should appear in the list. If it doesn't show up, make sure your phone is on the same network as the Chromecast.

If casting still doesn't work, restart both your Chromecast and your phone. Unplug the Chromecast for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then restart your phone and try casting again.

Changing Networks Without Forgetting the Old One

If you want to keep your Chromecast connected to your old network as well — for example, if you have a guest network — you don't have to forget it. Instead, open the Google Home app, go to Settings, and look for Wi-Fi. Some Chromecast models let you add a second network without removing the first.

Not all Chromecast versions support dual networks. If you don't see an option to add a network, your model only stores one connection at a time. In that case, you'll need to forget the old network to connect to the new one.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If your Chromecast connects to the new network but then disconnects repeatedly, the issue is usually distance or interference. Move the Chromecast closer to your router, or move the router away from other electronics like microwaves and cordless phones that can interfere with WiFi.

If the password is wrong, the app will tell you. Go back to Settings, select Wi-Fi, and try again. Make sure you're typing the password exactly as it appears — passwords are case-sensitive, and spaces count.

If your router requires you to log in through a web page before accessing the internet (common in hotels and offices), your Chromecast won't connect. These networks, called captive portals, don't work with Chromecast. You'll need a network that connects directly without a login page.

Using a Mobile Hotspot Instead

If you don't have access to a WiFi network, you can connect your Chromecast to a mobile hotspot from your phone or tablet. Create a hotspot in your phone's settings, then follow the same steps in the Google Home app to connect your Chromecast to it.

Keep in mind that casting will use your phone's data plan. If you're on a limited plan, streaming video through a Chromecast on your hotspot will consume data quickly. This works best for occasional use or when you have an unlimited plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my apps and settings when I change WiFi?

No. Changing the network doesn't erase anything on your Chromecast. Your apps, preferences, and linked accounts stay the same. Only the WiFi connection changes.

Can I change Chromecast WiFi from my computer instead of my phone?

The Google Home app works on phones and tablets, not computers. You need a mobile device to change the network. If you don't have one, ask someone nearby to use their phone to make the change.

What if I forgot my new WiFi password?

You'll need to reset your router to find the password. Check the router itself — many have the default password printed on a sticker. Or log into your router's settings through a computer connected to that network to change or view the password.

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

Usually 30 to 60 seconds. If it takes longer than two minutes, unplug the device and start over. A connection that takes more than a few minutes usually means the password is wrong or the network is too far away.

Can I change the WiFi on multiple Chromecasts at once?

No. You have to change each Chromecast individually through the Google Home app. Open the app, select one device, change its network, wait for it to connect, then repeat for the next device.