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 symbol) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi, then select 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 network you want to use, and wait 30 to 60 seconds for the Chromecast to connect. You'll see a confirmation message when the connection is successful.

If you don't see your network in the list, make sure your WiFi router is turned on and broadcasting its name. Networks that are hidden (not broadcasting their name) require you to enter the network name manually — the app will give you that option if you scroll to the bottom of the network list.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Google Home app, select your Chromecast, tap settings, then choose Wi-Fi and select Forget this network.
  • After forgetting the old network, the app will show you available networks to choose from and ask for the password.
  • Connection usually takes 30 to 60 seconds; you'll see a confirmation message when it's complete.
  • If your network doesn't appear in the list, check that your router is on and broadcasting its name, or enter the name manually if it's hidden.
  • You can change networks as often as you need without resetting the Chromecast or losing other settings.

What Happens to Your Settings When You Switch Networks

Changing the WiFi network does not erase any of your Chromecast's other settings. Your Google account stays linked, your cast history remains, and any custom names you gave the device stay in place. Only the network connection changes.

If you were casting to the Chromecast when you started the process, that cast will stop. You'll need to reconnect to the new network and start casting again from your phone or computer.

Troubleshooting When the Chromecast Won't Connect to the New Network

If the Chromecast connects to the new network but then disconnects after a few seconds, the most common cause is an incorrect password. Go back into the Google Home app settings, forget the network again, and re-enter the password more carefully. Passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter.

If the Chromecast can't find your network at all, move your phone closer to the router while you're setting it up. The phone needs a strong signal to communicate the network details to the Chromecast. You can also try restarting your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, waiting for all lights to come back on, and then attempting the connection again.

If you're switching to a 5 GHz network from a 2.4 GHz network (or vice versa), check your router settings to make sure both bands are enabled. Some routers let you broadcast both at the same time under the same network name, which makes the switch seamless. If your router broadcasts them as separate networks with different names, you'll need to choose the one that matches your Chromecast model — older Chromecasts work only on 2.4 GHz, while newer models support both.

Changing Networks on a Chromecast You Don't Have the Password For

If you're trying to move a Chromecast to a new network but you don't know the password for the old one, you can still change it. In the Google Home app, go to the device settings, tap Wi-Fi, and select Forget this network. You don't need the old password to forget it — only to reconnect to it.

Once you've forgotten the old network, proceed with selecting and connecting to the new one as usual. This is useful if you've inherited a Chromecast from someone else or if you've changed your router and no longer remember the old network name.

Using a Guest Network or Temporary WiFi

Chromecast works on guest networks and temporary WiFi just like it does on your main network. If you're at a hotel, visiting family, or using a temporary hotspot, follow the same steps: open Google Home, select the Chromecast, go to Wi-Fi settings, forget the old network, and connect to the new one.

Keep in mind that if the network requires you to open a web browser and log in (called a captive portal), the Chromecast may not connect. Most hotel and public WiFi networks use this type of login. In those cases, you may need to use a mobile hotspot from your phone instead, or check with the network administrator about whether the Chromecast can be added to a device whitelist.

Switching Back to Your Original Network

If you change networks and then want to go back to your original one, the process is identical. Open Google Home, select the Chromecast, go to Wi-Fi settings, forget the current network, and select your original network from the list. Enter the password and wait for the connection to complete.

Your Chromecast doesn't remember old networks, so you'll need to enter the password each time you reconnect, even if you've used that network before. This is a security feature that prevents unauthorized devices from automatically joining your network.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Changing the WiFi network through the Google Home app does not reset the Chromecast. All your settings, account information, and cast history stay the same. A reset erases everything and is only necessary if the device stops responding or you're giving it away.

Can I change the WiFi from a computer instead of a phone?

The Google Home app is available on Android and iOS phones and tablets, but not as a desktop process. You'll need to use a phone or tablet to change the WiFi. However, once the Chromecast is connected to a network, you can cast to it from a computer using Chrome or other casting-enabled apps.

What if the Google Home app says "device offline" when I try to change the WiFi?

If the Chromecast is offline, the app can't reach it to change settings. Make sure the Chromecast is plugged in and powered on. If it's still offline, unplug it for 10 seconds, plug it back in, and wait two minutes for it to fully start up. Then try opening the Google Home app again.

Will changing the WiFi affect other devices on my network?

No. Changing the Chromecast's network connection only affects that one device. Your phone, computer, and other devices will continue working normally on whatever network they're connected to.

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

Most connections complete within 30 to 60 seconds. If it takes longer than two minutes, the password is likely incorrect or the Chromecast is too far from the router. Try forgetting the network and reconnecting, or move the device closer to the router during setup.