Change Your Chromecast's WiFi 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 and hold the Chromecast device tile. Tap the settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner. Scroll down and select Wi-Fi, then tap Forget to disconnect from the current network. The app will then walk you through connecting to a different network — you'll select the network name, enter the password, and wait for the connection to complete.

This process works whether you're switching to a new router, moving to a different room with a stronger signal, or connecting to a guest network. The Chromecast will restart after you confirm the new network, which takes about 30 seconds. During this time, the device light will blink and then settle into a steady glow once it's connected.

If the app doesn't show your Chromecast device, make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network as the Chromecast, or use Bluetooth to reconnect. Older Chromecast models may require you to be on the same network to see the device in the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, hold down your Chromecast tile, tap settings, then select Wi-Fi and choose Forget to disconnect from the old network.
  • The app will prompt you to select a new network and enter its password before the Chromecast restarts and reconnects.
  • Your phone must be on the same WiFi network as the Chromecast to see it in the Google Home app, or you can use Bluetooth pairing instead.
  • The reconnection process takes about 30 seconds, and you'll see the device light blink during the restart.

What to Do If Your Chromecast Won't Connect to the New Network

If the Chromecast fails to connect after you've entered the password, first check that you typed the WiFi password correctly — passwords are case-sensitive. Restart the Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Open Google Home again and repeat the WiFi change process.

If the network still won't connect, move the Chromecast closer to your router temporarily. Some routers broadcast on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, and older Chromecast models only support 2.4 GHz. Check your router's settings to see which bands are active, or ask your internet provider if you're unsure. You may need to connect to the 2.4 GHz band specifically.

If you're connecting to a network that requires you to log in through a web page (common in hotels or offices), the Chromecast cannot connect to that type of network. You'll need to use a network that accepts a password only.

Switching Networks Without the Google Home App

If you don't have the Google Home app installed or your phone isn't connecting, you can use the physical reset button on the Chromecast itself. Hold down the button on the back or side of the device for about 15 seconds until the light turns orange, then release. The Chromecast will reset to factory settings and enter setup mode.

Once the light blinks white, open Google Home on any phone or tablet and set up the Chromecast as if it were new. During setup, you'll be prompted to select your WiFi network and enter the password. This method erases all previous settings, so you'll need to reconnect any streaming services afterward.

Reconnecting Streaming Services After Changing WiFi

After your Chromecast connects to a new network, the streaming apps you use — like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify — should work without any additional steps. These services stay linked to your Google account, which the Chromecast remembers even after a network change.

If a streaming service stops working or asks you to sign in again, open the app on your phone and cast to the Chromecast as usual. The app will prompt you to sign in if needed. Some services may cache login information, so you might not need to enter your password again.

Moving Your Chromecast to a Different Room

When you move a Chromecast to a new location, you may need to switch to a different WiFi network if your router doesn't reach that far, or if you have a mesh network with multiple access points. Follow the same steps in Google Home: hold the device tile, tap settings, select Wi-Fi, and choose Forget. Then select the network that has the strongest signal in the new location.

If you're using a mesh WiFi system (like Google Nest WiFi or Eero), all access points usually share the same network name, so you may not need to change anything — the Chromecast will straightforward connect to whichever access point is closest. Check your mesh system's app to confirm that all access points are using the same network name.

Connecting to a Guest Network

If you want to move your Chromecast to a guest network — for example, to keep it separate from your main devices — use the same process: open Google Home, tap settings on the Chromecast tile, select Wi-Fi, and choose Forget. Then select the guest network name and enter its password.

Keep in mind that if your guest network is set to hide its name, you'll need to manually type the network name into the Google Home app instead of selecting it from a list. The password entry works the same way. Some guest networks also block communication between devices, which could prevent you from casting to the Chromecast from your phone — check your router settings if casting stops working after switching to a guest network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my saved shows or watch history when I change WiFi?

No. Your watch history, saved shows, and account information stay with your Google account. Changing the WiFi network only disconnects the Chromecast from the internet temporarily — it doesn't erase any data. Once it reconnects to the new network, everything will be exactly as you left it.

Can I change the WiFi on my Chromecast if I forgot the password?

You can still change the network by using the physical reset button on the device. Hold it for 15 seconds until the light turns orange, then set up the Chromecast again in Google Home. You'll be able to select a different network during setup, even if you don't remember the old password.

Why does my Chromecast keep disconnecting from WiFi?

This usually means the WiFi signal is weak where the Chromecast is located. Move it closer to your router, or switch to a 2.4 GHz network if your router supports both bands — 5 GHz has shorter range but faster speed. If the problem continues, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

Can I use my Chromecast on two different WiFi networks?

A Chromecast can only connect to one network at a time. If you want to use it on different networks in different locations, you'll need to change the WiFi each time using the Google Home app. The process takes less than a minute once you know the password.

What if my router doesn't show up in the WiFi list?

If your router's network name is hidden, you can manually type it into Google Home during the WiFi setup process. Select "Add network" or "Other network" at the bottom of the list, then type the exact network name and password. Make sure the spelling and capitalization match exactly.