Connect Chromecast to a new WiFi network using the Google Home app

To connect your Chromecast to a new WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, tap the device, select Settings, then WiFi, and choose your new network from the list. Enter the password if prompted. The Chromecast will reconnect within a few seconds and you'll see a confirmation message in the app.

This process works whether you're moving to a different WiFi network, changing your router, or setting up Chromecast in a new location. The device itself doesn't have buttons or a screen to enter WiFi details — the Google Home app is the only way to change networks after initial setup.

If you don't have the Google Home app installed, read it from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) before you start. Make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the same WiFi network as your Chromecast during this process, or at least on the same home network if you're using a mesh system.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, tap your Chromecast device, go to Settings, then WiFi, and select your new network.
  • You must use the Google Home app — there is no other way to change the WiFi network on a Chromecast.
  • Your phone or tablet needs to be on the same network (or home network) as the Chromecast to change its settings.
  • Reconnection takes a few seconds and the app will show you when it's complete.
  • If the Chromecast doesn't appear in the app, restart it by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in.

Step-by-step walkthrough in the Google Home app

Open the Google Home app and look at the home screen. You'll see a list of devices — find your Chromecast and tap it. The device card will open and show you basic information like the device name and current status.

Tap the settings icon (a gear or three dots, depending on your app version) in the top right corner of the device card. A menu will appear with several options. Select WiFi from this menu. The app will scan for available networks and display them in a list.

Find your new WiFi network name in the list and tap it. If the network is password-protected (most are), a text field will appear asking you to enter the password. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive. Once you've entered the password, tap Connect or Next.

The Chromecast will attempt to join the new network. You'll see a loading screen or status message. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. Once connected, the app will show a confirmation message and the device card will update to show the new network name.

What to do if your Chromecast doesn't appear in the Google Home app

If you open Google Home and your Chromecast isn't listed, the device may have lost power or connection. Unplug the Chromecast from its power source, wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. The LED light on the device will turn on and cycle through colors as it restarts — this takes about 30 seconds.

After the restart, open Google Home again and check if the device reappears. If it still doesn't show up, make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the same WiFi network you're trying to set up. Google Home can only see Chromecast devices on networks it's currently connected to.

If the device still won't appear after a restart and your phone is on the correct network, try restarting your phone as well. Close the Google Home app completely, restart your phone, and open the app again. This often resolves temporary connection issues between your phone and the Chromecast.

Entering the WiFi password correctly

WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are treated as different characters. If you enter "MyPassword" instead of "mypassword", the connection will fail. Type slowly and double-check each character, especially if your password contains numbers or special characters.

If you're not sure of your password, you can find it on your router or in your router's settings app. Most routers have a sticker on the back or bottom with the default network name and password. If you've changed the password since setup, check your router's admin panel — you'll need to log in with your router's username and password to see it.

If you enter the password incorrectly, the Chromecast will show an error message in the Google Home app. straightforward tap the network again and re-enter the password. You get unlimited attempts, so there's no penalty for mistakes.

Chromecast reconnects to the old network instead of the new one

If your Chromecast keeps connecting to your old WiFi network instead of the new one, it may still have the old network saved in its memory. This happens when both networks are in range and the device defaults to the previously used connection.

To fix this, open Google Home, go to your Chromecast's WiFi settings, and look for an option to Forget or Remove the old network. Not all Chromecast models show this option in the app, but if yours does, select the old network and choose to forget it. Then reconnect to the new network using the steps above.

If you don't see a forget option, the simplest solution is to factory reset the Chromecast. Unplug it, hold down the reset button (a small recessed button on the back or side of the device) while plugging it back in, and hold for about 15 seconds until the LED flashes. The device will reset to factory settings and you can set it up fresh on your new network using the Google Home app.

Moving Chromecast to a guest or separate network

Some homes have multiple WiFi networks — a main network and a guest network, or separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Chromecast can connect to any of them, but you need to choose one during setup.

If you want to move your Chromecast from your main network to a guest network (or vice versa), follow the same WiFi change process: open Google Home, tap Settings, select WiFi, and choose the new network. The device will disconnect from the old network and join the new one.

Keep in mind that devices on different networks can't communicate directly. If your Chromecast is on a guest network and your phone is on the main network, you won't be able to cast to it. Make sure your phone and Chromecast are on the same network before you try to cast.

Troubleshooting a slow or unstable connection after switching networks

If your Chromecast connects to the new network but the connection feels slow or drops frequently, the issue is usually distance from the router or signal interference. Move the Chromecast closer to the router if possible, or move the router closer to the Chromecast. Even a few feet can make a difference.

Check if your new network is crowded with other devices. If you have many phones, tablets, smart home devices, and computers all on the same network, bandwidth gets split among them. Chromecast needs a stable connection to stream video smoothly. If the network is overloaded, consider connecting some devices to a different network or upgrading your router.

If the problem persists, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. Then restart the Chromecast using the same method. A fresh start often resolves connection stability issues. If you continue to have problems after these steps, contact your internet service provider to check if there's an issue with your connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the WiFi network without the Google Home app?

No. Chromecast has no built-in screen or buttons to enter WiFi settings. The Google Home app is the only way to change networks after the device is set up. You must use a phone or tablet with the app installed.

Do I need to unplug my Chromecast before changing the WiFi network?

No. You can change the network while the Chromecast is plugged in and powered on. straightforward open Google Home and follow the WiFi change steps. The device will disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one without needing to be unplugged.

What happens to my casting apps when I switch networks?

Your casting apps (like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify) will continue to work on the new network. The Chromecast itself doesn't store app data — it just receives the video or audio stream from your phone or tablet. Once it's connected to the new network, casting works the same way as before.

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

Connection usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You'll see a loading indicator in the Google Home app. Once the app shows a confirmation message, the device is ready to use. If it takes longer than a minute, the password may be incorrect or the network may be temporarily unavailable.

Can I connect Chromecast to a 5 GHz network instead of 2.4 GHz?

Yes. Most modern Chromecast models support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. When you open the WiFi list in Google Home, you'll see all available networks. Select whichever one you prefer. If your router broadcasts both bands with the same name, Chromecast will typically connect to whichever has the stronger signal.