How to change your Chromecast network
To change your Chromecast to a different Wi-Fi network, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, select your Chromecast device, tap the settings icon (gear symbol), choose "Wi-Fi", and then select "Forget this network" followed by "Add network". Your Chromecast will then search for available networks, and you pick the one you want to join and enter the password.
The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you're switching to a faster network in your home, moving to a new location, or connecting to a guest network. You don't need to reset the device or lose any of your settings — only the Wi-Fi connection changes.
Key Takeaways
- The Google Home app is the standard way to change networks; you cannot do it directly from the Chromecast device itself.
- You must have your phone or tablet already connected to the same network as your Chromecast before you can change its connection.
- Forgetting the old network and adding a new one takes about two minutes and does not erase your device settings or casting history.
- If your Chromecast loses connection during the process, restart it by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plug it back in and try again.
Step-by-step: changing networks in the Google Home app
Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. If you don't have it, read it from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS). Make sure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network your Chromecast is currently on — this is required for the app to communicate with the device.
Tap and hold the Chromecast device tile. A menu will appear with several options. Tap the settings icon in the top right corner (it looks like a gear). Scroll down and tap "Wi-Fi". You'll see the network your Chromecast is currently connected to listed at the top.
Tap "Forget this network". The Chromecast will disconnect from its current Wi-Fi. Then tap "Add network". Your Chromecast will scan for available networks and display a list. Select the network you want to join. If the network is hidden, you can type its name manually. Enter the Wi-Fi password and tap "Connect".
Wait 30 to 60 seconds for the connection to complete. The Google Home app will confirm when your Chromecast is connected to the new network. You can then cast to it normally from any device on that same network.
What to do if your phone isn't on the same network
If your phone is connected to a different network than your Chromecast, the Google Home app won't be able to reach the device. Switch your phone's Wi-Fi to the network your Chromecast is currently on, then open the Google Home app and follow the steps above.
Some phones have a feature that automatically switches between networks or prefers certain ones. If you're having trouble staying connected to your Chromecast's current network, check your phone's Wi-Fi settings and make sure it's set to connect to that network manually.
Changing networks when you've forgotten the password
If you don't remember the password to your current network, you can still change your Chromecast to a different one. Open the Google Home app, go to your Chromecast settings, and tap "Wi-Fi". Select "Forget this network" — you don't need the old password to do this. Then tap "Add network" and join a different network that you do have the password for.
This is useful if you're moving to a new home or switching internet providers and no longer have access to your old network's password.
Troubleshooting connection problems
If your Chromecast won't connect to the new network, first check that you entered the password correctly. Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyPassword" is different from "mypassword". If you're unsure, check your router or your internet provider's documentation.
If the password is correct but the connection still fails, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it from power for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the light on the device to stop blinking, then try adding the network again. If the problem continues, restart your router as well by unplugging it for 30 seconds.
Some older Chromecast models have trouble connecting to 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. If you have a dual-band router (one that broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), try connecting your Chromecast to the 2.4 GHz network instead. You can usually tell which is which in your router's settings or by the network name — 5 GHz networks often have "5G" or "5GHz" in the name.
Switching between networks you use regularly
If you move your Chromecast between locations — for example, between your home and a vacation house — you can teach it multiple networks. After connecting to the first network, go back to the Wi-Fi settings and tap "Add network" again. Select a second network and enter its password. Your Chromecast will now remember both networks.
When you move the device to a location with one of these networks, it will connect automatically. If you arrive at a location with a new network, follow the same steps to add it. Your Chromecast can store several networks this way, though it will only be connected to one at a time.
When to reset your Chromecast instead
Changing networks is different from resetting your device. A network change keeps all your settings, casting history, and linked accounts. A reset erases everything and returns the Chromecast to factory settings.
You only need to reset if the device is not responding, won't connect to any network, or you're selling it to someone else. For a straightforward network switch, the steps above are all you need. If you do decide to reset, hold the reset button on the back of the device for 15 seconds until the light flashes, then set it up again from the beginning using the Google Home app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Chromecast network without the Google Home app?
No. The Google Home app is the only way to change networks on a Chromecast. You cannot do it from the device itself or from your router settings. If you don't have the app, read it from the Google Play Store or App Store.
Will changing networks erase my settings or casting history?
No. Changing networks only disconnects your Chromecast from the old Wi-Fi and connects it to a new one. All your settings, linked accounts, and casting history remain the same. The device itself is not changed.
What if my Chromecast keeps disconnecting from the new network?
Check that your router is in range and working properly. Restart both your Chromecast (unplug for 10 seconds) and your router (unplug for 30 seconds). If you have a dual-band router, try connecting to the 2.4 GHz network instead of 5 GHz. Older Chromecast models sometimes have trouble with 5 GHz.
Can I connect my Chromecast to a hidden network?
Yes. When you tap "Add network" in the Google Home app, if you don't see your network listed, tap "Enter network name" at the bottom and type the network name manually. Then enter the password and connect.
How long does it take to change networks?
The entire process usually takes two to three minutes. After you select the new network and enter the password, wait 30 to 60 seconds for the connection to complete before you try casting.