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, find your Chromecast device in the list, tap the settings icon (gear symbol), then select WiFi and choose Forget this network. Your Chromecast will restart and show a setup code on your TV screen. Follow the on-screen prompts in the Google Home app to reconnect it to your new WiFi network, entering your network password when prompted.

The whole process takes about two to three minutes. Your Chromecast will lose connection during the switch, so any video or music playing will stop. Once reconnected, you can resume casting when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, tap your Chromecast's settings, select WiFi, and choose Forget this network to start the change.
  • A setup code will appear on your TV screen — use it to reconnect through the Google Home app to your new network.
  • You will need your new WiFi network name and password before you begin.
  • If you cannot see your Chromecast in Google Home, make sure your phone is connected to the same network the Chromecast currently uses.
  • After reconnecting, your Chromecast will work with any app that supports casting — no additional setup is needed.

What you need before you start

Have your new WiFi network name (SSID) and password ready. If you do not know your password, check your router's label or log into your router's settings page through a web browser on your computer.

Make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the same WiFi network your Chromecast currently uses. If you are already on a different network, the Google Home app will not see your Chromecast. Switch your phone back to the old network temporarily, complete the WiFi change, then switch your phone to the new network afterward.

Step-by-step: changing the network in Google Home

Step 1: Open the Google Home app and look for your Chromecast in the device list. If you have multiple Chromecasts, tap the one you want to change.

Step 2: Tap the settings icon (three vertical dots or a gear symbol) in the top right corner of the device card.

Step 3: Scroll down and tap WiFi.

Step 4: Tap Forget this network. Your Chromecast will disconnect and restart.

Step 5: A setup code will appear on your TV screen. This code confirms you are setting up the right device.

Step 6: In the Google Home app, tap Set up device and select Set up new device. Choose your country and tap Next.

Step 7: The app will search for your Chromecast. When it finds it, tap the device name and enter the setup code shown on your TV.

Step 8: Select your new WiFi network from the list and enter the password. Tap Connect.

Step 9: Wait for the connection to complete. Your Chromecast will restart and reconnect to your new network.

Troubleshooting: Chromecast not showing in Google Home

If your Chromecast does not appear in the Google Home app during setup, check that your phone is connected to the same network the Chromecast currently uses. The app needs to be on the old network to see the device before you change it. If you switched your phone to the new network already, switch it back temporarily.

If your Chromecast still does not appear, restart both your Chromecast and your phone. Unplug the Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot. Then open Google Home again and look for the device.

If the setup code on your TV does not match what the app is asking for, close the Google Home app completely and open it again. The code changes each time you start the setup process.

Changing WiFi on older Chromecast models

First-generation Chromecast devices and Chromecast Audio use the same Google Home app process described above. The steps are identical — open Google Home, find the device, tap settings, select WiFi, and forget the network.

Chromecast with Google TV has a slightly different path: go to Settings on the device itself (using your remote), select Network & Internet, tap your current WiFi network, and choose Forget. Then follow the on-screen prompts to reconnect to your new network. You can also use the Google Home app method if you prefer.

What happens to your apps and settings after the WiFi change

Your Chromecast keeps all your apps, preferences, and linked accounts after you change the WiFi network. You do not need to sign into services like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify again. Your casting history and any custom names you gave the device remain unchanged.

If you cast from your phone or tablet, those devices will automatically find your Chromecast on the new network as long as they are also connected to that network. No additional pairing is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Chromecast's WiFi from a different network?

No. Your phone must be on the same network as your Chromecast to change it. If you are away from home or on a different network, you will need to return to the original network temporarily or use a guest network if your router supports it.

What if I forgot my new WiFi password?

You cannot complete the WiFi change without the password. Log into your router's settings page on a computer or check the router's label for the default password. If you cannot recover it, you may need to reset your router to factory settings, which will erase all your WiFi settings.

Do I need to unpair my Chromecast from my Google account?

No. Your Chromecast stays linked to your Google account when you change the WiFi network. The device will automatically reconnect to your account once it joins the new network.

How long does it take for the Chromecast to reconnect?

Most Chromecasts reconnect within 30 to 60 seconds after you enter the WiFi password. If it takes longer than two minutes, restart the device by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in.

Can I change the WiFi on multiple Chromecasts at once?

No. You must change each Chromecast one at a time using the Google Home app. Repeat the process for each device in your home.