How to change the network your Chromecast uses
To change your Chromecast to a different Wi-Fi network, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the device, select Settings, then Network, and choose "Forget this network." After that, set up the Chromecast on the new network the same way you did the first time — the device will search for available networks and let you enter the password.
The process takes about five minutes and does not erase any of your saved shows, preferences, or casting history. You can do it from anywhere in your home as long as your phone is connected to the same network the Chromecast currently uses.
Key Takeaways
- You must use the Google Home app to change networks; there is no button on the Chromecast itself.
- Your phone needs to be on the same network as the Chromecast before you can tell it to forget that network.
- After you forget the old network, the Chromecast will prompt you to join a new one, and you enter the password just like during initial setup.
- The entire process preserves your account, apps, and watch history — only the network connection changes.
Step-by-step: Using the Google Home app to switch networks
Open the Google Home app on your phone and make sure your phone is connected to the Wi-Fi network your Chromecast is currently on. Tap the Chromecast device in the app — it will show as a card with the device name and a small image. Tap the Settings icon (usually a gear) in the top right corner of that card.
Scroll down and tap "Network." You will see the name of the network the Chromecast is currently using. Tap "Forget this network." The Chromecast will disconnect from that network and restart. After a few seconds, it will appear in the Google Home app again, but this time it will be in setup mode.
Tap the device card again and follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your new network. When the app shows a list of available Wi-Fi networks, select the one you want to use and enter the password. The Chromecast will connect and you will be back in the main device screen within a minute or two.
What to do if your phone is not on the same network as the Chromecast
If you have already switched your phone to the new network before telling the Chromecast to forget the old one, the Google Home app will not see the device. In this case, move your phone back to the original network temporarily, complete the "forget network" step, then switch your phone back to the new network and finish the setup.
Some phones let you stay connected to two networks at once (called dual-band or multi-network support), which makes this easier. Check your phone's Wi-Fi settings to see if you can connect to both networks simultaneously while you make the change.
Changing networks on a Chromecast Audio or older model
If you own a Chromecast Audio or an older Chromecast (first or second generation), the steps are the same: open Google Home, tap Settings, tap Network, and tap "Forget this network." The app will guide you through connecting to the new network.
Chromecast with Google TV uses the same process but the Settings menu is slightly different — you can also change the network directly on the device itself by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi on the TV remote, which some people find faster.
Why you might need to change networks
You may need to switch networks if you are moving to a new home, upgrading your router, splitting your Wi-Fi into separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, or if your Chromecast keeps dropping connection on your current network. Changing networks can sometimes fix connection problems if the device is too far from the router or if the network itself is unstable.
If your Chromecast is having trouble connecting to the new network, move it closer to the router temporarily, make sure you are entering the password correctly (passwords are case-sensitive), and check that the network is not using a special character in the name that might cause problems.
Resetting the Chromecast if the network change does not work
If the Chromecast will not connect to the new network after you have tried the steps above, you can perform a factory reset. On most Chromecast models, hold the reset button (a small hole on the back or side) for about 15 seconds until the light flashes. The device will restart and you can set it up from the beginning, including choosing the new network.
A factory reset erases all saved networks and preferences, so use it only if the standard network-change process fails. After the reset, open Google Home, tap the plus icon to add a device, and follow the setup wizard to connect to your new network.
Casting to your Chromecast after switching networks
Once the Chromecast is on the new network, casting works the same way as before. Open any app that supports casting (YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Chrome browser, and many others), tap the Cast icon, and select your Chromecast from the list. Your phone and the Chromecast must be on the same Wi-Fi network to cast, so make sure your phone has switched to the new network as well.
If you do not see your Chromecast in the Cast menu after switching networks, restart both your phone and the Chromecast, then try again. Sometimes the device takes a minute to appear in the available devices list after a network change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my shows and preferences when I change networks?
No. Changing networks only disconnects the Chromecast from Wi-Fi and reconnects it to a new one. Your Google account, saved apps, watch history, and all preferences stay exactly as they were. The Chromecast is tied to your account, not to the network.
Can I change the network without the Google Home app?
On Chromecast with Google TV, you can change the network directly using the TV remote by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. On standard Chromecast models without a TV interface, you must use the Google Home app — there is no other way to change networks.
What if I forget the password to my new network?
You can find your Wi-Fi password by logging into your router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 in a browser) or by checking the sticker on the back of the router itself. Some routers also let you view saved passwords in your phone's Wi-Fi settings under "Manage networks" or "Saved networks."
How long does it take for the Chromecast to connect to the new network?
Usually 30 seconds to two minutes. If it takes longer than five minutes, the password may be wrong, the network may be too far away, or the router may not be broadcasting the network name. Try moving the Chromecast closer to the router and entering the password again.
Can I use the Chromecast on a guest network or public Wi-Fi?
Yes, Chromecast works on guest networks and public Wi-Fi as long as the network does not block casting traffic. Some public networks (like those in hotels or coffee shops) block the ports Chromecast uses, so casting may not work even if the Chromecast connects to the network. Your home network is the most reliable option.