Change your Chromecast's network from the Google Home app

To move your Chromecast to a different WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Tap and hold the Chromecast device you want to change, then tap the settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi, then select Forget to disconnect it from its current network.

After you forget the network, the Chromecast will return to setup mode. Tap the plus icon in the Google Home app to add a device, select Set up device, choose New device, and follow the on-screen steps to connect to your new WiFi network. You'll need to enter the WiFi password for the new network when prompted.

The whole process takes about two to three minutes. Your Chromecast will reconnect to any accounts or services you had set up before—you won't lose those settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, hold down your Chromecast, tap settings, scroll to Wi-Fi, and tap Forget to disconnect from the old network.
  • After forgetting the network, use the plus icon in Google Home to set up the device again and connect to your new WiFi.
  • You'll need the password for the new WiFi network during setup.
  • Your previous accounts and casting history remain intact after you switch networks.
  • If your Chromecast won't connect to the new network, restart both the device and your router, then try again.

What happens if you just move the Chromecast without changing the network

If you move your Chromecast to a room with a different WiFi network but don't change the settings, it will keep trying to connect to the old network. You won't be able to cast to it from your phone or tablet because they're on different networks.

The Chromecast will show as offline in the Google Home app. To fix this, you need to go through the network change process described above—there's no way around it.

Switching between networks you already use

If you have multiple WiFi networks in your home—for example, a main network and a guest network—you can switch your Chromecast between them using the same steps. Open Google Home, hold the device, go to settings, find Wi-Fi, and tap Forget. Then set it up again on the network you want to use.

Some people keep a Chromecast on a guest network so visitors can cast without accessing the main home network. Switching takes the same amount of time each time you do it.

Troubleshooting when the Chromecast won't connect to the new network

If you've forgotten the old network and started setup but the Chromecast won't connect to the new one, first check that you entered the WiFi password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so a capital letter in the wrong place will cause the connection to fail.

If the password is correct, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. While it's restarting, also restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. Once both devices are back on, try the setup process again.

If it still won't connect, move the Chromecast closer to the router temporarily. Chromecast devices work best within 15 to 20 feet of the router. Once it connects, you can move it back to its normal location.

Using a 5GHz network instead of 2.4GHz

Most home routers broadcast two WiFi networks at once: a faster 5GHz network and a longer-range 2.4GHz network. Chromecast works on both, but some routers combine them under one name, which can cause connection problems.

If your router lets you see both networks separately in the WiFi list, try connecting your Chromecast to the 2.4GHz network first. It has better range and is more stable for streaming. If you have a newer Chromecast model, you can also try 5GHz if you're very close to the router and want faster performance.

During setup, the WiFi list will show all available networks. Choose the one that matches your router's name, or look for one labeled with your network name plus "5G" or "2.4G" if they're listed separately.

What to do if you forgot your WiFi password

If you don't remember the password for your new WiFi network, you'll need to find it before you can complete the Chromecast setup. Check any device that's already connected to that network—on a phone or computer, you can usually view the saved password in WiFi settings.

On Windows, go to Settings > Network > WiFi > Manage known networks, select your network, and click Properties. On Mac, hold Option and click the WiFi icon in the menu bar to see the network name. On iPhone, go to Settings > WiFi, tap the network name, and tap the info icon to see the password (you may need to use Face ID or Touch ID).

If you can't find the password on any device, you can reset it through your router's admin panel. Log into your router using its IP address (usually printed on the back of the device) and change the WiFi password there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my casting history or saved shows when I change networks?

No. Your Chromecast is linked to your Google account, not to the WiFi network. When you reconnect it to a new network, all your apps, accounts, and casting history come back automatically.

Can I use a mobile hotspot instead of home WiFi?

Yes, you can connect a Chromecast to a mobile hotspot from a phone or tablet. During setup, select your hotspot's network name from the WiFi list and enter the password. Keep in mind that casting will use data from your mobile plan, so this works best for occasional use rather than daily streaming.

How often can I switch my Chromecast between networks?

You can switch as often as you need to. There's no limit on how many times you forget and reconnect to different networks. Each switch takes a few minutes and doesn't wear out the device.

What if my WiFi network name has special characters or spaces?

Chromecast handles network names with spaces and most special characters without problems. During setup, the network will appear in the list exactly as it's named. Select it and enter your password as usual.