Change your Chromecast's network through the Google Home app

To change which WiFi network your Chromecast connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, tap and hold the Chromecast device tile, then tap the settings icon (gear symbol) in the top right. Scroll down to "Wi-Fi" and tap it. The app will show your current network name and give you the option to forget it. After you forget the network, the Chromecast will enter pairing mode, and you can select a new WiFi network from the list and enter its password.

This process takes about two to three minutes from start to finish. Your Chromecast will restart once it connects to the new network, and you'll see a confirmation message in the Google Home app when the connection is complete.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, hold down your Chromecast tile, tap settings, then select Wi-Fi to change networks.
  • You must forget the old network before the Chromecast will let you connect to a new one.
  • After you select a new network and enter the password, the device will restart and reconnect within a few minutes.
  • If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the app, make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network as the device.
  • You can change networks as many times as you need — there's no limit to how often you switch.

What happens if you can't find the settings icon

If you're looking at the Chromecast tile in Google Home and don't see a settings gear icon, try tapping and holding the tile for a full two seconds. The icon should appear in the top right corner. If it still doesn't show up, swipe up from the bottom of the tile — sometimes the controls are hidden until you do this.

On some older versions of the Google Home app, the settings icon appears as three vertical dots instead of a gear. Tap that instead, then look for "Wi-Fi" in the menu that opens.

Reconnecting to the same network later

If you change networks and then want to go back to your original WiFi, you can use the same process. Open Google Home, hold the Chromecast tile, tap settings, select Wi-Fi, and choose your original network from the list. You won't need to set up the Chromecast from scratch — just enter the password and it will reconnect.

The Chromecast remembers your device name and any casting preferences you set up before, so switching back is faster than the first setup.

Changing networks when you're away from home

You can only change your Chromecast's network if your phone is connected to a WiFi network that the Chromecast can also reach. This means if you're at work or a friend's house, you won't be able to change your home Chromecast to a different network remotely.

To change networks while away, you have two options: wait until you're back in range of your home WiFi, or use a mobile hotspot from your phone to temporarily connect the Chromecast, then switch it to the network you want. The hotspot method takes a few extra minutes but works if you need to change the network urgently.

What to do if the Chromecast won't connect to the new network

If you've entered the password correctly but the Chromecast still won't connect, first check that the network password is typed exactly right — passwords are case-sensitive, so uppercase and lowercase letters matter. If the password is correct, try forgetting the network again and repeating the process.

If the Chromecast still won't connect after a second attempt, restart both your Chromecast and your WiFi router. Unplug the Chromecast for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart. Then try connecting to the network again. If you're still having trouble, check that your router is broadcasting the network name (SSID) — some routers have a setting to hide the network name, and Chromecast can't see hidden networks.

Switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks

If your router broadcasts both a 2.4 GHz and a 5 GHz network with the same name, your Chromecast will automatically pick the one with the strongest signal. You don't need to do anything special — just connect normally and let the device choose.

If you want to force your Chromecast to use a specific band, you'll need to give each band a different network name in your router settings. For example, you could name the 2.4 GHz network "Home-2.4" and the 5 GHz network "Home-5G". Then use the Google Home app to connect to whichever one you prefer. Most people don't need to do this — the automatic selection works well for typical home setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my Chromecast settings when I change networks?

No. Your device name, casting preferences, and any linked accounts stay the same when you switch networks. Only the WiFi connection changes — everything else remains as you set it up.

Can I change the network from a different phone?

Yes, as long as that phone has the Google Home app installed and is signed into the same Google account. The phone must also be connected to a WiFi network that the Chromecast can reach.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You'll need to recover your password from your router or contact your internet provider. Check the router itself — many have the password printed on a sticker on the back. Once you have the password, you can enter it in the Google Home app when changing networks.

How long does it take for the Chromecast to connect after I enter the password?

Usually 30 seconds to two minutes. The device will restart once during this time, which is normal. You'll see a confirmation in the Google Home app when the connection is complete.

Can I change networks without using the Google Home app?

No. The Google Home app is the only way to change your Chromecast's network. You can't do it through a web browser or any other method.