How to change your Chromecast's WiFi network
You change your Chromecast's network by opening the Google Home app, selecting your device, tapping the settings icon, and choosing "WiFi" to forget the old network and connect to a new one. The whole process takes about five minutes and requires you to be on the same network as your Chromecast during setup, or to use a phone that has already connected to it before.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're switching to a different network in the same location, moving to a new home, or fixing a connection that dropped. This guide covers all three situations and explains what to do if your Chromecast won't reconnect.
Key Takeaways
- You must use the Google Home app on a phone or tablet to change your Chromecast's network—there is no way to do it directly on the device itself.
- Your phone needs to be connected to the same WiFi network as your Chromecast before you can change its settings, or you need to have set it up on that network before.
- The process involves opening Google Home, selecting your Chromecast, tapping the settings gear icon, choosing WiFi, and then selecting a new network and entering the password.
- If your Chromecast is too far from the router or the signal is weak, it may fail to connect even after you enter the correct password—moving it closer usually fixes this.
- Forgetting a network on your Chromecast does not erase any of your saved shows, preferences, or account information.
What you need before you start
Have your new WiFi network name (also called the SSID) and password ready. If you're switching networks in the same home, you'll need both the old and new passwords. If you're moving to a new location, you'll need the password for your new router.
Make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the same network as your Chromecast, or has been connected to it in the past. If you've never set up this Chromecast before on any network, you'll need to be on the same network as it to change its settings. The easiest way to check: open Google Home and see if your Chromecast appears in the list of devices. If it does, you can proceed.
Steps to change your Chromecast's network using Google Home
Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. At the bottom of the screen, tap "Home" if you're not already there. Look for your Chromecast in the list of devices—it will show the device name you gave it during setup (for example, "Living Room" or "Bedroom TV").
Tap the device card for your Chromecast. In the top right corner of the card, tap the settings icon (it looks like a gear). Scroll down and tap "WiFi." The app will show you the network your Chromecast is currently connected to.
Tap "Forget" next to the current network name. Your Chromecast will disconnect from that network. Now tap "Add network" or "Connect to a new network." A list of available networks will appear. Find your new network name in the list and tap it.
Enter the password for your new network. Make sure you type it exactly as it is—passwords are case-sensitive, so capital letters matter. Tap "Connect." Your Chromecast will attempt to join the network. This usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. Once it connects, you'll see a confirmation message in the app.
What to do if your Chromecast won't connect to the new network
If you enter the password but your Chromecast fails to connect, the most common cause is that it's too far from your router or the signal is weak. Move your Chromecast closer to the router—even a few feet can make a difference—and try again. If you can't move it, consider moving your router or using a WiFi extender to strengthen the signal in that room.
If the password is correct and the signal is strong but it still won't connect, restart your Chromecast. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to fully restart (the light on the device will stop blinking), then try connecting to the network again through Google Home.
If your Chromecast still won't connect after moving it and restarting, the issue may be with your router's settings. Some routers have a feature that separates 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks—Chromecast devices work best on 2.4 GHz. Check your router's settings to see if you can enable 2.4 GHz or combine both bands into a single network name. Your router's manual or the manufacturer's support page will show you how.
Changing networks when you move to a new home
The process is the same as switching networks in your current home, but you'll be starting from scratch with a new router. Set up your new router first and make sure it's working properly. Then use Google Home to change your Chromecast's network to your new WiFi name and password.
If you're moving your Chromecast to a new location and it's far from your new router, you may need to temporarily move it closer during setup. Once it's connected and working, you can move it back to where you want it—as long as it still has a reasonable signal, it will stay connected.
Changing networks on a Chromecast you just received
If this is a brand-new Chromecast that you haven't set up yet, you'll need to complete the initial setup first. Plug it in, open Google Home, and follow the on-screen prompts to set it up on your current network. Once setup is complete, you can change its network using the steps above.
During initial setup, Google Home will ask you to select a network and enter a password. Choose your network from the list and enter the correct password. If setup fails, make sure your phone is connected to the same network and that the password is typed correctly.
Why your Chromecast might disconnect from your network
Chromecast devices sometimes drop their connection if the router restarts, if they're moved too far from the router, or if the network password changes. If your network password has changed (for example, because you reset your router), you'll need to follow the steps above to reconnect your Chromecast with the new password.
If your Chromecast keeps disconnecting and reconnecting, it usually means the signal is weak. Try moving it closer to the router, or check whether other devices in your home are having the same problem. If they are, the issue is with your router or internet connection, not your Chromecast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Chromecast's network without the Google Home app?
No. The Google Home app is the only way to change your Chromecast's network settings. There is no button or menu on the Chromecast device itself that lets you do this. You must use a phone or tablet with the Google Home app installed.
What happens to my saved shows and preferences when I change networks?
Nothing. Changing your Chromecast's network does not erase any of your saved shows, watch history, preferences, or account information. Everything stays the same—you're only changing which WiFi network it connects to.
Do I need to be on the same network as my Chromecast to change it?
Yes, your phone needs to be connected to the same network as your Chromecast to change its settings. If you're not on the same network, the Google Home app won't be able to communicate with your device. The exception is if you've already set up this Chromecast on a previous network—in that case, you may be able to change it remotely, though this doesn't always work reliably.
Why does my Chromecast keep asking for the network password?
This usually means the signal is too weak or the password is being entered incorrectly. Move your Chromecast closer to the router and try again, making sure the password is typed exactly right (including capital letters). If it keeps happening, restart your Chromecast and your router.
Can I connect my Chromecast to a 5 GHz network?
Chromecast devices are designed to work on 2.4 GHz networks and may have trouble connecting to 5 GHz only. If your router lets you choose, select 2.4 GHz. Many modern routers can broadcast both bands at once under a single network name—if yours can, use that option for the best compatibility.