Change Your Chromecast's WiFi in the Google Home App

The fastest way to change your Chromecast's WiFi network is through the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Open the app, find your Chromecast device in the list, tap the settings icon (three dots or a gear), scroll down to "Wi-Fi", and select "Forget this network". Your Chromecast will then prompt you to connect to a new WiFi network the next time you try to use it.

When you forget the network, your Chromecast stays on but loses its connection. You'll see a setup screen on your TV asking you to choose a WiFi network and enter the password. Use your phone to complete this step — the Google Home app will guide you through selecting your new network and confirming the connection.

This method works whether you're switching to a different router, moving to a new home, or just changing your WiFi password. The entire process takes about two minutes once you open the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, tap your Chromecast's settings, find "Wi-Fi", and select "Forget this network" to disconnect from your current WiFi.
  • Your Chromecast will show a setup screen on your TV asking you to choose a new network and enter the password.
  • Use your phone's Google Home app to select the new WiFi network and complete the connection.
  • If you can't access the Google Home app, you can reset your Chromecast using the physical reset button on the device itself.

What Happens When You Forget the Network

When you tap "Forget this network" in the Google Home app, your Chromecast when ready disconnects from WiFi but stays powered on. The device will display a setup screen on your TV that shows available WiFi networks in your area, similar to what you see when you first set up a Chromecast.

Your Chromecast remembers all its other settings — apps, preferences, and linked accounts — so you're only changing the WiFi connection, not resetting the entire device. This means you won't lose any of your saved information or have to set up the device from scratch.

The setup screen stays active for about 10 minutes. If you don't connect to a new network during that time, your Chromecast will go into standby mode and you'll need to restart the process.

Using Your Phone to Complete the WiFi Change

Once the setup screen appears on your TV, your phone becomes the tool for finishing the connection. The Google Home app will show you a list of available WiFi networks — the same ones your Chromecast sees. Tap the network you want to use, enter the password if it's password-protected, and confirm.

Your phone doesn't need to be on the same network as your Chromecast during this step. The app communicates with your Chromecast directly to send the network information. Once you confirm, your Chromecast will connect to the new network and the setup screen will disappear from your TV.

If your new network doesn't appear in the list, make sure your router is turned on and broadcasting its name (SSID). Networks set to "hidden" won't show up in the list — you'll need to enter the network name manually, which the setup screen allows you to do.

Changing Your WiFi Password Without Losing Connection

If you're only changing your WiFi password — not switching to a different network — you don't need to forget the network. Instead, open the Google Home app, go to your Chromecast's settings, find "Wi-Fi", and select "Change Wi-Fi password". Enter your new password and confirm.

This method is faster because your Chromecast stays connected the entire time. You won't see a setup screen on your TV, and the change happens in the background. This works only if your router's network name stays the same.

If you change both the network name and password, use the "Forget this network" method instead, since your Chromecast won't recognize the new name.

Resetting Your Chromecast If the App Method Doesn't Work

If you can't access the Google Home app or your Chromecast isn't responding, you can reset it using the physical reset button. On most Chromecast models, this button is a small hole on the back or side of the device. Use a straightened paperclip or a similar thin object to press and hold the button for about 15 seconds while the device is plugged in.

Your Chromecast will restart and show the setup screen on your TV, just as if you had used the app to forget the network. The difference is that a physical reset clears all settings, not just the WiFi connection — you'll need to set up the device again from the beginning, including linking your Google account.

A physical reset is useful if your Chromecast is stuck, unresponsive, or if you've forgotten your Google Home login. For a straightforward WiFi change, the app method is faster and preserves your other settings.

Troubleshooting a Failed WiFi Connection

If your Chromecast connects to the new network but then loses the connection, the most common cause is that your router isn't broadcasting strongly enough or your device is too far away. Move your Chromecast closer to the router and try again. If you're using a 5 GHz network, try switching to 2.4 GHz instead — older Chromecast models don't support 5 GHz.

If the setup screen won't appear on your TV at all after you forget the network, make sure your Chromecast is plugged in and powered on. Wait 30 seconds, then unplug it and plug it back in. The setup screen should appear within a minute.

If your phone can't find your Chromecast during setup, make sure both devices are in the same room and that your phone's Bluetooth is turned on. The Google Home app uses Bluetooth to communicate with your Chromecast during the initial connection step.

Switching Between Multiple WiFi Networks

If you have more than one WiFi network in your home — for example, a main network and a guest network — you can switch your Chromecast between them using the same "Forget this network" method. Each time you forget the current network, your Chromecast will prompt you to choose a new one.

Some routers create both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz versions of the same network name. Chromecast works on both, but 2.4 GHz is more reliable for older models. If you're having trouble connecting, try the 2.4 GHz version explicitly if your router lists them separately.

You can only connect one Chromecast to one network at a time. If you want to use the same Chromecast on different networks in different locations, you'll need to repeat the WiFi change process each time you move it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my apps and settings when I change the WiFi?

No. Using the "Forget this network" method in the Google Home app only disconnects your Chromecast from WiFi — it keeps all your apps, preferences, and linked accounts. A physical reset button press, by contrast, clears everything and requires you to set up the device again from scratch.

Can I change the WiFi without using the Google Home app?

Yes, you can use the physical reset button on your Chromecast to trigger the setup screen, then connect to a new network. However, this resets all your settings, so the app method is faster if you can access it. There's no other way to change WiFi without one of these two methods.

Why won't my Chromecast show the setup screen after I forget the network?

Make sure your Chromecast is plugged in and powered on. Wait 30 seconds, then unplug it and plug it back in. The setup screen should appear within a minute. If it still doesn't show, try a physical reset using the button on the back of the device.

What's the difference between forgetting the network and resetting the device?

Forgetting the network disconnects your Chromecast from WiFi but keeps all your other settings intact. A physical reset clears everything — apps, preferences, and account links — and requires you to set up the device again. Use "forget" for a straightforward WiFi change and "reset" only if your device is stuck or unresponsive.

Can I connect my Chromecast to a 5 GHz WiFi network?

Newer Chromecast models support 5 GHz, but older ones do not. If your Chromecast won't connect to a 5 GHz network, try the 2.4 GHz version instead. Check your router's settings to see if it broadcasts both frequencies separately, or contact the router manufacturer to confirm which bands it supports.