Change Your WiFi Network on Chromecast in Four Steps

To change the WiFi network your Chromecast connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone, tap the Chromecast device, select the settings gear icon, choose "WiFi," tap "Change," and then select your new network and enter the password. The whole process takes about two minutes. Your Chromecast will disconnect from the old network and reconnect to the new one without losing any of your saved apps or settings.

You will need the Google Home app installed on an Android or iOS phone, and you must be connected to the same WiFi network your Chromecast currently uses — or at least be in range of it. If your Chromecast is already offline or you cannot reach the old network, you will need to factory reset it instead, which erases all settings and requires you to set it up from the beginning.

Key Takeaways

  • The Google Home app is the only way to change your Chromecast's WiFi without resetting the device.
  • Your phone must be on the same WiFi network as your Chromecast before you can change it.
  • Changing networks keeps all your apps, preferences, and linked accounts intact.
  • If your Chromecast is offline or unreachable, factory reset is your only option, and you will lose all settings.
  • The new network password must be entered correctly or the connection will fail and you will see an error message.

Open Google Home and Find Your Device

Launch the Google Home app on your phone. If you do not have it, read it from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS). Make sure your phone is connected to the same WiFi network your Chromecast is currently on — this is required for the app to communicate with the device.

Look at the home screen. You will see a list of your connected devices. Find your Chromecast in that list — it will be labeled with the name you gave it during setup, or the default name like "Living Room" or "Bedroom." Tap on it to open the device details page.

Access the WiFi Settings Menu

On the device details page, look for the settings gear icon in the top right corner. Tap it. A menu will appear with several options including "WiFi," "Device info," "Notifications," and others.

Tap "WiFi." The app will show you the network your Chromecast is currently connected to. Below that, you will see a button labeled "Change" or "Change network." Tap that button to begin the process.

Select Your New Network and Enter the Password

A list of available WiFi networks will appear on your screen. This list shows all the networks within range of your Chromecast. Find the network you want to connect to and tap it. If you do not see your network, make sure the router is powered on and broadcasting its name (SSID). You may need to scroll down to find it.

After you select the network, a password field will appear. Type in the WiFi password for that network. Passwords are case-sensitive, so make sure you enter uppercase and lowercase letters exactly as they are set on your router. If you are unsure of the password, check the router itself — it is often printed on a sticker on the back or bottom.

Tap "Connect" or "Next." The Chromecast will attempt to join the new network. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds. You will see a loading screen while it connects.

Confirm the Connection and Troubleshoot if Needed

Once the connection is complete, the app will show a confirmation message. Your Chromecast is now on the new network. You can close the settings menu and start casting to it right away.

If the connection fails, you will see an error message. The most common causes are an incorrect password, a network that does not support the Chromecast's WiFi standard (older Chromecasts need 2.4 GHz; newer models support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), or a network that blocks the device type. Go back and double-check the password. If the password is correct, try connecting your phone to the same network first to confirm it is working, then attempt the Chromecast connection again.

What Happens to Your Apps and Settings

Changing the WiFi network does not erase anything on your Chromecast. Your apps, linked Google account, display preferences, and any custom settings you configured remain exactly as they were. You will not need to sign in again or reconfigure anything — the device straightforward switches networks and keeps running.

The only time you lose settings is if you perform a factory reset, which you should only do if the device is offline and you cannot reach it through the Google Home app. A factory reset erases everything and returns the Chromecast to its original state, requiring you to set it up again from scratch.

When You Cannot Reach Your Chromecast

If your Chromecast is already offline or not responding in the Google Home app, you cannot use the WiFi change method. In this case, you will need to factory reset the device. Locate the reset button on your Chromecast — it is usually a small button on the device itself or on the power cable. Press and hold it for about 15 seconds until you see a light flash or hear a sound indicating the reset has started.

After the reset, the Chromecast will restart and appear as a new device in the Google Home app. You will go through the full setup process again, including selecting your WiFi network and signing in to your Google account. This is the only way to reconnect a Chromecast that has lost its network connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be on the same WiFi as my Chromecast to change it?

Yes. Your phone must be connected to the same network the Chromecast is currently on for the Google Home app to communicate with it. If the Chromecast is offline, you cannot change the network through the app and will need to factory reset instead.

Will changing networks erase my apps or sign me out?

No. Changing the WiFi network keeps all your apps, settings, and account information intact. You will not need to sign in again or reconfigure anything.

What if I enter the wrong password?

The connection will fail and you will see an error message. Go back to the WiFi settings, select the network again, and re-enter the password. Make sure you match uppercase and lowercase letters exactly.

Can I change networks if my Chromecast is offline?

No. If the device is offline or not responding in the Google Home app, you must factory reset it. Press and hold the reset button for 15 seconds, then set up the device again from the beginning.

Does my new network need to be 5 GHz or can it be 2.4 GHz?

Older Chromecast models require 2.4 GHz. Newer models support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. If your Chromecast fails to connect to a 5 GHz network, try connecting to the 2.4 GHz band instead, which is usually labeled separately in your router settings.