Change your Chromecast's WiFi network through the Google Home app on your phone

To switch your Chromecast to a different WiFi network, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, tap and hold the Chromecast device tile, tap the settings gear icon, then select Wi-Fi and choose Forget. After that, set up the device again by tapping the plus icon in the app, selecting Set up device, and choosing your new network when prompted. The whole process takes about five minutes.

You do not need to unplug the Chromecast or reset it to factory settings. The app walks you through each step, and you can stay in the same room while it connects.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, hold down your Chromecast tile, tap settings, select Wi-Fi, and tap Forget to remove the old network.
  • After forgetting the network, tap the plus icon in Google Home and choose Set up device to connect to your new WiFi.
  • Your Chromecast will search for available networks and display them on your phone screen so you can pick the right one.
  • If your new network uses a 5 GHz band, make sure your Chromecast model supports it—older models only work on 2.4 GHz.
  • The device stays powered on during the entire process and does not need to be reset or unplugged.

Step-by-step: forgetting the old network

Start by opening the Google Home app on your phone. Look for your Chromecast in the device list—it will show the name you gave it during setup, or the default name like "Living Room" or "Bedroom."

Press and hold the Chromecast tile until a menu appears. Tap the settings gear icon in the top right corner of that menu. Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi. You will see the network your Chromecast is currently connected to. Tap Forget next to the network name. The app will ask you to confirm—tap Forget again. Your Chromecast is now disconnected from that network.

Step-by-step: connecting to your new network

In the Google Home app, tap the plus icon in the top left corner. Select Set up device, then choose Set up new device. The app will ask whether you want to set up a new device or set up a device already in your home. Choose Set up a device already in your home because your Chromecast is already powered on.

Select your home from the list, then select your Chromecast from the devices shown. The app will now scan for available WiFi networks and display them on your screen. Find your new network in the list and tap it. Enter your WiFi password if the network is password-protected. The Chromecast will connect within 30 seconds to a minute.

What to do if the Chromecast does not find your network

If your network does not appear in the list, check that your router is powered on and broadcasting the network name. Some routers have a setting to hide the network name (called SSID hiding). If yours is hidden, tap Add other network at the bottom of the network list and type the network name and password manually.

If your network uses a 5 GHz band and your Chromecast is an older model, it may not appear because older Chromecasts only support 2.4 GHz. Check your router settings to see which band your network is using. If you have a dual-band router, you can usually create a separate 2.4 GHz network name, or ask your router to broadcast both bands under the same name.

Troubleshooting a failed connection

If the Chromecast connects but then disconnects, or if the connection is very slow, move your router closer to the Chromecast or remove obstacles like walls and metal objects between them. WiFi range and speed depend on distance and interference.

If you see an error message during setup, restart your phone and your Chromecast by unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Open Google Home again and repeat the setup steps. If the problem continues, forget the network again and try connecting to a different WiFi network to rule out a problem with your router.

When to reset your Chromecast instead

You do not need to reset your Chromecast just to change networks. A reset erases all your settings and returns the device to factory condition, which is only necessary if the device is not responding to the app or if you are giving it away.

If you want to reset anyway, hold the reset button on the back of the device for 15 seconds while it is powered on. The light will flash and the device will restart. After reset, you will need to set it up from the beginning using the Google Home app, including choosing a network and signing into your Google account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to sign into my Google account again when I change networks?

No. Changing the WiFi network does not sign you out of your Google account. Your Chromecast stays signed in and remembers your preferences, apps, and settings. You only need to enter your WiFi password.

Can I change the network from my Chromecast remote instead of the app?

No. The Chromecast remote does not have a menu for changing networks. You must use the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. The remote only controls playback and volume.

What if I forgot my WiFi password?

You can find your WiFi password by logging into your router's settings page on a computer or phone. The address is usually printed on the router itself. If you cannot recover it, you may need to reset your router to factory settings, which will erase your current network and create a new one with a default password.

Will changing networks affect my casting from other devices?

No. Once your Chromecast is on the new network, other devices on that same network can cast to it just as before. Make sure your phone, tablet, or computer is connected to the same WiFi network as your Chromecast.

How often can I change the Chromecast's network?

You can change it as many times as you want. There is no limit. Each time you forget a network and set up a new one, the process is the same and takes about five minutes.