Change your Chromecast's WiFi in the Google Home app

To change which WiFi network your Chromecast connects to, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet, tap the device, then tap the settings gear icon in the top right. Select WiFi, then Forget to disconnect from the current network. The app will walk you through connecting to a new WiFi network—you'll select the network name, enter the password, and wait for the connection to complete. The whole process takes about two minutes.

Your Chromecast will restart once it connects to the new network. During this time, the light on the device will blink. Once it stops blinking and turns solid, the connection is complete and you can start casting again.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, select your Chromecast, tap settings, then WiFi to change networks.
  • You must forget the old network before connecting to a new one—the app guides you through both steps.
  • Have your new WiFi password ready before you start, since you'll need to enter it during setup.
  • The device will restart and the light will blink while it connects; wait until the light is solid before casting.
  • If the connection fails, restart your Chromecast by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then try again.

What happens if you forget the network but don't reconnect right away

Once you tap Forget, your Chromecast is no longer connected to any WiFi. If you close the app or step away before completing the reconnection, your Chromecast will sit offline until you finish the setup process. You can come back to it anytime—just open Google Home again, select the device, and pick up where you left off by tapping WiFi and selecting a new network.

The device itself won't be damaged or reset by being offline. It will straightforward wait for you to complete the connection.

Troubleshooting when your Chromecast won't connect to the new network

If the app says the connection failed, first check that you entered the WiFi password correctly—passwords are case-sensitive. Close the Google Home app completely and reopen it, then try the WiFi change again from the beginning.

If it fails a second time, unplug your Chromecast from power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for the light to stop blinking. Then open Google Home and attempt the WiFi change once more. If your Chromecast still won't connect, restart your WiFi router by unplugging it for 30 seconds as well, then try the Chromecast connection again.

If you're switching to a 5GHz network, note that some older Chromecast models only support 2.4GHz WiFi. Check your device's specifications on Google's support site to confirm which frequencies your model supports. If your new network only broadcasts 5GHz, you may need to enable a 2.4GHz band on your router or use a different device.

Changing WiFi on a Chromecast without the Google Home app

The Google Home app is the standard way to change networks, but if you don't have it installed, you can read it free from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iOS). There is no other official method to change your Chromecast's WiFi from your phone.

If you have a Chromecast with Google TV, you can also change the network directly on the device using the remote. Press the Home button, go to Settings, select Network & Internet, then WiFi, and choose a new network from the list. This method skips the app entirely.

What to do if you've lost your new WiFi password

If you don't remember the password for the network you're trying to connect to, you'll need to find it before you can complete the WiFi change. On most home routers, you can find the password on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. If you set up the network yourself, check your email for a confirmation message from your internet provider or router manufacturer.

If you're connecting to a work or shared network, ask the person who manages it for the password. Once you have it, return to the Google Home app and complete the WiFi change as normal.

Moving your Chromecast to a different room with a different network

If you're physically moving your Chromecast to a different location that uses a different WiFi network, the process is the same: open Google Home, select the device, go to WiFi settings, forget the old network, and connect to the new one. Your Chromecast doesn't need to be in the new room to change its network—you can do it from anywhere as long as your phone is on the same network as the device you're changing.

After the connection is complete and the light is solid, you can move the Chromecast to its new location. It will stay connected to the network you just set up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing WiFi networks erase my Chromecast settings or saved apps?

No. Changing the WiFi network does not erase any settings, apps, or preferences on your Chromecast. Your device will reconnect to the new network and work exactly as it did before, with all your previous setup intact.

Can I connect my Chromecast to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz at the same time?

Your Chromecast can only connect to one network at a time. If your router broadcasts both bands, you'll need to choose one when you set up the connection. Most Chromecast models work better on 2.4GHz for range, but 5GHz offers faster speeds if you're close to the router.

How long does it take for the Chromecast to connect to a new WiFi network?

The connection usually completes within one to two minutes. The light will blink during this time and turn solid once the connection is established. If it takes longer than five minutes, the connection has likely failed and you should try again.

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

Yes. Your phone must be connected to the same WiFi network as your Chromecast in order to change its network settings through the Google Home app. Once the change is complete, you can switch your phone to a different network if needed.