Change Your WiFi Network in the Google Home App

The fastest way to change your Chromecast's WiFi 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 (gear symbol), scroll down to "Wi-Fi", and select "Forget this network". The Chromecast will restart and return to setup mode, showing a setup code on your TV screen. Open the Google Home app again, tap "Set up device", choose "Set up a new device", and follow the prompts to connect to your new WiFi network using the code displayed on your TV.

This method works whether you are switching to a different network in your home, moving to a new location, or changing your WiFi password. The entire process takes about three to five minutes once you have the Google Home app open.

Key Takeaways

  • Use the Google Home app to disconnect from your current network by selecting the Chromecast, opening settings, and choosing "Forget this network".
  • After forgetting the network, your Chromecast displays a setup code on your TV screen that you will need during reconnection.
  • Reconnect by opening Google Home, selecting "Set up device", and entering the setup code when prompted.
  • You will need your new WiFi network name and password ready before you start the process.
  • If the Google Home app method does not work, you can reset the 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 erases all memory of your current WiFi connection. The device then restarts and enters setup mode, which is the same state it was in when you first unboxed it. During this restart, your TV screen will display a four-digit setup code in the top right corner.

This setup code is temporary and unique to that moment. Write it down or keep it visible, because you will need it to reconnect. The code changes each time you restart the device, so if you wait too long or accidentally restart your Chromecast, you will see a different code.

Reconnecting to a New Network Through Google Home

Once your Chromecast is in setup mode and displaying the code, open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet. Tap the plus icon to add a device, then select "Set up a new device". Choose whether you are setting up a device in a new home or in an existing home (choose existing home if you are just changing networks). The app will search for nearby devices and should find your Chromecast within a few seconds.

When your Chromecast appears in the list, tap it and enter the four-digit setup code from your TV screen. The app will then ask you to select your new WiFi network from the available options and enter the password. After you enter the password, the Chromecast will connect and restart. This final restart takes about one to two minutes, and your Chromecast will be ready to use once it completes.

Using the Physical Reset Button if the App Method Fails

If the Google Home app is not finding your Chromecast or the reconnection is not working, you can reset the device manually using the small reset button on the back or side of the Chromecast itself. You will need a paperclip or similar thin object to press it, since the button is recessed to prevent accidental presses.

Hold the reset button for about 15 seconds while the Chromecast is plugged in. The LED light on the device will turn solid white, then flash, and finally turn orange. Once it turns orange, release the button. The Chromecast will restart and enter setup mode, displaying a setup code on your TV just as it would after using the app method. From there, follow the same reconnection steps through the Google Home app.

Changing Your WiFi Password Without Disconnecting

If you are only changing your WiFi password (not switching to a different network), you do not need to forget the network or reset the device. Instead, open the Google Home app, find your Chromecast, tap the settings icon, and select "Wi-Fi". Choose "Change Wi-Fi" and enter your new password. The Chromecast will reconnect using the same network name with the updated password.

This method is much faster than the full reset process and takes less than a minute. Your Chromecast will stay connected to the same network and all your settings will remain unchanged.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems

If your Chromecast connects to the new network but then loses connection or will not stay connected, the problem is usually one of three things: the WiFi password was entered incorrectly, your router is too far away or blocked by walls, or your WiFi network is using a frequency band that your Chromecast does not support. Most Chromecast models work on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, but some older models only support 2.4 GHz.

Check your router settings to see which bands are active. If your router is broadcasting only on 5 GHz, your older Chromecast will not see it. You can usually enable 2.4 GHz in your router's admin panel, or you can move your Chromecast closer to the router to get a stronger signal. If you are still having trouble after checking these things, repeat the reset and reconnection process from the beginning.

What to Do if You Forgot Your New WiFi Password

If you do not remember your new WiFi password, you will need to find it before you can reconnect your Chromecast. On Windows, you can open Settings, go to Network & Internet, select Wi-Fi, click "Manage known networks", find your network, and select "Properties" to see the password. On Mac, open Keychain Access, search for your network name, double-click it, check "Show password", and enter your computer password when prompted.

If you set up your WiFi through a router admin panel and cannot remember the password, you can reset the router itself using the small reset button on the back (hold it for 10 to 15 seconds), but this will erase all your router settings and you will need to set it up again from scratch. It is usually faster to contact your internet provider or check any documentation you saved when you first set up the network.

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 preferences intact.

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

The Google Home app is the standard method, but you can also reset the device using the physical reset button on the back and then set it up again from scratch. This accomplishes the same result but takes longer because you have to go through the full setup process instead of just changing the network.

How long does it take to reconnect to a new WiFi network?

The entire process usually takes three to five minutes from start to finish. The longest part is the final restart after you enter your new password, which can take one to two minutes on its own.

What if my Chromecast is not showing up in the Google Home app during setup?

Make sure your phone is on the same WiFi network as your Chromecast (or on the same local network). If your Chromecast is in setup mode and your phone cannot see it, try restarting both devices and moving your phone closer to the Chromecast. If it still does not appear, use the physical reset button and try again.

Can I change the WiFi network from my computer instead of my phone?

The Google Home app is available on Android and iOS phones and tablets, but not as a standalone computer process. You can manage your Chromecast through a web browser at home.google.com, but the WiFi change process is simpler through the mobile app. If you do not have a phone or tablet, you can still use the physical reset button method.