Change Your WiFi Network in the Google Home App

The fastest way to change which WiFi network your Chromecast connects to 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 network". Your Chromecast will disconnect from the current network. Then tap "Set up device" and follow the on-screen steps to choose your new WiFi network and enter the password.

This method works whether you're switching to a different network in your home, moving to a new location, or connecting to a guest network. The whole process usually takes two to three minutes. Make sure your phone is connected to the WiFi network you want your Chromecast to use — the app will guide your Chromecast to the same one.

If you don't have the Google Home app installed, read it from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone). You'll need to sign in with the same Google account that's linked to your Chromecast.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Google Home, tap your Chromecast's settings, find Wi-Fi, and select "Forget network" to disconnect from the old one.
  • After forgetting the network, tap "Set up device" and choose your new WiFi network from the list that appears.
  • Your phone must be connected to the new network for the setup process to work smoothly.
  • If you forget your WiFi password, you'll need to enter it correctly or the Chromecast won't connect.
  • The entire process takes a few minutes and requires no cables or physical buttons on the device.

What Happens If You Can't Find Your Chromecast in the App

If your Chromecast doesn't appear in the Google Home app, it's usually because it's not connected to any WiFi network yet. In this case, you'll need to set it up from scratch. Plug the Chromecast into power, wait 30 seconds for it to boot, then open Google Home and tap the "+" button to add a new device. Select "Set up device" and choose "Set up a new device in your home". The app will search for nearby Chromecast devices and walk you through connecting it to your WiFi.

If your Chromecast was previously connected and now won't show up, try unplugging it for 10 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait another 30 seconds and refresh the Google Home app. If it still doesn't appear, make sure your phone and Chromecast are on the same WiFi network — the app can only see devices that are connected to your home network.

Changing WiFi When You've Moved or Changed Your Network Name

If you've moved to a new home or renamed your WiFi network, your Chromecast won't automatically find the new one. Open Google Home, tap your Chromecast's settings, go to Wi-Fi, and select "Forget network". This tells the device to stop looking for the old network. Then tap "Set up device" and choose your new network from the list.

If your WiFi network name doesn't appear in the list, it may be hidden. In that case, look for an option that says "Add a network" or "Other network" at the bottom of the available networks list. Tap it, type your network name exactly as it appears in your router settings, and enter your password. Hidden networks require you to type the name manually, so double-check for spelling and capitalization.

Entering Your WiFi Password Correctly

WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, which means uppercase and lowercase letters are treated as different characters. If your password is "MyPassword123", typing "mypassword123" will fail. When you're entering your password in the Google Home app, pay close attention to capital letters, numbers, and special characters like hyphens or underscores.

If you're not sure what your password is, you can find it on your router. Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of the device — it usually lists the network name (SSID) and password. On some routers, you can also log into the router's settings page through a web browser to view or change the password. If you change your WiFi password at the router, you'll need to update it on your Chromecast using the same steps described above.

Using a Guest Network or Secondary Network

Many routers broadcast both a main network and a guest network. Chromecast can connect to either one, but you'll need to choose which during setup. When you tap "Set up device" in Google Home, you'll see a list of all available networks. Select the guest network if that's where you want your Chromecast, enter its password, and proceed. The device will connect to that network instead of your main one.

Some households use a secondary 5GHz network separate from the main 2.4GHz network. Chromecast works on both, though 2.4GHz networks typically have better range. If your router broadcasts separate networks with different names, you can choose which one your Chromecast connects to. If your router combines both frequencies under one network name (called band steering), Chromecast will automatically use whichever frequency works best.

Troubleshooting Connection Problems After Changing Networks

If your Chromecast connects to the new network but won't play content, restart the device by unplugging it for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. While it's restarting, also restart your router — unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears temporary connection issues and often fixes streaming problems.

If the Chromecast still won't work, check that your phone and the Chromecast are on the same network. Open Google Home, tap your Chromecast's settings, and look at the Wi-Fi section — it will show which network the device is currently connected to. If it's not the network you intended, repeat the "Forget network" and setup steps. If you're still having trouble, try moving the Chromecast closer to your router, as distance and obstacles can weaken the signal.

When to Call Your Internet Provider or Router Manufacturer

If your Chromecast connects to the network but can't reach the internet, the problem is usually with your router or internet connection, not the Chromecast itself. Test this by connecting your phone to the same WiFi network and opening a web browser — if websites load, your internet is working. If they don't, restart your router and modem (unplug both for 30 seconds, plug the modem back in first, then the router). Wait two minutes for them to fully restart.

If restarting doesn't help, contact your internet provider to check whether there's an outage in your area. If your internet is working but only the Chromecast can't connect, try "forgetting" the network one more time and setting it up fresh. If that still doesn't work, your router may have a setting that blocks certain devices — check your router's admin panel or contact your router manufacturer's support line for help adjusting those settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to unplug my Chromecast to change the WiFi?

No. You can change the WiFi network while the Chromecast is plugged in and powered on. Just open Google Home, forget the old network, and set up the new one. The device will stay powered throughout the process.

Will changing the WiFi erase my apps or settings?

No. Changing the WiFi network doesn't affect your apps, saved preferences, or Google account information. Your Chromecast will keep all of those after you reconnect to a new network.

What if I don't know my new WiFi password?

Check the sticker on your router for the default password, or log into your router's settings page through a web browser to view or reset the password. Your internet provider can also help you recover a forgotten password.

Can I connect my Chromecast to a 5GHz network instead of 2.4GHz?

Yes, if your router broadcasts a separate 5GHz network with its own name. Select that network name in the Google Home app during setup. If your router combines both frequencies under one name, Chromecast will automatically choose the best one.

How long does it take to change the WiFi network?

The entire process usually takes two to five minutes, depending on how quickly your Chromecast connects to the new network. Most of that time is waiting for the device to establish the connection after you enter the password.